Butterfly (Orphans 1)

"Really? How come?"

I shrugged.

"I just never learned."

His eyes grew narrow and his eyebrows nearly touched. Then he smiled.

"Maybe be the one to teach you this summer.:'

"I'd like that," I said.

"I never gave you a birthday kiss," he said.

I didn't move and he leaned toward me slowly. I closed my eyes and there, on the crest of the bill behind my new home, I was kissed for the first time on the lips. It didn't last long. There was even a little friction shock, but I thought it was the most wonderful kiss in the world, better than any I had seen on television or in the movies. The little warm feeling that followed lingered for a moment around my heart and then trickled into my pool of memories where it would stay forever and ever.

"Janet!" We turned to see Sanford beckoning. "Josh's father is here to pick him up."

"Okay," I called back and we started for the house. Josh took my, hand. Neither of us spoke. We let go before we rounded the house to greet his father, who wished me a happy birthday.

"See you in school," Josh said. I wished I could kiss him good-bye, but he looked embarrassed and hurried to get into his father's car. Moments later, he was waving good-bye and my party was over. I felt like I did when we were given some wonderful special dessert at the orphanage. When it was coming to an end, I wanted to linger and linger over the last tidbits of pleasure.

I went back inside. Mildred was busy cleaning up, but she didn't look upset about the extra work and when I offered to help her, she laughed and said not to worry. I was about to go upstairs to change out of my party dress, when I heard voices in the dining room. My grandparents were I here, having coffee and talking with Celine.

I was nervous about interrupting them, she hesitated near the door. Just before I decide I would enter and try to get to know them a little better, I heard my grandmother say, "She'll always be a stranger to me, Celine. She's not of blood and blood is the most important thing for family."

"That's ridiculous. Mother, and anywayI'm not concerned about family. I don't just want a daughter. Anyone can have a daughter. I want adancer."

My heart fell at her words. What did she mean?

"More reason to question what you are doing Celine. I saw the girt at the recital. What in heaven's name caused you to believe she was anything special?"

"She does," Celine insisted.

"Well, if she does, she keeps it well hidden." grandmother said. "Where is she? You would think she would show some respect. She'd take time to come here."

I decided that was my cue and I entered.

"Hello," I said, my voice quavering, my stomach in knots over Celine's words. "Thank you for the present. Grandmother and Grandfather."

My grandfather nodded and smiled. My grandmother tightened the corner of her mouth. "We have to go," she said. "Your brother is a constant worry for me," she added, looking at Celine. "I'm afraid he's going to end up with one of those floozies and disgrace all of us one of these days," she added as she rose.

"It's your own fault," Celine said. "You spoiled him."

"I didn't spoil him. Your father spoiled him," she accused.

"He'll be all right" Sanford said. "He's just sowing his wild oats."

"Really?" my grandmother said. "Well, when do you think he'll run out of oats?"

Sanford laughed and then escorted them out.

My grandfather patted me on the head as they left and mumbled something about "Many happy returns."

I remained with Celine, who sat there brooding in her chair.

"Thank you for the party," I told her. She looked up as if just realizing I was still in the room. "Where were you?"

"I went for a walk with Josh to show him the lake." I said.