"I don't need a cop out. I don't ask for anything. God has more on his hands than listening to me beg for favors, for heaven's sake! I just say thank you to Him once in a while."
"For what? For everything?" God; I was in the love chair getting advice, not giving it!
"Yes, and some special things I don't want to talk about."
"Thank you, Karen."
"What for?"
"For wisdom beyond your years and sharing those thoughts with me."
"No biggy. That's our agreement. Besides, isn't that what religion is supposed to do; spread the word?"
I started to rise but she pulled me back. "Did you tell Dad Mary Ellen was here?"
"Yes; not to tattle but I thought if he found out on his own or Timmy said something, he might interpret the visit incorrectly."
She nodded in agreement. "I figured you guys would forbid me from seeing her."
"We trust you."
"Maybe you do. I don't think Daddy does." I was displeased at the lingering resentment toward her father.
"Two things, young lady. One, we both trust you and two; trust has to be earned and maintained. Don't mess it up and it will remain nice and fresh. And, on a personal note, I don't appreciate your putting a 'maybe' anywhere near my name when it concerns my feelings for you."
"Sorry," she said and actually kissed me before I kissed her. I didn't want to let her go so I broached another question.
"What is your relationship with Mary Ellen?" I asked, and added, "If you don't mind answering. I'm curious. She's so different from Julie and Anne and your soccer pals."
"It's more her relationship with me. I go along, to be polite, I guess. She's so different from the others; she gets in a lot of trouble, at home and at school. I'm curious. I don't want to be like her; I really don't but she has no one to talk to and she'll end up like Cathy at the toy store if she doesn't watch out. Her boyfriend is a real jerk; everyone says so. He should be in jail." I couldn't have been more pleased with Karen's assessment.
The Cathy she referred to was our part time clerk at Peck o' Fun. Cathy would occasionally leave Nathan in Karen's care in the store while she visited a doctor or the Human Services office. When I praised Karen for the way she carried out this chore, she reminded me she'd 'practically raised Timmy and it was no big deal.'
While Cathy was only four years Karen's senior, their lives were worlds apart. It was apparent from questions the girls exchanged; both were interested in each other's circumstances. I would eavesdrop, busybody that I am. The welfare people pressed Cathy to reveal the name of Nathan's father, but Cathy refused, saying she couldn't stand the guy and wanted nothing to do with him. Later, I heard her tell Karen she planned to move in with her current boyfriend.