Alyssa looked at Julia's hand for a moment. She hadn't meant to worry anyone, but she was just to just going where she wanted at home. No one checked that much really. Slowly she walked over to the young woman and took her hand. "Okay," she said with a little sigh. Alex came running when she heard Julia call, "thank goodness! Where were you?" "With the books," Alyssa told her. "I should have known," Alex breathed. Six years old and already like Derek. She suddenly wondered if this small angelic girl had his hard head and temper. Not that he lost his temper often, but when he did it was enough to scary grown men. Alyssa hesitated looking at Alex curiously. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "It's all right, but next time tell someone okay?" Alyssa nodded, she would if she remembered. Alyssa and Alex
