/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/trainkorpus/13/file_109.html NN ----------------------------------------- : The DT Wedding NN Party NP by IN Tracey NP Landmann NP aren NP Rawlings NP sat VVD down RP on IN the DT vanity NN bench NN and CC drew VVD a DT brush NN through IN her PP$ hair NN . SENT She PP puckered VVD her PP$ lips NNS and CC scrunched VVD her PP$ brows NNS . SENT Why WRB was VBD Dani NP asking VVG her PP to TO be VB in IN the DT wedding NN party NN at IN all DT , , and CC the DT most RBS prominent JJ member NN to TO boot NN . SENT If IN anyone NN was VBD familiar JJ with IN her PP$ mindset NN , , Danielle NP Gillespie NP was VBD that DT person NN . SENT It PP wasn NN t NN exactly RB that IN she PP had VHD any DT ill JJ will NN towards IN Dani NP herself PP , , but CC she PP turned VVD to TO study VV the DT ensemble NN hanging VVG from IN the DT closet NN door NN that IN she PP was VBD to TO wear VV on IN the DT day NN of IN the DT wedding NN . SENT Dani NP had VHD chosen VVN blue JJ silk NN suits NNS as IN the DT uniforms NNS for IN her PP$ bridal JJ party NN . SENT Unlike IN most JJS bridesmaids NNS dresses NNS , , the DT outfits NN weren NN t NN garishly RB expensive JJ or CC hideously RB ugly JJ . SENT Dani NP was VBD one CD of IN the DT good JJ brides NNS who WP did VVD not RB believe VV that IN the DT way NN to TO command VV the DT audience NN s PP attention NN was VBD to TO render VV everyone NN else RB unviewable JJ . SENT No RB , , Dani NP certainly RB was VBD not RB a DT source NN of IN complaint NN . SENT The DT problem NN Karen NP had VHD with IN the DT idea NN of IN this DT glorious JJ event NN was VBD the DT whole JJ affair NN itself PP . SENT She PP was VBD flat RB out RB disgusted VVN with IN the DT idea NN of IN The DT Wedding NN . SENT She PP believed VVD commercialism NN had VHD obscured VVD the DT true JJ meaning NN of IN marriage NN . SENT Magazine NN after IN bridal JJ shop NN after IN romantic JJ movie NN promised VVN that IN The DT Wedding NN is VBZ something NN magical JJ . SENT the DT best JJS day NN of IN your PP$ life NN . SENT To TO Karen NP Rawlings NP , , the DT marital JJ mystique NN that IN these DT venues NNS promote VVP was VBD totally RB fictitious JJ . SENT Danielle NP Gillespie NP and CC her PP$ proud JJ family NN were VBD throwing VVG a DT breathtaking JJ sum NN of IN money NN and CC several JJ months NNS of IN high JJ stress NN into IN a DT fairytale NN extravaganza NN , , a DT fabulous JJ show NN that WDT is VBZ a DT prelude NN to TO a DT new JJ life NN of IN limitations NNS and CC general JJ angst NN . SENT Karen NP settled VVD her PP$ shining VVG , , chemically RB altered VVN tresses NNS behind IN her PP$ shoulders NNS and CC complimented VVD herself PP on IN her PP sculpted VVD , , shapely JJ figure NN . SENT She PP wouldn NN t NN be VB nearly RB as RB alluring JJ if IN she PP had VHD to TO dedicate VV her PP$ free JJ time NN to TO a DT husband NN and CC children NNS rather RB than IN the DT gym NN and CC herself PP . SENT Nor CC would MD she PP have VHP the DT money NN or CC time NN to TO shop VV for IN decent JJ makeup NN and CC clothes NNS no RB , , her PP$ husband NN s NN salary NN would MD have VH to TO make VV do VV for IN both DT of IN them PP and CC a DT new JJ baby NN , , the DT mortgage NN on IN a DT vinyl NN sided VVD split NN level NN complete JJ with IN two CD toned VVN shag NN carpeting NN , , groceries NNS , , the DT stamps NNS she PP would MD need VV for IN mail NN in IN rebate NN offers NNS , , ever RB enlarging VVG plus IN sizes NNS , , and CC endless JJ visits NNS to TO the DT pediatrician NN . SENT There EX would MD also RB be VB the DT expenses NNS of IN toys NNS , , baby NN sitters NNS , , a DT minivan NN and CC even RB if IN you PP absolutely RB HAD VHD to TO get VV married JJ , , all RB of IN these DT bills NNS could MD be VB a DT lot NN more RBR bearable JJ if IN eased VVN with IN the DT money NN it PP takes VVZ to TO mount VV a DT traditional JJ wedding NN . SENT That DT wasn NN t NN the DT only JJ point NN of IN irrationality NN , , though RB . SENT During IN the DT decade NN after IN those DT church NN bells NNS rang VVD a DT wife NN s PP once RB youthful JJ , , firm JJ body NN would MD begin VV to TO sag VV and CC then RB her PP$ face NN would MD wrinkle VV a DT little JJ bit NN and CC she PP wouldn NN t NN have VHP the DT energy NN or CC desire NN to TO dress VV nicely RB or CC to TO do VV anything NN other JJ than IN what WP was VBD necessary JJ for IN her PP$ family NN s NN survival NN . SENT The DT husband NN would MD become VV disenchanted JJ with IN his PP$ wife NN s PP loss NN of IN spirit NN , , youthful JJ glow NN and CC independence NN and CC would MD leave VV in IN search NN of IN greener JJR pastures NNS , , never RB noticing VVG that IN his PP$ drooping VVG belly NN and CC shaggy JJ eyebrows NNS were VBD coming VVG along RP for IN the DT ride NN . SENT Why WRB are VBP people NNS so RB willing JJ to TO sacrifice VV their PP$ money NN , , youth NN and CC vitality NN for IN this DT life NN . SENT Was VBD this DT what WP was VBD in IN store NN for IN her PP$ friend NN . SENT Karen NP felt VVD a DT moment NN of IN sadness NN as IN she PP thought VVD of IN the DT soon RB to TO be VB fading VVG commonality NN between IN them PP . SENT No DT more RBR clubbing VVG , , drinking NN or CC late JJ night NN movies NNS . SENT She PP ought MD to TO wear VV black JJ to TO this DT ceremony NN . SENT There EX would MD be VB nothing NN to TO recognize VV here RB but CC loss NN . SENT Jennifer NP Gillespie NP didn NN t NN share NN Karen NP s VVZ opinion NN of IN marriage NN . SENT Her PP$ relationship NN with IN Danielle NP had VHD never RB been VBN close JJ , , and CC she PP was VBD certain JJ that IN her PP$ cousin NN had VHD asked VVN her PP to TO be VB in IN the DT wedding NN party NN out IN of IN sheer JJ family NN obligation NN . SENT Jen NP also RB surveyed VVD her PP$ bridesmaid NN s PP outfit VV with IN a DT critical JJ eye NN . SENT Would MD it PP flatter VV her PP$ curves NNS . SENT Would MD the DT navy NN silk NN set VVD off RP her PP$ delicate JJ complexion NN . SENT These DT things NNS were VBD doubtful JJ . SENT Why WRB did VVD she PP want VVP to TO have VH such PDT a DT frou NN frou NN ceremony NN anyway RB . SENT It PP would MD take VV Danielle NP a DT couple NN of IN hours NNS to TO spend VV as IN much JJ money NN as IN the DT average JJ person NN would MD earn VV in IN a DT year NN . SENT What WP a DT waste NN . SENT Jen NP could MD almost RB here RB her PP$ Mom NP telling VVG her PP not RB to TO be VB so RB petty JJ . SENT Sarah NP Kelly NP couldn NN t NN find VV her PP$ suit NN . SENT It PP was VBD here RB somewhere RB . SENT the DT bridesmaids NNS had VHD all RB been VBN fitted VVN at IN the DT alterations NNS lady NN s PP house VVP , , she PP had VHD picked VVN up IN her PP nipped VVD and CC tucked VVD frock NN yesterday NN , , she PP had VHD put VVN it PP in IN her PP$ car NN and CC driven VVN home NN . SENT Had VHD she PP left VVD it PP there RB . SENT Wait VV . SENT Here RB it PP is VBZ . SENT Sarah NP reflected VVD for IN a DT moment NN how WRB you PP could MD never RB find VV things NNS that WDT were VBD in IN their PP$ correct JJ places NNS then RB reached VVN for IN the DT white JJ plastic NN shroud NN that IN ensconced VVN her PP$ skirt NN and CC jacket NN . SENT It PP was VBD nestled VVN between IN her PP$ senior JJ prom NN gown NN and CC her PP$ sister NN s PP graduation NN robe NN . SENT She PP nodded VVD approvingly RB as IN she PP lifted VVD the DT cover NN from IN its PP$ fragile JJ contents NNS . SENT Danielle NP had VHD picked VVN out RP pretty RB nice JJ costumes NNS for IN her PP$ crew NN . SENT Sarah NP laid VVD the DT bag NN on IN her PP$ bed NN and CC mentally RB wrote VVD a DT list NN of IN places NNS she PP could MD re IN wear VV this DT number NN . SENT Perhaps RB she PP could MD use VV it PP as IN her PP$ own JJ wedding NN dress NN someday RB . SENT OK UH , , maybe RB that IN wasn NN t NN an DT option NN . SENT As RB easygoing JJ as IN Sarah NP was VBD , , she PP had VHD a DT keen JJ sense NN of IN how WRB she PP wanted VVD to TO live VV her PP$ life NN . SENT The DT huge JJ heap NN of IN responsibilities NNS that WDT fall VVP on IN you PP after IN you PP say VVP I PP do VVP was VBD not RB her PP$ idea NN of IN fun NN , , and CC her PP$ carefree JJ state NN as IN a DT single JJ was VBD pretty RB blissful JJ compared VVN to TO that DT . SENT So RB where WRB else RB could MD she PP show VV off RP the DT fetching VVG number NN . SENT The DT phone NN jangled VVD insistently RB while IN she PP contemplated VVD the DT possibilities NNS . SENT Marie NP Costas NP heard VVD the DT phone NN ring NN three CD times NNS before IN Sarah NP picked VVD up RP on IN the DT other JJ end NN . SENT Hello UH . SENT Marie NP immediately RB launched VVD into IN a DT soliloquy NN without IN any DT breaks NNS , , even RB time NN for IN her PP to TO breathe VV . SENT Sarah NP waited VVD until IN she PP finished VVD before IN asking VVG her PP to TO repeat VV her PP$ words NNS , , slowly RB this DT time NN . SENT Marie NP took VVD a DT deep JJ breath NN then RB expelled VVD it PP . SENT Plans NNS , , Sarah NP , , plans VVZ . SENT What WP are VBP we PP going VVG to TO do VV for IN Dani NP s PP bachelorette NN party NN . SENT I PP know VVP that IN if IN Karen NP is VBZ left VVN to TO work VV it PP out RP on IN her PP$ own JJ , , we PP re IN going VVG to TO end VV up RP going VVG to TO a DT strip NN bar NN and CC getting VVG colossal JJ hangovers NNS . SENT Karen NP s PP going VVG to TO want VV to TO get VV friendly JJ with IN the DT strippers NNS , , but CC I PP don VV t NN believe VVP in IN conducting VVG mini JJ relationships NNS , , besides IN the DT fact NN that IN my PP$ husband NN WOULD MD NOT RB approve VV . SENT Wasn NN t NN that IN nice JJ . SENT I PP said VVD mini JJ relationships NNS . SENT I PP could MD ve RB called VVD her PP a DT low JJ class NN slut NN , , but CC I PP termed VVD it PP differently RB . SENT I NP m NN surprised VVD she PP hasn NN t NN contracted VVD oh UH well UH , , forget VV it PP . SENT This DT is VBZ no DT time NN to TO criticize VV Dani NP s PP character NN judgment NN . SENT Let VV s PP just RB agree VVP to TO all RB get VV together RB and CC work VV on IN this DT shindig NN like IN sane JJ , , cooperative JJ people NNS who WP are VBP intent JJ on IN Dani NP s PP happiness NN rather RB than IN Karen NP s PP acrobatic JJ abilities NNS , , if IN you PP know VVP what WP I PP mean VVP . SENT OK UH . SENT What WP do VVP you PP think VVP . SENT And CC could MD you PP call VV Karen NP and CC suggest VV this DT . SENT I PP know VVP she PP thinks VVZ I PP m NN an DT evil JJ witch NN and CC she PP won VVD t NN agree VV to TO anything NN I PP say VVP . SENT Would MD you PP do VV it PP . SENT Sarah NP listened VVD to TO the DT entire JJ tirade NN thoughtfully RB , , considered VVN how WRB she PP should MD word VV her PP$ response NN and CC then RB replied VVD Sure RB . SENT Thanks NNS . SENT Gotta NP go VVP . SENT You PP know VVP how WRB things NNS build VV up RP when WRB you PP re IN a DT slave NN to TO your PP$ husband NN and CC children NNS . SENT Bye NP . SENT She PP hung VVD up RP the DT phone NN with IN a DT frenzied JJ click NN and CC checked VVD her PP$ watch NN in IN the DT same JJ motion NN . SENT Twenty CD minutes NNS before IN she PP had VHD to TO pick VV up RP Emily NP at IN ballet NN and CC thirty CD between IN that DT and CC soccer NN practice NN . SENT Maybe RB she PP and CC Em NP could MD stop VV at IN the DT drug NN store NN on IN the DT way NN to TO the DT soccer NN field NN . SENT You PP could MD never RB buy VV too RB many JJ Band NP Aids NP or CC cotton NN balls NNS . SENT Marie NP didn NP t NN hate VVP her PP$ life NN . SENT she PP was VBD too RB busy JJ to TO do VV so RB . SENT She PP was VBD so RB busy JJ she PP didn NN t NN have VHP to TO try VV not RB to TO think VV about IN the DT hopes NNS and CC dreams NNS of IN her PP$ youth NN because IN she PP didn NN t NN have VHP the DT necessary JJ moments NNS the DT brooding VVG would MD require VV . SENT She PP washed VVD her PP$ hair NN when WRB it PP was VBD dirty JJ and CC took VVD daily JJ showers NNS . SENT There EX were VBD at IN least JJS two CD meals NNS on IN the DT table NN per IN day NN and CC her PP$ coupon NN file NN was VBD so RB organized VVN that IN it PP would MD make VV any DT other JJ housewife NN cry NN . SENT Her PP$ closet NN was VBD just RB as RB neat JJ . SENT The DT blue JJ silk NN hanging VVG in IN the DT back NN was VBD the DT only JJ bit NN of IN decoration NN in IN it PP , , but CC you PP couldn NN t NN call VVP the DT closet NN s PP contents NNS plain JJ in IN a DT messy JJ way NN . SENT Marie NP had VHD grown VVN up RP two CD doors NNS down RB from IN the DT Gillespie NP s PP house VVP . SENT She PP and CC Dani NP had VHD been VBN inseparable JJ from IN the DT time NN they PP were VBD seven CD years NNS old JJ until IN high JJ school NN graduation NN . SENT Colleges NNS that WDT were VBD hundreds NNS of IN miles NNS apart RB had VHD limited VVN the DT capabilities NNS of IN their PP$ relationship NN , , but CC they PP were VBD still RB Dani NP and CC Marie NP , , a DT title NN that WDT had VHD earned VVN them PP much RB teasing VVG from IN schoolmates NNS and CC siblings NNS in IN the DT late JJ seventies NNS . SENT Then RB had VHD come VVN Marie NP s PP relationship NN with IN and CC marriage NN to TO Alan NP Costas NP . SENT Marriage NN vows NNS had VHD separated VVN the DT girls NNS more RBR surely RB than IN any DT amount NN of IN miles NNS could MD have VH . SENT Suddenly RB , , Marie NP was VBD staying VVG home NN with IN babies NNS while IN Dani NP was VBD earning VVG promotions NNS and CC awards NNS . SENT Marie NP had VHD missed VVN her PP$ friend NN . SENT She PP was VBD ecstatic JJ when WRB she PP received VVD the DT news NN of IN Dani NP s PP wedding NN and CC even RB happier JJR when WRB the DT bride NN had VHD asked VVN her PP to TO be VB one CD of IN her PP$ bridesmaids NNS . SENT Sure RB , , Dani NP had VHD appointed VVN her PP$ college NN roommate NN Karen NP Rawlings NP maid NN of IN honor NN , , but CC Marie NP didn NN t NN mind VV it PP if IN Dani NP found VVD Karen NP to TO be VB a DT closer JJR friend NN right RB now RB . SENT After IN all DT , , the DT feeling NN wouldn NN t NN last JJ . SENT Once IN Dani NP had VHD a DT mortgage NN and CC a DT big JJ belly NN , , she PP and CC her PP$ gutterslut NN friend NN would MD have VH nothing NN to TO talk VV about RB . SENT And CC then RB it PP would MD be VB Dani NP and CC Marie NP all RB over RB again RB . SENT Sarah NP pursed VVD her PP$ lips NNS thoughtfully RB as IN Marie NP Costas NP left VVD the DT phone NN line NN and CC Sarah NP s PP mental JJ focus NN . SENT She PP looked VVD out RP her PP$ bedroom NN window NN at IN the DT deepening VVG twilight NN . SENT The DT sky NN was VBD drifting VVG into IN the DT color NN of IN her PP$ bridesmaid NN s PP gown VV and CC would MD soon RB descend VV onto IN the DT blackness NN of IN the DT empty JJ alley NN below RB . SENT Drift VV . SENT drift VV . SENT Sarah NP picked VVD up RP the DT receiver NN once RB more RBR and CC dialed VVD the DT number NN assigned VVN to TO Karen NP Rawlings NP . SENT The DT phone NN rang VVD four CD times NNS before IN Sarah NP heard VVD the DT familiar JJ click NN of IN an DT answering NN machine NN . SENT Karen NP s PP voice VVP greeted VVD her PP$ ear NN in IN a DT musical NN , , rehearsed VVD cadence NN . SENT Hay NN . SENT I PP m NN not RB here RB , , but CC I PP will MD be VB . SENT Call NP ya NP back RB then RB . SENT Sarah NP readied VVD herself PP to TO speak VV while IN she PP waited VVD for IN the DT beep NN . SENT Hey NP Karen NP , , this DT is VBZ Sarah NP . SENT Let VV s PP us PP bridesmaids NNS get VVP together RB sometime RB soon RB and CC talk VV about IN Dani NP s PP bachelorette NN party NN . SENT Maybe RB we PP another DT click NN sounded VVD over IN the DT line NN as IN Karen NP picked VVD up RP the DT phone NN . SENT Hi NP Sarah NP I PP was VBD screening VVG . SENT I PP hate VVP telephone NN solicitors NNS . SENT If IN I PP want VVP to TO buy VV something NN , , I PP ll VVZ either RB buy VV it PP on IN the DT Internet NN or CC go VV to TO the DT store NN . SENT So RB , , anyway RB , , can MD I PP do VV something NN for IN you PP . SENT Sarah NP tilted VVD her PP$ head NN to TO the DT left NN as IN she PP let VVP go VV her PP$ sales NNS pitch NN . SENT So IN Karen NP , , what WP do VVP you PP say VVP you PP and CC I PP get VVP together RB with IN Marie NP and CC Jen NP to TO plan VV the DT bachelorette NN thing NN . SENT I PP think VVP it PP would MD be VB easier JJR if IN we PP all RB did VVD it PP you PP know VVP less JJR stress NN on IN you PP Karen NP s PP light JJ , , slightly RB edgy JJ laugh NN interrupted VVN her PP . SENT Thank VV you PP and CC especially RB thanks NNS to TO Marie NP . SENT I PP know VVP she PP convinced VVD you PP to TO call VV me PP . SENT I PP wasn NN t NN planning NN on IN scandalizing VVG Mrs NN . SENT Costas NP by IN doing VVG anything NN even RB PG NP 13 CD , , much RB less RBR rated VVN R NN . SENT Sure RB how WRB about RB next JJ Friday NP night NN . SENT Do VVP you PP think VVP Marie NP can MD abandon VV her PP$ family NN for IN a DT couple NN hours NNS . SENT Or CC will MD they PP die VV without IN her PP . SENT Sarah NP shrugged VVD in IN a DT way NN that WDT carried VVD over IN the DT telephone NN wire NN . SENT I PP m NN just RB the DT messenger NN . SENT I PP ll RB call VVP her PP you PP call VVP Jen NP . SENT We PP can MD meet VV at IN my PP$ apartment NN . SENT The DT women NNS made VVD their PP$ respective JJ calls NNS . SENT Jen NP was VBD cooperative JJ enough RB and CC Marie NP thought VVD Friday NP would MD be VB OK JJ but CC could MD they PP possibly RB meet VVP at IN her PP$ house NN . SENT She PP had VHD to TO pick VV Eric NP up RP at IN six CD and CC take VV him PP to TO Matt NP s PP sleepover NN by IN eight CD Sarah NP wondered VVD if IN Marie NP s PP husband NN ever RB did VVD anything NN at IN all DT for IN his PP$ wife NN and CC kids NNS and CC then RB decided VVD that IN it PP was VBD none NN of IN her PP$ business NN . SENT She PP depressed VVD the DT button NN and CC dialed VVD Karen NP s PP number NN once IN she PP heard VVD the DT dial NN tone NN . SENT By IN the DT time NN it PP was VBD completely RB dark JJ , , several JJ phone NN calls NNS had VHD been VBN placed VVN . SENT The DT women NNS agreed VVD to TO meet VV at IN Sarah NP s PP apartment NN on IN Sunday NP afternoon NN . SENT Karen NP called VVD Sarah NP one CD last JJ time NN and CC the DT plan NN was VBD sealed VVN . SENT She PP rolled VVD her PP$ eyes NNS as IN she PP replaced VVD the DT receiver NN in IN its PP$ cradle NN , , only RB to TO stop VV their PP$ orbit NN in IN mid JJ roll NN and CC squeeze VV them PP tightly RB shut VVD as IN the DT phone NN sounded VVD beneath IN her PP$ hand NN once RB more RBR . SENT She PP inhaled VVD and CC exhaled VVD slowly RB then RB lifted VVN the DT receiver NN to TO her PP$ weary JJ ear NN . SENT Yes UH . SENT she PP asked VVD with IN exaggerated JJ patience NN , , expecting VVG to TO hear VV Sarah NP s PP breezy JJ tone NN . SENT The DT voice NN that WDT greeted VVD her PP was VBD instead RB as RB low JJ and CC as RB reassuring JJ as IN warm JJ chocolate NN pudding NN . SENT Karen NP searched VVD madly RB through IN the DT files NNS in IN her PP$ mind NN but CC did VVD not RB recognize VV it PP . SENT Maybe RB he PP was VBD a DT stalker NN . SENT She PP shook VVD her PP$ head NN to TO dislodge VV this DT unpleasant JJ thought NN and CC asked VVD , , Can MD I PP help VV you PP . SENT in IN her PP$ most RBS professional JJ tone NN . SENT This DT is VBZ Dave NP Winter NPS I NP m NN Joe NP Amory NP s VVZ best JJS man NN . SENT Karen NP thought VVD . SENT And CC why WRB are NN you PP calling VVG me PP , , Mr NP . SENT Radio NP Voice NP . SENT He PP made VVD his PP$ reason NN clear VV immediately RB . SENT Apparently RB the DT groomsmen NNS were VBD not RB very RB interested JJ in IN the DT traditional JJ bachelor NN s PP party NN for IN various JJ reasons NNS Karen NP figured VVD they PP were VBD all DT married JJ or CC gay JJ and CC it PP would MD be VB her PP$ luck NN if IN this DT living VVG 900 CD number NN was VBD both CC and CC were VBD wondering VVG if IN a DT bachelorette NN party NN had VHD been VBN planned VVN yet RB . SENT Why WRB , , are VBP you PP going VVG to TO crash VV it PP . SENT Karen NP demanded VVD in IN a DT laughing JJ voice NN that WDT had VHD just RB a DT thread NN of IN hope NN running VVG through IN it PP . SENT Well UH , , yes UH , , I PP suppose VVP you PP could MD say VV I PP was VBD asking VVG if IN we PP could MD do VV that IN . SENT There EX was VBD no DT flirtatiousness NN or CC flippancy NN in IN his PP$ reply NN , , only RB a DT sincere JJ kind NN of IN politeness NN . SENT Geez NP , , it PP was VBD worse RBR than IN she PP had VHD thought VVN . SENT He PP must MD be VB a DT real JJ treasure NN not RB . SENT Karen NP thrust VVD this DT thought NN from IN her PP$ mind NN and CC told VVD Dave NP that IN she PP believed VVD this DT to TO be VB a DT fine JJ idea NN . SENT she PP would MD bring VV it PP up RP to TO the DT other JJ attendants NNS immediately RB . SENT He PP thanked VVD her PP , , bid VV her PP$ farewell NN and CC closed VVD the DT connection NN . SENT She PP sighed VVD , , punched VVD Sarah NP s PP number NN for IN what WP seemed VVD like IN the DT hundredth JJ time NN in IN an DT hour NN and CC waited VVD for IN her PP to TO pick VV up RP . SENT After IN another DT eternity NN of IN calls NNS , , both CC groups NNS of IN attendants NNS decided VVD that IN they PP would MD meet VV at IN a DT neutral JJ location NN . SENT They PP chose VVD a DT local JJ restaurant NN in IN which WDT to TO discuss VV plans NNS at IN dinner NN . SENT The DT night NN of IN the DT meeting NN arrived VVD sooner RBR than IN anyone NN expected VVD it PP would MD . SENT The DT air NN had VHD a DT resigned VVN feel VVP unique JJ to TO Sunday NP evenings NNS . SENT The DT pleasantly RB alert JJ wedding NN participants NNS were VBD as RB anxious JJ for IN this DT gathering NN to TO end VV , , as IN they PP were VBD to TO postpone VV the DT arrival NN of IN Monday NP . SENT They PP all RB could MD imagine VV a DT better JJR way NN to TO spend VV a DT Sunday NP night NN . SENT Everyone NN drove VVD into IN the DT restaurant NN parking NN lot NN with IN only RB a DT few JJ minutes NNS separation NN everyone NN except IN Marie NP Costas NP and CC a DT groomsman NN named VVN Bud NP walked VVD in IN Simon NP s PP Bar NP and CC Grill NP together RB . SENT There EX were VBD three CD females NNS to TO match VV the DT number NN of IN males NNS . SENT Marie NP pulled VVD up RP in IN a DT maroon JJ station NN wagon NN just RB as IN the DT group NN entered VVD the DT bar NN and CC Bud NP appeared VVD while IN they PP waited VVD for