Part 174 (1/2)

already?”

”Yes. Did you sleep well?”

Leah climbed stiffly from the couch. ”Yeah, I think I must

have, especially since I don't remember a single thing since ~

said goodnight.” She picked up the water on the table by the

couch and quickly downed it. ”I'm thirsty.”

”Come have some orange juice,” urged Maggie. ”I'm

fixing us some breakfast right now, then I think we had

better head into town before someone sends out a search

party.”

Leah drank the juice, then looked at Maggie. ”Would you

*mind very much if I stayed at your house-just until Jed gets

back?”

”Of course you can stay at my house. You can stay for as

long as you like, Leah. You know that.”

She smiled faintly. ”Yeah, I guess I know.. I'm just not

sure why.” She set down her empty gla.s.s and her smile

faded. ”Maggie, there's something I really need to tell you.”

Maggie flipped the bacon over and looked up. ”What is

it?”

”I need to apologize.” Leah sighed loudly. ”This isn't

easy, but I suppose it'd be best just to get it out. And if you

hate me when I'm done, well, then it'll be all my fault

anyway.” She looked directly at Maggie. ”You see, I have Looking for You All My Life273

been really, really jealous of you because of Jed. I know it

probably sounds pretty stupid and totally selfish. But I was