car drove into the driveway. He started to walk toward it when he saw that a girl about his age was in the car with her. She had began to chuckle at the sight of the boys curled tresses when he ran for the house. Rushing through the kitchen he headed straight for the bathroom. He locked the door and turned on the shower. Taking one last look at himself in the mirror, he removed the hairclip and plunged his head into the shower spray. The water quickly flattened his hair and left it straight and stringy. Turning the water off he towel dried his hair and stode back into the kitchen. The three women were surprised at his appearance.

"Why did you do that?" Susan demanded. "Cindy didn't even get to see it after all the work she put into it!" He had no idea what to say. He looked over at the young woman. "This is my daughter, Tina. Tina, this is Terry," Cindy introduced them. "Nice to meet you, Terry. My mom's talked about you a lot." Terry liked her right from the start. "Glad to meet you too, Tina." "Why did you run into the house before I could see you?" Cindy questioned. "When I saw Tina in the car I was afraid I'd be embarrassed," he answered. "I thought it looked cute," Tina commented. Once again Terry felt uncomfortable. "Excuse me but I have got work to do," he said rapidly. After he went back outside the three women had a long chat. Later, the two neighbors waved goodbye to him as they left.

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CHAPTER SEVEN

An Invitation

During the next couple of days he worked very hard. No more had been said about his hair setting episode and he was glad that there were apparently no hard feelings among his new friends. Tina came over often with her mother and she and Terry would go for walks when he could spare the time. He really liked her. Although he had found her attractive on their first meeting as he got to know her better he liked her even more for her kindness and understanding.

One day over lunch she asked him to go with her to a special square dance party. Cindy and Susan watched him to see his reaction. "I'd love to but I don't know how to square dance," he replied. "That's okay, they have lessons before the actual dance begins. There are always new people that don't know how and it's fun and easy to learn." "Go ahead, Terry! It will give you a chance to meet some of the other local people,' Susan said convincingly. "Sure, I'd like to go with you, Tina. When is it?" he responded enthusiastically. "It's this Friday night. We'll have

a great time," she said, matching his excitement. "What do I have to wear? I don't own any cowboy clothes." Square dances are special so you've got to wear special clothes," Tina hedged. "What is that supposed to mean, " he asked as he looked around at the women's faces. Susan broke the silence. "I have a green checked dance dress that will be perfect on you dear!" "Oh, no, he said quickly, "I'm not going to the dance wearing a dress!" Tina looked crushed. Terry didn't want to spoil his chances with her but what else could he do? "Will anyone else be wearing a dress?" he asked pleadingly. "Sure, lots of people will be

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