as amorous performances as Jan and I had given in my bedroom, while the folks were away.

"Why try to fling me at Bob," I said, when I saw that Hal, Beth and Mother all expected me to say something. “Beth, you were the one who always thought Bob was attractive. I always disliked him."

Hal squinted disapprovingly at me from his glasses. "Beth, honey," he said quietly, as he passed the baked ham. "I suppose we'll have to find another husband prospect for Melba."

"You can all mind your own damn business," I flared. I flung my napkin aside, leaped up and left the table.

Why couldn't they realize that persons like Jan and I have as much right to live our lives as people like Beth and Hal?

CHAPTER SEVEN

On one of the most serenely beautiful days I can remember, I had one of the most frightening experiences of my life. I was in the front yard, watching the road along which Jan would soon be driving. At least that was what I thought. I didn't know that today she was walking over. And then I saw her sauntering along. The sight of her tall, slender body and her short hair bright in the sunlight, thrilled me. I started running forward to meet her.

Just at that moment, Bob's car started from his driveway, and shot forward at breath-taking speed. I remember seeing the front fenders bearing down on Jan. I opened my mouth to scream, but the scream was strangled in my throat. I saw Jan tumble to the roadside, and Bob's car sped past. I ran as fast as my feet would move, and I sobbed as I ran.

Then, my heart surged with thanksgiving as I saw Jan rise to her feet. By the time I reached her, although very pale and shaken, she had command of the situation. She was brushing dirt from her skirt.

"That was a close call," she said. "Only a maniac would drive like that.'

"It was Bob," I said, as I impulsively flung my arms around Jan and clung to her.

She held me for a moment. Then when she released me, she looked into my eyes and her expression was solemn as she said,

"So it was Bob."

That instant Bob backed up until his car was close to us. Naturally we both jumped aside to escape being run over. He jammed on the brakes and roared with laughter. Then he flung open the car door and leaped

out.

Jan just stared at him, amazingly keeping her composure.

"You you did it on purpose," I said in horror. "Bob, I saw you. You tried to run over Jan."

"I missed you this time, Jan." He swaggered toward us. "But another time-maybe I won't."

"You must be drunk," Jan said with disgust. "Stone sober."

"Then you must be crazy," she said, unblinking as he thrust his face toward hers.

"Crazy enough to maybe try it again, huh?”

"I think not." Then Jan calmly reminded Bob, "I could bring charges of assault with a deadly weapon against you."

"Oh sure you could. It wouldn't be the first time a car's been considered a deadly weapon by a judge," Bob admitted. "And you've got grounds. But you'd have to use Melba as a witness."

"I'll be a witness," I said. "Jan, let's go to the police right now.