That being said, I still plan on going. But this time, you are going to be taking me."Dilton was shocked. He had no idea what to say. All he could do ...as look at her, his mouth opening and closing a couple times as it tried to speak.Midge moved close enough to rest her hand on his forearm, she had a genuine smile on her face at his reaction. She was sure that he would agree to do it ... if he had a tux. Damn, she did not know if he had anything to wear."Well Dilton? Will you escort me to the. I glanced back at the newspaper then looked out at the ocean and crowded beach and wondered if I was angry at her, or at myself for being in this situation, for not insisting that Carla call her mom and clear things up. I cursed my own stupidity. I did this to myself. What's wrong with me?While I was standing there, a police car drove by. I didn't want them to see me so I faced the ocean, but I also didn't want them to recognize Carla. Her picture was in all of the papers and on television and. "Are you ready to meet your Barbie," sheasked, eyes glittering.Daniel nodded, and she opened the door. They stepped in, and Daniel'seyes quickly scanned the soft pink decor of the room before falling uponthe girl standing in the center of the room.Her body was sheathed in a soft pink glow, her back facing the door. Shewas standing on tiptoe, her small feet neatly wrapped in her balletslippers. The softness of the leotard clung to her skin tightly, showingthe beautiful shape of her calves and. Life seemed to be taking a step in the right direction. But the suffering wasnt over. I remember that afternoon so clearly. I went to her school at 1:15 like always, happy to pick her up on a marvulous Friday. I didnt tell her yet, but I decided to take her with my pay raise to go see her role model Elmo in a live concert. I waved as I saw her run out of the school gates. Wow, I thought, she is really excited to get out today. But when I looked closer, I nearly was about to cry out in anger..