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one of the partners in the law firm, he can choose his own vacation days. In August, things were slow, so he decided that we would take a week or so to drive up to Canada. At home, the weather was muggy and it was a tremendous relief to escape to the cooler Canadian climate.
    We traveled extensively and did a lot of sightseeing. The vacation was what I needed. It was good spend ing time with my family again. It was nice to have a change of scene. But I couldn’t help thinking about Michael and wondering about his surprise. Liz indicated it had to do with his music—Michael only seemed able to express his emotions through music. The accident that destroyed his sight crippled Michael more than physically. He had told me that we couldn’t have a real relationship because of it. Would he ever change his mind? Why did life have to be so difficult and complicated?

Chapter Five
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    Karen was my first visitor after I came home from Canada. She was all charged up about Randy and we did a lot of talkin g. I told her about my vacation but her mind wasn’t on it. She was too excited.
    â€œStace , I’m so happy! Randy and I are getting along great. We have , like , so much in common and we’ve been doing everything together.”
    â€œThat’s fantastic,” I said, but I felt a pang of jealousy in my heart. I knew it was wrong and I tried hard to suppress the vile emotion.
    â€œYou know what the best part is ? We go out in a group with the popular kids like Greg Lawson, Cindy Ellis, and three or four other terrific couples. It’s so much fun. We go b owling, m iniature golf, movies, anything and even just hanging out; it’s so awesome when you’re doing it with them.”
    â€œI’m happy for you,” I told her. Even to my ears my voice sounded wooden. Honest I wanted to mean it!
    Karen’s face beamed. There was a radiant glow about her. “Listen , Stace , I just had an incredible idea. I could get Randy to fix you up.”
    â€œNo, don’t.”
    â€œWhy not? Randy has lots of friends. He’ll find someone for you.”
    â€œI just don’t like the i dea of a blind date. Look , I’m glad you got a great boyfriend. In fact, I alwa ys thought Randy was a nice guy but I want to find my own dates.”
    Kare n shrugged. “Sure , Stace , if tha t’s the way you want it. Listen , I’ll call you soon so we can get together and practice our cheerleading. Ms. Gladstone will hold try-outs again in the fall. Cindy mentioned that Beth Hilliard moved. It seems her father was transferred to another state. I’m broken-hearted, ” Karen said with a broad smile and I found myself smiling too.
    â€œOkay, but that’s only one spot. Why don’t I just practice with you and forget about the try-outs? I’m busy these days with the band anyway.”
    â€œWhatever .”
    Cheerleading was the last thing on my mind, but I wouldn’t hurt Karen’s feelings by te lling her that. Before she left we made up to meet at the pool the next day.
    ** * *
    I went out to the backyard and lay in the blue hammock Dad had hung between two big trees. I rested in the shade and enjoyed feeling lazy. I gave myself permission to stretch out and enjoy my freedom. I watched clouds that looked like clipper ships at full sail skim the Western horizon. I felt snug , cradled in the cocoon of th e hammock. The air was rare , fragrant with flowers sweet with the scent of growing plants and grass. Some pe ople turned dreams into reality ; I was turning reality into dreams. I was nearly dozing when my mother called my name. She must’ve spied me from the kitchen window tha t faced the back. With a groan I set my big clodhoppers back on the ground and went in to see what she wanted.
    â€œI need someone to take out the garbage,” Mom said.
    Andy walke d into the kitchen as if on cue , leaking the last of a messy ice-pop on the ceramic floor