"Now, I want you to take off your tee shirt". Mom started to object but the man near me grabbed my arm. Mom looked at me and I could see tears formi...g in her eyes. Mom said she would do as she was told as along as they didn't hurt me. Mom looked at me again and mouthed, "I am sorry". She looked at the man and started to lift her tee shirt over her head. Mom was now showing her bra. "Now the shorts". She slowly lowered her shorts and was soon in bra and panties.The man said that as long. "Her being upset was completely irrational!" Not completely," I contended. "If you weren't her best friend, yes. She's confused, I know that. But I can see some of it. Look, it's just a bad idea."She just looked at me and shook her head. "You're as crazy as she is." Then she turned to leave-and that's when we both noticed. We'd never closed the door when she came into the room. And there, standing in the hallway, was Callie.Melanie blanched for a second, then regained her composure. "So, you. We were short a doctor,” she said.“I got the message you left with my sister,” I said. “It’s OK.”“I didn’t want to bother you at work, because I know how busy you are and that you’re trying to get a new release out.”I saw Kara smirk, though Jessica couldn’t see that.“Babe, you wouldn’t have bothered me,” I said. “But let’s go have breakfast!”Jessica signed out, and we walked two blocks to a bakery and got bagels and coffee.“Jess, how was your night?” Kara asked.“Long. I didn’t get a lot of. Where do you live?” “Over on Poynter. At Smithson Commons.” “Right around the corner. I’ll drop you off.” “Thank you!” Barry drove out of the parking lot. He made a right then another one onto Poynter. He drove straight past the housing project. “Hey. It was right there,” the teenager said. Barry replied, “I know. Need to make a quick stop up here.” He turned into Neville Heights Park. He crept slowly and brought his ride to a halt. “Go ahead and take a drink,” Barry instructed his passenger..