Crystal； even for tossing that coin； and I
felt so guilty when she died that I withdrew into myself。 When my
parents couldn't get through to me； they sent me to stay with friends in
Newport in the hope that the change of scenery would do me good。 I
thought that they just didn't want me around to remind them of what had
happened； so I stayed away。 One misunderstanding after another。〃
〃But it's over？〃 he asked； so obviously needing reassurance that she
lifted a hand to his cheek and kissed him。
〃Yes；〃 she breathed。 〃It's over。 I was really worried about my mother
for a while there。 When she learned what I'd thought all these years；
she was beside herself with grief。 We spent that whole first night
talking； just the two of us。〃 She grew pensive。 〃I'd never had her all
to myself before。 There were always the three of us。 But Mom was great；
even as upset as she was。 She explained so many things to me。 It
helped。〃
She looked again at Ross。 His eyes were warm with understanding； urging
her on。
〃She talked about having twins； about watching them grow； about knowing
their similarities and their differences。 She pointed out that if the
tables had been turned； and Crystal had had the affair； I'd have reacted
differently。 In other words；〃 she sighed； sad but hopeful； 〃Crystal's
reaction was part of her personality； just as the guilt I've live