Candi stared at her sister's concoction in the mirror of above the bathroom sink. She wasn't sure if she liked or hated this new look. She didn't think the earrings were a very smart edition, but she was willing to let Miriam tamper with the idea. They were fake earrings, so it was at least not a serious commitment.

Candi: "This will definitely take some getting used to! Who taught you how to cut hair anyway?"

Miriam: "Susan. She owed me one for bailing her out in chemistry class!"

Candi: "You sly little devil!"



Just then, they heard the party crowd on the other end, clearly indicating they had arrived.

Miriam's friend Meadow couldn't wait to get the party started. Being far wilder than either Miriam or Marina and certainly a few cuts above Candi, Meadow was convinced she'd be the center of attention. Meadow and company exited her old-style Volkswagen, taking their sweet time.



Miriam: "Meadow!"

Meadow: "Miri! The fitzinzadoo! You ready to rock this joint?"



Robi: "Well, now! The badger's come out of hiding!"

Miriam: "About time, eh?"

Robi: "Heck, yeah! I thought you were shipped off to some jail or something; you know, how I never saw you! You'll never guess! I found an inflatable that looks a lot like Phil!"

Miriam (giving false face): "Gee...I...probably won't get it! Bad memories."

Robi: "Ah...right. Never mind!"



Robi: "Holy...Candi? Whatever possessed you to abandon the goth thing you had going?"

Candi: "Er...Robi, do...you have to always get so close to me? I'm really not in a mood to discuss anything!"



Robi: "What's with you Flippo chicks anyway? I'm striking out left and right! Somebody's gotta get you laid, Candi! You can't be the wallflower forever!"

Candi: "Yes I can! And it'd help if you let us explain what we're willing to explain of our backgrounds...before acting in total disregard!"

Robi: "You've had your whole life!"

Candi: "I'd have to kill you if I told you everything about me! And that's hardly an exaggeration!"

Robi: "Emo! You see Meadow over there?"

Candi: "Yeah?"

Robi: "She was mine last night!"



Meadow: "Robi!!! Good gravy! Tell the whole neighborhood, why don't ya!"

Robi: "Yes, dear!"

Meadow: "I'm not your 'dear', duffel bag!!!"

Robi: "Is that a little growth I see on the belly there?"

Candi: "You two are...really beginning to creep me out! I need a breather."



Meadow: "My apologies, Candi. Robi's a little stoned!"



Candi: "Figures. Must be some party we're going to!"

Meadow: "Hey, you have no idea! And Sean back there...he's waiting to see how quickly he can become a father!"

Sean: "Am not!"

Meadow: "It's gonna be one rockin' great time! Are you gonna join us?"



Candi: "Sorry to be the wallflower...yet again! But I promised my boyfriend I'd see him again before he enlists in that war between the two types of aliens!"

Meadow: "No sweat! I can easily hook you up with someone new!"

Candi: "I'm interested in faith, faithfulness, and long-term commitments, Meadow. I'm sorry but...I don't want your flings!"

Meadow: "Fair enough. Madame Meadow will say no more! I'll see you at the party later on then. I'll bet you'll get totally smashed!!!"

Candi: "Smashed? I'm not even legal yet!"

Meadow: "Fake ID's, babe! That's how it's done!"

Candi: "I won't get smashed! You know I don't drink!"



Meadow: "Very well then, be the stoic of the party! Just be there! Oh...have fun with your boyfriend!"

Miriam: "Catchya later, Candi! I won't let them corrupt me—too much! Take care saying goodbye to Donte!"



Candi: "I'll remember!"



Just like that, Candi knew that the beginning of what could be a terrifying future for her had just begun. Soon, she would have to leave Erin behind and step out into the world; with only her faith, convictions, and inheritance money to guide her. She could not have predicted it; but that was the last time she'd see her best friend and sister, Miriam, in years.



She knew that time would drift the two sisters ever further away from each other. It was time to put away her old life with her sister - time to find herself in the arms of the right man. But who? Would Donte survive the war? If not, whose arms would she find herself in? If not Donte's, then could she forgive herself? And what about this centipede side to her being?

She knew that this departure of her sister, somehow, wasn't like the other times. This time, Candi's journey had to begin: learning the truth of whom she was meant to be.