Page 18 (2/2)

"Druggies? Stoners?"

"Oh " Molass meatloaf pan froirl, Katie She tries to buy cigarettes frostore "

"Shes probably buying them for her mom "

Mom set the dry pan down on the speckled Formica counter "Just do me a favor, Katie You think for yourself around Tully Hart I wouldnt want you to follow her into trouble "

Kate threw the crocheted dishrag in the soapy water "I cant believe you What about all your take-a-risk speeches? For years you tell me to make friends, and the second I find someone, you call her a slut "

"I hardly called her a—"

Kate stormed out of the kitchen With each step she expected her round her, but silence followed her dramatic exit

Upstairs, she went into her room and slammed the door for effect Then she sat down on her bed and waited When Mo one

But Mo to feel sort of bad Had she hurt her ot up, paced the small room

There was a knock at the door

She raced over to the bed and cli to look bored "Yeah?"

The door opened slowly Moth red velour robe theyd gotten her for Christmas last year "May I come in?"

"Like I could stop you "

"You could," Mom said quietly "May I come in?"

Kate shrugged, but scooted to the left to make room for her mom