promise you’l let me know if you have any problems.”
Libby nodded.
Miss Orman’s phone rang loudly on the desk. She ignored it.
Miss Orman was the only person who had a clue about her horrible life with Aunt Marge. She leaned in and asked, “Have you thought any more about colege?”
“Yeah, I want to go into graphic design, but I’m going to wait for my dad to come back before I pick a school. We’re going to check out campuses together.” Libby and her dad planned to travel East to visit coleges since she turned 14.
“That’s wonderful,” she smiled. “How about friends? Are you making any progress?” Her voice sounded hopeful.
“Not realy, but I don’t mind. They al think I’m a freak.” It was easier this way. She never needed to talk about her tragic life.
“You are not a freak.” Miss Orman gave her a pointed look.
“You are a gifted young lady who has been through a difficult time.” That was an understatement. Miss Orman’s support made Libby feel just a little bit protected, like maybe her Mom was stil here.
“It’s okay. I’d probably think the same thing about a kid who lived with the town crazy woman.” Or the other events that turned her from the popular girl next door, to the ostracized outsider.
“I don’t want you walking around believing those kids. You just need to make an effort to get to know them better. What happened to you working at the concession stand during the footbal game?”
“My aunt said no. She thinks I’l be corrupted by al the kids who drink and have sex in public.” Libby rewarded Miss Orman with a rare smile.
“Fine, we’l come up with something else.” She curled a lock of hair behind her ear.
Libby pondered her thoughts for a moment unsure if she should share her news, but then couldn’t help herself.
“I met someone,” Libby blurted. Miss Orman looked up, visibly surprised. “At Parfrey’s Glen, by my house.” Her pulse rate jumped just thinking about it.
“That’s great, tel me about it.” She scooted her chair closer.
“I was just sitting there when this huge bus puled in. It was this family that travels al around. One of them, this guy,” her face warmed, “he came over and talked to me for a long time. It was realy sweet.”
Libby wrung her hands as she spoke. She couldn’t hold back her smile.
“Wel, that’s terrific!” Miss Orman leaned back and slapped her hand on the desk. “So who is he?”
“His name is Peter and he is so nice.” She blurted. “He and his brothers are in a band and they perform al over.” She couldn’t contain her joy as she recaled their afternoon together.
“What were they doing in Rockvile?”
“Just stopping for a break, I guess. When I left they were having a big picnic. They weren’t performing here. I don’t know where they were going, but he said they’re promoting their new CD.”
Miss Orman nodded. “Wow, that’s impressive. So, what’s the name of their band?”
“I don’t know. He told me the name, but I can’t remember.” Libby looked toward the ceiling and tried to recal. “Something like Double Danger, I don’t know.” How could she have forgotten already?
Miss Orman pursed her lips giving away her concern when Libby couldn’t answer.
“He said they’re touring the country,” she offered, to make up for her lapse in memory. Libby realized how far fetched the story sounded.
“Where do they play next?” Miss Orman tilted her head just slightly and waited.
Of course, Libby didn’t know. She shrugged and chewed at her lip.
“Wel, that’s stil great. Too bad we don’t know who the mystery man is. Maybe you’l see him again?” Miss Orman smiled, but this time it didn’t look genuine.
“I don’t know, I doubt it.” Libby tried to predict how she and Peter would ever hook up again. Most likely it would never happen.
“Probably not,” her head dropped and she focused on the floor.
More than anything she wanted to escape this tiny office and blend into the woodwork.
Miss Orman reached out and patted her arm. “I think it’s wonderful you met someone, even if you never see him again. Just think what a great memory you have. Heck, maybe he’l make it big someday and you’l recognize him on TV.”
“Yeah.” Libby’s spirits deflated. It was al basicaly a dream.
A realy great dream that no one would ever believe. Heck, she couldn’t even remember the name of his band. Why didn’t she think to ask him more questions? “Wel, I better go.” She picked up