"Robert owned an island?" Jessica asked.
"Yes, and every five years they hold a convention there," Techno informed the household. "Robert was very dedicated
to teaching people with gifts how to use them and use them for the right causes. He formed Liberty 5 as a school for
just that purpose. It's located on Pacific C Island."
"Isn't the Pacific an ocean?" asked Sally.
"C as in the letter, not the body of water," Techno corrected.
"So, we're going to be on a tropical island for two weeks surrounded by other people who have the same sort of gifts,
and learning how to use them more efficiently?" Poopsie paraphrased.
"Correct," Techno nodded. "And all of you are invited."
Sebastian wiggled his eyebrows at Jed an he anticipated the warm sand and cool ocean, and her in a bikini.
Tonya turned to Sally. "You should tell Daniel, then he'll be able to come with us."
The blonde rolled her eyes.
"The longer you wait to tell him, the harder it's going to be," Tonya warned.
"I'm just not ready to tell him, okay?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
When they boarded the small plane in San Fransisco, they were surprised at how many people were on board. Everyone
on board was between the ages of seventeen and forty.
Sally bound her seat next to the window. Being the odd girl out, since Dee was seated next to Techno, and not having
a man of her own to sit text to, she sat next to an empty chair. She shoved her book bag under her seat and leaned forward.
"Kind of exciting, heh?" she asked Poopsie, who was sitting directly in front of her with Alec by her side.
"Yeah," Poopsie answered. "I can't wait to meet someone else who can teleport."
Due to some delay, the plane sat docked for a while. Sally pulled out her book and began to read; Techno had told
them it was a long flight.
Suddenly she felt something brush her leg and she jumped.
"Sorry."
Sally looked up from her book to notice there was a rather attractive looking man now sitting next to her, trying to
get his carry on under the seat.
"It's okay," she replied.
He turned toward her, showing her his hazel eyes.
"Name's Wyatt, 24, Texas, specialize in the powers of the mind, 5' 11 5/8"," he smirked, pleased with himself. "And a
bit of a wiz in technology, too."
Sally smiled kindly. Techno had told them that they needn't use their real names if they didn't want to.
(But hey, that would make this story TOTALLY confusing, so everyone just stuck with their real names, and nicknames.)
"Might as well get all the vitals over with," Wyatt added in his Texan accent.
"I'm sure they're gonna make us all memorize a few."
"Sally, 20, Kansas, Telekinesis, Strength, Jump, and fencing, 5' 5"," she responded. "Although I'm not sure fencing
is a gift."
"O'course it is," Wyatt smirked. "I know a guy who's powers involve a chair and an egg beater." He chuckled
pleasantly. "Yeah, THAT's talent."
- - - - - - - - - -
When they arrived on the island, everyone from the plane was ushered to their quarters to drop off their luggage before
the big ceremonial opening at supper.
Alec opened the door to the hut style cottage. There was a large common room with couches and chairs, and to either
side was a sing with five bedrooms. The whole place seemed to be made of thatched or woven branches and leaves.
"Ten bedrooms," Tonya commented. "See, Sal, you could have brought Daniel."
"Shut up," Sally responded as she made her way to the end of the girls' wing.
Tonya was the biggest advocate of Daniel knowing about The Others because she hated having to hide her tail, which had
now been swaying freely behind her ever since they had landed. Plus she was horrible at keeping secrets.
"Well he couldn't have been with us anyway," Zarbon called from down the guys' hall. "The fifth bedroom has a sign
that says Reserved for Mr. Kent."
"They must have split us up by location this year," Techno said.
Sebastian gave him a puzzled look.
"Kent's from a little town in western Kansas," T explained. "He's kinda geeky, but a real nice guy. And his
powers are unbelievable."
- - - - - - - - - - -
The assembly was located near the beach. Many round tables were set right onto the sand, and between them and the
ocean was a platform serving as a stage. The starry sky twinkled down at them as a warm Pacific breeze blew
As they found their seats amongst the people and tables, Sally couldn't believe there were so many people who could do
miraculous things, all from the United States.
"Where's T?" asked Sebastian.
Everyone shrugged; he was with them as they had approached the table.
But their inquiries were silenced by the sound of the microphone.
"Greetings, Ladies and Gentlemen," Techno welcomed the audience from the podium on the stage.
"Does that answer your question?" Dee whispered to Sebastian.
