Chapter 8: Friendships continue to be solidified. Cindy, Randi, Bobbie, Andy, and Derrick (Andy’s brother) go to the mall to see Santa. They find out why The Wizard had kept reminding them to go. This chapter has a bit of a different look at a story presented as a stand alone story (“Cynthia and the Christmas Gift”).

Chapter 9: Winter turns out to be rather nasty, but the friends make the best of it. Maddy has a plan, and brings in the neighborhood cats, both domestic and feral, to help her with its execution. Cindy has known for a while that she feels very strongly about Donna, but it takes the catalyst of a major early spring snowstorm to encourage Cindy to take the final steps. Strangely, Cindy’s mother knew all along.

In this chapter, beverly and Angie get more deeply involved with the Chrissie, the young transexual they rescued on the train. Some of Chrissie's history is revealed.

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I was shaking so much I had to use both hands to take the glass of water from Mark...I mean, Marcie. Man, that was going to take some getting used to!

"You okay John?" he asked worriedly as he sat next to me on the couch.

I nodded weakly, "Yeah, I guess so. I just didn't really think I'd get away, you know? I keep expecting her to show up and drag me back there..." I shuddered at the thought and winced from the pain that caused in my chest.

"Who drag you back where?" he asked, confused. I mean she, argh! I still couldn't believe this pretty girl sitting next to me was my best friend Mark. And to think when I was pounding on his door I was worrying about how he'd react to me!