IN a DT table NN to TO be VB readied VVD . SENT Eight CD pairs NNS of IN eyes NNS covertly RB studied VVD every DT other JJ wedding NN party NN member NN . SENT A DT waitress NN led VVD them PP to TO a DT long JJ table NN as IN far RB from IN the DT suspended VVN television NN as IN possible JJ . SENT Two CD of IN the DT men NNS glanced VVD longingly RB at IN the DT dimly RB lit VVN bar NN area NN as IN they PP sat VVD down RP . SENT Marie NP and CC Jen NP looked VVD at IN their PP$ placemats NNS while IN Dan NP , , Bud NP and CC Jim NP engaged VVD in IN a DT heated JJ conversation NN about IN a DT misbehaving VVG senator NN . SENT Karen NP glanced VVD at IN Dave NP Winter NPS in IN an DT affable JJ way NN that WDT gave VVD no DT indication NN she PP was VBD taking VVG stock NN of IN him PP . SENT There EX were VBD no DT rings NNS on IN any DT of IN his PP$ fingers NNS and CC he PP wore VVD a DT rugby NN shirt NN that WDT was VBD clean JJ but CC not RB exquisite JJ or CC overly RB bright JJ . SENT She PP looked VVD down RB and CC dismissed VVD these DT thoughts NNS in IN lieu NN of IN the DT menu NN offerings NNS and CC the DT business NN at IN hand NN . SENT A DT brief JJ silence NN fell VVD over IN the DT table NN as IN everyone NN studied VVD the DT entr NN e SYM list NN and CC chose VVD their PP$ dishes NNS . SENT Three CD women NNS chose VVD pasta NN , , Marie NP wanted VVD a DT rare JJ steak NN her PP$ kids NNS must MD have VH done VVN something NN wrong RB said VVD Sarah NP by IN means NNS of IN a DT wink NN and CC smile NN to TO Jen NP and CC the DT men NNS decided VVD to TO share VV two CD huge JJ platters NNS of IN ribs NNS and CC fried JJ chicken NN . SENT They PP all RB placed VVD their PP$ orders NNS and CC waited VVD for IN the DT assorted JJ appetizer NN tray NN that WDT had VHD been VBN chosen VVN at IN the DT last JJ minute NN . SENT Dave NP began VVD the DT conversation NN . SENT His PP$ subdued JJ , , powerful JJ voice NN matched VVD his PP$ obviously RB exercised VVN physique NN . SENT His PP$ dark JJ wavy JJ hair NN just RB met VVD the DT eyebrows NNS that WDT rose VVD in IN inquiry NN when WRB he PP asked VVD his PP$ question NN . SENT So RB does VVZ anyone NN have VHP suggestions NNS for IN this DT . SENT Another DT silence NN enshrouded VVD the DT group NN as IN each DT waited VVN for IN another DT to TO speak VV up RP . SENT Karen NP again RB looked VVD at IN Dave NP . SENT He PP was VBD the DT figurative JJ as RB well RB as IN literal JJ leader NN of IN the DT pack NN . SENT She PP feigned VVD a DT cough NN as IN she PP grabbed VVD a DT napkin NN to TO mask NN the DT giggle NN that IN this DT thought NN brought VVD on RP . SENT Vroom NP Vroom NP . SENT . SENT She PP could MD imagine VV the DT groom VV s PP party NN arriving VVG at IN the DT wedding NN in IN their PP$ proper JJ black JJ tuxedos NNS stretched VVN over IN bulging VVG biceps NN and CC pecs NNS as IN they PP gunned VVD their PP$ Harley NP engines NNS . SENT It PP wasn NN t NN an DT unattractive JJ visual JJ . SENT Her PP$ inner JJ eye NN focused VVN on IN the DT cycle NN straddling VVG Dave NP . SENT She PP had VHD not RB found VVN out RP that IN much RB about IN him PP from IN Dani NP . SENT She PP knew VVD that IN many JJ believed VVD Karen NP Rawlings NP to TO be VB the DT Slut NN of IN the DT Century NP and CC so RB she PP had VHD kept VVN her PP$ questions NNS few JJ and CC casual JJ . SENT Re IN branding VVG was VBD the DT last JJ thing NN she PP needed VVD . SENT She PP had VHD learned VVN that IN Dave NP had VHD been VBN Joe NP s PP roommate NN in IN their PP$ junior JJ and CC senior JJ years NNS of IN college NN and CC that DT Danielle NP had VHD met VVN Joe NP through IN Dave NP s PP sister JJ . SENT Karen NP was VBD annoyed VVN that IN her PP so RB called VVD best JJS friend NN had VHD not RB introduced VVN the DT two CD . SENT she PP had VHD probably RB been VBN aware JJ that IN Karen NP would MD have VH appreciated VVN an DT encounter NN if IN not RB more JJR with IN such PDT an DT individual NN , , but CC maybe RB Dave NP had VHD had VHN that DT quintessential JJ college NN girlfriend NN at IN the DT time NN . SENT Hey NP , , maybe RB he PP still RB had VHD her PP$ he PP had VHD only RB graduated VVN two CD years NNS before IN she PP and CC Dani NP had VHD , , after IN all DT . SENT Karen NP moved VVD her PP$ attention NN away RB from IN Dave NP s PP limited VVN biography NN back RB to TO the DT assembled VVN crowd NN . SENT The DT other JJ seven CD still RB waited VVN for IN someone NN else RB to TO speak VV . SENT Karen NP s PP voice NN caught VVN Marie NP Costas NP like IN a DT fishhook NN . SENT Marie NP s PP displeasure NN was VBD visible JJ but CC dissolved VVN as IN a DT plate NN of IN deep JJ fried JJ yummies NNS was VBD set VVN almost RB directly RB in IN front NN of IN her PP . SENT She PP stared VVD yearningly RB at IN the DT assortment NN as IN Karen NP , , also RB impressed VVN by IN the DT steaming VVG variety NN a DT few JJ feet NNS down IN the DT table NN , , continued VVD . SENT I PP m NN not RB sure JJ exactly RB how WRB to TO handle VV this DT . SENT I PP think VVP Dave NP was VBD really RB creative JJ in IN suggesting VVG that IN we PP have VHP the DT couple NN s PP goodbye NN to TO single JJ life NN parties NNS together RB kind RB of IN like IN a DT preview NN to TO marriage NN . SENT A DT mini JJ pre NP reception NN . SENT Except IN without IN catering NN and CC all PDT that DT tension NN . SENT Let VV s PP do VV it PP . SENT She PP smiled VVD in IN satisfaction NN as IN if IN she PP had VHD just RB made VVN a DT magnificent JJ contribution NN to TO the DT goal NN of IN the DT evening NN . SENT No DT one NN else RB thought VVD she PP had VHD . SENT Sarah NP and CC Dan NP piped VVD up RP at IN the DT same JJ time NN . SENT Let VV s PP go VV bowling NN . SENT They PP looked VVD at IN each DT other JJ in IN delighted JJ surprise NN as IN the DT others NNS stared VVD at IN them PP in IN horror NN . SENT Marie NP objected VVD immediately RB . SENT I PP would MD really RB like VV a DT break NN from IN family NN night NN , , thank VV you PP . SENT She PP giggled VVD as IN she PP said VVD this DT , , but CC Karen NP knew VVD she PP really RB meant VVD it PP and CC so RB grinned VVD as RB widely RB as RB would MD a DT 50 CD s PP tomboy NN . SENT I PP think VVP that IN s PP a DT great JJ idea NN . SENT she PP squealed VVD as IN she PP clapped VVD her PP$ hands NNS . SENT Dave NP , , his PP$ eyebrows NNS raised VVD , , looked VVD her PP$ way NN and CC then RB agreed VVN . SENT Had VHD that RB been VBN amusement NN or CC remonstrance NN in IN his PP$ glance NN . SENT She PP wasn NN t NN certain JJ . SENT The DT bowling NN idea NN had VHD already RB gained VVN a DT higher JJR approval NN rating NN . SENT Bud NP nodded VVD and CC Jen NP sort NN of IN shrugged VVD . SENT Marie NP tightened VVD her PP$ lips NNS but CC kept VVD them PP firmly RB clamped VVN shut VVN . SENT She PP closed VVD her PP$ eyes NNS , , took VVD a DT breath NN and CC relaxed VVD her PP$ shoulders NNS . SENT OK JJ I PP guess VVP it PP will MD be VB different JJ without IN two CD fighting VVG kids NNS . SENT She PP smiled VVD and CC gave VVD a DT lighthearted JJ chuckle NN that WDT accompanied VVD the DT I NN ll NNS get VVP you PP later RBR look VV she PP sent VVD Karen NP s PP way NN . SENT She PP reached VVD for IN a DT mozzarella NN stick NN . SENT By IN the DT time NN everyone NN had VHD finished VVN chatting VVG amicably RB and CC munching VVG on IN golden JJ brown JJ goodies NNS , , the DT main JJ courses NNS had VHD arrived VVN . SENT The DT gentlemen NNS dove VVD into IN the DT ribs NNS with IN fingers NNS , , napkins NNS and CC approving VVG grunts NNS while IN the DT ladies NNS cut VVN and CC twirled VVN with IN glee NN . SENT Simon NP and CC his PP$ associated VVN chefs NNS certainly RB knew VVD their PP$ craft NN . SENT The DT food NN was VBD better JJR than IN any DT of IN them PP had VHD tasted VVN in IN a DT long JJ time NN . SENT Karen NP spiraled VVD her PP$ pasta NN expertly RB and CC smiled VVD at IN Sarah NP , , who WP was VBD making VVG faces NNS at IN the DT growing VVG baseball NN of IN noodles NNS on IN her PP fork VV . SENT Marie NP separated VVD her PP$ steak NN into IN bite NN sized VVD pieces NNS and CC picked VVD up RP the DT first JJ square NN with IN an DT expression NN of IN tranquil JJ bliss NN . SENT Jen NP did VVD not RB twirl VV her PP$ spaghetti NNS . SENT she PP instead RB sliced VVD it PP until IN it PP was VBD more RBR manageable JJ . SENT Maybe RB we PP should MD find VV out RP if IN Joe NP and CC Danielle NP would MD like VV to TO do VV the DT bowling NN thing NN . SENT It PP is VBZ , , after IN all DT , , a DT party NN for IN them PP . SENT This DT came VVD from IN the DT previously RB silent JJ and CC currently RB plump RB cheeked VVN Jim NP . SENT He PP was VBD so RB into IN the DT ribs NNS that IN he PP couldn NN t NN bear VVP a DT moment NN without IN them PP , , not RB even RB to TO talk VV . SENT Marie NP smiled VVD at IN him PP indulgently RB . SENT Not RB only RB was VBD she PP comfortable JJ with IN people NNS who WP spoke VVD full JJ mouthed VVD , , but CC thanks NNS to TO him PP she PP stood VVD a DT new JJ chance NN of IN not RB having VHG to TO bowl NN . SENT There EX was VBD a DT rustling VVG sound NN at IN the DT other JJ end NN of IN the DT table NN as IN Karen NP plunged VVD her PP$ hand NN into IN her PP$ bag NN , , fishing VVG madly RB for IN her PP$ cell NN phone NN hoping VVG to TO find VV it PP before IN any DT other JJ voices NNS could MD echo VV this DT shred NN of IN doubt NN . SENT Well RB , , let VV me PP call VV Dani NP right RB now RB she PP said VVD brightly RB as IN her PP$ hand NN finally RB made VVD contact NN with IN the DT sought VVN after IN object NN . SENT I PP m NN going VVG to TO go VV to TO the DT ladies NNS room NN for IN this DT less JJR noise NN . SENT She PP pushed VVD her PP$ chair NN back RB , , clutching VVG her PP$ phone NN defiantly RB as IN she PP rose VVD . SENT She PP glanced VVD in IN Marie NP s PP direction NN before IN she PP hurried JJ toward IN the DT back NN of IN the DT restaurant NN . SENT Marie NP was VBD looking VVG in IN the DT other JJ direction NN . SENT Karen NP swung VVD the DT restroom NN door NN open RB and CC was VBD happy JJ to TO find VV both DT stalls NNS inside IN empty JJ . SENT She PP punched VVD out RP the DT correct JJ phone NN number NN and CC waited VVD for IN a DT ring NN . SENT The DT telephone NN sat VVD quiet JJ , , waiting VVG for IN the DT wireless NN service NN to TO transmit VV the DT appropriate JJ signals NNS . SENT When WRB the DT service NN finally RB connected VVN , , she PP had VHD a DT sense NN that IN the DT bell NN s PP peal NN was VBD resounding JJ through IN an DT empty JJ apartment NN . SENT What WP if IN Dani NP wasn NP t NN home NN . SENT She PP was VBD , , though IN she PP picked VVD up RP at IN the DT end NN of IN the DT first JJ ring NN . SENT Karen NP smiled VVD in IN relief NN . SENT Hello UH . SENT Dani NP sounded VVD businesslike JJ , , even RB a DT little JJ cold NN . SENT Hey NP Dani NP , , it PP s PP Karen NP . SENT All DT of IN your PP$ bridesmaids NNS and CC Joe NP s PP guys NNS are VBP here RB at IN Simon NP s PP . SENT We PP thought VVD that IN we PP might MD have VH your PP$ bachelor NN and CC bachelorette NN parties NNS together RB . SENT you PP know VVP , , to TO mark VV the DT beginning NN of IN your PP$ life NN together RB . SENT Except IN it PP won VVD t NN be