Page 27

"No, he might not." He sat back. "Sure you don't want to go somewhere else?"

I looked up the driveway. I knew Mommy and Daddy were waiting up for me. and Uncle Simon was most probably sitting by his window. too.

"Not tonight,'" I said. "But I had a great time. I really did. Thank you," I said.

"Okay," he said, his voice dripping with disappointment. He started up the driveway. "Bump away," he cried, and we laughed as we went over Grandad's hump in the road.

I didn't see Uncle Simon anywhere when we pulled up. His room looked dark. too. I did see a curtain move in the living room.

"Looks quiet here," Chandler said. "I could have gotten away with a good night kiss after all." "It's not too late," I said.

He smiled in the dim pool of light coming off our single, naked porch bulb. Then he slid closer to me, put his arm around my shoulder, and brought his lips to mine again, stronger, longer, full of passion.

"Just takes practice," I said. "Like the piano."

He laughed loudly.

"I really like you. Honey. You don't beat around the bush or pretend to be someone you're not. You're fun to be with. I mean it."

"I'm glad." I said and started to open the car door. He got out quickly and ran around to finish opening it for me.

"Miss Forman," he said with a mock bow. "We hope you enjoyed yourself tonight."

"Indeed I did, sir."

He walked me to the front steps, said good night again, and got back into his car. I watched him back away and then I waved to him, and he waved back and started down the driveway.

"You let that boy touch your body sinfully?" I heard, and spun around to see Grandad step out of a deep shadow to the right of the front porch.

"Grandad, you frightened me."

"Remember, the wages of sin is death. Remember."

"I didn't sin," I flared. "I didn't do anything wrong."

"I saw you," he said, stepping into the perimeter of the light. "I saw you in the car."

"It's not a sin to kiss someone good night. Grandad."

"One thing leads to another," he said. He pointed his finger at me.

"God knows what lust lies in your heart. You'll bring His wrath upon us all," he declared.

"I will not," I said. "That's a silly thing to say."

"You were too close with Peter," he suddenly said. It took my breath away.

"What? What's that supposed to mean?"

"I watched the two of you. The Lord saw what was in both your hearts and struck him down."

"That's a horrible thing to say. Grandad. How can you say such a horrible thing? You're terrible! I hate you for saving something as terrible as that."

"Don't be insolent," he threatened and took a step toward me.

"Leave her be." we heard. I turned to see Uncle Simon coming out of the barn.

"Go on with you," Grandad said, waving at him.