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wanted to pretend it was not so. |
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But of course they went. When they arrived, Grace was more animated than Abby had ever seen her. "Those journals were amazing," she said, walking with Abby and Mike to the parlor. "I've told Jess she should have them transcribed, send them off to a publisher. She'll make a fortune." She stopped in the doorway, her familiar glare back, trained on Abby. "Of course, we don't know the end of the story. Not till we see that last journal.'' |
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"It's in terrible condition," Abby said. Her voice reflected her growing sorrow. She sat in a chair opposite Jess, who was, as usual, on her settee; Abby did not want to be too near Mike or his great-aunt. "The journal is mostly unreadable." She had to keep it, of course. She did not want Mike to see it. After his declaration the night before, he might try to stop her from fulfilling her destiny. And if she failed to return to save Arlen, there would be no Mike. |
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No, she would keep her secret buried deep inside. But she wondered what would happen to this time if the past were changed. Was there a possibility of her coming back quickly despite what the journal said? But why would she stay as long as the volume indicated if she had a choice? |
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"Ready, Abby?" Mike said gently. |
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"Of course." She tried unsuccessfully to sound enthused. She should have felt thrilled that her love for Mike was returned. Last night, when he proclaimed his feelings, she had responded with |
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