It was amazing how much convincing it took some people to see a truth that was right in front of them. Jessica was a classic example, refusing to believe the blue time or darklings existed even after being chased by one, in the blue time, up and down three dozen streets. This girl had finally figured it out, and all she felt at first was more disbelief. Melissa was actually grateful when it turned to discomfort and then a kind of anger similar to that woman from the greenhouses.

For once, Melissa smiled slightly at the girl's accusation. "Well, I haven't. You're not the only one who relies on lying." Melissa had never been bothered by what other people thought of her, and the girl's obvious dislike didn't faze her at all. "If it helps," she added on second thought, "I'm never going to 'blow your cover,' or whatever you want to call it." Selfish Melissa may be, but she wasn't evil.