Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

her things."

"What's mine is on the right side of that closet,

Aunt Fanny. It's not much. The suitcase is on the floor

there."

Luke squeezed my hand. "I'm so glad to see

you." "You can't imagine how glad I am to see you,

Luke. Why didn't you come before this?"

"I tried. I called Tony Tatterton and he kept

putting me off, telling me the doctor didn't want you

to have visitors."

"And Drake?"

"Drake said the same things. They wanted me

to wait awhile longer."

"Even after you received my letter?"

"Letter? I didn't receive any letter, Annie." "He never sent it. I should have known. All that

stuff about your tests and fraternities and friends .

girlfriends." I felt so terrible -now, so guilty for suspecting Luke of changing into someone selfish and

conceited. How could I have doubted him? I should

have known. I had been a prisoner here from the start,

and from the start Tony had deceived me. It made me

feel sick to know he had lied to me in such an ugly

way. "What girlfriends?"

"Are ya two goin' ta jist keep on jawin' or are

we goin' home ta Winnerrow?"

"We're going home, Ma."

"Then do as I say and get them bars lowered." Luke lowered the side bars while Aunt Fanny

packed my things and put out clothes for me to wear. "Ya go on down with this suitcase, Luke, while

I get Annie dressed."

"Please bring my wheelchair back, Luke.

There's one up here and one downstairs."