So Logan and I started off with a great relationship. But lately he's been a little pushy. At least, that's the way it seems to me. Sometimes I wonder if I'm falling out of love with Logan, but I don't think so. Not over a few tiffs and misunderstandings.

    "So, anyway," I said to my stepsister, "do I look nice enough for Her Highness?" "Like a real princess," Dawn answered, even though I was just wearing jeans and a new baggy sweater. "Go find your crown and you'll be all set." I laughed. Then I checked my watch. "I better get going," I said. "I'm supposed to be there in twenty minutes." The phone rang then, and Dawn said, "I'll get it. You find your crown." I was looking for my shoes when Dawn called, "Mary Anne! It's for you!" "Okay!" I called back. I dashed into our parents' bedroom, where Dawn was standing, holding the phone out to me. "Thanks," I told her. I took the receiver, and Dawn immediately left the room. That was a sure sign that Logan was on the other end of the line. If any of our other friends had called, Dawn would have hung around to see what was going on. But she respects my privacy where Logan and I are concerned.

    "Hello?" I said.

    Sure enough, the voice that returned my hello belonged to Logan. "Hi, it's me." "Oh, hi," I said. "I can only talk for a couple of minutes. I'm on my way to the Prezziosos' to sit for Jenny." "Can I talk you into going to a movie instead?" "Right now? No. I really can't." I hated to disappoint Logan, but I had a responsibility as a baby-sitter.

    "Aw, come on. You and I are a couple, Mary Anne," said Logan.

    "I know we're a couple," I replied, "but. . . um ..." I tried to explain what I was thinking. I couldn't. I have a little trouble expressing myself. And when I do show that I'm angry or upset, I usually start to cry - which was not going to help this situation.

    When I didn't finish my sentence, Logan said, "Well, is Dawn free to sit tonight?" "You mean, to take over at the Prezziosos' so I can go out with you?" "Yeah." "Logan, I can't send Dawn on my sitting job," I said, my voice trembling.