I will think about it, I promise."Finally, I had to go, as Allison's mom came to take her daughter home,to get ready for her return to school the next...day. I spent the rest ofthe night reviewing my schoolwork, and being totally nervous. The nextmorning, Allison's mom helped me pick out a good outfit, and off Iwent. Nicky and Lisa met me and the door, complimented me on theoutfit, and soon it was time for classes.I felt like everyone was staring at me. Fortunately, I had Nicky andLisa with me. What did I do about that?They growled and charged in at me. I blocked Korvan’s swing and then dodged Shak’s hard swing. I danced to the right, barely avoiding Thov’s swipe. They were around me. Swinging at me from every side.I twisted. Parried. I struggled to think.CRACK!Korvan hit me across the back. I stumbled forward, grunting. I stretched out my back.“Again,” Pyrriah called.The three went back into position. I rolled my shoulders. They rushed at me. I had to remember to use my armor. Parry. " I know that," Lauren said, still laughing. "And you throw the ball up while you're bouncing away, too." Yeah," Rick said. "And you see? The ball goes in." Do you make it on purpose?" Lauren said. "You're facing away from the basket. You don't even see the basket." Yeah," Rick said. "It's on purpose. Well, half of the throws won't go. See? This one doesn't go." Oh my goodness," Lauren said. "It's so funny. You're going to join the Harlem Wizards professional entertainment team?" Nah," Rick. "I'd think that a woman who looks like you would have to be careful around any man," he said with a grin.Again Maria's laugh trilled to the heavens. This handsome young kid was really getting to her. "Goodness gracious, you're still sweating," she said. "That must really be hot work today." Sorry, Mrs.--er--Maria. I hope I don't smell too bad." Oh, no!" Maria insisted. "I think sweat makes a man smell like a man. I like it. It sort of--well--makes me feel--" She dropped the statement, but the.