VB formal JJ and CC stressful JJ like IN the DT reception NN . SENT She PP paused VVD to TO give VV Dani NP a DT chance NN to TO reply VV , , but CC the DT to TO be VB bride NN didn NN t NN say VVP anything NN . SENT Karen NP went VVD on IN , , choosing VVG her PP$ words NNS carefully RB . SENT We PP were VBD all RB at IN a DT loss NN for IN what WP to TO do VV , , and CC then RB Sarah NP Kelly NP and CC Dan NP Thomas NP came VVD up RP with IN an DT idea NN at IN the DT same JJ time NN . SENT They PP suggested VVD bowling NN . SENT totally RB neutral JJ voice VVP s PP we PP re IN not RB sure JJ how WRB you PP feel VVP about RB that IN , , we PP decided VVD to TO ask VV you PP if IN you PP two CD would MD enjoy VV it PP . SENT Dani NP took VVD a DT while NN to TO respond VV and CC then RB replied VVD that IN it PP might MD just RB be VB fun NN . SENT Well RB , , that IN s PP great RB Are VBP you PP sure JJ that IN Joe NP is VBZ OK JJ with IN the DT idea NN . SENT He PP s PP sitting VVG right RB here RB with IN me PP . SENT You PP re NN on IN speakerphone NN Joe NP s PP voice VVP cut VV in IN . SENT It PP sounds VVZ great JJ to TO me PP , , Karen NP . SENT His PP$ own JJ voice NN was VBD indicative JJ of IN his PP$ general JJ relaxation NN and CC happiness NN . SENT After IN bidding VVG the DT pair NN a DT pleasant JJ farewell NN , , she PP clicked VVD off RP the DT line NN . SENT She PP grinned VVD in IN satisfaction NN and CC went VVD through IN the DT door NN towards IN the DT table NN . SENT The DT rest NN of IN the DT party NN watched VVD her PP as IN she PP approached VVD the DT table NN . SENT Karen NP announced VVD to TO the DT assembly NN that IN the DT plan NN had VHD succeeded VVN . SENT bowling NN was VBD an DT approved VVN event NN . SENT The DT men NNS and CC women NNS nodded VVD and CC said VVD oh UH how JJ nice JJ types NNS of IN things NNS . SENT Marie NP was VBD silent JJ . SENT The DT group NN proceeded VVD to TO finish VV the DT food NN on IN their PP$ plates NNS , , but CC with IN a DT little RB less JJR gusto NN . SENT When WRB the DT meal NN was VBD over IN and CC coffees NNS and CC desserts NNS had VHD been VBN consumed VVN to TO everyone NN s PP satisfaction NN , , the DT wedding NN party NN moved VVD on IN to TO the DT next JJ stage NN . SENT When WRB and CC where WRB would MD this DT glorious JJ event NN take VV place NN . SENT Everyone NN wanted VVD to TO hold VV the DT party NN during IN the DT week NN preceding VVG the DT actual JJ nuptials NN but CC since IN the DT guests NNS were VBD spread VVN across IN town NN , , there EX was VBD some DT confusion NN as RB to TO the DT closest JJS and CC best JJS bowling NN alley NN in IN which WDT to TO have VH it PP . SENT Eventually RB , , it PP was VBD agreed VVN that IN the DT old JJ Lincoln NP Lanes NP on IN Semaphore NN Road NP would MD do VV nicely RB it PP was VBD closest JJS to IN the DT couple NN and CC not RB too RB far RB from IN any DT of IN the DT attendants NNS . SENT The DT party NN would MD take VV place NN on IN a DT Wednesday NP night NN in IN August NP just RB a DT few JJ days NNS before IN the DT actual JJ ceremony NN and CC following VVG reception NN . SENT Dave NP volunteered VVD to TO set VV up RP alley NN rental NN and CC was VBD informed VVN by IN Marie NP that WDT food NN could MD be VB delivered VVN there RB . SENT they PP did VVD not RB have VH to TO dine VV on IN items NNS from IN the DT snack NN bar NN . SENT She PP had VHD a DT feeling NN that IN the DT party NN guests NNS would MD not RB consider VV the DT regular JJ bowling NN alley NN fare VVP to TO be VB appropriate JJ . SENT Karen NP was VBD to TO make VV the DT catering NN arrangements NNS . SENT La NP Cucina NP Italiana NP was VBD everyone NN s PP catering VVG establishment NN of IN choice NN . SENT There EX was VBD a DT nearly RB audible JJ collective JJ sigh NN of IN relief NN as IN the DT eight CD divided VVN the DT recently RB arrived VVN check NN . SENT That WDT had VHD been VBN easy JJ . SENT The DT plans NNS were VBD as RB good JJ as RB made VVN and CC not RB only RB that IN , , six CD members NNS of IN the DT group NN now RB had VHD the DT chance NN to TO get VV away RB from IN a DT potential JJ catfight NN between IN Karen NP and CC Marie NP . SENT The DT assembly NN all RB rose VVD from IN the DT table NN at IN the DT same JJ time NN . SENT Marie NP and CC Dan NP gathered VVD their PP$ windbreakers NNS from IN the DT backs NNS of IN their PP$ chairs NNS and CC the DT women NNS reached VVN under IN the DT table NN to TO retrieve VV their PP$ handbags NNS . SENT They PP filed VVD out RP the DT door NN , , chatting VVG and CC laughing VVG as IN they PP went VVD . SENT Karen NP walked VVD silently RB behind IN Dave NP and CC Bud NP , , who WP were VBD telling VVG each DT other JJ about IN amusing JJ incidents NNS from IN their PP$ boyhood NN involving VVG Lincoln NP Lanes NP or CC Italian JJ food NN , , sometimes RB both DT . SENT They PP were VBD laughing VVG over IN the DT time NN Bud NP had VHD encountered VVN a DT spider NN in IN his PP$ rented VVN bowling NN shoe NN and CC had VHD shrieked VVN like IN a DT banshee NN about IN it PP . SENT Dave NP opened VVD the DT massive JJ brown JJ fire NN door NN of IN the DT restaurant NN . SENT A DT chilly JJ March NP breeze NN greeted VVD them PP . SENT Drowsy JJ crocuses NNS peered VVN from IN the DT barrels NNS flanking VVG Simon NP s PP entrance NN . SENT Karen NP pulled VVD her PP$ sweater NN more RBR snugly RB around IN her PP$ shoulders NNS while IN Bud NP gave VVD an DT exaggerated JJ shiver NN . SENT Brrrrr NP . SENT Isn NP t NN winter NN supposed VVN to TO be VB over RP . SENT Dave NP and CC Karen NP both CC laughed VVD automatically RB , , like IN you PP re IN supposed VVN to TO do VV in IN social JJ situations NNS . SENT Not RB officially RB until IN tomorrow NN said VVD Karen NP while IN Dave NP briskly RB rubbed VVD Bud NP s PP mock JJ shivering VVG arm NN . SENT Straight JJ men NNS don VV t NN normally RB touch VV each DT other JJ like IN that DT . SENT I PP wonder VVP if IN they PP re IN lovers NNS . SENT Get VV off IN it PP , , Karen NP . SENT The DT party NN members NNS each DT drifted VVD to TO their PP$ own JJ cars NNS . SENT Marie NP drew VVD her PP$ Taurus NP wagon NN keys NNS from IN a DT small JJ compartment NN on IN the DT inside NN of IN her PP$ bag NN while IN Jen NP fumbled VVD in IN her PP$ own JJ purse NN in IN the DT hopes NNS of IN unlocking VVG her PP$ mother NN s PP old JJ Cavalier NP . SENT Dave NP depressed VVD a DT key JJ chain NN button NN and CC his PP$ Lexus NP released VVD its PP$ latches NNS . SENT Karen NP s PP Nissan NP was VBD parked VVN in IN the DT next JJ row NN and CC she PP called VVD her PP$ goodbyes NNS to TO everyone NN as IN she PP opened VVD the DT driver NN s PP side VVP door NN , , glanced VVD down RP into IN the DT backseat NN for IN hidden JJ carjackers NNS , , and CC slid VVD behind IN the DT wheel NN . SENT The DT drive NN to TO her PP$ apartment NN was VBD largely RB uneventful JJ . SENT The DT streets NNS were VBD almost RB devoid JJ of IN cars NNS not RB completely RB , , but CC enough RB to TO attract VV Karen NP s PP notice VVP . SENT She PP turned VVD the DT power NN knob NN on IN the DT radio NN . SENT The DT clear JJ and CC sweet JJ voices NNS of IN Abba NP s PP members NNS greeted VVD her PP . SENT She PP smiled VVD , , the DT cheer NN of IN the DT music NN flooding VVG into IN her PP like VVP a DT warm JJ beverage NN . SENT She PP hummed VVD along RB take VV a DT chance NN on IN me PP It PP had VHD begun VVN to TO rain VV . SENT a DT March NP night NN reminder NN that IN winter NN wasn NN t NN completely RB dead JJ . SENT The DT tempo NN of IN her PP$ windshield NN wipers NNS almost RB matched VVD that IN of IN the DT song NN . SENT The DT dimness NN of IN the DT watery JJ streetlights NNS bathed VVN her PP in IN a DT comfort NN that IN she PP savored VVD . SENT Being NN alone RB was VBD not RB always RB so RB terrible JJ With IN a DT jerk NN her PP$ mind NN pulled VVD itself PP off IN autopilot NN . SENT The DT lights NNS had VHD suddenly RB grown VVN much RB brighter JJR . SENT She PP glanced VVD in IN her PP$ rearview NN mirror NN and CC was VBD startled VVD when WRB she PP saw VVD a DT pair NN of IN urgently RB flashing VVG headlights NNS reflected VVN in IN its PP$ surface NN . SENT No DT way NN was VBD she PP going VVG to TO pull VV over RP on IN a DT quiet JJ dark JJ street NN for IN some DT anonymous JJ friend NN even RB if IN her PP$ car NN were VBD about RB to TO explode VV . SENT She PP kept VVD driving VVG , , praying VVG that IN the DT Exxon NP station NN that WDT was VBD somewhere RB along IN this DT road NN would MD come VV up RP soon RB . SENT If IN she PP had VHD to TO stop VV the DT car NN , , that DT environment NN was VBD a DT lot NN safer JJR than IN the DT dark JJ shoulder NN . SENT The DT car NN behind IN her PP drew VVD so RB near JJ that IN the DT driver NN could MD not RB have VH avoided VVN impact NN were VBD Karen NP to TO make VV a DT sudden JJ stop NN . SENT She PP did VVD not RB recognize VV the DT shadowy JJ , , gesturing VVG figure NN behind IN the DT windshield NN but CC she PP did VVD notice VV the DT silver NN circled VVD L NP on IN the DT grille NN . SENT It PP was VBD probably RB Dave JJ . SENT If IN it PP wasn NN t NN well RB , , what WP if IN there EX really RB was VBD something NN wrong JJ with IN her PP$ car NN . SENT Karen NP clicked VVD on RP and CC off RP on IN the DT headlight NN bar NN to TO indicate VV her PP$ acknowledgement NN of IN the DT frenzied JJ signals NNS issued VVN by IN the DT Lexus NP . SENT She PP slowed VVD the DT Nissan NP and CC activated VVN her PP$ right JJ turn NN signal NN , , at IN the DT same JJ time NN reaching VVG for IN her PP$ cell NN phone NN with IN one CD hand NN and CC depressing VVG the DT automatic JJ lock NN button NN with IN the DT other JJ . SENT She PP stopped VVD the DT car NN but CC kept VVD the DT engine NN running NN . SENT The DT car NN remained VVD in IN drive NN mode NN and CC her PP$ foot NN pressed VVD the DT brake NN . SENT The DT Lexus NP followed VVD her PP off RP of IN the DT road NN . SENT It PP rolled VVD to TO a DT stop NN and CC the DT headlights NNS blackened VVN as IN the DT driver NN shut VVD off RP the DT engine NN . SENT The DT door NN opened VVD and CC she PP saw VVD the DT shape NN of IN Dave NP Winter NPS emerge VVP . SENT She PP sighed VVD with IN relief NN and CC wondered VVD what WP he PP wanted VVD with IN her PP . SENT She PP briefly RB scanned VVD a DT very RB promising JJ list NN but CC realized VVD that IN she PP probably RB had VHD a DT taillight NN out RP or CC something NN equally RB as RB mundane JJ . SENT She PP saw VVD Dave NP change VV his PP$ direction NN and CC head NN for IN her PP$ own JJ passenger NN door NN . SENT She PP shifted VVD into IN park NN , , released VVD the DT lock NN and CC looked VVD at IN him PP questioningly RB when WRB he PP opened VVD the DT door NN and CC threw VVD himself PP in IN the DT passenger NN seat NN . SENT The DT rain NN was VBD coming VVG down RP insistently RB now RB and CC he PP was VBD covered VVN in IN wet JJ . SENT His PP$ dark JJ curls NNS clung VVN to TO his PP$ head NN and CC drops NNS of IN water NN anointed VVD his PP$ nose NN and CC eyebrows NNS . SENT He PP grinned VVD at IN her PP . SENT Sorry RB about IN your PP$ car NN , , Miss NP Rawlings NP . SENT I PP think VVP I PP m NN going VVG to TO leave VV a DT pretty RB large JJ pond NN in IN here RB . SENT