"And Welcome to Pacific C Island, home of Liberty 5. Some of you are probably wondering where the founder is this
year, seeing that he is usually the one up here on opening night. Well, I am sad to say, that two years ago he passed
on. However, in preparation for the year he would no longer be able to give his greeting to you, he made this and asked if
I would deliver it to you." Techno cleared his throat. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Robert MacMickle." He then
turned and walked off the raised platform as an image of a man began to form on the stage.
The figure blinked once and then the crowd erupted into applause as a balding man with light gray hair and a thin beard
stepped forward to the podium. As he pushed his small spectacles onto his nose, it almost looked as if Robert MacMickle
himself were standing on the stage, except from a faint translucency.
"Thank you, T," came the deep voice of Robert. Tonya's eyes grew wide and she almost fell out of her chair. "I
am sorry I could not be with you in person this year, obviously some appointment came up which I could not reschedule."
Robert gave an easy smile as chuckles resounded from the crowd.
"Now, we are gathered here on this little island in the Pacific for one reason, and one reason only: Liberty.
In essence it is freedom, but it's also much more than that. Liberty is a feeling that you belong somewhere without
being held there, a sense of home and family. Liberty is a feeling that wells up within us to act without having to
be told to take action, a sense of duty. Liberty is something you want to share without stopping, a humbling, strengthening,
overwhelming sense of brother and sisterhood. Liberty is doing all this without limitations, a sense of something God-given
and miraculous. Liberty is not just one of our rights; it is our destiny.
"This is what Liberty 5 is all about, what it stands for, its very meaning. It was founded so that these ideals
could be spread throughout our country and peace could be restored.
"It seems this past few years have been speckled with many unfortunate happenings throughout the United States.
I thank each and everyone of you for upholding the honor of Liberty 5 by dedicating your unique gifts and wonderful talents
for its cause to help our countrymen and restore their faith in our country." The whole island seemed to roar with applause.
Robert gave a nod and clapped too. "Yes, your courage and strengths are well appreciated.
"Yes, there are some who will call you heroes, superheroes even," there were some snickers from the audience,
"but you are but ordinary citizens, with amazing gifts, who chose to use them to uphold all that Liberty 5 holds dear. To
you I tip my hat," Robert mimicked tipping his proverbial hat.
"Thank you so much for coming, and have a wonderful time here at Pacific C Island. Goodnight." He bowed slightly
to a roaring audience.
As Robert faded out of sight, Techno approached the podium.
"Now as with every year, we have divided all the participants into gift classes. In the morning, 9 am sharp, we'll
have assembly here then disperse for the day. For those who are here for the first time, the class divisions and meeting
sites and times are posted in the main hut. And just a side note: any participant with fire starting capabilities
should stay clear of the north side of the island due to its lack of precipitation. We don't want the reenactment of
the incident of '92. I do believe that is all for now. Enjoy yourselves and remember to be back here at 9 o'clock
tomorrow." Techno left the stage to applause then seated himself at the table with the others to enjoy the meal.
-
- - - - - - - - - - -
After the morning meeting, Sally, Tonya, and Zarbon headed toward the east beach for their Strength meeting. When
they arrived, they were surprised at the vast number of people. To make it simpler, the leaders, or mentors as everyone
called them, of the group divided the participants into weight classes.
The first half an hour they introduced themselves to their small groups. One older student, Lana, told them about
the incident of '92. It seemed a participant had wandered over to the north end of the island by himself one evening,
and startled by some animal, accidentally caught some brush on fire and the accident nearly burned down the whole island,
but no one was hurt. It had actually been a good lesson in safety and teamwork in emergency situations for all the participants
that year, and why learning to control your gifts was always a good thing.
After two hours of learning some of the finer points in proper weight lifting it was time for lunch.
The group rejoined at their table and dined on a variety of foods.
"What have you got this afternoon, Sal?" asked Tonya.
"Jump," she answered.
"Hey, me too," Jed chimed in.
"Tonya and I have Flight," Zarbon added.
"I've got Teleportation," Poopsie announced.
"Must be transportation time or something," commented Sebastian.
"Yeah," Alec put his arm over the back of Poopsie's chair. "I guess us two regular Joes will have to just play in the
ocean all by ourselves this afternoon."
Dee rolled her eyes, forking some more salad into her mouth.
"Actually," Techno spoke up. "If you guys want you can come with me to Technology."
Alec and Sebastian exchanged glances.
