text: Mum had stuck around after lunch to make sure that we were both properly organized. She made Margaret go into a fit of embarrassment again, marveling at all of the handmade textiles that Margaret had. Margaret, when not feeling bashful and trying to hide it, proved to be quite bright and very sweet. I was glad to have made a friend out of the young satyr, despite how nervous she seemed. I also think she was grateful to have a friend too. She had mentioned during lunch that, even in her hometown of Huger, South Carolina, she didn't have very many friends. It was rather astonishing too. She was so helpful and kind, always asking what she could do next. As we worked, she told us about her family and her life in South Carolina. Her greatest ambition was to be a Potions Master, working for a Potions Research Facility. Just like my dad had been. It was the reason that she had enrolled into Trevirsa. I told her about our life in Traverse City, Michigan, including all of the rescue and rehabilitation farms that my grandparents owned. She brightened to hear about all of the work we had done and were doing for different magical creatures in the state. Finally, by the time that Margaret and I were settled, it was nearly eight-thirty in the evening. "Well, I guess it's time I took off." Mum admitted as she brushed her hands on her skirt. She had a slightly wistful look on her face as she pulled me into a hug. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself. I know you're a brave girl, just don't be foolish. Use that big brain of yours to make good choices and stay out of trouble, OK?" She murmured into my ear as she hugged me tightly. I nodded into her shoulder. "I'll be fine, Mum. I promise." I assured her. She sighed and broke away from me, keeping a hold on my hands. "Also look after Margaret, she looks like she could use the help." she added quietly, leaning in a little. Margaret still had heard what Mum had said and blushed. Mum let go of my hands and turned to Margaret. "It was nice meeting you, I hope that you two don't become strangers. I'll be around to visit every once in a while, don't be afraid to say hi." she offered, opening her arms to hug Margaret. the satyr seemed a little unsure before slowly moving to embrace Mum. After they let go, Mum winked at her and nodded to me before sweeping out of the room. I sighed, dropping wearily back into one of the wire cafe chairs. Margaret shuffled her hooves on the floor awkwardly in place. "Now what?" She asked, looking at me timidly. I closed my eyes and tilted my head back and forth, stretching my neck. "I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted. I'm probably going to read a little then get to bed. My first class is at nine-thirty and I do not want to be late." I yawned. She twisted the hem of her tunic and looked a little like she was having a battle with herself. Finally, as if she had made a decision, she spoke. "K-Kiska..... I'm... um.... I'm sorry to ask this of you, but can I stay in here with you for the night? I've always shared a room with my younger sister and so I'm a little nervous to stay in my dorm alone." She looked a little tearful and scared. ***Honestly, I was a little relieved that she asked. Despite having my own room in the apartment that Mum had, I still was used to having someone else with me. I too wasn't quite ready to be fully reliant on myself yet. In a week or two, maybe........ right at that second, not in the slightest.*** "Absolutely. Grab a pillow and one or two of those bean bag chairs that you have and we'll have a right old slumber party." I replied with a sleepy grin.