The identification of Harry's rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The identification of Harry's rights - Essay Example At this point, it should be noted that there is no problem as of the capacity of Harry to proceed to the purchase since he is not minor nor he suffers from a mental illness (s.3 Sales of Goods Act of 1979, MacLeod 2002). When ordering the table, Harry mentions to the sales assistant that he wants a table similar to that of the poster in the shop’s window; it is implied that the bed ordered should be of the same size, technical characteristics and colour as the bed illustrated in the specific poster (s.13(1) SOGA, Curtis v Ghemical Cleaning and Dyeing Co Ltd [1951], Andrews v Hopkinson [1957]); otherwise an issue of misrepresentation about quality would exist (Cranston 2000, p.148) In accordance with the case study, that bed was grey; therefore, Harry expected to receive a similar bed when making the order (s.13 (1) SOGA). At the same time, Harry picked a chair from the shop’s catalogue and made the relevant order. Again, the item ordered, the chair is defined through a photo of the item presented to the customer. This means that Harry did not have the chance to examine, closely, the size or the other qualities of the items ordered (Law Commission, 2009, p.9). He was only able to define their required characteristics through photographs. It should be noted that Harry did not explain to the seller the purpose of the goods, so the court could decide that the seller is not liable for the fact that the products are not fit for purpose (Reddy & Johnson 2011, p.22, Jewson Ltd v Leanne Teresa Boyhan [2004], BSS Group Plc v Makers (UK) Ltd (t/a Allied Services) [2011]). At this point, the following issues should be discussed: a) whether the items were accepted (s32 SOGA), and b) whether the items met the requirements of the law in regard to not fit for purpose products. The time framework available to Harry in order to make his claims should be also examined. In accordance with the Sales of goods Act 1979, the time framework for the buyer to develop claims against the seller in regard to the items sold is 28 days from the date of the sale (as such term is commonly added in contracts in order to define the ‘reasonable’ time during which the right of the buyer to reject the goods sold is retained, s35(4) SOGA). Harry’s rights, as derived from the specific sale, are active. Harry can approach the seller with a claim for faulty products within the period of 28 days from the date of the sale, meaning the date when the sale was completed, i.e. when the buyer accepted the goods (Chen-Wishart 2007, p.595). The period of 28 days had not passed; it begins from the day that Harry checked the goods, in the context that the seller has to give to the buyer a reasonable time for checking the goods and Harry was absent which means he could not check the goods (s.35 SOGA, Law Commission, 2009, p.10). Also, the English courts have held that the silence of the buyer cannot be considered as acceptance of the goods sold (Felthouse v B indley [1862], Hannah Blumenthal [1983]). However, in order for the above claims to be valid, it needs to be proved that the products sold are not fit for purpose. The law, the Sales of goods Act 1979 (SOGA), sets the criteria under which a product is considered as not fit for purpose: ‘a) it does not match the description (s.13, SOGA), b) is not of satisfactory quality (s14.2 SOGA) and c)

Is the Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper too powerful Essay

Is the Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper too powerful - Essay Example Harper's role as the prime minister of Canada grants him the ability to control the interactions of resources in foreign countries, for instance, aiding countries such as Israel in the past, and present. This not only which presents the image of wealthy, authoritative force that dramatically affects not only his home country but those countries outside of Canada.Harper's role as the prime minister of Canada grants him the ability to control the interactions of resources in foreign countries, for instance, aiding countries such as Israel in the past, and present. This not only which presents the image of wealthy, authoritative force that dramatically affects not only his home country but those countries outside of Canada.   Ultimately, power is everything to most people. It is every politician’s dream to yield power over others. Harper rose to power in 2006 when his party formed the government. In the 2011 elections, he formed a government which enjoys support in parliament. He controls both houses using his party, the conservative party. He is in no doubt powerful and yields immense power more than any other prime minister before him. He enjoys massive support in parliament since his party has more members than any other party. He is allowed to appoint senators and he recently made appointments that increased the number of conservatives in the Senate. This has made it easier for him to control the Senate. Harper is also a party leader.   He is the leader of the conservative party which gives him power because he is able to control policies and tactics within the party. Parliamentarians allied to the party are bound to party policies. Harper’s ability to control the ability has also empowered him. He is able to decide what the media says about him. Harper’s administration has the highest number of communication officials compared to any other administration before him.

