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"Cathy, Cathy, Cathy," Stuart was saying. My legs began to relax and then I opened my eyes.

She was standing in the doorway, her hands on her hips, her face full of disgust as she nodded.

"I'm dead only a little while and this is what you do," I heard her say. "Disgusting."

"Close the door," I cried.

"What?"

"Please, close the door, Stuart?'

"But there's no one in the house."

"Please."

"Okay, sure," he said, rising. He slipped off the bed. She was still standing there, glaring until he closed the door.

When he returned, I let my head fall back on the pillow. He was there again, bringing himself to me and then into me. For a moment we both were still, holding onto each other. He kissed my eyes.

It's different. It's real. It's love, isn't it? I asked myself and then I told myself it was. Good, good, good.

A steam of "Yes" passed through my lips. Stuart was moaning his pleasure and his promises, but I could hear only my own cries of glee. I can love someone, I thought. I glared into the darkness as we continued to rush toward each other, covering ourselves completely in a blanket of passion. My father's voice was drowned out by my cries of pleasure, and Geraldine's face faded.

Tonight, I thought, I'll bury you both.

Stuart and I lay together in my bed for a long time afterward, neither of us willing to end the moment by rising and remembering that there was a tomorrow and we would have to stop touching for a while. Finally, he rose, went to the bathroom and then started to dress.

"How are you?" he asked. "I didn't hurt your leg or anything, did I?"

"No," I said, laughing. "I thought I hurt you with my cast."

"Never felt a thing. To do with your cast that is," he added. "It's getting late. I have to go home," he said regretfully. "Anyone staying over tonight?"

"I wish I could, but..."

"It's okay," I said.

"Maybe I can tomorrow night," he offered. "That is if your mother is still going to be away." He stopped button- ing his shirt and thought a moment. "Did she ever call you today?"

"I called her," I said quickly. "When I was up here earlier?'

"Oh. And?"

"She will be away tomorrow, too," I said.

"Oh, great. I'll call you in the morning to tell you what time I'll be around, okay?"

"Okay," I said.

"I hate leaving you," he said. "Wait a minute. I carried you up here. I'd better go and get your crutches?'

"I can get around all right without them."

"No. Don't do anything that might lengthen your recuperation," he warned. "I have plans for us running on the beach someday soon."

I laughed and he left to get my crutches. I rose and put on my robe. Moments later, he returned with my crutches and I decided to go down to see him leave. He turned at the door.

"I had a great time," he said. "This was about the best day I had in a long time."