Apparently, my step aunt wasn't as old as I had expected. I laughed at my mistake. It was a good thing I hadn't let Erica hear what I'd say - she was bound to become unfriendly if she did, and I could hardly blame her!

After we sat at the table and ate our fill of a variety of breakfast foods (all delicious, of course) I tilted my head and smiled at Vivian. "You know, I think we'll be alright even without Amanda here," I said, "As long as we each watch the other's back, we should be just fine!" I wasn't entirely certain where my sudden optimism had come from - perhaps it was born of relief to be rid of Frank and have the necklace sealed away. Regardless, I was going to run with it - having a positive outlook was rather refreshing compared to my former extreme paranoia!