Mom always taught me to be nice to women, and hold the door for them and shit like that. When I opened the door with a flourish and held it for the la...y, I realized that it was Patty!, ( a kind of special friend to me, for I gave her my virginity, just a month before.) She was surprised to see me as I was to see her, she just said come on up to our room. As she opened the door, and stepped inside, I followed, and then just stopped dead in my tracks. The room had 2 beds in it, and there was a. ”“How do you know that?”“That is when I was exposed.”“You were exposed to something that long ago, and you didn’t get checked out until now? So much for being responsible.”“Since I have had this problem for almost a year and I am still fine, do I really have to stay here?”“Just because you have had it for a year doesn’t mean it won’t kill you. How often does a cancer patient come in after something was bothering him for a year, only to find that his cancer has progressed and is now growing too. " I was what?" I asked not believing I could have heard him correctly."You didn't respond to anything, or anyone. I guess you took a short vacation." So, all I needed was a little rest?" I asked."Well you did have a little infection from the burn, but that is all gone now, I think." Has Jen gone home?" I asked."She is still here. She has been busy. First it was keeping us out of prison. Then it was being sure the cops didn't tell the story any way, but her way. Now that you are awake, I expect. You are a small example, the smallest I ever met, but not that small where it matters. Let me put it this way. Would you prefer to be carried by me, a friend that you have made love with, or by a complete stranger?”“If I have to be protected…”“You do.”“Then I accept your invitation. I’d like to know exactly what’s involved before we arrive. Is that possible?”“That’s a good idea.”Shona stood up, walked a couple of steps and opened her suitcase. She struggled with the contents for a few seconds.