James caught Allan's face as he tried to turn back. He cupped both cheeks and kissed him. It was tender, but soft, it was the kiss that Allan had alwa...s imagined when he thought about James. "I love you, too, James," he said when the kiss ended. The boys stepped over the pebbles to the blanket. "One vegetarian picnic," James told his new boyfriend, "just for you." He opened the basket and pulled out some egg salad sandwiches, little salads, plates, forks, salad dressing, Sprite, napkins, etc.. How lucky are you?”“Luckiest man in the world.”“Damn fuckin’ straight. And there are certain expectations of a man in such a blessed state if he wants to stay in such a blessed state. Such as remembering that while I am superb, I’m not as good a fuck as she is, so you’d just be wasting your time, and you wouldn't have that much time left to you before we show you how violent our wrath can be. We’re not that Americanized. And for some unknown reason, she seems to think you’re extra-special or. She became curious, and shuffled through the other creams, and found some that, if they worked, she could have some fun. "But I must warn you, the changes are irreversible." Liz looked at her as if she was crazy. Not because of the absurdity of the situation, but that the woman thought that she would care.5 minutes later, Liz walked out of the store with a half full basket of creams. Janet turned to look as Liz came out and a dumbfounded, I-can't-believe-you-bought-that look came across her. You understand compassion. Youunderstand the things in life that have real value and make it worthliving.What I have done is unforgivable. I struck you. I was willing to denyour child. I betrayed your trust. I treated you without respect. I wasa fool. I am a fool."I knew how hard it was for Jo to say those things. She was so pridefuland admitting a mistake or flaw was painful for her.She continued, "I know that you are loyal and will stand by my medespite what I have done; I don't understand.