Heather took Alice's hand and squeezed it. "No. It just means you march to a different drummer than a lot of other people. I know what you're going to ask, but I can't tell you what you should do."

"Oh, what good are you?" mumbled Alice. "But you're right. This is my decision."

"What's your decision?" asked a returning Laurie. Alice looked at Heather but didn't say anything. This caused Laurie to flinch. For a moment, she felt like an outsider, and Alice could read the discomfort on her face.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to . . . Heather just has more background knowledge on this whole . . ....