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"I was fourteen the first time I did it," she told me unabashedly. "I didn't enjoy it, of course. Too painful and the boy was a clod. I kept thinking if this is what I can expect. I'll be a nun."

She laughed and drank her vodka and orange juice. Then she took a deep breath and slipped down under the blanket, moaning like a kitten.

"Maybe Austin's right. Maybe I am more tired than I think." "Of course he's right."

She looked at me again.

"Mother was so worried about her. She was never as worried about me," she told Mommy and pouted. "Poor little Summer this and poor little Summer that. It was coming out of my ears. I had to get away for a while, and that's when I found Harper. Umm," she said snuggling under the blanket, "what a find,"

Mommy glanced at me and then looked at Alison who closed her eyes and seemed to fall asleep immediately. We both waited a few moments. then Mommy nodded and we started out as quietly as we could.

She moaned.

"Send Harper up, please," she muttered, "You should just rest for a while. Alison." "Rest, pest." she mocked.

Mommy shook her head and we continued out. Harley had arrived and was in the sitting room with Daddy and Harper, who still looked absolutely terrified.

"How is she doing now?" Daddy asked first.

"Unchanged," Mommy said. smirking. Daddy laughed. Harper raised his eyebrows with surprise and confusion. "She's asking for you. Harper, so you might as well go back up to her," Mommy told him.

"Oh. Sure," he said rising. "Well, thanks," he told Daddy and left.

"What a night." Daddy said. "You were wonderful, Austin."

"I only did what I'm trained to do. Everyone should know some first aid. especially CPR'' he said directing himself to Harley and me.

"I'd like to learn more," Harley said.

"Ill give you some quick lessons this week. Stop by when you get a chance," Daddy told him.

"Thanks."

"Where's Roy?" Daddy asked. "I bet he could use a stiff drink after all that."

"He's home. My mother's been... a lot more depressed than usual." Harley revealed.

"Oh?" Mommy said. "What do you mean. Harley? What is she doing?"

"That's just it. She's not doing much. Sleeping mostly. Roy's been trying to let her to eat. She barely nibbles on anything."

"I'd better get over there tomorrow," Mommy said. "Maybe I can get her to do a little shopping with me."

Harley looked at the floor. I knew from the way he tightened his mouth and lowered his eves that there was much more to tell, but he was too embarrassed or too frightened to talk about it, even with us.

"I'd better get home." he suddenly decided and stood. "I'll walk halfway with you" I offered.

"Thanks," he mumbled. He looked at Mommy and Daddy, smiled and said good night.

We didn't speak until we were outside.

"I really thought she was dead, didn't you?" Harley asked.

"For a while. I did. but I kept telling myself Daddy would save her."

"Yeah, it's nice to have a father you can believe in and trust like that," Harley said.

"Uncle Roy was the biz, hero. Harley. Even Daddy says that," I reminded him. He nodded. "He came out of nowhere like Superman."