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"Oh stop it, you idiot" I pushed his head and he fell over laughing

We both turned as a large black Mercedes drove up I kneas one of my best friends Amber Simon, a dark brunette as a little on the heavy side, but with beautiful almond eyes and a sweet disposition She had a crush on Harley and I think he sensed it every time she came over and spent any ti him that

if she had soain self-confidence, lose weight and stop eating out of frustration His ansas that her parents should just lock her in a room He admitted that she was nicer than most of my friends and even admitted she had a pretty face hidden under those "mushy cheeks," but he didn't show any real interest

Amber still had hopes

She got out and called to us Harley leaped to his feet

"I'd better go put on et the boats and stuff set up," he said "I promised your father I would take care of that"

"At least say hello to her first Harley"

He cupped his hands and screamed, "HELLO!"

Then he gave me his impish Kevin Bacon s past Uncle Roy and Daddy without soand watched hi his head

My heart felt heavy for Harley

It was as if a cloud always hung above hi cold rain

Even today

Even on my birthday

"Where's Harley going?" A after hi to the party, isn't he?" she asked, her voice tinted with fear

"Yes He's just going to put on his bathing suit He wants to get the boats, kayaks and the pedal boats set up for everyone"