BELSHAR NESSAR ABED

The tension was thick in the air. Séda watched me, her eyes boring into mine. I could see the wheels turning in her mind. She couldn't quite decide if I was joking or serious. Her right eye twitched and she opened her mouth to speak.

"Oh my goodness, Celine," a voice exclaimed, and both of our gazes jerked to see who it was that dared to interrupt.

It was Julie Ping. Celine's friend. She rushed toward Celine and took her hand. "I've been waiting for a chance to ...