” She was sobbing openly now. I stepped closer to put my arms around her. That’s when she sucker punched me. I never even saw it coming. She hit m... right in the solar plexus and I dropped to my knees like a sack of potatoes at her feet. The pain was excruciating and I could not breathe. Pointing at the church, she yelled, “I will not go into that church to see you lying in a box.” Still gasping for breath, I fell forward, my face in her midriff. My arms wrapped around her hips trying to steady. "Are you going to play doggy again?" I doubt it. It sounds like Bethany's got this all new game she wants to play." But you might play doggy?" I don't know. Maybe. It depends on her game." But you like it when Bethany plays doggy with you."Why was she still asking questions?"I like it very much. Bethany is very good at it," I answered. "Where is she?" My question would hopefully end Beverly's questions."Stay here. Let me check if she's ready."I came inside and stood at the foot of the stairs. Hot would have been nice. The room was an old classroom in the local middle school building. On the wall behind them a clock ticked loudly, bringing back nostalgic, though not particularly happy memories for Bryan. Many an August afternoon had been spent in just such a classroom.Bryan wiped the sweat from his brow. The people in front of him were all dressed as lightly as they could muster and retain their modesty. From the smell of the room, deodorant had run out sometime. ” I could see she was making herself angry.“Hold on, Deirdre. You made me talk, remember? It never occurred to me that you could help me if I flattered you. I figured you could get me fired, though. That’s part of the reason that I kept my mouth shut. The rest of the reason is just that you’re way out of my league. You’re a step way up in class from me. You’re that unreachable star that people sing about. I know that to you I’m just a little kid. If you want me to be honest with you I will. I’m.