Melody (Logan 1)

"What do you mean?" I asked.

The girls were quiet a moment, all eyes on the

teacher monitor. Betty nodded at Lorraine. She

opened her school bag, which she had set between me

and her, and took something out quickly. Then she

pressed it into my hand. I gazed down at what looked

like one of Papa George's self-rolled cigarettes. "I don't smoke," I said.

"That's not a cigarette, stupid," Betty said. "And

keep it below the table so Mr. Rotter doesn't see." "What is it?"

"It's a joint," Lorraine whispered loudly. "I don't want it," I said and tried to give it back,

but she pushed my hand away.

"Just keep it in case you get a chance to offer it

to Grandpa. It'll loosen him up."

"Just tell us what happens, that's all," Betty

said. "Put it away, quick," Lorraine said as Mr. Rotter

started down the aisle between the tables.

Little butterflies of panic fluttered in my head.

Gazing around, it seemed as if everyone were looking

at me, waiting to see what I would do.

"Hello, girls," Mr. Rotter said smiling down at

us.

"Are you making our new student feel at

home?"

"Yes, Mr. Rotter," Lorraine fluttered her

eyelids. "Is that true, Melody?" he asked me. I was afraid my voice would crack. "Yes sir," I

said. "Good. Good." He continued through the

cafeteria. I let out my breath.

"Very nice. You did well," Betty said. The

other girls apparently agreed.

"We're having a beach party Saturday night.