he days following Charlie's heartbreak, passed slowly and painfully for the teenager. The satellite phone that had once been her dearest possession, now lay silent on her dresser. Adam hadn't called her even once, and though Charlie wasn't surprised by his silence, she increasingly mourned his absence with each passing day.

Vera tried to get her granddaughter's mind off of Adam, but met with little success. The old woman was beginning to secretly wonder if she had done the best thing by telling Adam not to return to the Overholt house unless he loved Charlie. Amid the doubts, however, Vera understood that Adam had to come to terms with his own feelings, before anything could be resolved between he and Charlie.

It was early morning on the Thursday of the second week of Adam's vacation, when Charlie received a surprise call from Bill, Adam's personal manager.

"Charlie," began Bill, "Adam has been unable to sleep for more than an hour at a time, ever since he left Twin Yucca. I'm assuming it has something to do with you. I'm not trying to pry or be nosey, but I'm getting really concerned about Adam. He's so tired, he can't even play the piano, and we have a televised Christmas special coming up on Saturday. It's going to be broadcast on public television this December. Up until now, this is probably the single most important performance of his career. However, at the rate he's falling apart, I don't think he'll be able to do it!"

By this time, Vera had picked up an extension, and was listening in on the conversation, in Charlie's presence.

"Bill," said Vera, "this is Charlie's grandmother. What are you asking Charlie to do?"

"I know it's asking a lot," asked Bill, "but Charlie has a way with him. If I sent the private jet down to Twin Yucca, could you and Charlie fly to Raleigh? I'd ask Charlie to call, but Adam has refused to talk to her."

"Then," asked Charlie, disappointedly, "he hasn't asked for me?"

"No," replied Bill. "Charlie, I'm asking you not only as Adam's manager, but as his friend-- please come. The doctor here says he could knock him out with a powerful drug, but it could be habit forming, so he's only willing to use it as a last resort."

"Bill," said Vera, "I need to talk this over with Charlie. Could we call you back?"

Charlie didn't want to wait, but Vera shook her head sternly.

"Sure," replied Bill. "I've already taken the liberty of sending the jet. It should arrive at Twin Yucca airport at about eleven this afternoon. I've even reserved a room for you at the hotel we're staying at-- all at my expense. Please understand, I'm not trying to pressure you. I'm just that concerned."

"Thank you, Bill," said Vera, "we'll call you with the decision as soon as we can."

Vera hung up, and motioned for Charlie to do the same. Slowly, the girl obeyed.

Vera sat down at the kitchen table with a heavy sigh.

"Please, Grandma?" begged Charlie.

"Pumpkin, sit down," said Vera. "I don't want you to get hurt. If Adam's feelings for you have changed since last Friday, he hasn't said anything about it. On top of everything else, he doesn't want to see you-- he's actually refused to even speak to you on the telephone. Your arrival might make him worse. Can you honestly say that you really want to see him, after what happened last week?" asked Vera, her voice quivering with emotion. "How can I let you walk into that all over again?!"

By now, Charlie was weeping.