"I don't know what you mean."

"With girls. You'vo done this with other girls. Haven't you, Jenny?" Shrill now.

I uncurled her fingers from my arm. "No, Chris. There hasn't been anybody but you."

It was an explosion. "I don't believe you!"

"We'd better go if we're going to talk to Miss Lee."

Miss Lee was in bed, but she called to us to come in. I only remember some things. I remember that Miss Leo, her hair in curlers and no turban, sat up and turned on her bed lamp. "What is it, girls?"

We sat down on the other twin bed, and Chris said, "We'vo got to talk to you."

And Chris talked and talked. Her voice went on, low and steady, while Mics Loe, only slightly veiled shock in her eyes, looked first at Chris, then at mo.

Then Miss Lee talked. "Often normal, natural...a phase ...appointment with Dr. Stephens...call tonight... don't worry...I'll oven explain to Dr. Stephens...so glad you camo to me...right thing...don't worry... everything is going to be all right."

And, finally, they were through talking. There wasn't anything left to say.

Miss Loo offerred us cigarettes from her pack.

"No, thanks." My voice was rough at the edges.

Chris took one and lightod Miss Leo's cigarette and then her own. She was smiling at Miss Lee smile. Miss Leo smiled back.

"Is that all?"

-

her slow, special

Miss Loo looked surprised. "Why, yes, I guess so, Jonny."

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