The fellowship of the ring Essay Example for Free

The fellowship of the ring Essay Bilbo knows that Frodo cares for him because, he himself is worried what Frodo will do if he leaves. When they are both at the party we see them together for the first time we see Frodo with is arm around him this is shown as a close bond. On Bilbos last speech the camera is focused in what Frodo thinks when it disappears, but when Bilbo says goodbye this is merely directed at Frodo. But when he disappears the shock on Frodos face is wondered and shock because he knows now he is by himself. Gandalf and Frodo character interaction are vital of presenting good and evil the good is particularly shown in the warmth of the shire. we first see Frodo meeting Gandalf in the first glimpse of the shire. As soon as Frodo hears the rattle of the cart his face is a delight as soon as these two meet it starts of with a joke this shows that they have both got a sense of humour and they can react with each other this revolves with a big lash out of a hug these two get on like a house on fire, so they should as these two have got a big road ahead in this epic tale. Sam and Frodo in the shire we see plenty of good in couples, this is one of the finest examples, this relationship is untouchable with two friendly harmless hobbits. Someone to break this relationship has to use a lot of cunning evil and trickery. We see this relationship unfold the first time we see them together. Sam is looking depressed and Frodo approaches him. He is looking at a girl and Frodo tells him to go and dance with her, Frodo gets Sam and tugs him into dancing, this brightens up Sams evening. To me this is what I call best friends. This relationship is full of trust and loyalty but what will these two come across in the future. The one ring and whoever the ring bearer the ring can easily and quickly poison evil in someones mind who ever it may be from hobbits to the dark lord himself this ring will break and take whoever live it may come across. The special effects of the props create a good effect of good and evil , for example the Orks look like ready made fighting machines this comes to me how the detail of there skin and how you can look in there eye and feel pure evil. Now as shown in the shire the impression of good is completely different to evil, the hobbits are small and which gives us the sense of harmlessness, this is shown in how big they are and how they have feelings. There is good quality use of editing in the prologue, for example at the start where they are naming the types of creature in middle earth, there is slow zooms and good fade outs these are also used in the shire. But in the prologue what it has that the shire has not got is the jump cuts because the prologue has to cover a longer period of time. But there is good use of editing all round in both parts. Lord of the Rings looks nothing less than spectacular. What is even more impressive is the fact that director Peter Jackson decided to film all three of the books at one time, no easy task by any stretch of the imagination. He uses all the technology and wizardry available to filmmakers today and thrusts the audience deep within the treacherous and exciting Middle-earth. From the diminutive hobbits, to the Elven city Rivendell to the dark Mines of Moira, its all there. The amount of talent involved in creating the filmthe conceptual artistry, the production design, the costumesshould be recognized come Oscar time. The pacing of the movie is excellent, with enough down time and heartfelt, if sometimes stilted, speeches to counteract the incredible action sequences. You hardly notice the three hours passing by, and it leaves you at the end wanting the quest to continue. The only one deterring fact is that the film really is for its die-hard fans. Certainly in the literary world, Tolkiens story is the mother of all epic fantasies, and Jackson has remained faithful to the material. In that, the movie doesnt necessarily have the universal appeal of, say, a Harry Potter. Nonetheless, Rings is a breathtaking piece of filmmaking. If you are a true-blue Rings follower, or even if you enjoy a good epic fantasy quest, the film has it all and will certainly not disappoint you. Lord of the rings English Course work Chris Cannarile Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE JRR Tolkien section.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Newly Qualified Nurse

Roles and Responsibilities of the Newly Qualified Nurse The aim of this essay is to explore and discuss important aspects of the roles and responsibilities of the newly qualified nurse. It will discuss an overview of different type of roles and responsibilities including transition. The roles and responsibilities of a qualified nurse include essential professional skills such as leading in care management and care delivery situations as well as maintaining standards of care. The focus of the essay will be on two chosen roles of newly qualified nurses (delegation and patient group direction). It will discuss the meaning of these concepts and their importance for nurses, and provide some practical contextual examples. It will also discuss the rational of chosen roles A new qualified nurse expected to be competent to work in all environments and situations. This emerging health care system requires a registered Nurse workforce at all levels post initial registration capable of critical