Silly Vivian, to think she had to keep me at a distance! I closed the gap between us and hugged her, messing up her hair a bit as we parted. "You got a haircut!" I said, smiling at her! "I like it!"

I took a seat at the table and began telling her about how things he had while she was gone, though of course, she had already heard most of it. I left out all mention of the necklace, as planned. My long sleeves should ensure that my bruises remained hidden until they were gone. Hopefully, the necklace would remain as harmless as they were while it was hidden away.

"Amanda is leaving!" I said, unsure whether she was aware of that development. "And, apparently, some old lady is coming to live with us. I've been promised she won't be a hassle though... anyway, how have you been?"