"Some cultures believe children should be able to name themselves," Elise said. "I always kind of liked that idea except a child might go for years with no name. Or end up with baby's first word, which would most likely be Mama, or Dada, or a favorite toy or food."

Audrey should have known Elise would actually like the idea. Her dad had freaked when she'd mentioned it to him.

"Have anything in mind?" Elise asked around a mouthful of food.

"I kind of like Bianca. And Chelsea. And Courtney."

Elise gave it some thought. "Those are nice names." She nodded.

"What do you think about SavannahV Audrey asked. "Then I could be Savannah from Savannah."

Elise leaned closer, forearms braced on the edge of the table. "Or how about Georgia from Georgia?"

This wasn't going the way it was supposed to. But then, nothing involving Elise ever did. Audrey had been anticipating an argument. Looking forward to an argument. Didn't Elise care what she called herself?

"In school, we looked up our names to find out what they mean, you know." Audrey frowned, confused and annoyed. "Mine means nobility."

Elise put down her spoon. "Not nobility. Noble strength."

"Anyway, who thought of that name?" It couldn't have been her dad. No way could it have been her dad.

"I did. But your father agreed it was lovely."

The phone rang.

Elise picked up the portable, remembered the power was off, then hurried down the hallway in the direction of the land phone.

Did Audrey really hate her?

Or did her attitude have to do with age? How much was typical thirteen-year-old behavior?

Thirteen was a horrid age. The only thing worse was fourteen, which Audrey would be in seven months. Elise had smoked her first cigarette at eleven. Thirteen-year-olds were doing drugs. Having sex. Having babies.