Dusk creeps over the Land, but the Land does not rest, not on this night. There is a restless feeling in the air, as if everyone knows something is go...ing to happen. Across the land lamps and hearth fires beckon. I hear the music begin. I hear the slap of feet on the ground as the people of the village dance, and the Land calls out to me. I resist the call, waiting until it is right, and then I step out of shadows to enter their dancing. I appear to them as an old woman with my gray hair. I was pretty sure Frances knew it, too.I saw the answer as plainly as Kate did, of course. This was exactly the wrong time to start withdrawing from this child who is no longer quite a child. I know plain as day that when everything is changing she needs us, both of us, more than she ever did before. I do know that, but still...Kate stepped into my arms."You keep on hugging her and loving her. You let her be your guide about what she wants and where she wants to be touched. You be yourself, her. Get your boyfriend to teach...” she stopped me before I could finish my sentence.With a look of daggers, she spat, “Not my boyfriend.” Turning around, she rushed out of McDonald’s. She leaned down to the homeless man sitting outside, and then disappeared toward the shopping centre. I sat there with my mouth open.Attempting to drink my beverage, it was still too thick. I dumped it with my other garbage in the trash and walked out of the restaurant. The homeless man had his face buried in a. The red heels to match made me feel sexy. I put my favorite perfume on. My friend was already there (a stunning blonde and so much more beautiful) and obviously attracting some attention. A guy was making small talks and once I reached, we both pulled ourselves and took one of these high tables at the bar area. It was our night to chat and catch up and while we both were looking good, we did not necessarily come out to find guys to have fun. We both were chatting and drinking and nibbling.