by Anne Brown

Created on: June 04, 2008

It was summer and the school year was over. Janie had seen very little of Kevin and she missed him something terrible. He'd been busy getting ready to leave for college and had gone to the campus of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Florida State University several times to find lodging, sign up for classes and purchase books. He'd also looked for a part time job to help cover his expenses. Even though he had a good scholarship, it didn't pay for everything. As time came for him to leave he stopped by to see her. "Oh, Kevin, I'm not sure I can do this. I can't say good-bye to you." "I know, but you have to. Don't forget, I should be home for the holidays and you can always write. Here's my address," he said handing her a piece of paper. Due to the cost of housing, Kevin and his parents had decided it was best for him to stay in the dorms at school. He just hoped he was assigned a roommate he liked. "I'll write and you'd better write me back. I'll never forgive you if you don't." "You know I will. I'd better get going now, my parents are waiting." "Don't I get a good-bye kiss?" she asked looking up at him. Leaning forward, Kevin placed his lips on hers. It was a sweet, gently, and sisterly kiss, yet still had a profound affect on him. Shaking, he pulled away, trying not to show how he'd been impacted by the encounter. "Bye Janie," he managed to say. "I'll write soon." "Bye Kevin," Janie said as she watched him walk away. ~~~~~ Hearing the knocking, Janie rushed to open the front door of her house. It was Christmas break and she'd been helping her mother decorate. Or rather, she'd been decorating while her mother celebrated with a few drinks. Most of the time Janie's mother consumed only beer, but on an occasional special day' she'd have mixed drinks and today was one of those. "Kevin!" Janie screamed when she saw him standing there. "You're home! When did you get here?" "Late last night." "Who's that Janie? Who's here? " Janie heard the slurred words of her mother as she came up behind her. "It's for me Mom," she answered trying to get out the door and close it before Kevin could see her mother's condition. Pushing her daughter aside, Martha Crawford saw who was there. "Why look at this, if it isn't that polite boyfriend of yours. Come on in young man." "No Mom, we're going outside for a minute." "Don't be silly, let the boy in," Martha's voice began to rise in anger. Stepping out the door and pushing Kevin toward

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