Tegwen stood at the door, watching Fenton silently.

"Are you all right?" Fenton asked her, taking her left hand in his gently. In two months, they'd never hugged or kissed, but both found solace in the other's company. Neither of them had expressed interest in doing anything more, either. Deep down, Tegwen was pleased with herself to have gotten that much out of him.

Tegwen squeezed his hand tightly. "I'm just a bit apprehensive . . ."

"Well, how come?"

"Oh, a few reasons . . . I get my cast off tomorrow. I can't wait for that."

"You make it sound like nothing good came out of this." He put his free hand on Tegwen's cast lightly.

"I do miss being able to put my hair up in a ponytail, myself."

"Oh, I don't know . . ." Fenton smiled at Tegwen, his black eyes twinkling. "I enjoyed learning how to braid your hair."

Tegwen fell silent for a moment, blushing. "I think you forgot . . . Tomorrow's also the final day in court for us."

"Closing statements . . ." Fenton nodded. "Right." He drew in a deep breath. "Look, Tegs, your father knows what he's doing. We all know that you're innocent."

"Yeah." Tegwen looked away from Fenton sadly. "Innocent."

"The truth will prevail."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Fenton sighed sadly. "We've been over this . . . First of all, they would have killed you. Secondly, the fire wasn't your doing. It was that gas pipe that ruptured."

"I--" Tegwen heaved a heavy sigh. Dad's even got him convinced . . . I suppose this should be reassuring, but . . . Oh, somehow it just makes things worse.

Fenton smiled timidly at her, releasing her hand. "Everything will work out for the best. You'll see." Without another comment, Fenton pulled Tegwen into an extremely tender hug. Tegwen stood in his embrace in complete shock.

"Well-- I probably should be going now . . ." Fenton took a step back.

"Wait!" Tegwen caught him. She wrapped her left arm around him and rested her head on his shoulder. They both sighed contentedly and hugged each other in silence for a few moments.

Fenton released Tegwen slowly. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay, Tegsie?"

"You may have to visit me in Juvy," Tegwen replied sourly.

go back | return to table of contents | continue