The powdering of the nose part of Alices escape to the loo was strictly notional. She had realized early on that Nic did not care for her to wear make up, and now rarely did. The lightest touch of mascara and perhaps a little blue on her lids was about all she indulged in, but it was as good an excuse as any. Besides, she really did need to wash her face. The whole episode of Whitneys near enumeration of all of Nics affairs had caused Alice the most extreme embarrassment, and she felt as if the whole of her face still bore the traces of her foolish blushing. No amount of rationalization could help with what was so physical manifestation of her feelings, but it was surprising what a little honest soap and water could do for the spirits. Gingerly extracting the remnant of her traveling tablet of Roger and Gallet Lily of the Valley soap, she proceeded to give her face a through scrub. The eye-shadow would have to wait till another day to have an outing, she had brought nothing to repair herself. She stood up on tip-toes and surveyed herself in the glass. She was her old self. If Whitney was still there on her return, Alice would be able to deal with her in the correct frame of mind. She was a somewhat strange, fanciful girl, given to somewhat quixotic outbursts of truth and fabrication. Really, she must illicit from Nic the whole of their history, so that she might be better able to understand this unusual younger sister. That Nic clearly cared for his sister and looked after with such devotion was much to his credit. Perhaps Alice should herself reconsider her relationship with young God.

Three good pulls of the hairbrush through her hair and she was ready for the world. Alice returned to the caf.

It must be admitted that she paused briefly and just in time to see Whitney exiting the shop, and Nic going to the counter to fetch her tea. Looking around the tables briefly, to ascertain whether her reentry would excite any notice (fortunately, it did not) she walked quickly to where Nic stood, cup in hand.

Thank you, Darling. You are the kindest of boys, she said, taking the cup from him. Oh! It has a little cover. How sensible; how practical. Alice had expected some sort of anti-spillage charm such as her mother often used. Well, shall we go? she asked, putting her arm through Nics.

As they left the caf, Alice said quietly, I hope Whitney was alright about leaving. I should not like to think she felt obliged to go. But, my Darling, you will have to tell me much, much more about you sister. She is very confusing, and although I did expect her towell, have her doubts about me, there were something she said which made me feel well. but I am sure it is through no unkindness on her part. I am sure she fears I will supplant her in your affections. You know that is not at all what I want, dont you Dearest Nic? I would rather be a friend to her, if I could. I know you are the kindest, most caring brother imaginable. And this, she said, stopping and kissing him, Is for being precisely that.

She leaned against him as they strolled away from the caf, at present taking no interest where Nic might be leading her. The teacup was warm in her hand, and the sun was just making a brave attempt to break through the clouds. The whole world seemed a happier place than a quarter of an hour before. Whitney is a most curious person, though. I shall take my time to get to know her. Perhaps it was having me thrust upon her, without sufficient warning that made her feel threatened. I am not criticizing you in any way, you understand, it is just my way of thinking things through. She stopped and took a sip of tea. It was sweetened. Not too desperately much, but Alice took no sugar, nor had she since coming to Hogwarts. Oh, well, it was hot and it was tea and if it was a little too sweet, she could live with that. The time for teaching Nic about her dietary foibles was not now. At least, not until she had some idea about his own strictures.

Walking on and glancing up at him from time to time, Alice said, I suppose I cant really imagine what it must be like for you both, being together at the same school. I hardly see my brother, accepting at the holidays, and during the summer. No wonder you are so close, and you take such care of Whitney. I hope you know it only makes me love you the more. There are as many wonderful discoveries to be made behind your silence as there are trivial snippets behind all of my fine words. Once again she stopped and kissed him.

"I shall try to be a friend to Whitney, if she will let me, and I know you must take her into account in what ever you do. I would not want you to be any different, just becausewell, just because we.. Here Alice found she had to stop. Indeed, the realization of her quandary caused her to physically halt in her walking again. Holding fast to Nics arm, she said, Nic, I dont know quite how to say this. But, and I realize it must sound stupid after telling your sister outright that I love you, but, may I say you are my boyfriend? I mean, properly? People bandy these words about so, but it means something to me. I have friends who are boys, to be sure, but there seems something almost proprietary in saying, This is Nic Spain, he is my boyfriend. Or at least it does to me. And I want to know that you think of us that way. Because there is nothing I want more in the world than for people to say, There is Alice Mason, Nic Spains girlfriend. I only ask, because.well, because of before. I dont want to seem presumptuous. But may I, Nic?