Day had finally come, and the afternoon seemed to arrive faster than Erin hoped for. She knew there was a party her sisters were going to; but she had more important things to get done besides worrying. She knew that by the time she got back from running errands, both girls would be gone.



Erin backed out of the driveway cautiously, as she was prone to. She knew that she wouldn't be able to play a mother role to her two sisters much longer. She also knew that Miriam's choice of friends left at least a few things to be desired.

Candi seemed to be all right, by comparison. Still...she was the Gifted One! Erin sensed that whether the girls were wise or foolish with their lives, it wouldn't make a difference.

They would both spend their lives in constant danger, where each mistake could be their last. As Erin drove off, she thought through prayers for each of them. She was convinced they'd both need as many as they could get...



Candi was also nervous. She feared there might be illegal activity at the party. At the same time, she wanted to change her look even further. She didn't want the Meethlites to be able to find her easily. Nevertheless, she didn't feel her appearance had changed sufficiently to convince them to ignore her.



She had to think of the near-future. She'd be seeing Donte again soon...for what could easily be the last time! She didn't really care what the party crowd thought, only be going to it for her sister's sake. She was very introverted and reflective at heart, having no use for Miriam's parties.

Hers was a paradox: making herself still recognizable to Donte, but without being too obvious to the Meethlites pursuing her.



She did, however, have to chuckle upon noticing Miriam in her full party gear, walking into the bathroom.

Candi: "Well now, look who's trying too hard to be sexy!"

Miri: "Yeah, I know, it's wild! But the party's gonna be wild! I'll have no problem blending in! Though...I can't say the same about your garb."



Candi: "Miri, you do realize that if Erin knew you were dressing like that..."

Miriam: "Aw, lighten up! It's just one night! Besides..."

Candi: "You're a bit too outgoing for your own good! I'm afraid for you, Miri. One little thing could change that!"

Miriam: "Like what? World War III? Maybe. I know...she thinks I'm gonna get drunk and pregnant and all that jazz!"

Candi: "Or worse...knowing what goes through the minds of some of those guys!"

Miriam: "I'll be safe! I've got my ladies to protect me!"

Candi: "And if Meethlites show up?"



Miriam: "Well, okay, I'll admit...the news rumors of increased Meethlite activity are a bit frightening! But you'll be there, won't you?"

Candi: "After I've exercised and said goodbye to Donte."



Candi: "After I've exercised and said goodbye to Donte."



Miriam: "Hey...good point! By the time you arrive wearing that, nobody's gonna care! Sheesh, I just hope they don't smuggle liquor into the party!

Some of those dimwits will try anything just to see which laws they can break! Oh well, if they do, I won't drink it! Besides, they'll be too drunk to care what you're wearing!"

Candi: "I...kind of appreciate the gesture. I do wish you could be more certain who's chaperoning this event!"

Miriam: "Chaperones??? Candi! We're both going on 20! In a little over a year, we can each drink! I know you've pretty much sworn off alcohol, but for cad sakes! Live a little!"



Candi: "Me? Live a little??? I fight criminals...by using creepy tentacles from my extremities! How much more 'living it up' do I have to be?"

Miriam: "Okay, you got me on that one! Still...I know what you're thinking! You want a better disguise!"



Candi knew Miriam was right.

Candi: "You read my mind! But...I don't know what to do!"

Miriam: "Relax! You can always live and work under a fake name! How about...Candi...Farmington?"



Candi: "Farmington??? Too far-fetched!"

Miriam: "Well, we already know that the last name of Flippo isn't safe! Smith?"

Candi: "Too predictable."

Miriam: "Williams?"

Candi: "Er...no."

Miriam: "McArthur?"

Candi: "Oh...quit teasing! Yes, I want to marry Donte! But I'm not desperate enough to steal his last name!"

Miriam: "Fair enough...Stevens?"



Candi finally found a suggested rolling off of Miriam's lips that was worth consideration. Stevens? That would make the perfect false name for her! Would Donte would approve?

On the other hand, he didn't have to know either...but it'd be something she'd do apart from him. She didn't want him hurt. Then again, what if he didn't survive his journey?

Candi: "Fine. We'll go with the last one."



Candi: "So...how are you planning on doing this?"

Miriam: "Me? I won't likely be wearing this garb! I'm gonna go underground for a while...maybe a long while! This is my last to be Miss Party Girl, and I'm gonna make the most of it! The world will know me as...Sniperbadger. But as Miriam, I'll be a nobody!"

Candi: "I see you have no problem changing who you are. But I don't know how! How do I hide myself?"



Candi didn't know why she was being redirected to the chair she sat in last night, but she decided to give her sister a chance.

Candi: "Is chopping more of my hair off really necessary?"

Miriam: "More than just chopping it off, dearie! You have no idea how much you are defined by your hair! I'm known for my antics...but you're known for your beautiful hair! Long, silky, and...black!"



Candi: "Well, I am proud of my hair being silky! Although...I can tolerate having it shorter. I love having it black and beautiful...how God made it! What would I switch to if not black?"

Miriam: "Well, I'm not about to dye your hair blonde! That's not even trendy right now! It's so 2001!"

Candi: "Fashions do make comebacks...kinda like your retro CRT All-in-One PC! I don't like blonde either. Not even on a guy! Marina can have blonde hair if she so chooses. I guess I would have to go with...red."



Miriam: "Red? Excellent choice! Of all the hair dyes Lillia's brand offers, we not only have red in this house, but it's the least likely to cause cancer! We have an hour and a half before the party girls get here! Hold on, Cinderella! Your fairy godsister is about to remake you!"