Twisted Roots (DeBeers 3)

"What do you mean? How could it possibly be

better?"

"It will help enormously to have an adult with

us, especially him because he's your uncle. There's

enough of a family resemblance to tell people he's

your father."

"No." I said sharply. "That's the ugly rumor the

twins were exploiting."

"So let's exploit it, too, only to help us and not

hurt us. If people believe it, none will question why

we are on the road and what we are trying to do. Don't

you see how perfect this is?" he asked, the strain and

frustration in his voice.

"I do. It's just..."

"Just what?"

"Just that I'm frightened. Heyden."

"To tell you the truth. Hannah, so am I. but

what should I do? Remain here and let my mother and

my sister drag me down. Or go out there and seek a

new and better life?

"And you, do you want to remain where you

are, swimming in a pool of guilt and regret, coming

home to unhappiness every day? I can tell you

firsthand what that does to you. Before long, nothing

will look good to you. You'll hate the morning

because all it will be doing is starting another

miserable day," he said and sat back again.

"Let me think about it," I relented, "Right.

Think about it," he said sharply.

My heart was pounding. When I dropped him