"Don't you touch me. Don't you even think of
it," she warned, but for the first time, from behind a
cracked wall. "That's all you have to do. I'll make up
stories about you," she threatened. "I will. I'll tell
everyone you tried to rape me or something." I shook my head and retreated. It restored her
courage, so she stepped toward me again.
"You know. Elliot told me about the time he let
you spy on me."
The blood that had risen to my face dropped to
my feet. I kept my back to her.
"He brought you into his room and let you look
through that hole in his wall. Go on, try to deny it. I'd
like to hear what you say."
I continued to stack the wood. I'll do what she
does. I thought. Ill pretend she's not there. pretend I
don't hear her.
"I didn't care. I was actually flattered. Did you
get a good eyeful? Did it make you excited? Did you
fantasize about me and play with yourself? I like to
think a lot of boys did and still do. Was I your first
naked girl? What's the matter, the cat got your fat
tongue? You're not so brave now, are you? Does your
precious mother, who thinks you're so perfect, know
about all that?"
Whatever angle I turned, she moved to stand in
front of me. "Leave me alone," I said, practically
begged. Her smile widened,
"You can't believe he told me. huh? He did it to
get even with me for something, and I surprised him
by not getting angry about it Who do you think is