" Certainly," I replied."And I've arranged to have you and Skyla meet Ms. Macafee immediatelyafter that. Since it's summer vacation, she thinks she ca... have a few ofher Living It Out young people over to meet Skyla and introduce her tothe Wednesday night programs." Okay," I said. Timothy's door opened and out came Hannah with his nastyclothes, which she took straight to the washing machine and got goingwith whatever else was available.The little girls had gotten Timothy's mess cleaned up, and. It was awkward. Pedro did not want to offend Edith by asking bluntly why she made herself so unattractive. She was at a loss for conversation topics, since there was nothing to study. Pedro resolved the tension by offering a go out for some ice cream. At St. Evies, this was a common excursion, since the parlor was on the same block. Girls often went there to meet dates, especially those they did not want exposed to Miss Walker. Soon they sat licking almond fudge double dip cones. Edith asked. "You know my conditions." I do." Then let's seal the deal with a kiss." Darla waited for Brenda to embrace her but then she realized the girl wanted her to initiate the kiss. She kissed Brenda just like the girl wanted to be kissed; a technique learned in the backseat of Sam's big black monster. She hoped they weren't being observed. Brenda said, "I'll have to call him with the change in plans. I don't think he'll mind. Be at the Richfield filling station on the south end of town at five. "No you couldn't, sweetheart." Dad chuckled, probably thinking I was joking."My grades aren't really good or anything." I pressed my cheek against his shoulder. "I'm just not smart like that. You know, reading and books and all that stuff." You're plenty smart, Amy," he said seriously, looking down into my eyes. "Don't be telling yourself you're not." Yeah." I smiled and blushed."You're smart and beautiful, you did great today too." Dad nodded. "I'm really proud of you." Really?" I blinked at.