“Ooooh!” said Chris mockingly. “She uses my whole first name. I’m so very scared. I’m quaking in my little boots.”-Christian Lyke”

“I’m in love with you,” he whispered, searching my eyes. He looked very pale and very scared, and a little…hopeful.”

“Shura,” she whispered. “I’m going to have a baby.”At first she didn’t think Alexander heard her, he was mute so long. “You what?” he said in horror.“I’m going to have a baby,” she mouthed, her shoulders quaking, her swollen lips quivering.”

“But then you ... you come along. You screwed up my plan. Suddenly my life’s not liveable, it’s not fine and I’m no longer happy. My life’s worse, much more worse than before ... and it’s all because of you. I’m scared of you. I run from you. And I push you away ... but why? Because I am scared of you, I’m scared of my feelings for you ... I’m scared of losing you. But mostly ... mostly I’m scared that if I don’t hold on too tight ... I’m scared that I’ll lose you forever.”

“I’d like to be your friend,” Gabriel said, gazing down at her. “And I’m going to keep my little friend very close to make sure she doesn’t run away again.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. My mama died when I was seventeen. She must have forgotten to teach me some manners.’ ~ Chris Chambers”