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He gave her a gurin

Behind her, the door creaked open "Mama?"

"Yes, Savannah?"

"Can Italk to you?"

"Sure, kiddo Sit down" She scooted sideways,room

Savannah perched tentatively beside her Back stiff, eyes straight ahead, hands coiled in a nervous ball at her lap, she didn't say a word

Tess waited silently

After about threesilence, Savannah cleared her throat "II ondering aboutOh, this is stupid Never mind" She popped to her feet

Tess reached out and grabbed her hand Savannah turned, looked down at her

"Is it about a boy?"

Savannah gasped Her eyes rounded "How did you know?"

Tess smiled "I elve myself once"

Savannah slowly lowered herself back onto the swing's slatted seat "It's Jeffie Peters" She turned suddenly, pinned a confused adolescent stare on Tess "When he talks to onna throw up"

Tess nodded sympathetically "You like Jeffie?" Savannah nodded solemnly

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