Suddenly, she wasclose, her hands resting entwined against my shoulder. Iturned to her, her face hovering only centimetres frommine. Without thought, ...ithout considering what it might do toour easy friendship, I kissed her. It was as simple asthat, lips touching, her warm breath taking away thepattering of the rain outside. Oh, I loved Karen in my own way, but something wasmissing. She wanted different things out of life — afamily, maybe a farm. I wanted to reach the stars. Shewas there,. She kisses Suzy and tells her they have an audience. Suzy rolls over and smiles up at me. ‘Did you enjoy the show?’ ‘Ya’ll were making so much noise it was hard to sleep.’ ‘Yeah, we were a little noisy weren’t we? Come on down. It’s obvious neither of us are shy.’ I walk down and join them on the couch. By the time I get there the two have sat up and made space for me between them. Alice kisses me then Suzy does. I put my arms around them and they lean into me. Alice looks at me and says, ‘You. .nice to see you LisaHe bent over and kissed my mum on the cheek and started staring at me.Angie: You remember little Chris don't you markWe had met briefly once before. Mark took me for an impromtu driving lesson when I called round to pick something up previously with mum last year. He remembered me.We chatted for a good hour, catching up on old time news but my mum when she has had too much wine started to talk gossip.Angie: Any new gossip about the girls?Mum: No none at all but got some. Dammit, Mom. I whispered to Nicole. "I don't want to talk about it." I don't really want to get into it right now." OK, honey," Mom replied. "If you insist. You know you can always talk toyour father and I. We do love you and miss you." I know, Mom," Nicole answered. "I miss you both too."I heard my mom sigh. "But anyway. There was something I wanted to tellyou. What was it? Oh - so guess what. I was at your sister's cheerpractice yesterday and I saw Lindsey's mom there."That's a name I.