Dante was a little taller and burlier than Joey. After the introduction, Joey started to harp on about my irresponsibility, while Dante remained silent and listened to his lecture. I let Joey finished with what he had to say before voicing my thoughts.

"How is Father these days, Joe?" I began wearily.

Joey appeared to be surprised at the switch of the conversation. He replied that my father is well but worried about me. When I inquired about Cassandra, he informed me that contrary to what I believed, she had not moved in the minute I moved out.

I shrugged and pretended that I was not concerned what that woman did. Joey continued to persuade me to go home. I remained adamant. Dante suddenly decided that he was going to meddle with my affairs and joined in the verbal argument between Joey and I.

"Alright, I will go back and speak to Father again. Now just leave me alone, I'm fine living in the hall."

Joey appeared quite pleased with my decision although I had sounded rather impatient. Actually I dreaded another confrontation with my father. I was quite sure that it would be another unpleasant event. However I was sure that unless I do it, Joey was not going to give me any peace.

"This morning you indicated that Uncle was responsible for your mother's death. Were my ears playing tricks on me or was that what you really said?"

I rubbed my eyes tiredly.

"He didn't actually killed her, if that is what you are asking me."

"Well, I didn't think he would. I sure would've known had Uncle been put on trial for murder."

I stared at Joey for awhile, confused, before I realized what he was talking about.

I told Joey about Mother's diary. Her sadness and despair had been clear.

"It isn't Uncle's fault. Not entirely his anyway. After so many years, I thought you should've sorted it out in your mind. I had no idea you held the grudge all these years..."

"I was just angry, Joey. I don't really mean what I said. You know how I am. I guess I still can't abide the idea of having a stepmother."

"Give her chance, Brenda. You may grow to love her. At the very least, you may like her well enough to live with her. You can't just leave home like this."

My eyes slid to Dante and knew that his words made sense.

Dante and Joey seemed to be getting along rather well, I noticed. At least for the moment they are allies in trying to get me home.

As I sat back I watched Dante converse with my cousin and thought about the past he had told me earlier in the day. His anxiety that I would despise him when I learned of his past had been groundless. I would never leave a friend for his past, for nobody can change his or her past. I've always believed that everyone deserve second chances. Suddenly I realized that perhaps I should give Father a second chance as well. Cassandra too, whom I had not even given a single chance.

I wondered what really bothered me; that Father was going to be another woman's husband besides Mother, or that I really resent having a stepmother because I didn't need one.

Perhaps I was just being plain jealous of Cassandra's place in Father's heart. I wondered what was the matter with me. Suddenly I was weary of everything that happened since I left home.

As I glanced at Dante again, who was telling Joey about his competition a few days before, I acknowledged to myself that Dante had already occupied a special place in my heart. He had been patient with me when I left home and not probe when I hadn't wanted to talk about my family. He had offered me his bed and not complained about the nights he spent on the floor in his room. He had maintained decorum at all times and had not once tried to touch me even though he had been guilty of the incident back in the states. Well, I thought, he probably looked upon me like a sister, that certainly explained why he never really touched me, not even held my hand.

Feeling a little disappointed, I decided that I was not going to let it get me down. Maybe all Dante needed was a little push on my part. Deciding to accept Cassandra in my life had lifted my spirits a lot and I was quite positive that Dante would soon grew to like me given the fact that he had fought so hard to keep our friendship. I smiled to myself. However, first thing first, I thought. I had to talk to Father and Cassandra.

"You seemed happy about something, Brenda."

Dante's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Oh, nothing much. I was thinking of what to say to Father and Cassandra."

Unaware of my sudden decision to accept Cassandra, Joey tried to speak well of Cassandra.

"She is a good woman, Brenda, and she will make Uncle happy."

"And may I know what she said or do to earn that compliment from you, Joe?" I asked dryly.

Joey appeared abashed and hurriedly explained that he had known Cassandra in church too and had spoken to her often enough to form a good opinion of her. After spending sometime with her and my father, Joey was quite convinced that they would make a good match. I rolled my eyes heavenward and nodded just to show that I will take his opinion to serious consideration.

I was not going to judge her until I spend sometime with her myself, though I doubt there was going to be much need. According to Joey it seemed that everyone who met her sang praises of her. Joey never lied of course, at least not to me, but I was inclined to believe that I would still need to know her better myself.