the house for a few days and went to see some of the old gang, but it just wasn't the same anymore. I kept thinking about Carol, those feminine clothes, Larry, my date with him, etc. Everything else seemed so commonplace and the drab surroundings were worse. My father kept telling me to get a job and help support myself, and I tried a couple of times. I even got a job in a gas station but I couldn't hold it. Janet was still lurking within and I found it difficult to concen- trate on anything so masculine. I lost a second job driving a delivery truck and then I went back to hang- ing around with my old cronies. It wasn't long after- ward that I got in trouble again with the police. A group of us were out one night when a gang of fellows from another neighborhood invaded ours and a gang fight started. I was caught in the middle and although I was trying to escape and had to batter my way through the group I did not make it before the police arrived and we were all arrested and taken to the station. I called Bill who came and got me out. My father had heard of the trouble and was furious. In face, he or- dered me out of the house and told me not to come back.

Bill took me to his apartment for the night and the next day had a long talk with me. I tried to tell him that it wasn't my fault and explained how I had tried to get a job, but nothing seemed to come out as planned. I said I wished I were still hiding at Carol's and that the days I spent with her were the happiest in my life. That night we went to Carol's for dinner and we all discussed sending me to a trade school so I could make something of myself. I helped Carol with the dishes while Bill made some phone calls about his business and while we were in the kitchen I told her how much I missed being there and how I missed Janet. Carol suggested I come over the next after- noon and, if I wished, to bring Janet back for the day. My heart almost stopped when she suggested it and I accepted immediately.

I arrived much before noon the next day and Carol must have known I'd be early for she was ready for me. She led me to my old room and there laid out on the bed was a beautiful orange sheath, along with some lovely lacy undies and my white pumps. But

29.