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Show 107. the strange floating sensation as he was lifted under his arms and carried away, his legs paralyzed, screaming protests that stayed in his throat and never got to be words. Then he'd force himself back to the present-clench his fists, or grind his teeth or refocus the light- whatever it took to keep his mind on the work at hand. A few minutes later, he'd see the dark figures coming at him again. He'd taken cold showers, gone jogging, even downed a few tranquillizers he bought from a kid at work. For a while, the diversions helped. But even then, when his head mercifully gave him a rest from the UFO, Gayle appeared with her rosy cheeks and her soft hair and teasing laugh. Sometimes losing her was too much to bear. He'd gone over all the reasons he shouldn't have regrets: she was selfish-he knew it-she was vain and spoiled. But he loved her. It didn't make any sense, but he loved Gayle Evans. And like some part of his sanity, or at least his equilibrium, he feared she was lost to him forever. It was after dark when JD got back to his own neighborhood. The wind had come up, a piercing prairie wind, that rendered his Navy pea coat about as effective as nylon net. He quickened his step. When at last he saw the lighted windows of home, he knew they were the friendliest ones in town. JD could smell the popcorn as soon as he opened the door. Stephanie was setting up the monopoly at the kitchen table and had apparently conned their folks into a game. They were all pulling up chairs just as he walked in. "Count out some money for me, too, Steph," JD said, stomping his boots on the rug. Then he indulged in what he considered a justified untruth: "I feel lucky tonight." The Saturday before school was ready to start again, JD treated himself to a day off. With all he'd spent for Christmas, he couldn't earn his car payment for this month, no matter what. Besides, he wanted to see Chic. They could shoot some pool. Just hanging around with old Wilcox would make him feel better. |
