Blair changed into blue silk pajamas and lay on her bed. Mrs. Garrett propped Blair's foot up on two of Blair's many overstuffed pillows. She prattled on about how her sister Beverly Ann sprained her ankle at day camp when they were kids. Blair had heard the ankle story before and it hadn't become any more interesting over the years. As always, her thoughts went back to Jo. Apparently she and Ted were just friends and it had been ages since Jo had gone out with a guy more than once. Blair had been hearing rumors for years that Jo preferred women but never gave it much thought. Had Ron been right about her? He's right about me, thought Blair. It was odd hearing it out loud. I have yet to say it out loud myself.

Mrs. Garrett could tell that Blair was distracted and it wasn't due to her injury. It had been going on for much longer.

"Okay Blair, spill it."

"What?"

"Whatever's been troubling you. Don't bother to tell me nothing because I know better," the older woman said in a tone which was firm but kind.

"But nothing's bothering me," Blair insisted, knowing it couldn't be further from the truth.

"Bull," the feisty redhead retorted. "Are you fighting with Jo again?"

"Not at all."

"But it is about her. Am I right?" The trusted advisor sat on the bed beside her.

"Yes, it's about Jo," Blair admitted as she studied their Eastland graduation photograph hanging on the wall. They stood close together in their caps and gowns, proudly holding their diplomas. "She was beautiful even then. I can't remember a day when she wasn't," Blair uttered softly, not even aware she was speaking aloud.

"Blair, I don't want to pry but if you've got something heavy on your mind maybe you'll feel better if you just say it. From day one I've told all of you how important it is to talk about your feelings. That doesn't change when we become adults."

"I'm not so sure about that." Blair's normally self-assured voice began to quake as she choked back tears.

"All four of you girls have always had a great bond." Mrs. Garrett paused thoughtfully. "But I could always see that you and Jo have something really special. Something...much deeper."

Blair's tears formed a steady stream. "Mrs. Garrett, I think I must be going crazy. Lately she's all I think about. I just want her to be happy. I...I want to be the person who makes her happy. I want to give her everything...including myself. I care for her so much," she wept.

"That's not crazy at all Blair." The mentor smiled. "Sounds to me like you're in love."

Blair took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"My friend, that's not hard to see," Mrs. Garrett touched Blair's arm reassuringly.

"But what am I supposed to do? I mean, I can't just walk up to her and say 'Hi Jo. What's new? By the way, I'm a lesbian and I'm in love with you."'

Mrs. Garrett gently laughed as did Blair. "It's nice to see you laugh."

"It felt good. I haven't done much laughing lately."

"Have you tried telling Jo how you feel?"

The socialite stared up at the ceiling. "No, not really."

"Well, you might be surprised."

"Why?" Blair asked anxiously. "Did she say anything to you about me?"

"She doesn't have to. I can see it. As I've gotten older, I've become more observant. And goodness knows I'm getting older," Mrs. Garrett clucked as she patted her hair in place. "With all the kooks I've known in my lifetime, I have to be observant just for self preservation," she joked, trying her best to lighten the moment.

"Mrs. Garrett, Jo is so special. Am I even good enough for her? She deserves so much."

The older woman's eyes gaped in disbelief. "Blair Warner is doubting herself? Not good enough? How can you even say that? You're a generous, giving person and Jo is so fortunate to have you care for her the way you do."

The younger woman forced a small laugh. "I know. Ironic, isn't it? It's like I don't know who I am anymore."

"Maybe," Mrs. Garrett observed, "you're just now getting to know yourself."