Youth in Revolt by C. D. Payne

Author:C. D. Payne [Payne, C. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-307-71580-7
Publisher: Broadway Books
Published: 1995-09-03T06:00:00+00:00

I could force my epistolary lovemaking no further. One can pursue insincerity only so far before the spirit (and François) rebel. Damn, I wish I had more pills. I’d put Ed asleep 24 hours a day too. He could become living performance art.

10:15 P.M. Concluding that the wily Taggarty had failed to convey my message to Sheeni, I called My One and Only Love. Macheteing my way through thick undergrowths of French, I finally reached my elusive inamorata.

“Nickie, what an emotionally exhausting day! I feel like I just survived the Siege of Leningrad. My parents were worse than I ever imagined possible. And, as you know, I have an extremely agile imagination. For a time, it really seemed this would be my final day in Santa Cruz. I had reached the nadir of despair!”

“Yes, Taggarty told me how she saved the day,” I said. “Did she tell you I called?”

“I think she mentioned it. Wasn’t she brilliant? Oh, she is such a true friend. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

But you may soon find out.

Sheeni continued, “Of course, the matron helped also. She assured my parents that except for that one minor lapse my conduct has been above reproach. Thankfully, Dean Wilson was away for the weekend. Odd, the matron insists she never informed on us to the dean. What do you make of that, Nickie?”

I was concerned with more important topics. “Sheeni, what is happening with us? Have you promised never to see or speak to me ever again?”

“I have, Nickie. Fortunately, the moral ambiguities inherent in parental contracts made under duress always permit some amelioration of the terms. But we must be extraordinarily careful. My parents must be given no reason to suspect we have any contact with each other. Absolutely none whatsoever!”

“But we’ll still see each other? You still care for me?”

“Of course, darling. You are my one special friend. I’m not going to let my parents separate us. Their intense disapproval of you is one of your most attractive qualities. Besides, there’s our love child to consider.”

“Our love child?”

“Albert. We are raising him jointly. We must think of his welfare as well as our own. A separation now could be extremely traumatic for a young canine. By the way, how is my darling dog?”

I gulped. “Oh, he’s …fine.”

“Still chewing sweet little bones?”

“Yes, bones and other things.”

“Oh, how I miss him, Nickie.”

“He misses you too. In the worst way.”

“It’s late, Nickie. I have to go and collapse now.”

“One more thing, Sheeni. I keep forgetting. What grade did Taggarty give Vijay? He’s dying to know.”

“I believe she gave him an A. It’s perhaps uncharitable of me, but I hope that particular talent does not run through his entire family.”

“Don’t you want Trent to be happy in love?” I asked, playing the devil’s advocate.

“I want everyone to be romantically fulfilled. Trent, however, may not be first on my list for such happiness.”

“Who is?” I cooed.

“Taggarty, I should think,” Sheeni replied. “We owe her a tremendous debt, Nickie.

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