reflective thinking in order to create this system. With registration comes a shift in professional accountability together with wider clinical management and teaching responsibilities. On becoming a qualified nurse, the expectations and dynamics of relationships changes fundamentally. Suddenly the newly qualified nurse is the one who must know the answer whether it is a query from a patient, a career, a work colleague or a student. The newly qualified nurse will encounter many challenging situations where she or he must lead care delivery. This includes dealing with care management within the team, dealing with patients/service users, dealing with other professionals, and dealing with the required needs of the whole workplace environment. The NMC requires a student nurse to demonstrate professional and ethical practice, be competent in care delivery and care management and show personal and professional development in order to join the register NMC (2010). It is recognized that nurses should be provided with some form of preceptorship and supervision in their role for a period of four months time NMC (2006)) once qualified. Even in this period of preceptorship, there are new expectations and challenges faced by the newly qualified nurse. Mooney (2007) found that newly qualified nurses were faced with assumptions from others that they should know everything. This was also a high expectation they had of themselves. In meeting the NMC standards of proficiency the nurse should have demonstrated the relevant knowledge and skills in order to practise in their career. However, it is important to recognise that not every nurse knows everything about everything in their career especially if they are practising in highly specialized fields. What they need is to be able to develop and adapt to changing situations. Therefore, for the nurse it is impossible to know everything but they should have developed the skills to find out relevant information, reflect on it, and apply this to their practice. In essence they should have learned how to learn. There is a great deal to be learned once qualified, especially related to a nurses new area of work and a good deal of the development needs to take place on the job. The study by Jackson. K (2005) suggested that a successful transition requires the nurse to develop a self-image relevant to the change in status to be able to do the job and that they meet the expectations with others with appropriate support. Mooney (2007) also points out that the duties faced by most newly qualified nurses were not patient contact centred. There were a lot of duties related to contacting and dealing with other professionals and services. These brought anxieties related to the responsibilities that might be faced as the nurses would become increasingly senior in their roles with others expecting them to provide the actions and the answers in complex situations. This highlights how the experience of nursing of transition from student to newly qualified nurse can be daunting. In the current environment there is an expectation that nurses have a preceptor one qualifying for aid in these transitions but the literature still suggests there is a difficulty in the transit ion process for such professionals. Hole. J, (2009) found that individual accountability, delegating duties without appearing bossy and some challenging clinical situations such as death and dying and specialised technological roles were found to be stressful by qualifying nurses. Issues of the preceptorship of newly qualified nurses become apparent and important in dealing with the transition from supervised student to autonomous practitioner. The approach taken throughout the rest of this essay will be to provide a discussion of the main theories, concepts, and issues related to the roles and responsibilities of delegation and PGD for newly qualified nurses. It will discuss the meaning of these concepts and their importance for nurses, and provide some practical contextual examples. The rational of choosing these two roles are because: Firstly delegation is a huge newly qualified nurses concern. According Hole. J, (2005) newly qualified nurses are not capable to delegate tasks to someone else and they end up overloading themselves. This is because an accountability issue or not knowing the staffs well as they is new to the ward. Secondly, it is a legal requirement that newly qualified nurses need to have knowledge of PGDs in order to work within legal and ethical frameworks that underpin safe and effective medicines management NMC (2010). For this reason, I personally was interested and picked them to discuss in order to develop my understanding and prepare me to successfully make the transition from student nurse to a registered professional. Delegation is the process by which responsibility and authority for performing a task is transferred to another individual who accepts that authority and responsibility. Although the delegator remains accountable for the task, the delegate is also accountable to the delegator for the responsibilities assumed. Delegation can help others to develop or enhance their skills, promotes teamwork and improves productivity Sollivan.E.J et al (2009). Therefore, delegation is the area where newly qualified staff experience huge difficulties. Often they do not feel confident enough to ask someone else to do something for them. Consequently, they try to do all of