Rebecca waddled inside and then climbed onto the bed. Though she was only nine years old, she was well on her way to being as fat as Prudence, her gut resting on her thighs when she sat down. Unlike Prudence, though, Rebecca's voice didn't have that shy, timid sound to it. Her voice sounded even more mature than Miss Brigham's, as if she were already a grown-up.

Rebecca patted the spot next to her on the pallet. "Why don't you sit down and tell me what happened?"

"Fine." Samantha sat down next to her on the pallet and then began swinging her legs around and around. "There's not much to say. Prudence is a big fat coward."

"Why would you say that? Prudence helped you get rid of Reverend Crane and Mr. Pryde, didn't she?"

"Helped? She didn't do anything until I got them both into the water."

"Then she saved your life."

"I guess. Maybe I could have climbed out on my own."

"As what, a baby?"

"What's your point?"

"You and Prudence are best friends. I know neither of you meant the awful things you said. In time you're going to realize that."

"There won't be time. I'm leaving."

"You are?"

Samantha motioned to the pillowcase on the bed. "I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I'm going to the mainland to find my parents."

"Oh, I see. Did you tell Prudence that?"

"Yes. I asked her to go with me but she was too chicken."

"It is a big step."

"You're too scared to go too?"

"I don't know. Eternity is my home."

"Well it's not mine. I have a home out there. I wasn't even supposed to be here. Mr. Pryde kidnapped me."

"Are you sure about that?"

"What other reason is there?"

"I don't know, but maybe you shouldn't get your hopes up so much."

Samantha glared into Rebecca's piggish little eyes. "What do you mean?"

"I'm only saying your parents might not be there. Maybe they're dead."

"No they aren't! If they were, I would remember."

"Would you?"

"Yes. I couldn't forget something like that."

"Or maybe that's why you can't remember. Maybe it's so painful you made yourself forget."

"I don't need analyzed by a little kid."

"I'm sorry," Rebecca said, her voice sounding younger, as if she were a toddler again. "I'm just worried about you. I don't want you to get hurt."

Samantha put an arm around Rebecca to pull the little girl close. Rebecca had proven herself so responsible in these last five years, taking charge when Samantha and Prudence weren't around. She had taken on a lot more than any toddler should have. "That's very sweet, Rebecca, but I can take care of myself."




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