told me that," Kyle said, his gaze never leaving Jodi's face. A dark, matched set of bruises was forming under his eyes. Was his nose broken again? "I'm being careful. I just... didn't want to leave her alone over there. She was so sad and so... sweet."
"I'm sure she'd appreciate it, if she knew."
He nodded, still staring at Jodi. "Is there something I'm supposed to be doing here? Is there some way to help?"
"Talk to her, say her name, talk about things she'll remember. Talk about Sunny, even. That helped with the Healer's host."
"Mandy," Doc corrected. "She says it's not exactly right, but it's close."
"Mandy," I repeated. Not that I would need to remember. "Where is she?"
"With Trudy-that was a good call there. Trudy's exactly the right person. I think she's gotten her to sleep."
"That's good. Mandy will be okay."
"I hope so." Doc smiled, but it didn't affect his gloomy expression much. "I've got lots of questions for her."
I looked at the small woman-it was still impossible to believe that she was older than the body I wore. Her face was slack and vacant. It frightened me a little-she'd been so vibrantly alive when Sunny was inside. Would Mel...?
I'm still here.
I know. You'll be fine.
Like Lacey. She winced, and so did I.
Never like Lacey.
I touched Jodi's arm softly. She was much like Lacey in some ways. Olive skinned and black haired and tiny. They could almost be sisters, except that Jodi's sweet, wan face could never look so repellent.
Kyle was tongue-tied, holding her hand.
"Like this, Kyle," I said. I brushed her arm again. "Jodi? Jodi, can you hear me? Kyle's waiting for you, Jodi. He got himself in a lot of trouble getting you here-everybody who knows him wants to beat him senseless." I grinned wryly at the big man, and his lips curled up at the corners, though he didn't look up to see my smile.
"Not that you're surprised to hear that," Ian said beside me. "When hasn't that been the case, eh, Jodi? It's good to see you again, sweetheart. Though I wonder if you feel the same way. Must have been a nice break to get rid of this idiot for so long."
Kyle hadn't noticed his brother was there, attached like a vise to my hand, until Ian spoke.
"You remember Ian, of course. Never has managed to catch up to me in anything, but he keeps trying. Hey, Ian," Kyle added, never moving his eyes, "you got anything you want to say to me?"
"Not really."
"I'm waiting for an apology."
"Keep waiting."
"Can you believe he kicked me in the face, Jodes? For no reason at all."
"Who needs an excuse, eh, Jodi?"
It was oddly pleasant, the banter between the brothers. Jodi's presence kept it light and teasing. Gentle and funny. I would have woken up for this. If I were her, I would have been smiling already.
"Keep it up, Kyle," I murmured. "That's just right. She'll come around."
I wished I would get to meet her, to see what she was like. I could only picture Sunny's expressions.
What would it be like for everyone here, meeting Melanie for the first time? Would it seem the same to them, as if there were no difference? Would they really grasp that I was gone, or would Melanie simply fill the role I had?
Maybe they would find her entirely different. Maybe they would have to adjust to her all over again. Maybe she would fit in the way I never had. I pictured her, which was picturing me, the center of a crowd of friendly faces. Pictured us with Freedom in our arms and all the humans who had never trusted me smiling with welcome.
Why did that bring tears to my eyes? Was I really so petty?
No, Mel assured me. And they'll miss you-of course they will. All the best people here will feel your loss.
She seemed to finally accept my decision.
Not accept, she disagreed. I just can't see any way to stop you. And I can feel how close it is. I'm scared, too. Isn't that funny? I'm absolutely terrified.
That makes two of us.
"Wanda?" Kyle said.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
"Um... why?"
"For trying to kill you," he said casually. "Guess I was wrong."
Ian gasped. "Please tell me you have some kind of recording device available, Doc."
"Nope. Sorry, Ian."
Ian shook his head. "This moment should be preserved. I never thought I'd live to see the day that Kyle O'Shea would admit to being wrong. C'mon, Jodi. That ought to shock you awake."