<strong>Cynthia Peregris (http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8836/01rw.jpg), Dining Hall</strong><br/><br/>Cynthia gave the girl a bright smile, looking a little confused at the apology.  "Why are you sorry?" she asked gently.  "You've been nothing but nice and polite to me."  She kept her smile brightly burning, hoping for it to be infectious.  However, it had to fade a little, but only a little, once her new friend Sarah indicated a problem.<br/><br/>"Is something wrong?"  She reached out a hand to place over Sarah's, wanting to comfort however she could.  "You can tell me if you want, but you don't have to if it's a secret."  A soft flash of warmth returned to her lips at that.  "Though I should warn you: I'm very good at keeping a secret, if it would help."<br/><br/>Cynthia was just never the type to give up or stop trying.  It was the type of attitude in school that helped her get good grades and always make new friends.  It stood to reason that Sarah was just a little shy, but everyone wanted to open up and make new friends whenever they could.  If Cynthia was patient enough, she knew everything would be alright.