’ ‘Yeah, it was on my mind some this week. What about it?’ ‘Oh, that I owe you my story, my first time. Well, with something other than my han....’ ‘Oh, you guys. Well, tell me, you want to tell me, don’t you?’ ‘Sure. I was sixteen and my next…’ ‘Sixteen, like me?’ ‘Well, yes, just listen. My next door neighbors were a couple, he was kind of nerdy, had a big hothouse in the back yard, grew orchids, as I remember. His wife was as tall as he was and really nice looking. Long brown hair, slim. I cannotlook on those cursed blue diamonds without thinking of the incredible painI have suffered the last few weeks, in the aftermath of what my husband hasdone to me to procure them. Even now my hands still shake, blood spots thebandages wrapped around my wrists and ankles, and I can hardly bear the touchof my own clothing against my skin. I shall tell him I am still not well enoughto attend the celebration, and he must go without me. Did I not tell you, Diary, that he would do anything to. Believe me, there’s going to be a lot of difference in both our Mom’s from now on. I think both of you will like the things we’ve talked about, too. Now let’s go have some fun, then I’m sure we’ll learn more about what our future holds.”Rita and Julia were sitting side by side on the bed when we walked in. Rachel ran across the room with her arms open. “MOM! I’m so proud of you and Julia. Guy just told Rita and me that you married Julia, and we’re so thrilled.”“Rachel - Rita, listen to me. She collected the file folder that had been placed in the clear plastic holder on the wall beside the door.There was really no surprise as she entered the antiseptic smelling little space; brightly lit with a significant number of chrome surfaces gleaming, made the inside look hard and uninviting. In the center was the expected focal point—the examination table. To the nervous patient, the high platform with the black vinyl padded top covered by a sheet of paper that had been pulled from a roll.