9/16/10

SYCAMORE TODAY
By Ramon Collins


Lawn mowers hesitated and living room curtains parted just enough for curious eyes to squint out. Police cars weren't seen on Sycamore Street often.

An officer got out and followed a girl up the sidewalk. The woman on the porch wiped hands on her apron, touched the girl's shoulder as she brushed by. After a brief conversation with the officer the woman shut the door and walked into the room.

"Two days with no word. Two days!"

Suzie clenched her fists. "Don't start on me. Okay?"

"I suppose you were shacked-up in some scumbag motel." Myrna folded her arms.

"No-o-o -- it happened to be a very cool summer cabin."

"Were you drinking?"

"A little rum and Coke."

"How `bout activity?"

Suzie's eyebrows shot up. "Activity?"

"S. E. X. Ever hear of it?"

"I'll be eighteen next week. You were married at eighteen."

"Ha! That's the magic word, married."

"What's so magic? Dad left four years ago."

"And what if you're pregnant?"

"Don't worry about it. I'm not pregnant."

"Oh? Did Doctor Donnie Smartass graduate in gynecology at eighteen?"

"Mom, I was with Lydia. Ever hear of it?"


- - -