Becoming A High School Girl - Chapter 34

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Thursday arrived with a continuation of the rain. The weather guessers said that it was supposed to start clearing up late that night. I kinda dreaded going to school, only because I expected to see our numbers decreased. As usual, I had mixed feelings about the buyout offer. I thought it was cool that everyone still in the contest would get something. But I also felt a loss for each candidate who quit. Still, I should know how important it is to be true to yourself and not worry about what others think. I'd still miss them.

It wasn't a good sign as I approached the display case and saw that it was open. They were rearranging the remaining pictures. I then saw that Ann's picture was missing. It hit me that I didn't even know her male name. I was pleased to see that Lisa's picture was still there, as was Denise's photo. So we were now down to four.

Between the weather and the fact that we'd lost another contestant, I was feeling a bit down. I arrived in homeroom and told Cat that Ann was out.

"So, what's Ann's male name?" I asked Cat.

"It's Andrew," answered Cat. "I'm amazed that he lasted this long."

I hadn't been that social with Ann, and I can't even say that she was a friend; if it wasn't for the competition, I wouldn't even know her, I mean him. Still, to go this long and then drop out was a bit sad.

"Don't get too down; after all, he did get a pretty good scholarship," added Cat.

"I know." That also narrowed the possibilities for the third. Was it Denise or Lisa?

Work was fun that night. Even with the rain, we were busy. Mel said that she wanted to show me something when the crowds slacked off.

"I bought this on an Internet auction website," she told me as she held out a black and white photo. It was a publicity shot from the movie we'd seen Mrs. Lincoln in. The photo was from the scene in the bar, and it showed both Mrs. Lincoln and Violet.

"This is really cool. How much did it cost?" I asked.

"Only a few dollars," smiled Mel. "The shipping cost more."

"So, what are you going to do with it?" I asked.

"I want to give it to Mrs. Lincoln, but I'm afraid that she might take it the wrong way. I don't want her to think that I'm making fun of her."

"I think that she'll know that you mean well and that it's because you think well of her," I said.

"When does your mom get back from Philly?" she asked.

"Either Saturday or Sunday. They might be delayed due to the weather."

"How's it going with his family?" asked Mel.

"From what she told me, pretty good. Apparently, Sam's family is very excited about the wedding, and they don't mind the trip way up here."

"Way up here? You make it sound like we're in the middle of nowhere!" replied Mel with mock indignation.

"According to Sam, they think he lives in the wilderness. I used to think that this town was in the middle of nowhere myself."

"Ahhh... but now you know differently."

"Yes, we're just south of nowhere," I replied with a laugh.

"How do they feel about you?" asked Mel.

"From what Mom has told me, they're anxious to meet me," I replied.

"That's good."

Mel decided to get the photo framed before she gave it to Mrs. Lincoln. The rest of the night was dead, and I think we had one customer in the last hour. It was raining even harder than before, and it looked like it had no intention of stopping soon.

I was careful driving home and pulled into our driveway. Between our houses, there was a small river flowing. After I checked our mail and grabbed my clothes, I took the long way over to Cat's. I was afraid that I'd sink down if I tried the shortcut. I was just about to Cat's house when I looked over and saw something white near the spot where Jason had attacked me. I couldn't quite make it out.

When I arrived at Cat's house, I asked Terri if they had a flashlight. I told her about seeing something between our homes. She got the flashlight and put on her rain gear. Cat joined us, and we went out. There was a white signposted. We couldn't read it, but I got a sickening feeling in my stomach. Terri waded over and looked at the message. She came back and said that she was going to call the police.

"What does it say?" I asked.

"Something to the effect that on this spot, an innocent young man was framed," she answered in a disgusted tone.

I could tell by her voice that she was leaving something out. I knew that it must have been something nasty about me.

The police said that they'd be out shortly. While we waited, she called Mom and Sam down in Philly.

The police arrived, and after taking some photographs, they took the sign down. They said they would hold it as evidence and told us to call if there were further problems. I liked the way they kept it low-key so that there would be little publicity.

I was more angry than scared. To me, it was a cowardly act. It takes a really brave person to sneak into someone's yard in a storm to post an insulting sign. Sam and Mom talked to me, and I assured them I was okay. Sam said he would call Marlene and tell her what'd happened.

