Trixie bounded into the kitchen of Crabapple Farm. She dropped her stuffed backpack on the floor and headed to the refrigerator. Her college classes had been long and boring that morning. Now she was looking forward to some well-earned fun. Glancing up at the clock on the wall, Trixie noted that she had a few minutes in which to grab a snack before she needed to change and be on her way. Trixie was just pulling out some turkey and cheese when she heard her cell phone ring. Trixie was surprised to see that the call was from Honey. Trixie hesitated a bit before hitting the button to answer the call.

"Hi, Honey."

"Hi, yourself, Trixie. What's up?"

But before Trixie could answer, Honey launched into an excited recitation of her college classes, dorm life and the adventures she and Diana were having at college. Trixie bit her lip and listened patiently. Finally Honey paused and asked Trixie how her classes were going at the community college.

"Um, okay. It seems like a repeat of what we learned....." But Trixie was again interrupted by Honey yelling "hello" to a fellow student.

"Sorry, Trixie. So tell me, what'is new with you? Anything interesting going on? I know we haven't talked in ages."

Trixie paused. She understood that her choice to attend the local community college meant that she and Honey would not be at college together. Instead, Honey went off to college with Diana and Trixie stayed behind. At first, Trixie was desperately lonely. But now she was slowly creating new paths and interests for herself.

"Trixie, are you still there?" Honey asked.

"Oh, yea," Trixie swallowed, "and nothing new or exciting to report from here. Honey, I gotta go. Moms needs my help with something."

Trixie disconnected the call, grabbed her backpack, and headed up to her room. She didn't have the time to think about the lie she had told Honey or why she had done it. Maybe another day Trixie would share with Honey the new developments that had occurred in her life, but for now she was in a hurry to get changed and get on with it.