[and Lexi really didn't have it that bad, compared to most people here. her life was fairly "normal" and she didn't have anyone picking on her, aside from the jerks with their photos. even that was relatively small. okay, having the dad she had was a bad thing, but she'd mostly written him off, only asking Cassie about him because she knew Cassie missed him the most.

she wondered if her head was the safest place to be. there so many doubts and insecurities crowded in there that if she wasn't in control, they'd threaten to take over.

and no trickery! she promised!]

That's pretty much exactly what she needs. I keep hoping Rue washes on shore someday, this place would be going pretty much cold turkey. Which would be rough, but better that than maybe doing damage she can't undo.

[she did tend to look more to her future, hoping that it would be easier, safer to make friends in college who were actually her own friends, not a fair-weather best friend or her sister's friends. before coming here, she never really had anyone to listen to her or her problems]

All right, but that I'm trying to discourage. Even though their licks work as kind of novocain and neosporin all at once.

[and Lexi grinned back, even though she was about as red as a ripe tomato]

Me, too.