We sat around the table and talked for a while. I had tea while Terri and Cat drank coffee. They shared my sense of outrage about the juvenile nature of the crime. I wondered if the person who had done it was the Rev or one of his followers. I hoped that it wasn't anyone from our town.

Terri told me all of what the sign said. It had gone on to say that I was a perverted freak of nature. I said I was disappointed, as I'd expected him to be more creative.

"What did you say?" asked Cat.

"It's the same exact thing that the Rev called me in all three letters," I said.

"Sounds like a connection to me," replied Sherlock Cat.

She was right. We emailed Marlene without the latest discovery. An hour later, we got a reply. She said that it sounded like his sort of tactic. She told us not to worry.

Apparently, I was the only target of the Rev that night. As promised, they kept it out of the papers. I was pleased because if it was publicity he was seeking, he'd be disappointed. The police stepped up patrols in our neighborhood. That made us all feel a little better. However, I put my worries behind me, as I was looking forward to the sleepover at Cat's that night.

Cat had decided to make it a bigger party and had also invited Kristen, Tracy, and Caroline. Tracey had to pull out, as she had to go out of town for a funeral. She seemed very disappointed. Cat told the rest to come over around 8:00PM.

I helped her get ready. Cat could tell that I was a bit nervous and told me not to worry, that I was considered one of the girls.

It was still a bit cool at night, so I could still wear my pj's. Cat cringed when I told her I was wearing the bunny slippers. By 8:30, everyone was there. Everyone changed into their pj's. Kristen liked my slippers, and I asked her to point this out to Cat.

We ordered in pizza, and Terri was very patient with our noise level. I told her that she could sleep in my house that night, and she smiled and said she'd consider it.

Laura suggested that we play "Truth or Dare," and everyone reluctantly went along with her idea. Cat was up first, and she selected truth.

"What's one thing that you've never told your mom?" asked Kristen.

Cat thought for a second and leaned over towards us, and spoke in a low tone. "Well... she doesn't know about this." She then turned around and pulled down her shorts to expose one of her butt cheeks. There, on the right check, was a little tattoo of Curious George.

We all broke out laughing. "When did you get that?" asked Laura.

"When I was down in Harrisburg for the crime lab trip. I was sharing a room with a college girl, and we went out with her friends. We all got tattoos. I always liked Curious George. Besides, I'm legal. You just have to be eighteen or older."

It was a pretty cute tattoo. We talked about whether the rest of us would get one. We had different opinions on the idea. Caroline said she would, especially if she ever got a comic strip published. Laura also said that she'd get one. Kristen was dead against the idea. I said that it would have to be something very special.

"Coach Chambers has two tattoos. She has a tiny wing on the outside of each ankle. She said she got them when she ran cross-country," I added.

"That's cool, just like Mercury!" noted Caroline.

"I guess George isn't all that curious anymore!" wisecracked Laura, and we all starting laughing again.

I was up next. I selected dare, and I could tell that Laura had something planned.

"Okay, Erika, here it is, you have to wear this the rest of the night," said Laura, as she handed me a black lace nightie, panty, and a matching negligee.

"They don't match my slippers!" I grumbled.

"Those are gorgeous, Laura; where did you get them," asked Cat.

"From my mom's stuff, she won't miss them," answered Laura.

To be a good sport, I went into the bathroom and changed. It wasn't too revealing. I had to admit that it did feel nice. I slipped on the robe and went back out. I got plenty of whistles and was made to turn around for everyone.

Laura couldn't take her eyes off me. The girls were interested in Caroline's and my breasts. I didn't mind showing them what I had, being they were still so small. Yet, they could all see some swelling and growth. Caroline was a bit more shy, but she also showed hers. They were about the same size as mine.

"So, you only raided your mom's stuff just for Erika? And I thought we were friends!" joked Kristen.

"I never said that," answered Laura. "I brought stuff for everyone!"

She pulled a whole bunch of lingerie out of her bag and passed it around. I wasn't sure what I should do as the others changed. I started to get up to leave when Cat and the others stopped me.

"It's no big deal, Erika. We trust you!" remarked Cat. "The same goes for you, Caroline. We're all girls here!"

The others nodded in agreement, and I was immediately choked up with emotion. I noticed that Caroline was also fighting back the tears.

