Gunny know how to signal when it safe."I couldn't answer him or comment because of the lump in my throat. He must have realized what I was thinking be...ause him and Ling patted me on the back and motioned for us to keep moving. I knew that for them to move a whole village in order to protect me was the highest form of respect they could show me. I knew a lot of the regular soldiers thought these people were backwards, and their customs strange, but they were some of the best men I had ever had. Well,they don't even have to be conditions. Just requests. Requests which I hopeyou'll grant."One is that you'll go with me some time to a swimming pool or water park,just you and me, and that you'll let me pick out your swimsuit. It'llprobably be a bikini, but a normal bikini for girls your age.Unfortunately, there probably won't be time for that until we return fromTom's. And I don't want to hide it from Mom and Roger that we're going - onthe contrary, I want them to know that you've agreed. They are brutes and they have made me brutish. Everyone hates us. Do you hate us?” I said, as I had before in different circumstances. “I don’t hate the Germans, but I do hate what they have done, are doing to my country.” She nodded. “We are bad people.” “No, you’re not but you are doing bad things. Not you personally but your people are.” “I know. You have no idea what is happening to people at home. Are you Jewish?” “No, I am Catholic.” “That is good. It is a bad time to be Jewish in. .." he said softly before kissing her.No, she thought, I couldn't even if I tried...The house was shrouded in darkness when they crept up the back pathway to the side door. Angela had given Nicole a key to that door and explained that it would be less intrusive if she came and went via that entrance. It led through the utility and allowed Nicole to access her attic room via a back staircase. That way she wouldn't disturb Angela if she came in late. It suited both of them as they both had some.