Chapter 1

Prologue

In August of 1994, a beautiful baby girl was born in Portland, Oregon. As she grew older and started school, she became a bright, vivacious girl who had a fascination with science.

Her fascination grew when she entered high school. A middle-aged businesswoman was moving in across the street. The woman seemed to have more stuff in her van and in the moving truck than most other people. The young brunette girl was curious about the woman.

When the moving men left, she walked across the street to meet her.

"Hi," she greeted cheerily. Nearly must be our new neighbor. I'm Joanna Harris."

"Janet Smythe," the woman replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go get settled into my new house."

Janet turned away abruptly and entered her house. Joanna turned back to her own house, thinking that her new neighbor was a little intriguing and mysterious, if not a little rude.