This was fantastic. All of a sudden I actually had a friend. Me. Or, at least, the beginnings of one. Things were definitely looking up. I practically bounded up the stairs to my room, almost knocking over my sister on the top step.

When she saw me grinning, she smiled back. I hugged her impulsively, my good mood just too much to keep to myself.

Naturally, Meira took full advantage.

"I love you, Syd." She beamed up at me, amber eyes glowing.

"I love you ...