The End of the Rainbow (Hudson 4)

study for my own tests, but before I went to sleep. I

stood naked at my window and looked out over the

lake toward his house, toward the lit window I knew

was his and felt as if his eyes were on me.

His kiss was still on my lips when I laid my

head on my pillow.

I fell asleep only when I sank into a deeper

place within myself, a cozy place where accidents

never happened, where people never goat angry at

each other, where no one cried and where, if ever

rained, it rained softly, each drop full of sweetness

and light and always afterward, followed by a

rainbow.

Two days later, we both began our final exams. Harley passed all of his tests. Even Uncle Roy

was impressed and could only say. "Yeah, sure,"

when Daddy proposed they take us out to celebrate

our good grades and Harley's graduation.

Mommy decided she was going to help Aunt

Glenda prepare for the festivities. I brought Mommy

over to their house so she could talk to her about

buying some new clothes. As usual, the whole idea of

getting out in public and doing all these things put an

icy look of fear on Glenda's face. but Mommy spoke

softly and quietly, had a cup of tea with her, assured

her she would get along with her to all the department

stores, and finally left with Glenda's agreement to do

so. Mommy gently pointed out that Harley deserved

her being excited for him.

"He's accomplished a great deal. Glenda. He

needs to see you smiling proudly at him graduation