Karen NP smiled VVD and CC unfastened VVD her PP$ seat NN belt NN . SENT She PP twisted VVN and CC stretched VVN into IN the DT back JJ seat NN to TO grab VV a DT hand NN towel NN she PP kept VVD there RB for IN wet JJ emergencies NNS . SENT She PP looked VVD up RP at IN him PP through IN her PP$ mascaraed JJ lashes NNS as IN she PP offered VVD the DT towel NN . SENT Call VV me PP Karen NP . SENT No DT one NN calls VVZ me PP Miss NP Rawlings NP but CC my PP$ kids NNS . SENT He PP raised VVD his PP$ eyebrows NNS and CC cocked VVD his PP$ head NN in IN surprise NN . SENT So IN you PP re IN a DT teacher NN . SENT Karen NP wondered VVD what WP Dave NP thought VVD she PP did VVD for IN a DT paycheck NN prowl NN the DT streets NNS at IN night NN . SENT No RB , , Dave NP , , I NN m NN a DT guidance NN counselor NN . SENT I PP help VVP kids NNS make VV their PP$ way NN through IN youth NN . SENT Now RB tell VV me PP why WRB you PP pulled VVD me PP over RP . SENT Dave NP took VVD the DT still RB outstretched VVN towel NN and CC began VVD to TO pat NN his PP$ head NN with IN it PP . SENT Well RB , , Karen NP , , I PP think VVP I PP ought MD to TO tell VV you PP that IN I PP m NN a DT bit NN worried VVD . SENT There EX s PP some DT pretty RB obvious JJ friction NN between IN you PP and CC the DT bridesmaid NN what WP s VVZ her PP$ name NN Marie NP . SENT I PP have VHP no DT idea NN what WP you PP two NN disagree VVP so RB much RB about RB and CC know VV it PP s PP none NN of IN my PP$ business NN , , but CC I PP find VVP it PP hard JJ to TO believe VV that IN Danielle NP would MD appoint VV enemies NNS as IN her PP$ bridesmaids NNS . SENT The DT important JJ part NN is VBZ that IN you PP and CC she PP are VBP making VVG the DT rest NN of IN the DT group NN somewhat RB uncomfortable JJ and CC more RBR importantly RB , , you PP re IN going VVG to TO make VV the DT happy JJ couple NN pretty RB miserable JJ if IN you PP can MD t NN resolve VV your PP$ difficulty NN before IN the DT party NN . SENT At IN least JJS temporarily RB . SENT Karen NP stared VVD at IN Dave NP in IN disbelief NN . SENT She PP wasn NN t NN used VVD to TO being VBG addressed VVN as IN a DT child NN . SENT She PP rallied VVD her PP$ own JJ troops NNS , , taking VVG a DT stand NN that WDT required VVD a DT shift NN into IN Counselor NN Mode NP . SENT I PP understand VVP completely RB , , Dave NP . SENT It PP is VBZ true JJ that IN Marie NP and CC I PP disagree VVP about IN many JJ things NNS . SENT I PP occupy VV a DT position NN in IN Dani NP s PP life NN that IN Marie NP once RB held VVD . SENT She PP and CC Dani NP drifted VVD apart RB because IN her PP$ path NN split NN from IN that DT of IN her PP$ friend NN when WRB she PP chose VVD servitude NN over IN independence NN . SENT She PP hasn NN t NN figured VVD that IN out RB . SENT I PP admit VVP that IN I PP don VV t NN handle VV the DT situation NN very RB well RB myself PP . SENT Perhaps RB Dani NP and CC Marie NP will MD become VV closer RBR after IN the DT wedding NN . SENT I PP will MD put VV an DT effort NN into IN improving VVG my PP$ relationship NN with IN Marie NP for IN the DT sake NN of IN my PP$ friend NN and CC her PP$ happiness NN . SENT I PP only RB hope VVP Marie NP will MD do VV the DT same JJ . SENT Perhaps RB you PP should MD give VV her PP a DT call NN . SENT Dave NP Winter NP regarded VVD Karen NP with IN a DT bit NN of IN confusion NN . SENT He PP d NN heard VVN from IN Joe NP that IN Karen NP was VBD something NN of IN a DT desperate JJ tramp NN and CC he PP associated VVN submissiveness NN and CC stupidity NN with IN that DT type NN of IN person NN . SENT He PP didn NN t NN know VV what WP to TO make VV of IN Karen NP s PP well RB worded VVN and CC direct JJ answer NN . SENT He PP also RB didn NN t NN know VVP that IN her PP$ respect NN for IN him PP was VBD diminishing VVG by IN the DT second NN . SENT Well RB , , I PP guess VVP that IN s PP it PP . SENT I PP ll RB have VHP a DT talk NN with IN Ms NN . SENT Costas NP he PP said VVD shortly RB . SENT Sorry JJ to TO have VH bothered VVN you PP . SENT He PP looked VVD down RP at IN the DT damp JJ rectangle NN in IN his PP$ hands NNS . SENT Thanks NNS for IN the DT towel NN . SENT He PP handed VVD it PP to TO her PP , , released VVD the DT passenger NN side NN latch NN and CC started VVD off RP into IN the DT deluge NN , , closing VVG the DT door NN a DT little JJ too RB hard JJ as IN he PP did VVD . SENT Karen NP shifted VVD the DT gear NN into IN drive NN and CC rolled VVD back RB onto IN the DT empty JJ road NN immediately RB after IN he PP closed VVD the DT door NN . SENT What WP a DT jerk NN . SENT Thank VV God NP she PP hadn NN t NN actively RB flirted VVD with IN him PP . SENT The DT beautiful JJ peace NN of IN the DT drive NN had VHD leaked VVN out RP of IN the DT car NN when WRB he PP had VHD opened VVN the DT passenger NN door NN to TO get VV in IN , , but CC she PP hadn NN t NN noticed VVD it PP until IN he PP had VHD left VVN . SENT She PP saw VVD the DT Lexus NP s PP headlights NNS flash VVP farewell NN in IN her PP$ rearview JJ mirror NN as IN Dave NP turned VVD left VVN onto IN Chamber NP Street NP . SENT She PP hoped VVD he PP lived VVD far RB enough RB away RB that IN she PP didn NN t NN run VVN into IN him PP at IN the DT grocery NN store NN or CC like JJ place NN . SENT Now RB she PP knew VVD why WRB Dani NP hadn NN t NN introduced VVD the DT two CD theirs PP would MD never RB be VB a DT perfect JJ match NN . SENT She PP flicked VVD Dave NP Winter NP from IN her PP$ mind NN much RB as IN you PP would MD a DT used VVN tissue NN . SENT Marie NP sat VVD at IN the DT intersection NN , , waiting VVG for IN the DT light NN to TO turn VV green JJ . SENT Her PP$ fingers NNS tapped VVD impatiently RB on IN the DT steering VVG wheel NN of IN her PP$ drenched VVN wagon NN . SENT She PP glanced VVD at IN the DT dashboard NN clock NN and CC swore VVD under IN her PP$ breath NN . SENT She PP had VHD promised VVN Alan NP that IN she PP would MD be VB home RB half PDT an DT hour NN ago RB , , she PP still RB had VHD to TO drive VV halfway RB across IN town NN and CC this DT damned RB stoplight NN had VHD been VBN red JJ forever RB even RB though IN there EX were VBD no DT cars NNS in IN sight NN . SENT Marie NP took VVD a DT careful JJ survey NN of IN the DT intersection NN and CC the DT streets NNS leading VVG from IN it PP . SENT She PP twisted VVN back RB in IN her PP$ seat NN harness NN and CC looked VVD over RP her PP$ shoulder NN . SENT No DT cars NNS around RB . SENT She PP depressed VVD the DT accelerator NN and CC shot NN under IN the DT red JJ light NN . SENT She PP spent VVD the DT next JJ ten CD minutes NNS worrying VVG about IN police NN sirens NNS and CC how WRB Alan NP would MD react VV if IN she PP brought VVD home RB a DT ticket NN for IN such PDT a DT flagrant JJ violation NN of IN traffic NN law NN , , and CC then RB felt VVD a DT slight JJ thrill NN at IN the DT fact NN that IN she PP had VHD gotten VVN away RB with IN her PP$ crime NN . SENT She PP ploughed VVD through IN the DT downpour NN at IN forty NN miles NNS per IN hour NN and CC arrived VVD home RB 45 CD minutes NNS after IN she PP had VHD said VVN she PP would MD . SENT Her PP$ husband NN met VVD her PP at IN the DT door NN . SENT She PP could MD see VV a DT sink NN full JJ of IN dirty JJ dishes NNS in IN the DT kitchen NN at IN the DT end NN of IN the DT front JJ hall NN . SENT He PP looked VVD more RBR than IN irritated VVN and CC when WRB she PP opened VVD her PP$ mouth NN to TO apologize VV and CC explain VV why WRB she PP was VBD so RB late JJ , , he PP only RB glared VVD at IN her PP and CC said VVD Please RB wash VV the DT dishes NNS in IN a DT quiet JJ way NN that WDT let VVD her PP know VVP his PP$ feelings NNS more RBR than IN any DT firestorm NN of IN words NNS could MD have VH . SENT He PP turned VVD and CC stomped VVD up RP the DT stairs NNS , , turning VVG left VVN toward IN the DT master NN bedroom NN when WRB he PP reached VVD the DT top NN . SENT The DT children NNS stood VVD to TO the DT right NN of IN the DT top JJ step NN . SENT They PP didn NN t NN take VV their PP$ accusing VVG eyes NNS off RP of IN Marie NP until IN he PP passed VVD by IN them PP . SENT Marie NP wondered VVD how WRB soon RB it PP would MD be VB until IN she PP was VBD forgiven VVN . SENT She PP was VBD certain JJ that IN by IN morning NN he PP would MD appear VV to TO have VH forgotten VVN the DT incident NN but CC it PP would MD remain VV stored VVN in IN his PP$ mind NN for IN use NN the DT next JJ time NN they PP argued VVD about IN responsibility NN and CC consideration NN . SENT Marie NP removed VVD her PP$ windbreaker NN and CC turned VVD to TO the DT open JJ closet NN . SENT She PP remembered VVD that IN the DT coat NN was VBD very RB wet JJ and CC laid VVN it PP on IN the DT plastic JJ mat NN in IN front NN of IN the DT door NN instead RB of IN hanging VVG it PP . SENT She PP thought VVD better JJR of IN her PP$ action NN once RB more RBR and CC picked VVD up RP the DT just RB discarded VVN jacket NN , , taking VVG it PP with IN her PP to TO the DT kitchen NN where WRB she PP blotted VVD it PP with IN a DT dishtowel NN . SENT She PP returned VVD to TO the DT closet NN and CC hung VVD it PP among IN the DT forest NN of IN small JJ , , bright JJ jackets NNS and CC heavier JJR coverings NNS . SENT Marie NP s PP next JJ job NN was VBD in IN the DT kitchen NN . SENT She PP headed VVD back RB to TO it PP and CC looked VVD at IN the DT dishes NNS that WDT were VBD strewn VVN haphazardly RB over IN the DT counter NN . SENT She PP couldn NN t NN figure NN out IN how WRB her PP$ husband NN and CC two CD children NNS had VHD managed VVN to TO create VV such PDT a DT mess NN and CC then RB remembered VVN that IN both DT kids NNS had VHD invited VVN dinner NN guests NNS . SENT She PP cringed VVD when WRB she PP thought VVD of IN the DT probable JJ reactions NNS of IN the DT visitors NNS parents NNS when WRB they PP saw VVD the DT filthy JJ kitchen NN and CC discovered VVN that IN Marie NP was VBD off RB gallivanting VVG with IN her PP$ friends NNS . SENT She PP was VBD sure JJ that IN Alan NP had VHD taken VVN the DT opportunity NN to TO inform VV these DT people NNS that IN Marie NP was VBD a DT neglectful JJ wife NN and CC mother NN . SENT She PP was VBD too RB proud JJ and CC ashamed JJ to TO tell VV them PP anything NN different JJ . SENT Sarah NP had VHD just RB thrown VVN her PP$ soaked VVN sweater NN over IN the DT back NN of IN a DT chair NN when WRB the DT phone NN rang VVD . SENT She PP considered VVD letting VVG her PP$ own JJ answering NN machine NN pick VV it PP up RP . SENT She PP didn NN t NN particularly RB want VVP to TO talk VV to TO anyone NN . SENT she PP was VBD far RB more RBR inclined JJ to TO take VV a DT hot JJ bath NN . SENT She PP sighed VVD and CC reached VVD for IN the DT phone NN only RB to TO withdraw VV her PP$ hand NN and CC walk VV in IN the DT direction NN of IN the DT bathroom NN . SENT The DT hot JJ bath NN was VBD much RB more RBR alluring JJ than IN a DT phone NN conversation NN . SENT She PP did VVD not RB turn VV when WRB the DT message NN in IN which WDT she PP informed VVD callers NNS of IN her PP$ absence NN played VVD and CC only RB checked VVD her PP$ progress NN when WRB a DT voice NN she PP had VHD recently RB heard VVN met VVD her PP$ ear NN . SENT Hi NP , , Sarah NP , , it PP s PP Dan NP . SENT Do VV you PP want VVP to TO go VV bowling NN at IN Lincoln NP Lanes NP tomorrow NN night NN . SENT I PP haven NN t