Mom's study was also the house's library, a room crammed to the ceiling with books, all filled with wondrous things. I'd read many of them growing up,...and those thousands of pages I'd thumbed through had left me with a real thirst for the written word. I was very much my mother's daughter in that respect. Picking up her glasses, I wandered happily through the room, breathing deeply of that scent I loved so well -- of paper, bound up in volumes of many hues and shades. Each one waited. I seemed like every single day he was in the Principal’s office but they never did anything to him, not really. I think even the Principal was a little bit scared of Billy by then. Everybody went out around him in the halls, Billy had turned into one mean little shit. Except for me. I was stuck with him, his fucking bud. +++ Which brings us to what happened. That girl that Jimmy White was with that night? I dated her years later when her figure went from a broomstick to something else entirely.. He's an investment banker by trade, and he has lots of time to pursue his outdoorsman hobby.Dana Malone, 34, is his adoring wife and an avid camper. She can cook anything, and make it taste good. She learned everything she knows from Bob. Everything. He is her first love. She is a green eyed blond. Petite at 4'10" and has a Dolly Parton figure with hips.Stephanie Malone, 18, is their first child. She is head strong, red haired, and has a temper. She can field dress any game, large or small. She. Elizabeth is an amalgam of three people. There is, I’m afraid, no real life analogue to Denise. Stan’s devotion to Caron is heavily modelled on my own love, of course. Like everything else, sweetheart, I offer this to you. Steveh11, 12th May, 2006 * * * * * Chapter 1 Stan woke up, rolled onto his back, and stared at the ceiling. It was a defensive reflex, looking at the empty pillow next to him would bring tears to his eyes. It was his 42nd birthday, and he was alone… again… still. The ceiling.