Page 68

"No. but I hate the thought of taking their money so I told Grant to tell them we'd agree if the money was donated to Women's Shelter in the Storm, the organization to protect and defend abused women."

"That's a very good idea," Mommy said. She looked at me.

"Summer, we're talking about all this as if you didn't have a word to say."

"It's all right with me. Mommy." I said. "He's a liar though."

She nodded.

"Grant has told your mother." Daddy said to Mommy. "She wanted to come down to see Summer right away, but I thought we could use a few quiet days before we see anyone."

"That's wise. Austin."

"What if... something happens to me. Mommy?" I asked.

They were both quiet, both immediately understanding that I was worried about getting pregnant. The look on their faces revealed how much they didn't want to think about it.

"We'll have to wait to see, of course, but if it does, we'll deal with it then," Mommy said quickly.

Daddy lifted his fist and slammed it down so hard on the desk. I thought it might split into two pieces. Everything jumped, some things falling over. Mommy gasped and brought her hand to her throat.

"I can understand why some people are driven to murder." Daddy said, his lips so taut with rage that little white dots appeared in the corners. "or at least why so many people favor the death penalty."

"None of that is going to do you, me or Summer any good now. Austin. Please."

He nodded,

"I know. I wish there was more I could do for you, baby." he said to me.

"I know you've done and are doing all you can. Daddy."

"Let's all take a deep breath," Mommy said. "and try to carry on with our lives. Maybe we'll all take a trip, go to the seashore or one of the islands," she suggested.

"Yeah," Daddy said. "Okay."

He rose and went back to the window. Mommy looked at me and then turned to leave the office.

"Oh," Daddy said, turning back to us, "I have some things to check at the health club office. just be gone an hour or so," he said.

"Don't be too long. Austin. Mrs. Geary's working hard to make dinner extra special for us tonight."

"I'll be there. I'll even be hungry," he promised. He was smiling at us, but there were tears icing his eyes.

Mommy went to rest in the sitting room and I returned to my bedroom. I didn't cry anymore. I just sat by my window and looked out at the lake. I wondered how I would ever kiss another boy, hold his hand or permit him to embrace me. Would I shake and panic just at the thought of going on a date? Could time and a thousand bubble baths ever wash away the shock and the violation?

My dark thoughts were interrupted when I heard the doorbell ring. I rose and went to look down the stairway to see who it was. I was expecting it to be Harley. who I imagined had decided he couldn't wait to visit. Mrs. Geary was there opening the door. It was Uncle Roy.

"Is Mrs. Clarke downstairs?" he asked her.

"I'm here. Roy," Mommy said. "It's okay. Mrs. Geary." she added and wheeled up to the sitting room doorway.

He waited until Mrs. Geary was gone and then turned quickly to Mommy.

"What happened to Summer? Why is she home from music school?" he asked with a firmness. I wondered chat Mommy would say and lingered to listen.

"Come into the living room. Roy," she told him and he followed behind her.

I came down the stairs slowly and stopped midway when I could hear their voices. It wasn't just curiosity. I really wanted to see how Mommy was.