posed to bo a moon. To could go for a ride. Would you like that, Jenny? It's your party."

"But the prom. What about the prom?"

Chris laughed. "How could I go to a prom on the last Saturday of your vacation? Best bib and tucker at soven sharp."

It was my party. After dinner, Chris drove to a lonely spot near the stone quarry. Over the years, the quarry had filled with water, and the moon that Chris had promised left a path of light on its surface.

She took my hand and held it even while she spread the blanket she'd brought from the car. We sat very quietly for a while and watched the moon. All of a sudden, Chris' arms were around me and her mouth, her hands were answering that haunting question: But what did they do?

We stayed there, in the moonlight, for a long time. Finally, Chris said, "Baby, it's late. We'd better get back to tho dorm."

Baby. Lover. Chris, Chris. The sky oponed for me. You made the sky open.

She'd said it was late. For me, it was much later than I knew.

Back at the dorm Chris asked, "You love me, don't you?"

"Yes. Oh, yes. I love you." Never had there been such a glorious release as this. The words were whispered; I wanted to shout. The soft-hardness of you, Chris-the smoothness of your cheek, the infinite gentleness of your hands. I love you, I love you.

Chris didn't say the words I wanted to hear, She squeezed my hand and went to her own room. And I thought, we don't need words, you and I. I know you love me. Chris, Chris.

How well I sleptfor the first time in weeksand awoke feeling all new. It was Sunday-gray and raininga beautiful day. I could hardly dress fast enough. We'd

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