"Anna," Brian called after her, but Anna only increased her pace.

Dennis met her halfway to the house. He stuck out a hand and stopped her. "You okay?" His finger brushed a tear from her cheek.

"Fine," she lied. "I'm fine."

Charity gave her a funny look as Anna came through the kitchen, but she didn't stop to explain.

Once in the privacy of her bedroom, Anna slumped into a chair and covered her eyes with one hand. She'd only been sixteen at the time of the accident. A school cheerleader. But she would never be again. The scars were cleverly disguised with the proper clothing, so that no one need ever know. But their ugliness affecter her more mentally than physically. She ran, swam, she played tennis, could, in fact, do almost as much as before the accident.

Anna changed back into her uniform and held a cool washcloth over her eyes, hoping the cold water would take away the puffy redness. Tears were the last thing she wanted Brian to see. He held enough aces in his hand as it was.

Charity was stirring something at the stove when Anna entered the kitchen. "Mr. Littrell's been saying lots of things he don't mean lately," she commented, her back to Anna.

"Mr. Littrell didn't say anything to upset me, so don't blame him for something he didn't do. He's confused enough without all of us turning on him." It would be unfair to have the others think Brian had caused her to cry.

"I still think Mr. Littrell had better take a long look at himself."

Anna pretended not to hear. "Do you mind if I take some of these leftovers to L.J.?"

"Isn't that bird well yet?"

"No It'll be a long time before his wing heals completely."

"Go ahead, then."

"Thanks Charity." She took out bits and pieces of meat and fish she knew the gull would eat.

Anna spent a good portion of a half hour with L.J. He allowed her to touch him freely now -- a small victory, but one that encouraged her.

When she came back into the kitchen, Brian's lunch tray was ready.

"Take it in to him while it's hot."

Anna hesitated. She'd rather not see Brian. He was sure to ask her questions she'd prefer not to answer.

"Go on," Charity pushed.

The door was open and Brian appeared to watch her anxiously. Anna was sure a niggling uncertainty showed in her eyes.

"Set the tray outside today." Brian ordered. "I feel like looking at the ocean."

Still and silent, Anna did as he asked. He joined her at the round, enamelled table on the verandah. He examined his lunch, lifting the warming dome and unrolling his silverware from the linen napkins. "Did Charity forget the pepper?"

Briefly Anna's eyes scanned the tray. She was sure she'd seen it earlier. "Would you like me to bring you some?"

"Please."

With obvious reluctance, Anna returned to the kitchen.

Brian's eyes followed her as she came onto the deck. "Will you have your lunch with me?"

Silence.

"Anna?" he prompted.

She blinked, forcing herself to look at him. "Not today."

"Tonight then?"

Anna felt drained. "Why?"

"I think we should talk."

"About what?"

Brian expelled an impatient sigh. "There's no need to be obtuse."

She whirled around to face him, then hands clenched so tight that her long nails cut into her palms. "Like everyone else who's seen my disfigurement, you're dying of curiosity. What happened? How long ago? Whose fault was it? I'm not a morbid sideshow."

"I wasn't thinking that at all," he said quietly.

"Don't lie to me. You're no different. Did you think you could hide the revulsion? Don't you realize I've seen abhorrence enough to recognize it?" She accused him in a choked voice.

"That's not true."

"Oh, for Heaven's sake, spare me." Anna shook her head, not wanting to argue. Pointedly she placed the pepper on the table and left.

As she walked away Anna could feel the dagger penetrate her back.

Anna waited until Dennis came for Brian after lunch before she returned his tray to the kitchen. He'd hardly touched his lunch. But then, neither had she.

Adjusting a wide-brimmed hat on her head, she took a well constructed straw basket and headed for the beach. On several occasions she'd wanted to go to the beach to look for seashells but had yet to bring back more than one or two.

When she stopped to check on L.J. she noted he was quickly finding his protective home a prison and she decided to bring him with her. Readily the bird hobbled behind her when she opened the fence gate.

The day was perfect as only a Florida springtime came be, and when Anna returned to the house, she noticed the figure in a wheelchair coming toward her.