”“This is hard Jennifer. We have friends who have problems. WE have problems. We have to deal with them. I don’t care to discuss the alternative...to not working on the problems.”“Can we discuss me?”“Yes.”“Why am I afraid?”“The same reason I am. Life presents us with scary situations all the time. We’re teenagers with very few experiences. But you know what? Even adults are afraid.”“Like?”“My mom is afraid that I’m growing up. She’s scared to death of that. Melanie’s parents are afraid that. ‘Oh my god, did I.. Oh no,’ I used some of the erotic phrasing I had tried in my last published story. What would the teacher think. I spent the weekend on tender-hooks half expecting my teacher to make contact but she didn’t. Monday I had English last period and, even though we weren’t expecting the papers to be marked until Friday, I was still expecting the axe to fall. My worst fears were realised when she looked up at the bell and said ‘Josh, would you please stay behind’. Even though I was. ” “Doesn’t sound like a very good husband then.” He handed her a glass and their eyes met over the rim. “It’s not his fault.” He smiled. “Well, here’s to being let down.” He clinked his glass against hers and she returned the smile. He sat close to her and turned his body to face hers, resting his arm casually across his knee. “I think if I were your husband, I’d be careful letting you out of my sight.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “A beautiful girl like you, wandering alone on the beach,. “There’s more in the pot,” she added as she lifted her cup, taking a sip.“Mmm, it smells good. Nothing like freshly brewed coffee right after a shower,” I commented while taking a deep whiff.“Your hair is coming in nicely, Honey. I can’t see your scars anymore. You are such a handsome boy, you know,” Mom said, giving me a motherly smile. “Oh, and before I forget, your father and I both have Sunday off, so we were thinking about making it a family day and going down to the beach. What do you.