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Show 42 serious about Roger. But she did not want to lose him. She knew that she was giving ground by remaining silent. But she didn't know what to say. "It's something to think about," Robbie said. "And that's not the only thing: what about the danger of living alone? I mean, Sis, this is the big city. I know some girls-some young women-who live alone. Believe me, they're scared shitless about half the time." "I'm a big girl now. I know enough to lock my door at night." "I know you do, Sis." His eyes were terrible to her-pleading for understanding. "I know that. But that's not the point. If you had to, I know you could get by. But the point is, you don't have to." She thought he was going to reach for her hand-she tensed to shake him off-but he did not. "Believe me," he said, "this thing isn't permanent. In a couple of years things will be different." "A couple of years!" she shouted-then catching herself, her voice trembling, she said, "I can't take this for a couple years." "And I'm not asking you to." She had to drop her eyes from his pleading gaze. "I'm not asking that," he said steadily. "Just wait until you've graduated. Wait this year out. For me." She studied the half-eaten muffin on the plate before him. He did care for her. More than anyone in the world. He was all she had left. And now for him to ask this of her! After the hell of a time he had been through, now not to see what she was going through! He did not know what he was asking-he did not! Tears began forming in her eyes, her hands began to tremble. She hid them under the table, |