Soon we were all dressed much more sexily than before. And before any of you get evil thoughts, that's as far as we went. Sorry, no teenage orgies.

Most of the stuff she'd brought was sexy in a classy manner. She also told us that she did ask permission to borrow the stuff.

We totally forgot about the rest of the game. I think that Laura brought out the rest of the stuff so that she wouldn't have a turn. But I didn't mind, as she looked so hot in her teddy and robe.

We stayed up very late talking about topics ranging from the prom to college. I felt so close to them, and we all knew that we'd stay in touch even after we headed off into our adult lives. I think we all fell asleep sometime around three.

In the morning, Terri made us a great breakfast. Of course, we changed before going downstairs. I had to admit that it had initially been difficult to fall asleep. I'd found myself caressing my nipples in the dark through the silky material. I'm sure Laura had that in mind when she selected the outfit for me.

I also looked out between our yards and was relieved to see that there was nothing there. I hoped that it had been a one-time event.

I went over to the house and checked my e-mail. There were a few from Marlene and one from Sandra.

Marlene said that it looked like the Rev was responsible. There was a posting on his website showing the sign. She also said that she'd be back in town the weekend of the prom, just in case something happened.

I got a call from Mom. She told me that they were on their way back and that they should get home late that evening. She was calling from the car and said they were presently passing Lansdale on the PA Turnpike heading north, which meant absolutely nothing to me. I had to check the map to see that Lansdale is a town north of Philadelphia. I told them to have a safe trip and that I was looking forward to seeing them soon.

I went back to my paper. I was on my third rewrite. Terri had been reviewing my paper for grammar and spelling mistakes. I still made a lot, and it bothered me. Laura called later in the afternoon and asked if I wanted to go to the movies. She said that she had already talked to Cat. I told her, yes, and I went back over to Cat's house.

"Do you think they'll be home tonight?" asked Terri.

"From what Mom said, they will," I answered.

"If they stop, you're more than welcome to spend the night here again," offered Terri.

"Thanks," I replied. I had already taken my stuff home, but it was nice knowing that I wouldn't have to be alone.

We had a great time that afternoon. The movie was okay, and afterward, we went to the Chinese restaurant in the mall. We called up and invited Kristen, Alex, Paul, and Caroline. I love going to a Chinese restaurant with a big group. I was pleased to see Mike with Kristen and Alex. He said it was strange having a weekend without Tracey.

We all ordered different things so we could share. We talked more about the prom. The guys were moaning about the cost. Laura told them they could always split the costs like we were doing.

It was also a bit obvious that Mike was flirting with me all night. I thought it was just me at first, but Laura noticed it too. It's not like I wasn't flattered, but I wasn't about to cheat on Laura, and I liked Tracey too much. I tried to ignore it and avoid anyone getting the wrong impression.

On the way home, Laura asked me if I found him attractive.

"Yes, I do," I answered honestly.

"Good, I'm glad you didn't lie," noted Laura. "I know you like boys, and if I did too, I'd probably find Mike hot myself."

"So, you don't mind boys finding you attractive?" asked Cat.

"No, not anymore. I guess it's a validation that I'm doing this right," I answered.

"Hypothetical question for you, Erika," asked Laura. "Assuming the unthinkable happens and we are no longer a couple, and you met a guy who was obviously hot for you, would you tell him that you were TS?"

"Hypothetical, huh? Well, are you talking about before or after my surgery?" I asked.

"Both," interjected Cat with a sly smile.

"Before the surgery, I would definitely tell him, and for that matter, even after the surgery," I answered.

"Well, what if you knew that it would be a one-night stand and that you'd never see him again?" asked Laura.

"Same answer. If he really loved me, it wouldn't matter. Besides, after being accused of deceiving someone, I've had a lot of time to think about this sort of thing."

"That's true," said Laura.

"So, if both you and Mike were free and available, would you go out with him?" asked Cat.

"I guess so. He's fun to be around, and he's cute too," I answered.

"So, the race wouldn't be a problem?" asked Cat.

"No, back in San Diego, interracial dating is no big deal for most people; at least it wasn't at my school," I replied.

"So, basically, if it's breathing, then it's fair game for you?" asked Cat.

