For a time, Susan had filled this role, but as she had matured that role had diminished. Quite often now Susan became her teacher. Fulfilling the role... of mother, guardian and mentor. This left Jane longing for a child. The rod comforted her. Her body clock had no relation to the world in which she lived. She would know motherhood in days to come, but she was to see to Susan's welfare until the division of power.Susan was just starting her spring quarter. The blossom's on the trees competing. Louise too for that matter."I said it as casually as I would mention it was getting dark outside.His head jerked in my direction. His pale, white face turned paler."Perhaps you should follow me out in five minutes so I can explain," I said. "I'll be on the corner."I finished my Diet Pepsi with a lemon slice to hide the fact it wasn't Coke, put down two bucks for the bartender and left.He came out exactly five minutes later."Your family is fine," I said. "It would really upset me to have to do. "How is this possible?" he asked, stepping back."This night is the one night of the year when some of us can return," she said. "Your Goddess helped me come back to see you." She paused. "I missed you so very much."Naturally, a good many questions came to mind, not the least of which was how she could miss him if she was dead. But he could still sense Lea, and knew that if She was near, everything should be fine. Thoughts like that were cut short as Susan moved her head toward his, wordlessly. Lights blurred as they moved through the streets at high speeds, his sports car moving effortlessly through the traffic as the engine whined for more. Like a restrained dog on a leash. He whispered to her then, his voice sounding like the wind rustling outside, interlinked with nature and co-existing in so many ways. His voice was barely audible but it was deep and rumbling like the thunder as he suggested a place for a drink. She had agreed, the numerous martini’s making her head feel like it.