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"Oh? What's he look like?"
"It's nothing like that. He just wanted someone to help him keep sharp. An intern's really still a student. It's a great opportunity for me, too."
"Good for you." After a moment she said, "Everyone's still mad at you for not going to Lester's. They think you're a snob."
"I'm not running for political office," I said dryly.
"You shouldn't forget who your real friends are," she said. "Even if you are the smartest girl in the school."
"I never forgot them, but as I told you, real friends protect and look after each other."
"Everyone is the butt of a joke sometimes, Pearl. Don't you think you overreacted?"
She was silent a moment and then decided to fire with both guns. "Claude had a good time with Diane. They went into one of the guest rooms and didn't come out until morning. They're seeing each other regularly now."
"Then maybe that was meant to be," I said.
Catherine sighed with frustration. "I swear you are the hardest person to be friends with," she concluded.
I was speechless for a moment. Was she right? Things that interested most girls my age didn't seem to be as important to me. Was that a curse or a blessing?
"Anyway, we're going away for our summer holiday. I won't see you for three weeks. I suppose you don't care."
"I said I was disappointed about what happened and what you did, Catherine, but I hope you will see my point and we'll still be friends."
"And I hope the lifeguard I met last year is working at the beach again. He thought I was too young for him, but maybe he'll change his mind this year."
"How old was he?"
"Twenty-three. I know. You think he's too old for me," she said quickly.
"No. That's not too old for you."
"Really? I don't think so either." She lowered her voice. "But my parents wouldn't be happy. How would your parents feel about it?"
"I don't know," I said. "I suppose if we really cared for each other, they wouldn't complain."
"Your mother's so understanding. Well, maybe I'll drop you a postcard."
"Do that, Catherine."
"Don't give anyone the wrong pills," she warned. "I'm not permitted to dispense medication. I'm just an aide."
"Well don't give anyone the wrong aid," she said and laughed. "Look. I'm sorry. Maybe you're right. Maybe the girls went too far and I should have told you right away, but I didn't want everyone to hate me, too."
"Too?"
"You know what I mean. Anyway, I said I was sorry."
"Okay. Thanks. Have fun."
"I will," she promised and we hung up. I sat there for a moment thinking. Somewhere in the back of my mind I heard the voice of a little girl trying to hold on, trying to keep me from being so serious. But it was a voice that was dwindling and barely audible anymore.
Whether I liked it or not, I was rushing headfirst into adulthood now. And there was nothing to do about it but sit back and enjoy the ride.
I fell asleep quickly after Catherine and I spoke, but I did have a nightmare about Mrs. Conti. I saw her eyes pop open when I returned to her room, and they were glassy and milky white. Then I thought about Dr. Weller and -his impish smile. "Still want to be a doctor?" he had challenged.
"More than ever."
