Franzi asked, 'So Emily is okay? For real? She's off the drugs?'

Paula answered, 'That's a condition for the lighter sentence. Emily goes through basic rehabilitation and therapy, and performs community service.'

Franzi asked, 'What about me? What's going to happen to me when I get out of here?'

Franzi was now curious about her fate. Was she going to have to deal with criminal charges and jail time? Was she only getting better before things started to suck?

Daniel said, 'Nah nah. Let's not worry about what might happen. Yah? This is a time for healing and moving forward.'

Paula and Franzi knew Daniel was right. Franzi's next physical therapy session was in 30 minutes. That gave them time for lunch. Daniel pulled out the hamper with fruits and water.

Franzi said, 'Peaches. Mmm.'

Paula had some apples and blueberries with the Odwalla juice. It was like a picnic in Franzi and Paula's room. They talked about Franzi coming back to work when she checked out. Daniel let Paula know that he'd be more than willing to help her move into the flatshare while Emily was in detox.

Paula asked, 'How has John been?'

Daniel answered, 'He has been quiet and busy, as though the reality of everything is sinking in slow.'

Paula agreed, 'No matter what happens, reality always does take some time to sink in.'

Franzi asked, 'And Philip? Is he okay?'

Daniel told them that Philip and John were trying to be strong for each other, and for Emily's sake. She'd lost her way in rehabilitation at a clinic and now her treatment was going on at home.

Paula asked, 'So Emily is now living with John and Philip?'

Daniel answered, 'Yes.' Paula's eyes opened wide and jaw dropped lower than a gopher hole.

This was the girl who almost got her brother killed in his own home. And it was the same girl who told her brother that they, and her dearly departed parents, were dead to her on the eve of the fire. It took a lot of heart and patience for them to take her back in. John and Philip discovered that Emily stood a better chance of recovery by staying at home with people she knew. So, instead of taking her back to the clinic, they let her stay at home under observation.

They day after therapy and lunch, Franzi had an appointment with her physician, Dr. Burke. He was very impressed by the progress in Franzi's limbs and reflexes. With Franzi's permission, Dr. Burke was allowed to disclose the results.

Dr. Burke said, 'I am pleased to say that you can checkout as soon as this Sunday. We still have to conduct some chest X-rays and reflex tests. Some small tissue scarring aside, you seem to be in fair health.'

Paula said, 'Thank you, doctor.'

Franzi said, 'Thank you. I really appreciate you giving me some good news.'

Dr. Burke said, 'My pleasure.' He got beeped for surgery and had to leave. Paula closed the door and shifted around to face Franzi. Then Paula crossed her own arms behind her back and tried to contain her enthusiasm.

The woman had a smile like a silly puppy dog when she said, 'Well. This Sunday? Sounds like somebody needs to start packing her bags. I've seen the bellboys here and they don't usually handle with care.'

Franzi giggled and said, 'Only if you don't tip them.'

Paula replied, 'My idea of a good tip is "Don't wear black at a wedding". But that's just me.'

Franzi called her classmates and told them she was getting out very soon. Some of them wished her a speedy recovery and others told her they didn't say a thing about her "cocaine problem". That was all in the past except for one detail: Emily.

Franzi requested, 'Paula. Would you mind giving me some alone time? I need to have a talk with Emily.'

Paula stuttered, 'Ww..what about?'

Franzi said, 'We need to settle our differences right now. I don't want to get out of here and have our pasts get in the way.'

Paula said, 'But she put you in here.'

Franzi strongly said, 'No, Paula. It wasn't all her. I took the coke and WE got high at The Fasan TOGETHER.' Then Franzi paused and continued, 'Emily is my friend and nothing will change that.' Paula turned and Franzi stood up, grabbed her elbows and said, 'Paula, please. I don't want to go through this without your support. And right now, I need you to respect me on this.'

For weeks, Paula had spent all her energy being there for Franzi. Meanwhile, under her skin, Paula was working up many ways to hate Emily for everything she did to John, Philip, and then with Franzi. How could Paula forgive Emily after all that? Paula dropped her head and answered, 'Alright. I promise that I...I won't do anything stupid or irrational.'

Franzi asked, 'You promise?'

Paula nodded "Yes" and said, 'I promise.'

Paula went over to her apartment when Franzi called Emily to visit. Franzi understood that Paula wasn't trying to get out of seeing Emily. But she also knew that her and Emily's last meeting was rather loud, unproductive, and resulted in a threat of removal followed by crying. Paula and John setup a meeting with their attorney to discuss their situation. The meeting was relatively easy. Paula agreed to forego any counseling, mediation, or trial seperation. Their attorney, Mr. Dixon, then presented the file for their consideration.