to see if she approved of his idea. Patricia only said, “Swift,” in her I’ll-go-along-with-anything tone. She grabbed Randy’s hand and started running towards the gym door, Linda and Ralph followed. Neither spoke as they walked down the hall and up the steps to tthe coatcheck. Ralph got Linda’s cape and placed it on her shoulders. “Thank you,’ she said _ politely, despite her anger. Randy held the door for Patricia and Linda. “Hey, it’s kinda cool out here.” Patricia started running toward the car. Randy galloped after her hollering, “The car’s locked!” Linda held her cape shut and hurried to the car, with Ralph right behind her. “Listen to that beat, will ya? Man, it really swings.” Patricia sat across the table from Linda snapping her fingers and swaying back and forth. Her long hair bounced from side to side. “Let’s dance, Randy, okay?” “Sure,” Randy answered. He pulled her chair out and escorted her to the middle of the dance floor. Ralph stared at his coke. Some of Linda’s friends came over to the table and sat down. The whole time they were there, Ralph ignored them. “What’s the matter with you, Ralph?” Linda snapped as soon as her friends left. “You didn’t have to be so rude.” She stood up. “Excuse me,” she said sarcastically and walked away. She started across the room. A boy she knew called to her, “Hey, how about dancing with me?” “Why not?” It was a slow dance, so they didn’t have to stay in one place. Because Linda knew Ralph was watching her, she put her cheek against her partner's. John held her as tight as Ralph had at the Prom, but she didn’t care. She liked John round again and adjusted her glasses. “If he touches me one more time, I'll scream.” Randy and Patricia were walking as toward a good friend. “IT don’t care what Ralph thinks,” she thought. “I plan to dance with anyone who asks me. I intend to ignore Ralph the way he ignored me, “Do you have English Leather ‘on, John?” “Yes,” he answered in his deep voice. “Why?” “Just wondered. It sure smells good.” over, the band played a fast song. Linda When and John the danced dance the was watusi. Linda smiled when she _ saw Randy and Patricia walking back to the table. “That drummer is good,” she commented. “Yeah, but not half as good as I am,” John answered. When the music stopped, John went back to his date and Linda went back to Ralph. She sat down across from him, but stared at smiles, as usual. the black, star-lit sky and shivered. “It should be a nice April day tomorrow,” she said aloud. turned her head; his cheek brushed lightly against hers. She stepped back. “Good night, Ralph,’ she said drily. She muttered, “And good rid- dance.’ She opened the screen door and pushed the key into the lock. She listened to the foot-steps on the sidewalk; slam, and she heard the the car drove turned the key inside door open. side and walked bedroom. car door off. She and shoved the She stepped inup to her dark “There the red and blue balloons hanging on the wall. After a while, Randy came over to them and told them they were leaving. “Okay,” Ralph mumbled. Linda got up from the table and pulled a blue balloon down. “I want something nice from tonight.” While they were waiting for Randy and Patricia, Linda and Ralph stood at the liquor bar that had been converted into a snack bar by the P.T.A. mothers. Linda felt Ralph’s cold hand on her back and turned to face him. Her brown hair brushed her shoulders. I'm brushing the sparkles off your back,” he explained. “Why?” Linda said coldly. “They'll only fall off again, so don't waste your time.” She turned a24 them—all Linda flashed a smile at them. “Is everybody ready?” Randy asked in his usual carefree tone. “Let’s go.” “Well, here you are,” Randy said to Linda. “Yes, here I am,’ Linda replied. Ralph started tto get out of the car. “Good night and thanks for acting as chauffeur.” “Any time, dear lady, anytime.” Linda clutched her blue balloon and scrambled out of the car. Ralph grabbed her hand and helped her over the curb. Linda looked up at are a lot of stars out.” Ralph pulled her close to him and helped her up the steps of her front porch. When Linda found her house key, she turned to face Ralph. He stared at her;he put the palm of his hand flat against the screen door and leaned forward. Linda take the biggest bite but give ihe him pee WELDON HILL