NN been VBN there RB in IN years NNS I PP wonder VVP if IN it PP s PP changed VVN . SENT Call VV me PP back RB and CC let VV me PP know VV what WP you PP think VVP . SENT Sarah NP grinned VVD and CC started VVD walking VVG to TO her PP soon RB to TO be VB steaming VVG destination NN . SENT She NN d SYM call NN him PP back RB after IN a DT good JJ , , long RB soak VV . SENT Jen NP didn NP t NN have VHP a DT full JJ tub NN to TO go VV home RB to TO . SENT Nor CC did VVD she PP have VHP a DT husband NN and CC children NNS . SENT What WP she PP did VVD have VH was VBD trig JJ homework NN and CC a DT term NN paper NN that WDT was VBD due JJ in IN less JJR than IN a DT week NN . SENT She PP drove VVD through IN the DT relentless JJ downpour NN and CC wished VVD that IN the DT weekend NN hadn NN t NN been VBN so RB short JJ . SENT Still RB , , only RB three CD more JJR months NNS and CC she PP was VBD out RP of IN high JJ school NN . SENT She PP had VHD mailed VVN completed VVN applications NNS to TO several JJ colleges NNS but CC did VVD not RB await VV responses NNS with IN any DT great JJ anticipation NN . SENT She NN d SYM probably RB get VVP into IN at IN least JJS a DT few JJ of IN those DT she PP had VHD applied VVN to TO her PP$ S NP . SENT A DT . SENT T NN scores NNS weren NN t NN fabulous JJ but CC they PP were VBD well RB above IN average NN and CC she PP d NN managed VVN to TO pull VV mostly RB A DT s PP and CC B NP s PP throughout IN her PP$ high JJ school NN career NN . SENT Some DT of IN the DT other JJ kids NNS in IN her PP$ class NN were VBD just RB about RB foaming VVG at IN the DT mouths NNS about IN college NN acceptance NN and CC had VHD been VBN for IN the DT past JJ three CD and CC a DT half NN years NNS . SENT It PP was VBD like IN they PP had VHD spent VVN their PP$ entire JJ young JJ lives NNS doing VVG stuff NN in IN the DT hopes NNS of IN getting VVG into IN the DT right JJ school NN . SENT Mom NN said VVD that IN it PP didn NN t NN really RB matter NN in IN the DT long JJ run NN besides IN , , there EX was VBD no DT way NN they PP could MD afford VV the DT prestigious JJ colleges NNS that IN people NNS were VBD so RB anxious JJ to TO get VV into IN . SENT She PP and CC her PP$ mother NN had VHD never RB had VHN an DT excess NN of IN funds NNS . SENT John NP Gillespie NP had VHD left VVN his PP$ family NN high JJ and CC dry JJ while IN he PP flew VVD all RB over IN the DT country NN for IN his PP$ glamorous JJ travel NN journal NN work NN , , always RB telling VVG them PP he PP didn NN t NN make VVP enough JJ money NN to TO spend VV it PP on IN unnecessary JJ things NNS . SENT All PDT the DT fancy JJ purchase NN he PP made VVD were VBD investments NNS and CC contributed VVD to TO career NN success NN . SENT When WRB he PP died VVD in IN a DT plane NN crash NN eight CD years NNS ago RB , , leaving VVG not RB only RB a DT wife NN and CC daughter NN but CC also RB at IN least JJS two CD girlfriends NNS , , it PP was VBD neither DT Jen NP nor CC her PP$ mom NN who WP were VBD the DT recipients NNS of IN all DT of IN his PP$ luxury NN possessions NNS , , which WDT had VHD mysteriously RB disappeared VVN . SENT They PP figured VVD his PP$ shiny JJ bright JJ friends NNS had VHD them PP , , but CC were VBD not RB interested JJ in IN following VVG up RP . SENT All DT Jen NP remembered VVD about IN her PP$ father NN was VBD that IN he PP wore VVD expensive JJ clothes NNS , , he PP was VBD extremely RB handsome JJ in IN the DT Gillespie NP tradition NN , , he PP was VBD always RB leaving VVG , , and CC he PP had VHD never RB been VBN around RB for IN her PP$ birthday NN . SENT Too RB bad JJ he PP hadn NN t NN been VBN more JJR like IN the DT rest NN of IN his PP$ gracious JJ and CC loving JJ family NN . SENT Maybe RB they PP didn NN t NN have VHP real JJ feelings NNS for IN John NP s PP daughter NN but CC at IN least JJS they PP did VVD what WP was VBD right RB and CC paid VVD some DT attention NN to TO her PP . SENT Jen NP had VHD never RB been VBN bowling VVG . SENT She PP had VHD never RB had VHN a DT group NN of IN friends NNS with IN which WDT to TO go VV . SENT Her PP$ best JJS friend NN was VBD her PP$ mother NN and CC though IN she PP did VVD not RB receive VV undeserved JJ criticism NN from IN her PP$ schoolmates NNS , , she PP didn NNS t NN receive VVP invitations NNS to TO social JJ events NNS either RB . SENT Maybe RB she PP and CC Mom NP could MD go VV bowling VVG sometime RB before IN the DT party NN . SENT She PP would MD be VB awfully RB embarrassed JJ if IN she PP were VBD the DT only JJ one NN there EX who WP didn NN t NN know VVP how WRB to TO play VV the DT game NN . SENT Jen NP pulled VVD into IN the DT driveway NN of IN an DT elegant JJ home NN in IN the DT desirable JJ neighborhood NN of IN Hope NP Crest NP . SENT Her PP$ father NN had VHD been VBN very RB concerned VVN with IN appearances NNS . SENT An DT impressive JJ house NN was VBD a DT requirement NN for IN the DT image NN he PP wanted VVD to TO present VV . SENT The DT settlement NN from IN the DT airline NN had VHD paid VVN off RP the DT mortgage NN for IN this DT grand JJ old JJ elephant NN after IN he PP had VHD died VVN . SENT It PP was VBD way RB too RB big JJ for IN two CD people NNS and CC not RB only RB that IN , , the DT money NN needed VVD to TO pay VV taxes NNS and CC keep VV the DT house NN in IN decent JJ condition NN was VBD an DT amount NN that WDT was VBD draining VVG off RP the DT remaining JJ settlement NN money NN at IN an DT alarming JJ rate NN . SENT Sandra NP Gillespie NP , , usually RB sharp JJ and CC efficient JJ in IN matters NNS of IN finance NN , , had VHD let VVN this DT , , the DT largest JJS of IN fund NN depleting VVG expenses NNS , , go VV . SENT Although IN she PP seldom RB spoke VVD well RB of IN her PP$ husband NN , , Jen NP theorized VVD that IN her PP$ mother NN had VHD really RB loved VVN John NP in IN spite NN of IN his PP$ infidelities NNS and CC kept VVD the DT house NN as IN a DT reminder NN of IN him PP . SENT He PP had VHD certainly RB been VBN an DT attractive JJ man NN , , and CC if IN he PP had VHD girlfriends NNS spread VVN around IN the DT country NN , , he PP was VBD probably RB pretty RB charming JJ , , too RB . SENT Well RB , , as IN poor JJ a DT husband NN and CC father NN as IN he PP might MD have VH been VBN , , he PP was VBD generous JJ enough RB to TO pay VV for IN a DT fancy JJ house NN and CC his PP$ daughter NN s PP college NN tuition NN with IN his PP$ life NN . SENT Too RB bad JJ the DT generosity NN wasn NN t NN accompanied VVN by IN forethought NN . SENT settlements NNS had VHD a DT limit NN . SENT Jen NP resolved VVD to TO talk VV to TO her PP$ mother NN about IN the DT many JJ costs NNS of IN home NN ownership NN as RB soon RB as IN she PP walked VVD into IN the DT foyer NN . SENT She PP unlocked VVD the DT pretentious JJ black JJ door NN and CC opened VVD it PP . SENT The DT warm JJ air NN of IN the DT entrance NN hall NN greeted VVD her PP like IN a DT loving JJ relative NN . SENT She PP paused VVD for IN a DT moment NN to TO savor VV it PP , , and CC then RB called VVN out IN Mom NP . SENT . SENT . SENT There EX was VBD an DT audible JJ disturbance NN in IN the DT upstairs JJ hallway NN and CC Jen NP was VBD aware JJ of IN a DT tiny JJ dog NN rocketing VVG down RP the DT curving VVG staircase NN , , yipping VVG feverishly RB as RB if IN Jen NP was VBD the DT person NN for IN whom WP he PP had VHD waited VVN all PDT his PP$ life NN . SENT He PP threw VVD himself PP against IN her PP$ calves NNS , , all DT loose JJ black JJ waves NNS and CC wet JJ pink JJ tongue NN . SENT She PP scooped VVD him PP up RP with IN one CD hand NN and CC held VVD him PP to TO her PP$ face NN . SENT He PP cried VVD and CC licked VVD and CC nipped VVD this DT was VBD too RB much JJ joy NN to TO bear VV . SENT Jen NP looked VVD up RP to TO see VV a DT woman NN following VVG the DT Shih NP Tzu's NP trail NN , , but CC with IN less JJR speed NN and CC more JJR reserve NN . SENT She PP looked VVD questioningly RB at IN her PP$ daughter NN . SENT Jen NP took VVD in IN the DT emaciated VVN form NN and CC graying VVG hair NN of IN her PP$ mother NN . SENT She PP saw VVD the DT tired JJ eyes NNS and CC the DT weak JJ smile NN . SENT She PP almost RB gave VVD up RP on IN the DT idea NN of IN suggesting VVG that IN they PP sell VVP the DT house NN , , but CC then RB called VVD forth RB the DT resolve NN to TO ask VV . SENT Mom NN , , doesn NN t NN the DT upkeep NN of IN this DT big JJ old JJ house NN cost NN way NN more RBR than IN you PP make VVP . SENT Why WRB don VV t NN we PP put VVP it PP on IN the DT market NN I PP could MD go VV to TO a DT good JJ college NN and CC you PP could MD find VV a DT job NN that IN you PP like VVP , , even RB if IN it PP does VVZ pay VV a DT little RB less JJR . SENT What WP do VVP you PP say VVP . SENT Sandra NP sighed VVD and CC then RB smiled VVD . SENT Oh UH , , Jen NP , , you PP know VVP Poodle NP is VBZ used VVN to TO this DT house NN . SENT He PP s PP only RB got VVD a DT few JJ more JJR years NNS left VVD why WRB don VV t NN we PP let VVP him PP live VVP them PP out RP in IN a DT place NN he PP loves VVZ . SENT Jen NP looked VVD at IN Poodle NP lying VVG in IN her PP$ arms NNS and CC knew VVD that IN this DT was VBD just RB another DT excuse NN not RB to TO sell VV the DT money NN sucking VVG monstrosity NN she PP called VVD home NN . SENT Why WRB did VVD Mom NP hang VV on IN to TO this DT place NN . SENT No DT matter NN how WRB fabulous JJ Dad NP was VBD at IN whatever WDT she PP loved VVD him PP for IN , , holding VVG on IN to TO the DT house NN wasn NN t NN going VVG to TO make VV him PP come VV back RB . SENT If IN he PP did VVD return NN from IN the DT dead JJ , , all RB he PP had VHD to TO do VV was VBD to TO look VV Sandra NP up RP in IN the DT phone NN book NN if IN she PP moved VVD , , anyway RB . SENT Not RB wishing VVG to TO start VV a DT fight NN with IN her PP$ obviously RB worn VVN out IN mother NN , , Jen NP did VVD not RB pursue VV the DT idea NN of IN unloading VVG the DT house NN any DT more RBR . SENT Oh UH well UH . SENT She PP knew VVD that IN the DT only JJ reason NN the DT kids NNS at IN school NN left VVD her PP alone RB was VBD that IN they PP thought VVD she PP was VBD rich JJ , , living VVG in IN the DT most RBS exclusive JJ neighborhood NN in IN Onterago NP . SENT Might MD as RB well RB keep VV it PP that IN way NN for IN a DT few JJ more JJR months NNS . SENT Jen NP put VVD the DT dog NN on IN the DT floor NN and CC headed VVN for IN the DT kitchen NN . SENT She PP knew VVD there EX was VBD a DT bag NN of IN Oreos NP in IN the DT cupboard NN above IN the DT sink NN and CC she PP had VHD only RB eaten VVN one CD row NN so RB far RB . SENT She PP was VBD incredibly RB hungry JJ . SENT The DT months NNS came VVD and CC went VVD . SENT Jen NP chose VVD to TO attend VV a DT local JJ women NNS s PP school NN , , Sarah NP spent VVD some DT time NN hiking VVG , , bowling NN and CC sailing NN with IN Dan NP and CC Karen NP taught VVD summer NN courses NNS at IN a DT community NN college NN down IN the DT street NN from IN her PP$ apartment NN building NN . SENT Everyone NN in IN the DT wedding NN party NN went VVD about IN their PP$ daily JJ lives NNS . SENT The DT men NNS and CC women NNS did VVD not RB communicate VV with IN each DT other JJ except IN for IN Sarah NP and CC Dan NP . SENT Karen NP did VVD not RB hear VV a DT word NN from IN Dave NP and CC thought VVD of IN him PP very RB little JJ . SENT She PP and