the work themselves and end up leaving late or providing less than adequate standards of care. Other members of staff will not mind if they delegate tasks to them, as long as they apply the basic rules such as ensuring that it is something they are competent to do. When delegating, the delegator remain responsible for that care if he/she do not delegate appropriately as stated by NMC (2008). It is also important that the delegator explained clearly what it is he/she want them to do and why because he/she might genuinely busy or is it just something that he/she does not want to do. Hole.J, (2005) explained that As long as he/she asks the other member of staff in a courteous manner and stick to the rules, there will be few problems. However, there may always be someone who has the potential to react in a negative way to his/her request. These people are often known for this type of behaviour and it should be dealt with swiftly by their manager. This type of reaction experience should be discussed with the member of staff or if he/she not feels confident enough to do this, he/she should talk to the manager. As mention above this will be a difficult skill for a newly qualified nurse especially at first. They will need to get to know the other staff before they will feel truly comfortable delegating to others in the team. They may feel guilty about asking others to do tasks which they feel that they should be doing themselves. What they need to realise is that they cannot possibly do everything themselves and that they will need to work as a team in order to deliver good patient care. The new qualified nurses may well feel that they cannot ask others especially HCAs who have worked on the ward for years to do things for them. The nurse will probably feel self-conscious and embarrassed. The answer is that it is not what the nurse asks them to do that are important. It is how he/she asks them. Good communication is the key to successful delegation. The nurse should take a few minutes to discuss with the HCA/student with whom he/she is working who will be doing what during that shift. Share the workload and be realistic. Therefore the newly qualified nurses must not overload themselves with care they do not really think they can give. The member of staff would rather know what their workload is at the beginning of the shift so that they can organise their time effectively. If the delegator has to ask them to take on extra work during the shift, they will find this difficult. So the delegator should keep communicating with them during the shift, and if he/she is held up with relatives or an acutely ill patient, he/she should tell them and explain that he/she will try to help them as soon as possible. When the new qualified nurses are delegating, it is important to ensure that this is appropriate as it is their responsibility to ensure that the member of staff to whom they delegate is competent to perform the task. This means that if they delegate a task to a member of staff who is not competent and they perform the task wrongly, they are accountable for the harm caused to the patient. Although the member of staff responsible, they remain accountable. For example, they cannot assume that the HCA/student with whom they are working is competent in the skill of measuring and recording a patients blood pressure. Just because the member of staff has worked on that ward for a period of time, this does not mean that they have been taught correctly. They must assess their competence to perform the task before they allow them to do this independently. They can then justify their delegation of that skill if necessary. Patient Group Direction (PGD) is a written instruction for the supply and/or administration of a licensed medicine (medicines) in an identified clinical situation signed by a doctor or a dentist and pharmacist. It applies to a group of patients who may not be individually identified before presenting for treatment NPC (2009), page 11. In simple terms, a PGD is the supply and/or administration of a specified medicine or medicines by named authorised health professionals for a group of patients requiring treatment for the condition described in the PGD. The health professional must be registered. Implementing PGDs may be appropriate both in circumstances where groups of patients may not have been previously identified for example, minor injuries and first contact services and in services where assessment and treatment follows a clearly predictable pattern such as immunisation, family planning and so on. Professionals using a PGD must be registered or equivalent members of their profession and act within their appropriate code of professional conduct. This differs from supplementary prescribers and independent prescribers who must also successfully complete specific prescribing training and be appropriately registered before they may prescribe. However, organisations using PGDs must designate an appropriate person within the organisation. For example, a clinical supervisor, line manager or General Practitioner to ensure that only fully competent, qualified and trained healthcare professionals use PGDs. Individual practitioners using a PGD must be named A Patient Group Direction allows specified registered healthcare professionals to supply or administer a medicine directly to a patient with an identified clinical condition without him/her necessarily seeing a prescriber. So, patients