I looked around, a few cars were passing by. Again the horns sounded. I just needed to get inside. In desparation, I buzzed our neighbour's button. 'H...llo?' she queried after a few minutes, probably after getting out of bed. 'Hi, Justine, it's me. Sorry to disturb you but I was working late and forgot my key, could you please buzz me in?' I asked. 'Sure thing, dear' she said. She was a slender French woman in her late fifties. Long, brunette hair, elegant, well-maintained body and always. . Hamlin Lake ... was the site of the family cottage and he didn’t go there either. Jannie was sure to be there and every year for the last three ... Jannie ... and her friends graduated from pestilence to spectacular. This year ... Jannie had gone to Great Britain as a junior exchange student and the trade the family got was an 11th year Blond British Barmaid Busty 18 year old! HooBoy Howdy!“Mom ... I’m coming to the cottage for the summer.”“You’ll have to set up in the backyard ... Elizabeth. The next day, I looked him up an' led him ta the smithy where he went inta more detail 'bout them shields. I roughed one outta sheet steel an' showed it ta him the next day. He said I had the right idee, but I should line the backside with wood ta he'p beef it up. Ezra was the one what was good with wood, so he did that job right smart-like. He added a bracket fer the arm an' a grip ta hold it, an' the shield was finished. Ezra banged on it with a steel bar while I held it, an' damned if it. But I can see theconflict in you. It needs to be brought out and looked at. Then, if usis what you want; really want, you and I can go forward. Once you cantruly make that choice knowing the alternative." The close hug and softwords masked the frown and glimmer of fear in Shelley's eyes. "Go on. Go and get ready. Have a nice meal and a dance or two and comehome and talk to me. Whatever time I'll be awake."That got a wry grin, "Ok mum. I'll be a good girl for my date. You don'thave to wait up.".