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Niki is concerned about a mole growing on her shoulder, mainly because it won't look good in sleeveless tops, so the other girls encourage her to go see a dermatologist about it. She does this and comes back with some unexpected news: the doctor took a biopsy to determine whether or not she has a case of skin cancer.

During the five days it takes for the biopsy results to come back, the other girls are all worried and very solicitous of Niki. At first Niki downplays any danger, then she gets irritated at her friends' constant efforts to do something for her. Mrs. Merrick tries to get her daughter to open up about what she's going through but Niki won't say much because she thinks that, judging from the past, her mom won't be able to handle such a major problem. But Sierra finally calls Mrs. Merrick up and asks for her help after Niki has pushed her friends away. At the Loft, Juliana Merrick meets her daughter and talks to her. Niki confesses her fears and say she's tired of being strong. She also say she feared her mother couldn't handle bad news. Mom tells Niki she'll help her through the crisis no matter what, if she will allow it.

Castelli can't take waiting for news about the biopsy results and goes to the hospital despite Niki's asking the girls not to come. When she gets there she says a prayer in the chapel that Niki walks in on and overhears. The two girls talk about the effect this experience has had on their faith. Niki says a prayer herself before departing. Maybe, she says, the closeness and understanding this ordeal has brought her with her mother and friends is a good thing. Back home, Alecia, Sierra, Steven and Sean wait anxiously until Niki arrives with the good news that her mole wasn't cancerous Add a recap »