may present directly to health care professionals using PGDs in their services without seeing a doctor. Alternatively, the patient may have been referred by a doctor to another service. Whichever way the patient presents, the healthcare professional working within the PGD is responsible for assessing that the patient fits the criteria set out in the PGD. In general, a PGD is not meant to be a long-term means of managing a patients clinical condition. This is best achieved by a health care professional prescribing for an individual patient on a one-to-one basis. Before a healthcare professional can use a PGD, he/she must be named and have signed the PGD documentation. This generally takes the form of signatures and names on a list or individual forms that are attached to the PGD itself or held by the service or organisation. Employees of NHS organisations authorising a PGD generally have indemnity attached to their status as an employee. This may also apply to non-NHS organisations. However, the organisations and employees involved should always check that this is the case. If the professional is not directly employed by the organisation, he/she still needs to be assessed as competent to use the PGD and must have his/her own relevant professional indemnity or insurance. These issues have implications for service delivery when new staff begins, or agency staff are covering services. They may not be able to work under a PGD immediately or may be excluded because of their employment status. Service managers need to be aware of these issues and plan service delivery to accommodate them. The use of PGDs is widespread throughout the NHS and since April 2003, some non-NHS organisations have been able to use them suggested by NPC (2009). Organisations must ensure that staff responsible for the development / implementation of PGDs and those authorised to work under PGDs have the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to do so. Unlike supplementary prescribers, nurse independent prescribers and healthcare professionals using PGDs do not have to become specifically qualified to do so. But they must be assessed by their organisations as fully competent, qualified and trained to operate within a PGD. A suitably competent and experienced healthcare professional who will be working under the PGD should be involved in the writing of the PGD, to ensure that the PGD meets the needs of the service. The role by RCN (2004) proposes that the registered nurse must be assessed as competent in medicines administration, Must be trained to operate within a PGDMust follow the 6 Rs of medicines administration Usually need to be qualified for at least 6 months Must assess the patient to ensure they fit the criteria as detailed in the PGD Must ensure the PGD meets the necessary legal requirements Cannot delegate the supplying/dispensing or administration stage to another registered nurse or student nurse. There is no specific national training for healthcare professionals producing PGDs The newly qualified nurses are not expected to be able to operate under a PGD until competent in medicines administration. However, they need to have knowledge of PGDs for their patient safety. For example, if patient under PGD admitted to the ward, the nurse must ensure that the medicines not stopped. The NMC (2010) code of conduct outline that newly qualified nurses to be fully understood all methods of supplying medicines. This includes Medicines Act exemptions, patient group directions (PGDs), clinical management plans and other forms of prescribing. They are expected to demonstrate knowledge and application of the principles required for safe and effective supply and administration via a patient group direction including an understanding of role and accountability. And also demonstrate how to supply and administer via a patient group direction. The newly qualified nurses may be involved with PGDs such as assisting and identifying areas where a PGD would offer more benefits than a PSD, understand the principles and processes of PGDs and be fully conversant with all the principles associated with dispensing and administering medicines they may also be working in a variety of settings where PGDs are used for example prison health care setting, nurse led service, walk in centres In my conclusion, I have learnt the roles and responsibilities of newly qualified nurses and I have developed skills and professional knowledge to work effectively with others. The NMC (2010) code of conduct helped me how the laws and policies are set up to ensure safe and effective delivery of care given to service users under a patient group direction. I am now prepared for the challenges I will face on being a newly qualified nurse by providing the knowledge and skills required to become effective and accountable practitioners. Clinical decisions will still have to be made in relation to meeting the needs of the people within my care. However, becoming a qualified nurse brings with its wider responsibilities in making and taking decisions related to the nursing team, other staff, and the work environment as a whole. These changes require a large shift from the experience of being a student and a mentored supervised learner, so it is essential that I am equipped with all the skills required to successfully make the transition.

Analysis of Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre :: Jane Eyre Essays

