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cheek and ran to the front door I didn't turn back to

wave I went inside and up to my room before anyone could see my face Then I went to the bathroom and threw cold water on my cheeks "Laura? Is that you,

honey?" I heard Mommy call from my doorway "Yes, Mommy"

"Everything all right?"

"Yes, Moo to the

bathroom," I said "I'm fine"

"Okay Would you like soh" "Oh Is Mrs Royce a good cook?"

I sed and closed my eyes Robert had

told ood cook

"Yes, Mommy," I said I felt like I had stuck

pins in my own throat No one believed in me more

than Mommy and no one would refuse more to

believe I had lied or been deceitful

"That's nice, dear You can tell me all about it

toht, Mommy"