The deep pain flared like shrapnel from an old battle, hard and sharp and deadly. The hot words straight from padre’s mouth — “I have no daughter!” And the cold ones, a year later, by his hand. “It is my specific desire and intent to disinherit . . . .”

I was home alone today, both Mom and sis off doing some shopping. I was given the task of doing some laundry, something that we all shared in. I didn’t mind doing it, something to keep me occupied while I waited for them to return.

Mom had made it a standing rule that unless she was home leaving the house was forbidden. That rule applied to both sis and I. Once she returned we could go to a friend’s house or any other activity with her approval, of course. She felt that if something happened to us she would be available to handle the situation.

Ethan sat nervously in Professor Miranda Webb's Warper Theory classroom, fidgeting with the white "Pacifist" band around her wrist. The band had taken on a more complex meaning after the incident with Rex in the cafeteria yesterday. What had begun as a simple designation had become a constant reminder of just how dangerous her uncontrolled abilities could be.

Before I go home I’ll just check the announcement board. Our principal is a traditionalist so everything important is announced on the announcement board. This time I want to confirm that I’m on the list for the school’s womanless beauty contest.

My name is there all right. Peter Dupont in big letters. The problem is the big black line through it and the additional comment “Disqualified”. How can they do that! I’ll have to talk to the Principal!