Analysis of Jane Eyre In Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte portrays one woman's desperate struggle to attain her identity in the mist of temptation, isolation, and impossible odds. Although she processes a strong soul she must fight not only the forces of passion and reason within herself ,but other's wills constantly imposed on her. In its first publication, it outraged many for its realistic portrayal of life during that time. Ultimately, the controversy of Bronte's novel lied in its realism, challenging the role of women, religion, and mortality in the Victorian society. In essence, Bronte's novel became a direct assault on Victorian morality. Controversy based in its realistic exposure of thoughts once considered improper for a lady of the 19th century. Emotions any respectable girl would repress. Women at this time were not to feel passion, nor were they considered sexual beings. To conceive the thought of women expressing rage and blatantly retaliating against authority was a defiance against the traditional role of women. Jane Eyre sent controversy through the literary community. For not only was it written by a woman but marked the first use of realistic characters. Jane's complexity lied in her being neither holy good nor evil. She was poor and plain in a time when society considered "an ugly woman a blot on the face of creation." It challenged Victorian class structure in a strictly hierachal society. A relationship between a lowly governess and a wealthy nobleman was simply unheard of. Bronte drew criticism for her attack on the aristocracy who she deemed as hypocritical "showy but ... not genuine." She assaulted individual's already established morals by presenting a plausible case for bigamy. Notions which should have evoked disgust and outrage from its reader. Yet its most scandaless aspect was its open treatment of love. Passionate love scenes which were for their day extremely explicit but by today's standards are less than tame. Bronte's choice of a strong independent heroine depicted feminist ideals that would later lead to the overhaul of Victorian culture. By making Jane an educated woman, Bronte gave her impowerment in a patriarchal society that denied women education. However, Jane became a woman who demanded a say in her own destiny. During her courtship, she refutes

civil war1 :: essays papers

civil war1 [The following document comes from the Confederate Veteran, a magazine published throughout the South from the 1890s until the 1940s. It comes from Volume ? which contains writings from the year 1926, page 379.] If there ever was a hell on Earth, Elmira Prison was that hell, but it was not a hot one, for the thermometer was often 40 degrees below zero. There were about six thousand Confederate prisoners, mostly from Georgia and the Carolinas. We were housed in long prison buildings, say one hundred and twenty feet long and forty feet wide, three tiers of bunks against each wall. A big coal stove every thirty feet was always kept red hot; but for these stoves, the most of us would have frozen. Around each stove was a chalk mark, five feet from the stove, marking the distance we should keep, so that all could be warm. We were thinly clad and not half of us had even one blanket. Our rations were ten ounces of bread and two ounces of meat per day. My weight fell from 180 to 160 in a month. We invented all kinds of traps and deadfalls to catch rats. Every day Northern ladies came in the prison, some followed by dogs or cats, which the boys would slip aside and choke to death. The ribs of a stewed dog were delicious, and a broiled rat was superb. One day I was at the guardhouse when about thirty-five of our boys had on barreled shirts, guards marching them around. A barreled shirt was made by knocking out the head of a barrel then cutting a hole in the other head and putting it on the body. On these barreled shirts was written in big letters, "Stole a dog," "Stole a cat," "Stole a ration," "Stole a fur," etc. If a lady's fur was not fastened on, the boys would grab it, and some of them had been caught. All the Yankees soldiers were not cruel. The chalk marks were drawn around the stoves so that all could get some of the heat. One day a poor sick boy lay down near the chalk line and went to sleep. In his sleep he threw his leg over the chalk line. A big guard caught him by his shoulder and threw him against the wall, making his nose bleed. I popped my big fist against the guard's jaw, knocking him heels over head.

Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 24

I knew I was going to live forever, but sometimes I had a hard time really understanding how long forever was. During that ride to the airport, however, I got a taste of what eternity might feel like. Maddie spent almost the entire time talking about Seth. In fact, I'm pretty sure the only time she didn't was when she stopped to check her watch and ponder whether we would make it on time. I knew we would make it on time because I would stop the car and carry her on my back before I'd risk her missing her flight and needing to ride back with me to the city. Once she'd decided we were still okay with time, it was back to Seth. Seth, Seth, Seth. I'm pretty sure there were only about three people in the world I wouldn't have suspected of fucking with me if they'd come telling a story like this. Unfortunately, Maddie was one of them. She was telling the truth. It was written all over her, and something in me – maybe the part that really understood how serious the fight between Seth and me had been – could feel it. After a while, my mind sort of went numb, and I stopped thinking about it all. I finally dropped her off at the airport and went home, barely aware of the traffic I once again had to fight my way through. When I got back to my apartment, I ate dinner and watched A Christmas Carol. A long, hot bath followed, and five shots of vodka finally put me down for the night. I slept on the couch because I couldn't bear to go in the room where an angel had fallen. Some Christmas Eve. Seth came over the next morning to take me to dinner at Terry and Andrea's. Uneasiness radiated around him, but he still smiled when he saw me. â€Å"You look great.