Opal hated lying, she really did. Even when it would have saved her grief from her mother and sister, she was honest. And though she'd kept things to herself in her new life, she hadn't really lied, and recently, she'd been maybe a little too truthful with Henry.
But was it really lying if she didn't say anything? Yes, Opal decided. It was definitely still lying. But if she didn't, she'd be breaking her promise. And that was wrong too.
So she nodded, but it was hesitant. Then she gave a bright smile and gestured toward the blanket she'd spread out on the grass. A moment later, she'd pulled out the wine skin from the bag she'd packed and set it near the girl. Then she added a few pears and some cheese to the setting. Both hands reached, face up, fingers spread, towards the food and drink, offering the girl whatever she wished to have for refreshments.
Then, as the girl looked everything over, Opal lifted her hand to her mouth and whispered her own name. Looking at the gem that appeared, she smiled because it had produced exactly what she'd been hoping. Holding her hand out, she pointed at the opal in her hand, then at herself, indicating that it was what she was called.