" Suit yourself," Greg replied, his grin remaining firmly affixed. "But don't hesitate to ask if you change your mind."Jake nodded and stood up, doing...it slowly to keep the nausea and the spins to a minimum. He made his way to the front of the bus, toward the small bathroom/shower room. His eyes were now more or less adjusted to the brightness and he took a glance out the window, seeing they were driving down a four-lane Interstate that had been cut through a thick forest. Though the sky was. " The reverend shook his head, his white hair exploded into a mop, "Is there any progress ... Anything at all?"Holmes struck a match and applied it to the bowl of his meerschaum. He puffed contentedly. "Progress..." He lifted his pipe from his mouth and studied the stem, "Some, but early days. I start to understand the issues involved."Forty visibly slumped, "I had hope of more." All will become apparent. It may do so sooner with your assistance." said Ned."Anything. I will do anything to. " You're a lot of help," I said disgustedly.She shrugged."Do you realize that every other member of the committee is off on a date tonight and we're slaving over computers?"Tami shrugged again. Traci and Peter had gone to the movies with Kelly and some kid I'd never heard of. Mikee was seeing a different movie in the same multiplex with Billy Toland, a kid in my class and a guard on the football team. Darlene and Robbie had both gone out to dinner, though neither mentioned who with."I'm here.. ” “Perfectly serious,” I replied. “My flatmate’s away and I’m in need of some adult company. Come on guys, it’ll be fun.” Just then a shout came over their radio and they had to rush off. They smiled and waved at me as they sped past me in their powerful patrol car with blue lights flashing and sirens blaring. It was nearly four thirty when I arrived home laden with carrier bags full of new clothes, bags and accessories. I kicked of my shoes, poured a huge glass of wine, stripped naked and ran.