the past few minutes.

Perhaps....

We talked for quite awhile and of many things. My conversation was directed toward school activities and job prospects for the coming fall. I had just grad- uated from high school and had failed to look for work as yet. (My two sisters and my mother all worked and were supporting me very nicely. My father had pass-

ed away when I was only a very small child.)

Debbie seemed to want to talk of her interests. Her new fall dresses she had bought.. What did I think of them... Did I like the new fashions... Her secret society or sorority of girls... How much fun they had at their meetings and social events... She wishes that I were a member... How much fun that would be...

•

I listened to all of this and accepted it without too much embarrassment. But when she started talking of her new cute yellow bikini panties with lace trim and floral design, my face began to burn up. I quick- ly suggested we throw the football around. Anything was better than continuing this kind of talk when my emotions were so evident.

She seemed delighted to throw the football. As I went to get it from the car, she remarked how she had she been a boy, would have loved to have been a quar- terback. She said, "You know, it's really too bad that people can't play the role that fits them best. Don't you think so, Merrill?" I buried my head in the car in search for the ball, not answering. Her remark seemed to be meant for me, not really for Debbie her- self.

I found the ball and Debbie grabbed it from me, running down the open field area by the river 15 or 20 yards. She stopped and said, Now over to your right and I'll throw you a pass. I was no expert runner (or expert anything, for that matter) but ran in awk- ward style to my right. Debbie cocked her arm back and threw a spiral to me that would have been the envy of any college quarterback. It floated to me and was accurate and true.

I dropped it!

23.