True to his word, Gage dropped Dani off before nine that night. Her eyes were still red and sensitive, but she smiled all the way up to her room.

He knew. Gage knew who and what she was. And he was still here. He still wanted to see her again!

She burst out in a shaky laugh of relief. It had been years since she had let herself cry. The last time has been after another nightmare about Vlad. She had woken up sweating and crying alone in the room.

But she didn't have to be afraid anymore.

Dani collapsed into bed, full of the exhausted relief that comes after a long cry.

................................................

"Someone's looking happy today," Becca laughed.

Dani beamed wordlessly and nodded.

"What happened? Class? Vacation?"

Then it dawned on Becca. A look of incredulous delight split across her face.

"No way. A DATE?!"

Dani grinned at her.

"Ah!" She squealed. "When? Who is it? Is he cute? What did you guys do? Give me something!"

Dani smirked and headed to class, Becca trailing her like a lost duckling.

It felt good to keep happy secrets for a change.