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had to believe that it was better.

"Should I come this weekend?" she asked. "To see Dad?"

"Maybe give it another week, honey; he's still going through a lot of tests with these new doctors. I'm sure he'd like to wait and see you once he's not being pulled away for new adventures in science every few minutes." "Are you doing okay?"

"Of course I am, Claire. This isn't the first time he's been in the hospital, and I'm booked in a very nice hotel. They even have a spa. I might just go get a massage later."

"You should," Claire said. "You really should. You deserve it, Mom."

Her mother laughed a little. "Oh, baby, you are the sweetest girl in the world." The laughter faded. "I hate to see you stay there. You put yourself at so much risk. But I promise you we will come back for you. I'm not leaving you alone there."

"I'm not alone; I have lots of friends. And I'd risk a lot more right now if I tried to leave; you know that. It's better if I stick it out here for a while. I can learn a lot from Myrnin, anyway. He's better than a whole roster of teachers at MIT." When he's sane, she thought but didn't say.

"And MIT doesn't have Shane," her mother said dryly. "Yes, I know. Believe me, I know. When I met your father I would have done anything to stay with him. Everyone thought I was crazy, too. But, sweetie, you have to promise me that you'll call me every day."

"Mom! Every day? How many minutes do you think I have on this cell phone?"

"Well, then, at least every few days. And absolutely once a week, no matter what. If I don't hear from you--"

"I know, you'll send the National Guard."

"That's my girl," her mom said, and made kissy noises. "I love you, honey. Stay safe."

"You, too," Claire said. "I love you both very much."

She hung up and sat there in the sun for a little while longer, thinking. She felt alone in a way that she hadn't before; although she'd worried about her parents, felt that they were a burden to her here, there had been something weirdly comforting about knowing they were only across town. That she wasn't on her own, not really.

She wondered if this was what it felt like to really, truly grow up.

Being alone.

Eventually, that feeling faded, mostly because the day felt wonderful sitting outside--it was deliciously warm in the sun. She thought about dragging out a lounge chair and reading in the glow, but that seemed like a lot of work. Instead, she leaned back against a pillar on the porch, closed her eyes, and took a nap.

When she woke up, she smelled tacos. Really smelled them, as if she was sleeping in a taco store. She came awake, stomach rumbling, and opened her eyes to see a plate being held right under her nose.

When she reached for it, Shane snatched it back. "Nuh-uh. Mine."

"Share!" she demanded.

"Man, you are one grabby girlfriend."

She grinned. It always made her feel so fiercely warm inside to hear him say that--the girlfriend part, not the grabby part. "If you love me, you'll give me a taco."

"Seriously? That all you got? What about you'll do sexy, illegal things to me for a taco?"

"Not for a taco," she said. "I'm not cheap."

"They're brisket tacos."

"Now you're talking."

He held the plate out, and she took one. He took another, sank down next to her on the steps, and they munched in silence, enjoying the day. He'd brought cold Cokes, too. She popped the top on hers and tried to sneak a second taco--he'd brought six, after all. She managed, but just barely. When she went for the third one, Shane put down the plate and tackled her to the grass, and she used their momentum to keep them rolling until she came out on top. He didn't fight, exactly. He looked surprised, but pleased. "Well," he said. "That's new. Now what, cowgirl?"

"Now I get the rest of your tacos," she said, and leaned forward to brush her lips teasingly against his. "And maybe your Coke. And maybe something else."

"What else? You've cleaned me out. I don't have dessert," he murmured. The words were coming from somewhere deep in his throat, a kind of growling purr that made her feel nuclear hot inside. "Unless you were thinking--"

"I don't know; what am I thinking?" She smiled slowly at the look in his eyes, and felt