Chapter 511 Big Girls Don't Cry:>42

• I was momentarily wrong-footed; Allies sharp eyes had seen things, and now her sharp little brain was busily making connections.
• A movement caught my eye, and I looked up to see Lizzie in the doorway, her eyes wide and wondering. As she looked into my eyes, she nodded slightly, giving me permission to tell my story, then turned and left just as silently. I understood her reasoning immediately; if Allie was old enough to ask, she was old enough to know the truth.
• "Allie," I began, "What I'm telling you now is for you only; if you can't solemnly swear to keep this to yourself forever, then I'm not saying another word, do you understand me?"