Forever...: a novel by Judy Blume Read Free Book Online Page B

the nose.
    I had no idea how sore my muscles were until we got back to the house. Michael had to pull me out of the car. "I hurt all over," I said. "My legs don't want to hold me up."
    "A bath will help," Sharon told me. "Soak a long time and keep adding hot water … there's plenty of time for a nap too. We don't eat until seven."
    I bathed, then fell asleep and didn't wake up until Michael whispered in my ear. "Kath … time for dinner … "
    "Mrnmmm … " I rolled over.
    He sat on the edge of the bed. "You need some help getting up?"
    "Mmmmm … " I opened my eyes. His face was next to mine.
    "Hi," he said.
    "Hi … " I pulled him down and held him close.
    "Later … it's time to get up now."
    "No … not yet."
    "I'll have to help you if you can't do it yourself … "
    "Mmmmm … soon … "
    Michael got off the bed and I closed my eyes again. I heard the water running in the bathroom. Then he was back, standing over me, calling, "Kath … " and when I opened my eyes he was holding a glass of water over my head, threatening.

    "You wouldn't … " I cried, jumping out of bed.
    "Now that you're up I won't have to," he told me, "but next time you don't get a second chance." After dinner we sat around the fire and talked for a while, then Michael got up and went to the window.
    "The stars are out," he said. "You want to take a walk?" My insides still turn over when he looks at me that certain way.
    I got my boots and jacket.
    "Don't get frostbitten," Sharon called after us.
    As soon as we were outside and away from the house we kissed. "I had to get out of there," Michael told me. "All I could think about was being alone with you."
    "I know," I said, " … same here."
    We held hands as we walked. "I've never seen so many stars," I said.
    "That's because it's so dark and clear … no city lights, no traffic, no pollution … "
    "I love to look at stars."
    "I love to look at you."
    "Oh, Michael … come on … " I gave him a friendly punch.
    When we got back to the house Sharon and Ike were stretched out in front of the fire smoking grass.
    "Hi," Sharon said. "Did you freeze your tails off?"
    "Almost," I told her. I was really surprised to see Sharon smoking. I thought she was so straight, especially after that business about Michael being vulnerable and getting hurt
    "Your cheeks are bright red," Ike told me.
    "They always get that way."
    "I like them," Michael said, putting his hand against my face. Ike held the joint to his lips and took a long drag. Then he offered it to Michael.
    "You want to?" Michael asked me.
    "I don't think so," I said.
    "We'll skip it," Michael told Ike, taking my hand. "Katherine's very tired."
    "Goodnight," I said, as Michael and I headed upstairs.

    "Get a good night's sleep," Sharon called.
    "We will."
    Michael lay down on the bed in my room.
    "I thought you don't smoke," I said.
    "I don't, anymore … except with them, sometimes … "
    "Oh." I walked over to the window and opened it a little. I like plenty of fresh air in my bedroom. "I've only tried once … and nothing good happened. I felt sick to my stomach."
    "It can be like that the first time."
    "Besides," I said, going to the dresser and picking up my hairbrush, "I don't like to lose control of myself." I was thinking about later, wondering if he would get into bed with me again. Last night was so nice.
    "I know it," Michael said.
    "Would I … if I smoked again?"
    "I don't know … probably not."
    I started brushing my hair. Michael was watching me. I wanted to ask him what next? Did he have plans? Did he already know? I wished I had a script to follow so I wouldn't make any mistakes. Don't forget about my period, Michael, I felt like saying. "There are kids at school who are high all the time."
    "That's different," he said.
    "I suppose … " I put my brush down. "I'm surprised that Sharon and Ike smoke at all … I mean, Ike being a doctor and all." I opened the dresser drawer and pulled out my nightgown. I should wear it, shouldn't I?