Melissa strapped on her leg brace and then headed for the front of the house. Nancy's mother had just let her know her ride was here. Uncle Devon was an hour early, and Melissa planned to tease him about that. Though secretly, she was glad. She was an 'early to bed, early to rise' person. While she was enjoying Nancy's pool party and seeing her friends from high school, she wasn't sure she could last another hour.
She had draped her towel over her shoulders rather than getting dressed. It was still warm enough that her bathing suit was enough. Melissa came around the house. A small group of adults were near the front door. She didn't spot Uncle Devon's grey hair in the crowd, despite his height.
"Here she comes now," said Nancy's mother.
"Hello, little sister," said Garthe, as he turned to face her.
