She stared up at Penny, blank and empty. Her redhair crowned her head, but splayed like this, it was like fiery coronet.It was tragically misplaced on...her blank face. Her eyes were dull andhollow despite their bright green color. There was no life in her. Therewas nothing in her.That's what Penny was going to marry: oblivion."Fuck you," hissed Penny. The rage built in her. She looked at the faceof Dolly and could see the faces at the restaurant. All of them mockingher in their obedience. All of. I swallowed, and felt a jolt of electricity. He looked at me intensely, and leant towards me. He enveloped my mouth in a harsh kiss, bruising my lips with his own. I let out a moan against his mouth and opened to his probing tongue. His hand swept up to hold my neck, slanting his lips over mine in a punishing, longing way. I was soon breathless, as his tongue duelled with mine in fierce passion. His free right hand reached down to hold my left hand, and my right wrapped lazily around his bicep.. Melanie wasfastening the little cord at the back that effectively closed me in."I really don't understand all this!" I complained, as she turned mearound and helped me into the cardigan part."S'easy love," she answered. "Just think about it this way. Cissie's themost important thing in this relationship. She started improving when yougave her your position at work. Now? Andrea thinks that she'll improve ifyou give her your position at home. Nothing could be easier, could it?" But Melanie? What. I will phone your mother if I think you’re not telling the truth.” He firmly popped his paddle against the side of his leg.I hesitated, but knew he would call my mom if in doubt. “Well since Dad was away during the day, I stayed home most days and went out in the evenings. You understand, just visiting friends and stuff happens.”Art didn’t look impressed. “Did you drink with those friends every night? Have a few puffs on a cigarette every night?”He had guessed the truth and I couldn’t bring.