"Uh... no thanks, T," Sebastian politely declined.
"Yeah, sorry," Alec added with a smirk, "There's this cute girl that I promised to meet and..."
He was silenced by an elbow in his ribs and the look from Poopsie that meant certain death.
"I was just kidding...," he pleaded with his girlfriend.
Leaving the table they all went their separate ways.
- - - - - - - - - - -
During their Jump meeting there was another half an hour for socializing then a couple of the mentors versed them in
correct usage of leg power to reach maximum height. They ended class slightly early and Jed and Sally went back to their
hut. There was another bracket of classes that started at three, but neither of the two had one to attend. They
changed into their bathing suits and headed for the beach.
Alec and Sebastian had joined a few other accompanying boyfriends and girlfriends in a game of sand volleyball as they
waited for their loved ones to return from their meetings.
The girls watched on the sidelines as Alec jumped and spiked the ball over the net, just for it to be returned back to
them, by a powerful counter spike. Sebastian dived into the sand, the small white flecks smearing into his face as the
ball landed with a plop just inches from his outstretched hands. Half the people let out a moan of disbelief as the
other half shouted in victory and gave each other high fives.
Jessica knelt down by her fallen man. "You okay, babe?"
Sebastian lifted his head out of the sand, and then spit some from his mouth,
"Yeah." He sat up, and Jessica helped him to his feet. "I think I need to go take a dip to wash this off."
Then he smiled devilishly, picked up his squirming girlfriend, carried her down to the ocean and threw her in.
Alec and Sally stood on the beach and laughed at the sight. Alec looked over at his friend. "How 'bout it?
Ready for a swim?"
"Yeah, let's go." They ran down the beach, and plunged into the gentle surf. Alec leapt at Sebastian and
pushed him under the water.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Lying on the beach to dry, Sally felt the warmth of the sun fade slightly. She looked up to see a young man standing
in her sunlight.
"Oh, sorry. Am I blockin' your light?" came a familiar drawl.
"Howdy, Wyatt," she acknowledged the visitor, "You're fine, I was just drying off. I'm not much of a tanner."
He sat down next to her, his legs stretched out in front of him. He simply wore bright yellow swim trunks.
He combed his fingers through his locks of blonde that were dark with water.
"So, how ya like the island so far?"
"Pretty good. I can't believe there are so many people."
"You'd be surprised how many there are over the entire world. Every seven years, Liberty 5 gets together with their
global branch. Now that's crowded."
"Wow."
"So, your meetings going good? Learning a lot?"
"Yeah, I've been having fun. Meeting other people who have the same gifts as me is an awesome experience.
I can't wait until Telekinesis tomorrow."
Wyatt grinned.
"What? Are you laughing at me?"
"No, it's just that I'm a mentor of that group. And I can't wait to see you in action."
Sally shook her head. "I'm sure you can do a lot more than me. I mean, you're a mentor and everything."
"Well, yeah..."
"Hey, Wyatt," interrupted a voice.
They both looked up. Techno was headed their way.
"Hey, T. What's up?" Wyatt called as their friend approached. Even in the warmth of the tropical weather, Techno
was still wearing his usual black ensemble. "Ya got black swim shorts under that coat, buddy?"
"No," he looked down at them as they squinted up at him. "What are you up to, Wyatt?"
"What do you mean? I'm just having a conversation with my friend, Sally, here." He gestured to the girl beside
him.
"We know each other," Sally offered.
"Live together actually," T corrected. His words made both Wyatt and Sally blink. She had never quite thought
of it that way.
"Really...," Wyatt said disbelievingly as he turned toward Sally. "On the plane you said your boyfriend was cute."
"T is not my boyfriend," she explained. "We just live in the same house. It's a rather large house."
"I think he's trying to be protective," Wyatt said under his breath, but clearly loud enough for Techno to hear.
"He knows I'm more suave than him, and therefore he believes I'm a womanizer."
Techno shook his head, as he rolled his eye.
Wyatt turned back to him, "That was a pretty good display of your wizardry last night, can I ask you to share your secret?"
"Actually, I got help from a friend of mine who came from somewhere that has advanced technology."
"Out of this world, huh?"
"Yup," Techno smirked.
"Hey, that reminds me, have you seen Kent yet?"
"Actually, no."
"Isn't that the guy that's suppose to be bunking with us?" asked Sally.
Wyatt gawked. "You got Kent?"
