I had time only to get mybearings when the main lights surged back on. Thecrowd cheered with relief.The party wound down gradually and Shelley, my wi...e,made eye signals at me about leaving. She sought outthe host, a middle-aged man she worked with. He and hiswife were wishing a line of people goodbye. Our turncame and each shook my hand with polite smiles, knowingShelley but not me. I was thinking about where I’dparked the car when the woman flashed out her hand andsmacked me soundly. I have felt so alone since my parents passed away. For sure, I don't belong with Uncle Thomas or here at this stupid school. My place is with her. But how? Can I just run away and live with her in the woods? When I think of her, my entire being flutters with joy. It is like nothing I have ever felt. I need her. Smiling, I start to daydream, replaying our lovemaking over and over and over. Just as I sit thinking my life is perfect, a group of students is careless in the woods, leaving sparks. " Tim's no man! He's my -- pal!" I asserted but she look peculiarlydoubtful yet pleased."Not even Bethanny -- my other Bethanny ever bothered tapping herfeminine wiles like that. Just too tomboyish like most girls today."I smirked. "I don't got any feminine wiles -- or feminine anything!" Don't be too sure, Bethanny. You're not Tim's kid pest anymore."***"Beth, will you look at the screen instead of my mug??" Huh, oh, sorry," I said, but too late because my X-Box race carcrashed.Tim groaned and. I mentioned to her that I need to go to my house to get some of my magicso I can perform for the talent part of the contest.She said, "Okay as soon as we are done breakfast we can go to yourhouse."After we were done eating off we went again in my truck, and again withme in the car seat. I gave Jennifer direction on how to get to my place.We arrived at my house and went in through the back door. Inside I wentto the room where I keep all of my magic. After looking around trying todecided what I.