"Yes, being bisexual and open-minded makes almost everyone a potential date," I answered, laughing.

"Too bad you aren't from West Virginia, then you could include your kin in that mix," laughed Laura.

"Then she wouldn't be open-minded!" added Cat laughing.

"Kin?" I asked.

"It's okay, my whole Mom's whole side of the family is from there, and they've told me the best West Virginia jokes," explained Laura.

"Seriously, what is the attitude on interracial dating around here?" I asked

"To be honest, it's never been a big issue because we haven't had a huge number of minorities," explained Cat. "I don't think that it would be a big problem in school."

"So my turn to ask a question, would either of you date someone who is a different race?" I asked.

"I don't have a problem with it," replied Cat.

"I'm not picky; you should both know that," smiled Laura.

"I think we've just been insulted," I said to Cat.

"I know we've just been insulted," agreed Cat.

We all began to laugh.

We went back to my house; they both said they'd stay with me until Mom and Sam came back. I showed them the movie with Mrs. Lincoln in it. They were both impressed.

A little after 9:30, we heard Sam's car pull into the driveway. It was good to see Mom and Sam again. Yes, I know that they were only gone a week, but I missed them! Cat, Laura, and I helped them bring their bags in. After they got settled, Cat and Laura left. I thanked Cat for being such a great hostess, and I gave Laura a nice long kiss.

Sam, Mom, and I sat down at the kitchen table. Their first concern was the Rev and his minor act of vandalism. Sam said that he had called the police, and they'd told him that there wasn't much they could do. Still, the sign made it clear that it wasn't over.

I was more concerned about Mom's visit with Sam's family. She said that they were all wonderful and had treated her very nicely. Sam said that he was amazed at how well behaved they'd been, and Mom punched him in the arm.

"So I guess the million-dollar question is how did they react to you having a seventeen-year-old daughter?" I asked.

"Damm! I knew there was something we forgot to bring up!" exclaimed Sam with a smile.

"He gets a bit weird when he's been driving all day, doesn't he?" Mom teased. "They seemed very anxious to meet you."

"Did you tell them everything?" I asked

"Of course. There's no reason to keep it secret," added Mom.

Sam decided to let us talk and said he was going to bed. He kissed us both good night and went upstairs.

"So, it really went well?" I got up and put the kettle on.

"Better than you can imagine. Sam's family already knew all about you."

"When did he tell them?" I opened the tea box and took out a bag of black spice chai tea. Mom saw my choice and nodded.

"He talks to his sister all the time about cases. She works in the Philly DA's office, and she became very interested in your case. So, when he told them how he'd met me, there was no sense in hiding the truth."

"Tell me more about his family." The kettle was about to come to a boil. I always put my sugar in my mug before I pour it into the water. Then I wait at least five minutes until I take out the bag. Taking it out too soon is a crime.

Mom then went over Sam's immediate family. His father was a retired Philadelphia policeman, and his mother had always been a housewife, and they now lived in New Jersey. Sam's older sister, Carla, worked as an assistant DA in Philadelphia. She's married and has two kids. He also had a younger brother named Brett, who'd just made detective in the Philadelphia PD. Brett was divorced and had no kids.

"Do you have a scorecard for me?" I asked. I added milk to my tea. The tea was very good. I think tea tastes better when there is a good conversation to go along with it. Vanilla wafers also help!

"I won't even go into all his cousins and other relatives. I got lost after he introduced me to his three aunts at dinner. It will take some getting used to this sudden expansion of the family. They are very close, and they're all fond of Sam."

"And meanwhile, our real family doesn't even acknowledge my existence," I replied sadly.

"Well, that's not all because of you. I never was all that popular with most of them."

"Why? Because of me coming along?" I asked.

"I guess it's time to discuss this. Why don't you make us each another mug of tea, and we'll have a talk," announced Mom.

I did as she said, and when they were ready, she began to tell me some things from her past and mine.

"First off, I've never lied to you about anything. I have just left out some parts until I felt you were ready. What I told you about your father was true. We did date, and he did dump me when I got pregnant. He wanted to stay with me, but he didn't want me to have a baby. He offered to pay for an abortion, and I refused; then, he suggested that I put you up for adoption. I couldn't do that either. I instantly fell in love with you and couldn't bear the thought of someone else raising you."

