liquid sensation at the base of her belly as she looked at him. He was
seventeen years old now, but already he had the body of a grown man.
He was her most favourite person in all the world, she thought. He's so
beautiful, so tall and straight and beautiful, and his eyes can break
your heart.
The couple on the bed had thrown aside their covering in the warmth of
the night, and there was hair on David's chest now, thick and dark and
curly, there was muscle in arm and leg, and breadth across the
shoulders.
David, she called softly, and touched his shoulder.Wake up. His eyes
opened, and he was awake instantly, his gaze focused and aware.
mitz? What is it?Get your pants on, warrior. My papa's on the
line.'God. David sat up, dropping Marion's head on to the pillow. What
time is it? Late, Mitzi told him. You should set the alarm when you go
visiting. Marion mumbled a protest and groped for the sheets as David
jumped from the bed.
Where's the phone? In my room, but you can take it on the extension in
yours. She followed him across the balcony railing, and curled up on
David's bed while he picked up the receiver and with the extension cord
trailing behind him began pacing the thick carpet restlessly.
Uncle Paul? David spoke. How are you? Mitzi groped in the pocket of
her gown and found a Gauloise. She lit it with her gold Dunhill, but at
the third puff David turned aside from his pacing, grinned at her, took
the cigarette from between her lips and drew deeply upon it.
Mitzi pulled a face at him to disguise the turmoil that his nakedness
stirred within her, and selected another cigarette for herself.
He'd die if he knew what I was thinking, she told herself, and derived a
little comfort from the thought.
David finished his conversation and cradled the receiver before turning
to her.
He's not coming. I know.
But he is sending Barney up in the Lear to fetch me.
Big pow-wow.
It figures, Mitzi nodded, then began a convincing imitation of her
father. We have to start thinking about your future now, my boy. We
have to train you to meet the responsibilities with which destiny has
entrusted you.
David chuckled and rummaged for his running shorts in the drawer of his
bureau.I suppose I'll have to tell him now.'Yes, Mitzi agreed. You sure
will have to do that.David pulled up his shorts and turned for the
door.Pray for me, doll.
You'll need more than prayer, warrior, said Mitzi comfortably.
The tide had swept the beach smooth and firm, and no other feet had
marked it this early. David ran smoothly, long strides leaving damp
footsteps in a chain behind him.
The sun came up casting a soft pink sheen on the sea, and touching the
Outeniqua mountains with flame, but David ran unseeing. His thoughts
were on the impending interview with his guardian.
It was a time of crisis in his life, high school completed and many