---- slid down, and it stood out. I remembered that necklace. I saw it in an auction, and Lawrence was there as well. ladored the necklace, but I didn't have enough money. Lawrence told me he would buy the necklace for my birthday if I behaved myself. And now Yvette was wearing it. Lawrence looked at me and, as if he wanted to explain himself, spoke. ''The necklace goes better with Yvette, so..." 'So, you gave it to her,' I finished in my mind. I hung my head low and said quietly, "It's alright. You can give the necklace to whoever you want." 'You don't have to tell me. I know you hate me,'I thought. I cleaned my hands and stood up. "Thanks for the food. Enjoy the rest of your dinner, Mom. You, too, Mr. Seinfield." ---- As I expected, Lawrence gave me a surprised but satisfied look. I got to the second floor and ran into him at the corner. Lawrence was leaning on the wall, playing with his lighter. He puffed a ring of smoke, but I stood in my place. I did not pounce at him like the old me would. He arched an eyebrow. This was not what he was used to, but he seemed happy about it. "So, you really have learned your place, Yvonne." Lawrence tucked his lighter away and closed in on me. The stench of tobacco was taking over the air around me. It choked me, and I scrambled backward. Lawrence stopped in his tracks and did not go any further. He looked at me and, as if he was pitying me, spoke. "That necklace belongs to Yvette, but since you behaved yourself, I can also give you a present. "