"Yeah," Techno replied not as impressed as the Texan. "He sent
word he'd be late. Things come up for those of us who actually work."
Wyatt shook his head. "Cows require a lot of work."
"Umm hmm."
"Well, guys, as much as this conversation is intriguing me, I gotta get going,"
Sally stated as she gathered up her towel. "I've been waiting to call Daniel all day. And it should be late
evening there now. See ya." She walked off toward the hut.
Wyatt turned back toward Techno with a wild look in his eyes. "So how about it, T? Are you up to some self
discovery tonight?"
"We'll have to wait until midnight."
"Well, sure. Same locale?
Techno nodded. "See you then." Then he turned and continued down the beach.
- - - - - - - - - -
Sally sat on the couch in the large common room that connected the two wings of their hut. She dialed the mansion,
hoping Daniel was still there. She had just gotten off the phone with Peter, Daniel's roommate, who had told her that he hadn't
come back to the apartment yet.
The phone rang a couple times and then a familiar voice: "MacMickle Mansion."
"Hey, Daniel," Sally smiled.
"Hey, Sally, missing me already?"
"No," Sally joked. "I just called to see if Bowie was alright." she said smiling to herself.
"Uh..." he sounded disappointed. "He's fine. Actually he's right here beside me, wagging his tail. I think
he knows it's you."
"Hi Bowie!" she said into the phone.
"So, how's the seminar going? I can't believe they have two week sessions just for interns."
"Well, it's more like a conference really, we get together and go over our research and compare results of experiments
and such."
"Sounds interesting...."
"It's not too bad, there are some interesting people here."
"Well, if you meet any botanists, hook me up, k?"
Sally chuckled. "Okay."
"So... whatcha doing now?"
"Talking to you, nerd."
She heard him smile, and knew he was rolling his eyes at her smart remark.
"Are you done with your meetings for the day?"
"Yeah, actually. Except we all get together for supper around 5:30."
"What time is it there now?"
"Fiveish."
"It's almost ten here."
"Well, gee then, maybe I should hang up and let you get some sleep. I heard you had busy day: Peter said
you've been at the mansion since two."
"Yeah, there was a lot to do. But I'm not tired yet. Hearing your voice has rejuvenated me."
They talked for a few more minutes before there was a knock on the hut door. Sally stood from the couch and walked
over to the door.
"Hold on a sec, Daniel, there's someone at the door."
"Well, maybe I'll just say goodbye," she heard him reply.
"Sure, I'll call you Wednesday."
"Love ya."
"Love you too." She pushed the button on the phone to end the call. Just as she reached out to open the door,
it opened itself.
A man in his mid thirties walked in, carrying a suitcase. He was a nice looking man with a shy look on his face.
Upon seeing her he stuttered, "Oh, uh sorry... I... I'm Kent. It seems I've been assigned to this bunk." He smiled
shyly.
"Oh. Yeah," Sally confirmed. "The guys are down the wing on the right. I'm Sally." She extended her hand.
He took it and she was surprised to feel a firm, strong grasp from such a shy man.
"I think yours is at the end of the hall. Need any help?"
"Oh, no, I'm fine." He nodded to her. "Thanks." Then he turned and headed down the hall.
- - - -
- - - - - - -
"The reporter Clark Kent?" Sebastian questioned.
"Yes," shouted Dee, "for the millionth time! Why is that so hard to believe?!"
Sebastian shook his head, disbelievingly. He stared at a table on the other side of the eating area, where Kent
sat chatting with some of his friends.
"Who's that guy he's talking to?" Jessica asked eyeing a young man in his mid twenties.
"That's Dick," Techno answered. "And the suave-looking man sitting next to him is Bruce. They're actually
a crime fighting team. Actually, everyone at that table is a rather established Liberty 5 member. Diana, J'onn,
Wally, Logan, and Steve are making up the rest of the table."
They watched as a beautiful woman with flowing dark hair rolled her eyes and a green man shook his head at a younger
man as he made some witty remark. There was also rugged looking man who seemed like he wanted to be anywhere else while
an all-American looking guy patted him jollily on the back.
Sally still couldn't get over how many people there were on this island. And it seemed to her that Techno knew
each and every one of them. She glanced around at the people again.
"Hey, Zarbon," Dee said, "At least you're not the only one with an unusual color anymore."
Zarbon smiled, "And the funny thing is, that it's not only the alien's here that give this place it's color."