CC Marie NP had VHD tentatively RB agreed VVN to TO respect VV each DT other JJ s NN differences NNS . SENT July NP came VVD around RP with IN its PP$ explosions NNS of IN fireworks NNS and CC days NNS spent VVD lounging VVG around IN swimming NN pools NNS . SENT Jen NP had VHD to TO have VH her PP$ skirt NN altered VVD once RB more RBR she PP had VHD decided VVN to TO lose VV some DT weight NN before IN school NN was VBD to TO begin VV in IN the DT fall NN and CC unlike IN most JJS people NNS had VHD stuck VVN with IN her PP$ plan NN . SENT She PP was VBD no DT longer RBR ashamed JJ to TO lie VV beside IN the DT pool NN herself PP . SENT Sometimes RB Dani NP would MD invite VV her PP to TO the DT one NN in IN her PP$ apartment NN complex NN . SENT Jen NP was VBD no DT longer RB sure JJ her PP$ cousin NN wanted VVD her PP to TO look VV bad JJ for IN the DT wedding NN she PP respected VVD Jen NP s PP weight NN loss NN plan NN and CC never RB offered VVD her PP$ junk NN food NN . SENT The DT drinks NNS she PP provided VVD were VBD all DT diet NN sodas NNS and CC the DT like IN . SENT Before IN the DT wedding NN party NN members NNS knew VVD it PP , , August NP was VBD upon IN them PP . SENT The DT weather NN was VBD heavier JJR than IN that DT of IN the DT previous JJ month NN , , if IN not RB as RB hot JJ , , and CC all DT involved VVN looked VVD to TO the DT upcoming JJ nuptials NN with IN both DT positive JJ and CC negative JJ thoughts NNS . SENT And CC then RB it PP was VBD the DT Wednesday NP of IN the DT bowling NN bash NN . SENT The DT attendants NNS arrived VVN at IN the DT bowling NN alley NN a DT half NN hour NN early JJ to TO wrap VV ribbons NNS around IN the DT lamps NNS on IN the DT scoring VVG tables NNS and CC set VV up RP the DT restaurant NN area NN to TO accommodate VV a DT wedding NN party NN . SENT Soon RB after RB , , Mr NP . SENT and CC Mrs NN . SENT Gillespie NP arrived VVD , , and CC after IN that WDT came VVD the DT Amorys NP and CC several JJ of IN Joe NP and CC Dani NP s PP friends NNS . SENT Karen NP arrived VVD late RB because IN a DT faculty NN meeting NN that WDT ran VVD overtime RB . SENT She PP noticed VVD that IN Dave NP Winter NP s PP Lexus NP was VBD parked VVN a DT few JJ spots NNS away RB from IN all DT of IN the DT other JJ cars NNS and CC she PP pulled VVD up RP beside IN it PP just RB for IN spite NN . SENT As RB if IN any DT of IN these DT people NNS would MD ding VV Dave NP s PP precious JJ car NN . SENT What WP a DT jerk NN . SENT She PP smiled VVD in IN satisfaction NN as IN she PP glimpsed VVD the DT catering NN van NN from IN La NP Cucina NP pulling VVG into IN the DT street NN . SENT At IN least JJS the DT food NN was VBD here RB . SENT Karen NP jogged VVD to TO the DT door NN of IN Lincoln NP Lanes NP . SENT She PP had VHD sprayed VVN Lysol NN on IN her PP$ socks NNS before IN leaving VVG home NN and CC would MD do VV so RB again RB when WRB she PP got VVD back RB . SENT She PP wasn NN t NN going VVG to TO buy VV a DT pair NN of IN bowling VVG shoes NNS to TO wear VV only RB once RB , , but CC she PP would MD do VV her PP$ best JJS to TO see VV that IN whatever WDT lived VVD in IN the DT rental JJ shoes NNS did VVD not RB reach VV her PP$ feet NNS . SENT She PP opened VVD the DT big JJ red JJ door NN and CC out RB poured VVD the DT light NN and CC laughter NN of IN the DT party NN guests NNS . SENT They PP had VHD rented VVN the DT entire JJ bowling NN alley NN and CC it PP was VBD closed VVN to TO leagues NNS and CC other JJ bowlers NNS tonight RB . SENT She PP saw VVD the DT other JJ bridesmaids NNS removing VVG dozens NNS of IN large JJ pans NNS from IN two CD very RB tall JJ carts NNS and CC hurried JJ towards IN them PP . SENT I PP m NN so RB sorry JJ . SENT I PP was VBD at IN a DT meeting NN I NN couldn NN t NN get VV out RP of IN . SENT Sarah NP and CC Jen NP smiled VVD at IN her PP to TO indicate VV their PP$ forgiveness NN and CC Marie NP even RB managed VVD to TO curl VV her PP$ lips NNS into IN something NN that WDT resembled VVD an DT affable JJ expression NN . SENT Karen NP began VVD setting VVG up RP extra JJ tables NNS and CC loading VVG them PP with IN the DT heated JJ platters NNS that IN Sarah NP handed VVD her PP . SENT Joe NP and CC Dani NP chose VVD that DT moment NN to TO walk VV in IN the DT front JJ door NN and CC a DT loud JJ cheer NN went VVD up RP from IN the DT assembled VVN group NN . SENT Joe NP looked VVD smug JJ and CC Dani NP lowered VVD her PP$ eyes NNS and CC grinned VVD bashfully RB . SENT God NP , , she PP must MD be VB so RB ready JJ for IN this DT wedding NN to TO be VB over RB , , thought VVD Jen NP . SENT I PP bet VVP they PP re IN going VVG to TO sleep VV through IN their PP$ honeymoon NN . SENT As RB if IN in IN agreement NN with IN her PP , , Joe NP put VVD an DT arm NN around IN his PP$ fianc NN e NN and CC gave VVD her PP a DT quick JJ , , supportive JJ squeeze NN . SENT They PP both CC saw VVD the DT food NN displayed VVN at IN the DT same JJ moment NN and CC rushed VVD it PP as IN if IN they PP hadn NN t NN eaten VVN all DT day NN . SENT Dani NP handed VVD Joe NP a DT plate NN and CC then RB grabbed VVD one PP for IN herself PP . SENT He PP collected VVD silverware NN for IN the DT pair NN at IN the DT same JJ time NN . SENT People NNS sat VVD at IN the DT many JJ dining NN tables NNS erected VVN for IN this DT occasion NN , , talking VVG , , laughing VVG and CC eating VVG forkfuls NNS of IN delicious JJ steaming VVG comfort NN food NN . SENT For IN a DT while IN the DT bowling NN alley NN was VBD filled VVN with IN the DT sounds NNS of IN talk NN , , laughter NN and CC clinking VVG utensils NNS . SENT The DT rumble NN of IN bowling NN balls NNS soon RB joined VVD these DT happy JJ noises NNS as IN they PP made VVD their PP$ way NN down RP lanes NNS . SENT The DT triumphant JJ crash NN of IN falling VVG pins NNS soon RB followed VVN . SENT The DT attendants NNS formed VVD one CD team NN while IN guests NNS formed VVD several JJ others NNS . SENT Karen NP marveled VVD at IN the DT collective JJ happiness NN . SENT She PP ducked VVD into IN the DT restroom NN to TO wash VV tomato NN sauce NN off IN of IN her PP$ hands NNS and CC glanced VVD in IN the DT mirror NN as IN she PP left VVD . SENT She PP thought VVD about IN dying VVG her PP$ hair NN back RB to TO its PP$ natural JJ brown JJ before IN school NN began VVD . SENT The DT scene NN that WDT met VVD her PP gaze VVP back RB in IN the DT lane NN area NN was VBD similar JJ to TO that DT which WDT she PP had VHD left VVN . SENT A DT brief JJ surveillance NN showed VVD several JJ groups NNS of IN people NNS laughing VVG and CC throwing VVG balls NNS at IN groups NNS of IN pins NNS . SENT A DT closer JJR look NN was VBD not RB quite RB so RB innocent JJ . SENT Although IN her PP$ years NNS as IN a DT teacher NN and CC counselor NN were VBD few JJ , , she PP had VHD learned VVN from IN her PP$ work NN experience NN and CC her PP$ psychology NN and CC education NN classes NNS that IN observing VVG people NNS a DT little RB more RBR closely RB than IN usual JJ could MD head VV off RP disaster NN as IN well RB as RB keep VV one PP up RP to TO date VV with IN the DT mood NN of IN the DT moment NN . SENT Although IN the DT general JJ attitude NN was VBD one CD of IN contentment NN , , there EX were VBD a DT few JJ things NNS that WDT seemed VVD a DT bit NN troublesome JJ . SENT For IN one CD thing NN , , Dave NP and CC Marie NP were VBD exchanging VVG too RB many JJ glances NNS for IN people NNS who WP hardly RB knew VVD each DT other JJ . SENT Jen NP was VBD nowhere RB to TO be VB seen VVN . SENT Karen NP walked VVD down RP the DT two CD steps NNS to TO the DT lane NN s PP seating VVG area NN . SENT Hello UH , , everyone NN . SENT Where WRB s PP Jen NP . SENT No DT one NN knew VVD where WRB Jen NP had VHD gone VVN . SENT Karen NP thought VVD that IN her PP$ mother NN might MD know VV but CC in IN her PP scan VV of IN the DT alley NN she PP could MD not RB locate VV Sandra NP , , either RB . SENT She PP thought VVD that IN the DT two CD were VBD perhaps RB talking VVG to TO each DT other JJ somewhere RB . SENT Maybe RB Jen NP had VHD gone VVN into IN the DT ladies NNS room NN after IN Karen NP had VHD walked VVD out RP . SENT Well RB , , she PP said VVD , , brushing VVG her PP$ red JJ hair NN away RB from IN her PP$ face NN , , let VV s PP play VV another DT round NN until IN she PP comes VVZ back RB . SENT Everyone NN agreed VVD that IN another DT round NN was VBD in IN order NN and CC decided VVD that IN the DT group NN would MD take VV alphabetical JJ turns NNS bowling NN . SENT Joe NP grinned VVD at IN Dave NP and CC told VVD him PP he PP could MD just RB wait VV his PP$ turn NN , , and CC then RB he PP picked VVD up RP a DT ball NN and CC hefted VVD it PP cockily RB to TO his PP$ shoulder NN . SENT He PP bowled VVD a DT perfect JJ strike NN . SENT The DT women NNS groaned VVN while IN the DT men NNS cheered VVD . SENT They PP would MD be VB very RB happy JJ to TO have VH a DT pro NN on IN their PP$ team NN . SENT Marie NP , , being VBG the DT second JJ wedding NN attendant NN in IN the DT alphabet NN , , picked VVD up RP her PP$ ten CD pound NN ball NN from IN the DT assembled VVN row NN . SENT She PP swung VVD the DT ball NN as IN she PP ran VVD a DT few JJ light JJ steps NNS , , then RB let VVD go VV just RB as IN her PP$ left JJ foot NN landed VVD for IN the DT second JJ time NN . SENT The DT grace NN of IN her PP$ movements NNS was VBD astounding VVG . SENT Karen NP had VHD never RB before RB likened VVN bowling NN to TO ballet NN , , but CC the DT smooth JJ adjustments NNS of IN Marie NP s PP body NN as IN she PP released VVD that DT ball NN were VBD a DT beautiful JJ thing NN to TO watch VV . SENT Karen NP turned VVD her PP$ head NN to TO look VV at IN Dave NP , , who WP was VBD sitting VVG in IN the DT row NN behind IN the DT scoring VVG table NN . SENT What WP she PP saw VVD amazed JJ her PP . SENT Dave NP was VBD watching VVG Marie NP with IN a DT tenderness NN of IN which WDT Karen NP had VHD not RB thought VVN him PP capable JJ . SENT She PP thought VVD about IN Marie NP s PP stable JJ marriage NN and CC her PP$ two CD children NNS and CC then RB about IN her PP$ newly RB relaxed VVN and CC friendly JJ attitude NN . SENT She PP waited VVD until IN Marie NP had VHD rolled VVN her PP$ second JJ turn NN eight CD pins NNS down RB and CC then RB casually RB motioned VVN to TO her PP . SENT Marie NP raised VVD her PP$ eyebrows NNS in IN inquiry NN and CC then RB walked VVD over IN to TO where WRB Karen NP was VBD seated VVN . SENT Why WRB don VV t NN you PP and CC I PP go VVP look NN for IN Jen NP . SENT It PP isn NN t NN like IN her PP to TO just RB leave VV like IN this DT . SENT Marie NP agreed VVD to TO this DT plan NN and CC Karen NP told VVD the DT group NN that IN she PP was VBD so RB good JJ she PP could MD skip VV her PP$ turn NN and CC still RB win VV for IN her PP$ team NN . SENT she PP and CC Marie NP were VBD going VVG to TO take VV a DT walk NN . SENT With IN that DT , , the DT two CD women NNS left VVD . SENT As IN they PP headed VVD out RP the DT front JJ door NN , , Karen NP informed VVD Marie NP that IN she PP wanted VVD to TO discuss VV something NN else RB , , also RB , , and CC she PP only RB wanted VVD to TO talk VV about IN it PP when WRB they PP were VBD far RB from IN prying VVG ears NNS . SENT Marie NP eyed VVD her PP curiously RB . SENT When WRB the DT women NNS reached VVD the DT side NN by IN side NN Nissan NP and CC Lexus NP , , Karen NP turned VVD to TO face VV her PP$ former JJ adversary NN . SENT She PP noticed VVD that IN Marie NP was VBD wearing VVG frosted JJ lipstick NN that WDT glistened VVD in IN the DT glow NN of IN the DT lamppost NN . SENT She PP took VVD in IN Marie NP s PP new JJ haircut NN and CC flattering VVG outfit NN , , too RB . SENT Karen NP didn NP t NN know VVP how WRB to TO ask VV this DT recent JJ enemy NN about IN her PP$ romantic JJ life NN without IN getting VVG personal JJ , , so RB she PP decided VVD to TO be VB direct JJ . SENT Marie NP , , are VBP you PP having VHG an DT affair NN with IN Dave NP Winter NPS . SENT Marie NP looked VVD at IN her PP in IN open JJ mouthed VVD shock NN . SENT She PP clamped VVD her PP$ mouth NN shut VVN in IN indignant JJ fury NN and CC them PP relaxed VVD . SENT She PP began VVD to TO laugh VV . SENT Is VBZ the DT difference NN that IN noticeable JJ . SENT She PP sighed VVD and CC shook VVD her PP$ head NN as IN her PP$ laughter NN trailed VVD off RP and CC she PP took VVD a DT breath NN to TO speak VV . SENT No RB , , Karen NP . SENT I PP m NN not RB having VHG an DT affair NN with IN anyone NN . SENT I PP told VVD Alan NP to TO get VV out RP of IN the DT house NN last JJ week NN . SENT I PP have VHP more JJR or CC less RBR left VVD him PP , , but CC not RB for IN another DT man NN . SENT I PP left VVD him PP for IN me PP . SENT When WRB I PP find VVP the DT Marie NP that WDT exists VVZ outside JJ of IN Alan NP s PP idea NN of IN a DT housewife NN , , I PP might MD consider VV seeing VVG someone NN else RB who WP respects VVZ me PP . SENT Never RB again RB Alan NP . SENT The DT two CD of IN us PP had VHD a DT marriage NN , , sure RB , , but CC we PP weren NN t NN together RB . SENT I PP ve VVZ recently RB realized VVN that IN those DT two CD things NNS are VBP supposed JJ be VB one CD , , but CC just RB because IN you PP have VHP one CD doesn NN t NN mean VVP you PP have VHP both DT . SENT And CC I PP refuse VVP to TO have VH m NN without IN t NN anymore RB . SENT Alan NP left VVD last JJ Tuesday NP and CC I NP haven NN t NN heard VVD from IN him PP since IN then RB . SENT I PP have VHP heard VVN from IN his PP$ lawyer NN though RB . SENT Alan NP is VBZ a DT coward NN . SENT He PP knows VVZ he PP can MD t NN convince VV anyone NN that IN I PP m NN a DT bad JJ mother NN so IN we PP won VVD t NN have VHP a DT nasty JJ divorce NN or CC a DT battle NN over IN child NN support NN . SENT He PP just RB wants VVZ to TO settle VV . SENT Irreconcilable JJ differences NNS . SENT HA NP . SENT Emily NP and CC Eric NP are VBP glad JJ he's NNS gone VVN . SENT So RB am VBP I PP . SENT I PP resumed VVD my PP$ career NN , , the DT kids NNS take VVP the DT bus NN to TO school NN , , we PP microwave NN a DT lot NN . SENT I PP m NN so RB happy JJ , , Karen NP . SENT Karen NP could MD see VV the DT tears NNS shining VVG in IN her PP$ eyes NNS . SENT I PP believed VVD Alan NP when WRB he PP told VVD me PP how WRB inferior JJ I PP was VBD . SENT I PP thought VVD I PP was VBD a DT failure NN as IN a DT wife NN , , when WRB actually RB he PP and CC I PP were VBD a DT failure NN as IN a DT couple NN . SENT I PP was VBD really RB unpleasant JJ to TO you PP and CC everyone NN else RB . SENT I PP m NN so RB sorry JJ . SENT I PP know VVP I PP can MD t NN make VV up RP for IN how WRB I PP ve RB been VBN treating VVG you PP , , but CC please VV accept VV the DT fact NN that IN I PP truly RB am VBP sorry JJ . SENT Karen NP was VBD familiar JJ with IN the DT clich NN about IN one CD s PP knees NNS getting VVG weak JJ at IN times NNS of IN great JJ surprise NN and CC had VHD always RB thought VVN it PP to TO be VB silly JJ , , but CC her PP$ knees NNS really RB did VVD feel VV like IN they PP d NN give VV way NN at IN any DT moment NN . SENT She PP couldn NN t NN breathe VV . SENT She PP wanted VVD to TO throw VV her PP$ arms NNS around IN Marie NP and CC whack VV her PP at IN the DT same JJ time NN . SENT She PP hadn NN t NN known VVN how WRB terrible JJ Marie NP s PP marriage NN was VBD . SENT She PP had VHD thought VVN that IN Marie NP was VBD satisfied VVN with IN her PP$ life NN and CC that IN the DT institutions NNS of IN marriage NN and CC motherhood NN were VBD what WP had VHD turned VVN her PP into IN a DT self NN righteous NN witch NN . SENT She PP was VBD glad JJ that IN Marie NP hadn NN t NN fallen VVN for IN a DT creep VV like IN Dave NP Winter NPS but CC on IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , if IN he PP had VHD fallen VVN so RB hard RB for IN her PP and CC it PP appeared VVD that IN he PP had VHD maybe RB he PP wasn NN t NN such PDT an DT ass NN after IN all DT . SENT She PP moaned VVD a DT long JJ oooooh NN and CC put VV her PP$ hands NNS over IN her PP$ face NN . SENT Marie NP looked VVD at IN her PP in IN alarm NN . SENT Forgive VV me PP , , Karen NP , , but CC I PP didn NN t NN expect VVP you PP to TO disapprove VV . SENT Karen NP looked VVD at IN Marie NP through IN spread NN fingers NNS . SENT She PP suddenly RB began VVD to TO laugh VV shrilly RB and CC couldn NN t NN stop NN . SENT She PP gasped VVD for IN air NN and CC between IN explosions NNS of IN giggles NNS managed VVN to TO speak VV . SENT No RB , , Marie NP , , I PP don VV t NN disapprove VV . SENT If IN Alan NP is VBZ as RB horrible JJ as IN you PP say VVP , , then RB I NN m NN glad JJ you PP got VVD out RP of IN a DT bad JJ marriage NN before IN you PP and CC your PP$ children NNS were VBD sucked VVN dry JJ of IN any DT positive JJ thought NN . SENT It PP s PP just RB that IN I PP ve VVZ already RB learned VVN something NN I PP really RB didn NN t NN expect VVP to TO this DT evening NN and CC the DT surprises NNS are VBP mounting VVG . SENT I PP can MD only RB wonder VV . SENT what WP s PP next JJ . SENT She PP gave VVD one CD last JJ giggle NN and CC then RB looked VVD at IN Marie NP proudly RB and CC fondly RB . SENT Unfortunately RB , , her PP$ question NN was VBD soon RB answered VVN . SENT The DT women NNS heard VVD low JJ soft JJ sobs NNS emanating VVG from IN somewhere RB nearby JJ . SENT They PP soon RB recognized VVD Sandra NP and CC Jen NP s PP voices VVZ . SENT one CD uncertain JJ and CC the DT other JJ soothing JJ . SENT They PP walked VVD back RB to TO the DT door NN of IN the DT bowling NN alley NN . SENT Karen NP wondered VVD how WRB they PP could MD go VV back RB to TO the DT party NN and CC behave VV like IN everything NN was VBD normal JJ , , but CC she PP knew VVD that IN s PP what WP they PP must MD do VV . SENT And CC they PP did VVD . SENT They PP laughed VVD and CC hurled VVN balls NNS down IN the DT lane NN they PP told VVD the DT others NNS that IN Sandra NP had VHD eaten VVN too RB much RB rich JJ food NN and CC had VHD to TO go VV home NN to TO lie VV down RP . SENT The DT party NN was VBD , , all RB in IN all DT , , a DT success NN . SENT Everyone NN walked VVD out RP in IN a DT jovial JJ mood NN at IN the DT end NN of IN the DT evening NN . SENT Dave NP had VHD to TO leave VV without IN cleaning VVG up RP as IN his PP$ on RB call JJ beeper NN went VVD off RP and CC he PP had VHD to TO hurry VV to TO the DT hospital NN where WRB he PP worked VVD . SENT The DT remaining JJ attendants NNS stuffed VVD wrapping VVG paper NN into IN big JJ trashcans NNS and CC loaded JJ silverware NN and CC plates NNS onto IN the DT carts NNS the DT caterers NNS would MD pick VV up RP within IN the DT hour NN . SENT The DT group NN left VVD when WRB a DT careful JJ survey NN of IN the DT alley NN revealed VVD that DT nothing NN was VBD out RB of IN place NN . SENT It PP had VHD been VBN a DT very RB clean JJ party NN perhaps RB because IN of IN the DT wedding NN formality NN that WDT had VHD overhung VVN the DT event NN no DT matter NN its PP$ casual JJ nature NN . SENT Karen NP bid NN Sarah NP , , the DT last JJ departing VVG bridesmaid NN , , goodbye NN as IN the DT door NN closed VVD behind IN her PP and CC the DT ever RB attentive JJ Dan NP . SENT The DT bowling NN alley NN was VBD empty JJ now RB . SENT She PP relished VVD the DT silence NN and CC peace NN that WDT were VBD not RB usual JJ features NNS of IN her PP$ life NN . SENT She PP sat VVD down RB and CC took VVD off RP the DT offensive JJ rental JJ shoes NNS . SENT She PP was VBD putting VVG on IN her PP$ own JJ moccasins NNS when WRB Jen NP sat VVD beside IN her PP . SENT She PP started VVD . SENT When WRB had VHD the DT girl NN come VVN in IN . SENT Why WRB was VBD she PP always RB so RB quiet JJ . SENT Jen NP s PP gaze VVP was VBD serious JJ as IN she PP contemplated VVD the DT older JJR woman NN . SENT Mom NN was VBD overwhelmed VVN by IN the DT happiness NN here RB tonight RB . SENT She PP really RB misses VVZ my PP$ father NN , , even RB after IN all PDT these DT years NNS . SENT Karen NP didn NP t NN know VVP what WP to TO say VV . SENT She PP opened VVD her PP$ mouth NN , , hoping VVG that IN words NNS of IN comfort NN would MD magically RB flow VV out RP . SENT Jen NP interrupted VVN her PP before IN she PP could MD say VV something NN stupid JJ . SENT Mom NN talked VVD to TO me PP honestly RB for IN the DT first JJ time NN . SENT She PP finally RB agreed VVD to TO put VV our PP$ house NN on IN the DT market NN . SENT She PP and CC I PP are VBP going VVG to TO get VV an DT apartment NN close NN to TO my PP$ college NN s NN campus NN . SENT We PP should MD have VH enough JJ money NN so IN that WDT I PP can MD get VV a DT new JJ car NN and CC she PP can MD get VV herself PP together RB for IN a DT while NN until IN she PP finds VVZ a DT job NN she PP likes VVZ . SENT Maybe RB I PP ll VVZ even RB transfer VV to TO a DT big JJ name NN school NN later RBR on IN , , when WRB she PP gets VVZ tired JJ of IN me PP . SENT Jen NP smiled VVD . SENT Karen NP looked VVD at IN her PP in IN wonder NN . SENT She PP seemed VVD so RB much RB older JJR than IN her PP$ eighteen CD years NNS . SENT Why WRB had VHD she PP never RB known VVN before IN that DT Jen NP was VBD more JJR than IN a DT sulky JJ , , awkward JJ teenager NN . SENT Jen NP smiled VVD at IN her PP$ speechless JJ companion NN , , patted VVD her PP on IN the DT arm NN and CC rose VVD . SENT I PP ve RB got VVD to TO go VV . SENT Mom NP s PP waiting VVG in IN the DT car NN . SENT Karen NP nodded VVD dumbly RB and CC asked VVD Jen NP to TO tell VV her PP$ mother NN goodbye NN and CC thank VV you PP for IN coming VVG . SENT Jen NP walked VVD to TO the DT big JJ red JJ doors NNS , , swung VVD them PP open RP and CC disappeared VVD into IN the DT dark JJ parking NN lot NN . SENT Karen NP stood VVD and CC walked VVD slowly RB to TO the DT ladies NNS room NN . SENT She PP opened VVD the DT door NN , , turned VVN on IN the DT overhead JJ light NN and CC looked VVD at IN herself PP in IN the DT large JJ mirror NN . SENT She PP saw VVD a DT woman NN in IN her PP$ early JJ thirties NNS with IN a DT shapely JJ figure NN and CC attractive JJ face NN . SENT Her PP$ hair NN was VBD disheveled VVN , , but CC as RB bright JJ an DT auburn NN as IN ever RB . SENT She PP smiled VVD at IN a DT content JJ reflection NN . SENT Maybe RB she PP would MD change VV the DT color NN , , after IN all DT , , but CC there EX was VBD no DT need NN to TO go VV back RB to TO brown JJ . SENT Story NN by IN Tracey NP Landmann NP of IN Wilmington NP , , Delaware NP . SENT 2002 CD Tracey NP Landmann NP All NP rights NNS reserved VVD . SENT Contact NP Tracey NP Landmann NP current JJ issue NN back RB issues VVZ submissions NNS contact VV links NNS from IN the DT editors NNS trace VV wilmingtonblues NNS . SENT com NN