friend.

Well gol-ly, she thought, mentally parodying the impression most tended to get that she was a young, naïve country girl.  What are the chances of that?

Actually, being a maths whiz, Judy realized that the chances of their three paths crossing like this – and without Nick knowing it at that – bordered on astronomical.  Later, thinking back on it, she would get the distinct impression that someone upstairs was having a good, hard laugh.

I thought about taking my time with Judy finding out about Taelia, but why drag it out?  I've already lost one reader by taking too long to get to the action (and I hate to say it, but it still looks like that's a few chapters off).  Don't worry; it's a-coming.

Now, just to mix things up a little I'm announcing an Easter Egg Hunt (okay, so Easter's over half a year away; sue me). PM me the answers to any of the following questions (and maybe how you got the answers), and I'll give you a shout-out in the next chapter. Guess them all, and I might include your requests or characters in later works.  Don't guess them all... and I still might take your suggestions; they're always welcome.

First Easter Egg: Where did I get the name for the hospital Judy had known before?

Second Easter Egg: I've hidden an actor in some references pertaining to Mr. Otterton. The clues are one of his lines, one of the items placed in his room, and his first name. Who is the actor?

Third Easter Egg: What show did Judy think back on?

Fourth Easter Egg: Who are the mechanics who refurbished Nick's new car?  (90s kids, take notice)

Happy hunting!