Fumbling with a broach, Melissa took it off and hid it in a fist. She did what Gecko asked. He didn't need to hear the next bit. "Um..." She reached forward with her free hand and touched Alto's. "Maybe we can go on a normal date first? Like to the movies or something?" Her heart was beating through her chest, and she swallowed her resurgent anxiety.

The next words got stuck in her throat, so it took her a little effort to say. "I mean, if you're feeling old and all, maybe we can do something that normal people do. Like movies. Together. Or something." She looked up, trying to see acceptance or rejection in his face. He'd said yes to prom. Maybe he'd like her as her too?

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"I understand completely, Ms Hayes." Gordon Smith replied. "As I said, I'm merely here to deliver and explain. You're welcome to drop these off at City Hall's Social Services department any time within the next two weeks." He flipped over the uppermost and most important form. "This one is our primary concern. It simply lists your and the girl's identification details, social security numbers and other essential details with which to update your records. If you or the girl wish to change her name or surname, say to Megan Hayes, this would be the form to do it with."

He was pleased. For this late in the afternoon, this was one of the more pleasant visits he'd had. "If there is a significant other you'd bring into her life, this would be the form to fill out," he brought out the appropriate form. "And finally, this is the planned residence and education form. Not strictly necessary, but allows us at City Hall to understand the level of care provided to the girl. Does this all make sense, Ms Hayes?"