And it was true. There were a few people dotting the tables that competed the spectra of the rainbow that the average
people lacked. With some it was a bright color that couldn't be suppressed, others seemed to have a small tint of color
to their epidermis.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Sally lay awake staring at the thatched roof. Maybe she hadn't gotten over the time change yet or maybe she was
still excited to meet so many other people that were like her. Finally, someone I can relate to. She had thought
these words many times today. She sighed and sat up in bed. The cool salty breeze came in a window and she stood,
pulled on some shorts and a long sleeved shirt and stepped through the screen door that led outside into the night air.
After wandering along the beach for a while she found a secluded spot near some tall palm trees. She sat down and
leaned against the giant trunk. Closing her eyes she listened to the steady sound of the waves.
"I'm not sure I can do this."
Sally opened her eyes. Twisting her head slowly she looked around, but saw no one. She listened closely to
the breeze and the waves.
"I think a turtle has more troubles in its life than anyone wants to know about."
The voice sounded familiar, but the surf muffled it. The young woman stood and walked gingerly into the jungle
of palm trees behind her, careful not to make a sound, and listening for the voice again.
"Don't be yellow-bellied," another voice criticized with a southern accent.
"You don't understand, the last time I did this, I had nightmares about regurgitating food, eating insects, and being
chased by raptors for a month."
"Well, who knew that birds where that complex. This is a turtle."
Sally peered around a tree to see Techno and Wyatt sitting on a rock next to a small spring. Techno's back was
to her and Wyatt was facing him, holding a small green turtle up toward T.
"C'mon, T, it's a young turtle. There can't be much that's happened to it."
Techno shook his head.
Wyatt looked at him sternly. "You've gotta do this. Remember what Robert always said: 'If you don't practice
you'll never get control of it. And an uncontrolled gift is mighty dangerous.'"
T sighed and took the turtle from his friend. "Close your eyes, Wy. I don't want to accidentally get you
too."
"Don't worry, I'll be with you the whole way." The Texan closed his eyes.
Sally saw T reach for his face with one hand and held the turtle, facing him, at eye level with the other. She
didn't understand what was going on but it only took a few seconds before she saw a shocked look of disbelief on Wyatt's face.
Then it rearranged into a numerous other emotions. T removed his hand from his face, then set the turtle down.
Wyatt opened his eyes.
"Told you," Techno said quietly as he stood.
Sally ducked behind the tree as the two young men walked back toward the huts.
Wyatt put a hand on T's shoulder as they walked. "We'll figure something out: There has to be a use for this."
"Oh, there's uses for it alright, but the only one who'll profit from it is a shrink."
Wyatt chuckled, then shivered. "That was worse than the bird."
"No shit."
- - - - - - - - -
Sally debated if she should tell anyone about what she had just seen. She knew if Tonya or Jessica found out, Techno
would not be happy to have them asking him a lot of questions. And if she told anyone else, Tonya would be jealous that
she was not trusted with the information; Sally could just hear her long-haired friend griping about being a mushroom.
Perhaps she should just keep it to herself.
- - - - - - - - -
Sally stayed in her seat after breakfast; the dining area was the location for the telekinetic session. There were
quite a few others who stayed also. She noticed some people T had pointed out to them. Wyatt was sitting at a
table laughing with a group of people. A few minutes later there was a woman standing near the stage. She rean
her fingers through her red hair and began the session with a welcome.
"We're going to gather around this first few tables up front here and just get to know each other and then begin to clear
the tables using only our minds."
The participants found a place around the tables.
"Hey, Sally," said Wyatt as he approached the table she was sitting at. "Are you ready to put that mind of yours to work?"
"Sure am," she said as the used plates began to stack themselves.
"Hey! Watch where you're doing!" a girl shouted as a fork came zooming across the table.
"Sorry!" yelled a young man from the next table.
Sally watched Wyatt as he casually poured all the leftover beverages into the large pitcher. He glanced over at
her and grinned. The empty coffee cup set itself down and the water from a nearby glass began to leap into the pitcher.
Sally smiled; she had never seen anyone control water before.
"Don't you know how to move liquids?" Wyatt asked recognizing her astonishment.
"No," she admitted. "I've tried but I always get something wet."
He let out a hardy laugh.
"Perhaps I'll arrange it to be in our lesson plan." He smiled. "It's a helpful thing to know."