† â€Å"Thanks.† I knew I did. I'd spent two hours getting ready, the last thirty minutes of which had been me simply standing in front of the mirror. I'd stood there, taking in every detail of my appearance. The clinging red dress. The curve of my neck under the glittering black choker. The way my golden-brown hair, worn sleek and smooth today, hung down my back. Gold eye shadow and black liner framed my eyes. My lips glowed under pale peach lip gloss. Even at five-four, my legs looked long and supple. My face, carved with high cheekbones and flawless skin, was beautiful. I was beautiful. Call it vanity or egotism, but it was true. I was so, so beautiful. More beautiful than Maddie. More beautiful than any mortal woman. Staring at that gorgeous reflection, I begged it to tell me that Seth would want me. He had to want me. How could he not? But I knew all the beauty in the world couldn't mask the pain in me. And after a couple more moments, Seth noticed too. His smile vanished. â€Å"How did you find out?† he asked. I dropped the coat I'd been holding. â€Å"How do you think? She told me. She couldn't wait to tell me.† He sighed and sat on the arm of my couch and stared into space. â€Å"That's it? You have nothing else to say?† I asked. â€Å"I'm sorry. God, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for you to find out like this.† â€Å"Were you ever going to tell me?† â€Å"Yeah†¦of course.† His voice was so sweet and so gentle that it momentarily defused the anger that wanted to explode out of me. I stared at him, looking hard into those amber brown eyes. â€Å"She said†¦she said you didn't drink, but you did, right? That's what happened?† I sounded like I was Kendall's age and suspected I wore the pleading expression Yasmine had given Jerome. Seth's face stayed expressionless. â€Å"No, Thetis. I wasn't drunk. I didn't drink at all.† I sank down into the armchair opposite him. â€Å"Then†¦then†¦what happened?† It took a while for him to get the story out. I could see the two warring halves within him: the one that wanted to be open and the one that hated to tell me things I wouldn't like. â€Å"I was so upset after what happened with us. I was actually on the verge of calling that guy†¦what's his name? Niphon. I couldn't stand it – I wanted to fix things between us. But just before I did, I ran into Maddie. I was so†¦I don't know. Just confused. Distraught. She asked me to get food, and before I knew it, I'd accepted.† He raked a hand through his hair, neutral expression turning confused and frustrated. â€Å"And being with her†¦she was just so nice. Sweet. Easy to talk to. And after leaving things off physically with you, I'd been kind of†¦um†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Aroused? Horny? Lust-filled?† He grimaced. â€Å"Something like that. But, I don't know. There was more to it than just that.† The tape in my mind rewound. â€Å"Did you say you were going to call Niphon?† â€Å"Yeah. We'd talked at poker†¦and then he called me once. Said if I ever wanted†¦he could make me a deal. I thought it was crazy at the time, but after I left you that night†¦I don't know. It just made me wonder if maybe it was worth it to live the life I wanted and make it so you wouldn't have to worry so much.† â€Å"Maddie coming along was a blessing then,† I muttered. Christ. Seth had seriously considered selling his soul. I really needed to deal with Niphon. He hadn't listened to me when I'd told him to leave Seth alone. I wanted to rip the imp's throat out, but my revenge would have to wait. I took a deep breath. â€Å"Well,† I told Seth. â€Å"That's that. I can't say I like it†¦but, well†¦it's over.† He tilted his head curiously. â€Å"What do you mean?† â€Å"This. This Maddie thing. You finally had a fling. We've always agreed you could, right? I mean, it's not fair for me to be the only one who gets some. Now we can move on.† A long silence fell. Aubrey jumped up beside me and rubbed her head against my arm. I ran a hand over her soft fur while I waited for Seth's response. â€Å"Georgina,† he said at last. â€Å"You know†¦I've told you†¦well. I don't really have flings.† My hand froze on Aubrey's back. â€Å"What are you saying?† â€Å"I†¦don't have flings.† â€Å"Are you saying you want to start something with her?† He looked miserable. â€Å"I don't know.† No. This wasn't happening. â€Å"What's this mean for us?† I asked. â€Å"I don't know.† The anger returned, and I leapt up, much to Aubrey's annoyance. â€Å"What do you know?† I demanded. â€Å"Do you even know why you did this?