Stephanie knew that it was difficult for Brooke. She never really could quite give Brooke the label sociopath but she knew that the girl did not see things the same way as she did. It was more than understandable given her background. What was astonishing, in many ways, was that she wasn't exactly the same.

"Thank you." Stephanie replied, honestly, without any guile. When Brooke wiped away the tear, she suddenly pulled Brooke into a tight hug.

"Or I, you." She knew that Brooke needed to have people trust her nearly as much as Stephanie needed the friendship. She decided to make that leap.