Runaways (Orphans 5)

"Raven's helping Butterfly wash up--she must

have had a good date last night. She's got a smile

permanently attached to her face." Crystal's tone was

wary and from the way she shook her head I could tell

she was just as concerned as I was about Taylor's

intentions.

"Do you think Patsy could be wrong about

Taylor?" I asked. "Raven wouldn't fall for a jerk." Before Crystal could answer, the bathroom

door flew open and Butterfly and Raven appeared before us. Butterfly was still flushed, but at least she was

giggling, a sign that maybe she was back to her old

self. Raven on the other hand looked suspicious. "What are you two crows talking about so quietly?" she asked.

Crystal, always the quick thinker, had a ready

answer. "We were just discussing the fact that we should have enough money in a week or two to get

back on the road."

Raven paled and we knew she was thinking of

Taylor. "I wish we didn't have to leave ... at least not

so soon."

"This guy has really gotten to you, hasn't he,

Raven?" I wanted to understand what had come over

Raven in the past few days. I'd never been in love and

couldn't imagine what it could feel like.

"I know you guys are worried," Raven began,

"but Taylor really is special. And there's something .. .

something almost magical about Taylor and me. I've

always dreamt I would meet the perfect boy and I

think maybe I finally have."

Finally Butterfly spoke up. "I hope my heart

leads me to Prince Charming one day too." A huge

coughing attack hit her and Crystal escorted her back

to bed.