She'd called Tegwen slutty and flaky, she claimed Tegwen was dishonest, distrustful and a terrible actress. Gabriel had seemed hurt and incensed but Tegwen couldn't figure out why. After all, she was not the one being referred to in such derogatory terms.

Tegwen blinked back tears. It had been sweet having a friend, at least for a couple days there. Why did she let herself get so attached to someone so quickly? It was a mistake she planned to never make again.

You're secretive, you're conniving and manipulative! You're a shifty little witch who deserved whatever godawful thing it was that Steelbeak did to you! And for the record, don't think this cute little act of yours is going to teach him any lesson! The jerk has no conscience!

Gabriel's words still stung, just as they had when she'd said them hours earlier.

And that statement about Steelbeak made no sense at all; Tegwen didn't even know where to begin explaining that to her.

By the end of lunch, Tegwen had cried quite a bit, further unnerving Gabriel. Did the F.O.W.L. agent truly believe she had no feelings and was incapable of weeping?

She apologized. Tegwen could tell it was an insincere "sorry," but accepted the apology anyway, swearing up and down that she "understood." The fact was, that couldn't have been further from the truth.

Tegwen was still dwelling on it relentlessly. And she was immensely grateful that Megavolt was no where to be found. The thought of him seeing her cry was downright appalling for some reason. What could have upset her so much? Wondered Tegwen. I hope she doesn't stay mad at me for too long, whatever it was.

Once all the clothing was neatly hanging -- some of it moderately wrinkled -- Tegwen forced herself to drop the matter and focus on a more pressing issue.

First date attire.

She racked her brain, trying to think back to what she'd worn on her most recent date. Why was she coming up with nothing? It was as if she'd never actually been on a date before. Tegwen put a hand on her hip. Now that couldn't be right!

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