† â€Å"There were a lot of things going on†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he said. â€Å"A lot of factors. It just happened†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I put my hands on my hips and stalked toward him. â€Å"Did it? Did it really? Because I'm not so sure.† His distraught expression turned wary. â€Å"What's that mean?† â€Å"I think you were getting back at me for not giving in that night. I made you mad. I hurt you. So, you're trying to hurt me. Teach me a lesson.† â€Å"I – what? Are you insane? You think I'd do something like this to teach you a lesson? You think I would want to hurt you? Just because you refused sex?† â€Å"Why not?† I asked. â€Å"Guys always want sex from me. Why are you any different?† â€Å"Georgina,† he said incredulously. â€Å"You can't believe that. It's always been about more than sex. You have to know that. I've told you that over and over. I would never purposely hurt you. And yet†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"And yet what?† He looked away from me and focused on the carpet. â€Å"I don't know that we can keep going on without me hurting you.† â€Å"Well, if you don't sleep with my friends – â€Å" â€Å"It doesn't even have to be that. There are so many things it could be. I could get hit by a car tomorrow or catch some disease. If you ever do crack some day and sleep with me, you'll hate yourself forever. And if I crack and sell my soul, that's going to upset you too. One way or another, you will get hurt. It's just a matter of when. I saw it that night in the kitchen – I saw your face when you were yelling at me. That's when I knew it was all true.† â€Å"I†¦I was upset,† I told him. â€Å"And, I mean†¦we knew this relationship wouldn't be easy. You were okay with all this in the beginning†¦the sex and everything else†¦.† â€Å"Things change,† he said bluntly. He met my eyes, and I again saw warring sides within him. â€Å"And back then, I thought I was the one who would get hurt, not you. I can handle it.† â€Å"Are you saying I can't?† â€Å"I'm saying I don't want to find out. And honestly, it's not even about sex either. We've got communication problems, time problems†¦I don't know. Hell, we have death problems. I don't really know if we should keep doing this.† It felt like Joel's death again, like all the energy was being sucked away from me. â€Å"How,† I demanded, â€Å"can you always lecture me about open communication and then dump this on me now? If you were feeling all this†¦you should have brought it up beforehand, not in some bluff break-up at the zero hour.† â€Å"I'm not entirely sure what that last part meant, but I'm not bluffing. And I've tried to talk to you about this. I tried the night you massaged me – you didn't want to hear it.† Seth took a deep breath. â€Å"Georgina†¦I really mean it. I don't think we should be together anymore.† I gaped. No, this wasn't right. This wasn't right at all. I'd expected a big fight, one we'd eventually get over, like always. I'd expected him to ask for forgiveness. I'd expected to set new boundaries in the relationship. I'd expected me to be the one to have the high ground and decide if we were going to continue this. I hadn't expected to be pleading. â€Å"No. No. Seth†¦we've just got to make it work. Look, I'll get over Maddie, okay? And if you want to sleep with other women†¦I mean, it is okay. I always said you could. It's just this first time†¦well, it's a shock, that's all.† He just continued to watch me quietly, and I found myself babbling on more and more. â€Å"But we can make it work. We always do. We'll find a way. You can't just go ahead and decide something like this on your own. There are two of us in this, you know.† â€Å"Yeah,† he said. â€Å"I do know. And I'm one of the two. And I want to split up.† â€Å"No,† I said frantically. â€Å"You don't want to. This is just some weird†¦I don't know. You don't mean it.† Seth's silence was more infuriating than if he'd shouted back at me. He just kept watching me, letting me talk. His expression had so much regret – but so much determination too. â€Å"You were the one who told me we could overcome anything,† I cried. â€Å"Why not this?† â€Å"Because it's too late.† â€Å"It can't be. If you do this†¦it's all for nothing†¦you'll have ended up hurting me. Me and Maddie both.† â€Å"It's a small hurt compared to what could really happen,† he said. â€Å"And as for Maddie†¦I don't plan on hurting her. I†¦I like her.† â€Å"But you love me.† â€Å"Yeah, I do. I probably always will. But maybe that's not enough. I have to move on. We can't do this. I think maybe†¦I don't know. I think something good could happen with me and Maddie. In some ways, she's like you, only – â€Å" Seth had started to slip into the rambling he sometimes did when nervous enough. He bit his lip now, as though he might summon the words back, and looked away. â€Å"Only what?† I asked. I could barely hear my own voice. He turned his gaze back to me, firm and unflinching. â€Å"Only†¦more human.† And that was it. All the anger and sorrow vanished. There was nothing in me. Nothing at all. I was empty. â€Å"Get out,† I said. He paled. Something in my voice and expression must have been truly terrifying. Tentatively, he extended a hand. â€Å"I never meant to hurt you. Thetis, I'm sorr – â€Å" â€Å"Don't ever call me that again,† I told him, stepping away. I didn't know how any of these words were coming out of my mouth. It was like someone else was controlling me. â€Å"Leave. Now.† He opened his mouth, and I thought all that resolve he'd just shown might crumble. In the end, it didn't. He left.