Dirty plates, glasses, coffee cups, and silverware were now floating through the air as the concentrating participants
watched, anxious to complete their task.
At the end of the session they all gave each other a round of applause for a job well done. Only one cup had been
broken and there was still a spoon protruding from a near by palm tree.
"Is something troubling you?" asked Wyatt as they stood up from the table.
"No." Sally glanced down to the grown.
"I can read minds, you know. You might as well tell me before I have to find out for myself."
"Well," she started. "It's just that last night..."
"You saw T and I in the clearing," he finished for her.
"Yeah."
"I take it T never told you he had any other gifts besides his talent for gadgets. But then, that's just like him."
Wyatt flashed his all-knowing smile. "But, hey, don't fret about it anymore. I'm sure he'll tell you and the rest
of your gang when he's good and ready. In the meantime, just forget about it, okay?"
He was looking straight into her eyes now, and she hadn't realized before now what a beautiful shade of brown his eyes
were.
"I'll try."
He winked and they went their separate ways.
- - - - - - - - - -
Sally lay in bed with her eyes closed, thinking of nothing as she listened to the steady rhythm of the surf. But
slowly her mind began to drift and she saw herself lying as she was now except for one small difference: there was someone
beside the bed, peering down at her. She tried to open her eyes and turn to see if it was true, but something kept her
from executing the simple task: she wanted to know what was going to happen next.
In her mind the figure reached out a hand and ran it along her cheek and she gasped with expectation. If there
is someone in the room, are they going to do the same? But she felt nothing on her cheek.
The figure sat down next to her on the bed and leaned over her. Perhaps it's Daniel. I'm dreaming of Daniel.
No sooner than she had had the thought, features began to appear on the figure and he looked down at her with familiar gray
eyes, and smiled.
She smiled back, sighing with relief that it was only a dream.
He reached out again and caressed her face as he lowered himself to kiss her gently.
As they parted she thought of how much she missed him. His eyes seemed to convey that he had been longing for her also.
He leaned in again, gathering her in his arms. As they pressed their bodies together, Sally could have sworn the warmth
of the embrace was real.
- - - - - - - - -
"No, Daniel, really," Sally was saying into the telephone. "I didn't find some attractive islander. You know you're
the only one who ..."
"You said," her boyfriend interrupted, "that you were going to call me
Wednesday. It's Friday already. You've never lied to me before, why are you starting now?"
"Daniel, don't be like that."
"Well, when you don't keep your word, I feel you don't respect me. And then you told me that I shouldn't call you...
it makes me feel cut off from you."
"Well, I'm sorry. It's just that a lot has been happening."
"It's already eleven here," he shot at her. "I gotta go." And there was a soft click on the other end.
"Erg!" Sally pushed the end button on the phone. Then throwing it down on the couch in a fit of rage it bounced
off the cushions and landed at Mr. Kent's feet.
She forced an apologetic smile at him. "Sorry."
He bent, picked it up, and setting it on the couch between them, sat next to Sally.
"I take it he doesn't know yet?"
The blonde lowered her gaze and shook her head.
"You know, I've found myself in this situation before. The doubt of whether or not they'll think you're a freak
and stop loving you. The cover stories that you wonder if they can see through. The lengths you go to protect them from
you, and yourself from them."
She looked up at the wizened Kansan. Is he reading my mind?
"I'm sure you've had boyfriends before, that you had thought about telling. And when it ended you were glad that
you hadn't. But he's different isn't he?" he gave her a knowing smile.
She nodded slightly, bighting her lip.
"I was in this position before. There was a beautiful girl whom I loved and loved me just the same. And after
numerous mysterious coincidences she asked me about it. And there was nothing I could do but tell the truth." He nodded
to himself, staring off into space as if reliving the moment.
"What happened?" Sally asked quietly.
Clark burst into a full-fledged smile and held up his left hand, revealing a gold band. "I'm a happily married
man."
"But what if..." she questioned.
"Oh... there are plenty of 'what ifs.'" Clark cut her off. "The most important thing is that you two are in love.
And if he doesn't love you for the way you are, what makes you unique, then he isn't worth having all these doubts about.
Love is a hard flower to grow, and secrets and lies are the worst weeds. Tend to your garden; and if when you're weeding
it takes up a few roots with it, don't give up. A once strong plant can always come back to it's brilliance."
"He would sure appreciate your analogy," she said grinning.
"Oh, why's that?"
"He's a botanist."
- - - - - - - - -
