Nancy sat at her desk biting the end of her pencil. She was confused, shocked, and didn't know how she was going to break the news to her parents. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at her door.

"Who is it?" She muttered.

"It's Jason! Nancy, I need to talk to you!"

Nancy wiped the tears from her face. "Come in Jason."

Jason entered the room and starred at Nancy. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"What do you think?" She sneered.

"I guess you found out something, huh?"

"Yeah, I certainly did. You were right all along. Lorraine Dubois is my mother."

"Well, if this makes you feel any better I found I picture of her." Jason handed Nancy the small photograph.

Nancy smiled. "She was beautiful."

Jason nodded in agreement. "So, how are you going to break the news to your folks?"

Nancy put down the picture and sighed. "I don't know, Jason. I've been pondering this for the last hour. Mother will throw a fit; especially if Mr. Montague wants to take me back."

Jason laughed. "Nancy, Mr. Montague hates you. I don't think he will want custody of you."

"That's true."

"Maybe we should tell him before we tell your Ma and Pa. That way he can tell us more."

"What else is there to tell?"

"I guess nothing. Maybe Jeb will have some advice."

"No!" Nancy said sternly as she got up from the chair. "You can't tell anyone about this. Not even Jeb. It is my story to tell, and when I am ready I will tell it. Got it?"

Jason had a scared look on his face. "Got it. I promise I won't say anything, but can I be there when you tell Mr. Montague?"

"Of course! You don't think I would talk to him alone, do you?"

"No. We'll I need to go. I'm supposed to be home before dark."

Nancy looked out the window. "You'll never make it."

"No I won't, but it was a worthy cause so I don't mind being punished."

"Thanks, Jason. I'll go ask Father to give you a ride home."

"Nah, I'll walk. Besides, if you tell your Pa I'm here he might get suspicious and you might have to tell him about Mr. Montague!"

Nancy laughed at Jason's sincere concern. "Alright, Jason. See you at school!"

Jason grinned as he walked out the door. "Bye Nancy."

"Jeb, can I ask you a question?" Jason asked as he hopped into his bed.

Jeb sighed. "Jason, it's late and you already got in trouble for coming home after dark, I don't think Ma and Pa want to hear us talking."

"Well, they won't hear us if we whisper." Jason reasoned. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about girls."

Jeb laughed. "Aw, is little Jason having problems with Amy?"

"No, it's not Amy. There is this other girl I think I like."

Jeb was surprised; he thought his brother loved Amy. "Who is it?" He asked.

"She's older than me, and kind of, well, mean."

"Right. Who is she?"

"I can't tell you, Jeb."

"Why not? I'm your brother, you can tell me anything."

"You'll make fun of me if I tell you."

"No, I won't. I promise. Just tell me who it is." Jeb persisted.

"Fine. I kind of, well, I think I kind of, like, um, Nancy Oleson." Jason cringed at what his brother's response might be.

Jeb tried to hold back his laughter, but he couldn't contain it. "Nancy Oleson?"

"Jeb, you promised!"

"Sorry Jason, but why on earth would you fall for a girl like her?"

"I don't know. She's been really nice to me while we have been working on the project for school. There is a different side to her Jeb."

"Jason, she is probably just using you because you are smart."

"That's not true." Jason paused. "Well, it was true, but I don't think it is anymore."

"Jason, she is like four or five years older than you. Besides, doesn't she have a crush on me?"

"You are so conceited Jeb!"

"No. I am not."

"I try to ask you for advice, and you just make fun of me. Thanks a lot." Jason said, sounding like he was about to cry.

"Fine, Jason, I'll help you get her attention if you want. But promise me that you won't be too disappointed if she is not interested in you."

Jason thought about it for a moment. "Okay, I promise. Thanks Jeb."

"Your welcome. Now goodnight."

Jason reached over to turn out the lantern. "Goodnight, Jeb."