I took a long sip of tea and let her words sink in.

"When I'd met him, I was working as a waitress in a strip joint. I got the job after my first year in college. I never danced or took off my clothes, even though I had the opportunity. The job paid really well, and it worked with my hours in school. My family was upset that I worked in a place like that and felt I should get a more 'respectable' job. The problem with the 'respectable jobs' was that their hours wouldn't allow me to go to college. They also paid much less money. So, I did what I thought was right."

I took another sip of my tea.

"I met your father while I was working there. He was on the football team, and they came in a couple of times a week. I guess I became star-struck, and I failed to see what a jerk he was until he walked away from me. I moved back home and worked out a schedule to go to school, work, and raise you. The family wasn't pleased and thought that I never should have tried to raise you. I was barely twenty when you were born, and I didn't have a husband, so in their eyes, I was immoral."

I could hear the bitterness in her voice. It made me angry to hear how mean they'd been to her.

"I guess that they also looked at my behavior in high school. I hung out with a wild crowd. They were my friends, and some of them led less than model lives. I know that some were into drugs, and I mean the heavy stuff. After high school, some of them had some real problems. I knew that if I failed to get through college, I'd end up like them," continued Mom.

"So that's why you are so anti-drug?" I asked.

Mom nodded. "I had a friend in school who was as close to me as you are with Cat. One night she invited me to go clubbing with her; I turned her down because I couldn't skip work. She died that night in a car crash. Three other girls, all very close friends, including the driver, also died in the accident. The Highway Patrol said that they'd all been drinking and that the post mortems showed that they'd also used drugs. If I hadn't been working that night, I might have been in that car with them."

"Karma," I said softly, referring to her working that night.

"Maybe. I still carried around a lot of guilt for years. Between the accident and you arriving, my life was really turned around for the better." She then paused for a moment and then spoke softly. "I still think about them... it was such a waste."

We sat there in silence for a few moments. "Did you ever use drugs?"

Mom paused for a moment and looked me in the eyes. "Yes. I smoked pot, and I tried a few other things, but never again after that night. Their deaths scared me away from drugs."

There was a very loud silence in the room. We sat there for a long time, soaking it in.

"So, all of this combined to make our family feel that you weren't worthy of their affection?"

"I think they were further bothered by the fact that I had the nerve to graduate college and move up in life. The fact that I moved away to take a better job upset them too. Your transition was just the final straw; it gave them a solid reason to cut ties."

"Thank you for telling me all this. I love you even more if that's even possible!"

We hugged, and both of us cried softly. We held onto each other for what seemed like hours. I was so proud of her and how she'd made her life better by overcoming adversity.

"I think that's enough family history for tonight. I need to go to bed," noted Mom.

We said good night, and we walked upstairs together. We hugged one last time before we went into our rooms. I was so happy that she and Sam were together. They deserved each other and deserved a happy life together. I really understood Mom better now.

As usual, I was the first one up and was enjoying the paper at the kitchen table. I had the coffeepot ready to go for Sam. The feeder only had a few birds. They were small and brown and most likely some sort of sparrow. I thought about last night and the prospect of becoming part of a large loving family. The idea was very appealing.

I read the local paper first. It usually didn't take that long to go through it. I always saved the NY Times for last. I looked in the editorial section and, to my horror, there was a letter from the Rev. He claimed that Jason had gotten an unfair trial, and that Jason was the victim of an immoral conspiracy, and that he'd been deceived by a deviate. The letter went on to say how he would stage a protest the week before graduation. He said that he promised to disrupt the town unless Jason was given a new trial. I looked at it and felt my rage growing. I went upstairs and e-mailed Marlene and asked her if she wanted me to mail the article to her or save it until she arrived for prom. By contacting Marlene, I felt like I was doing something.

As I went back downstairs, I heard Mom and Sam stirring. I turned on the coffee maker, and the kitchen was soon filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I did like the smell, but I wasn't tempted to go over to the dark side and actually drink it!

I looked at the Rev's letter and wondered how many people would believe his lies. This was a time when life needed a fast-forward button like those on VCRs. I wanted to shift forward to see the response of the town. I figured that there'd be responses in the paper by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest. I actually hoped that maybe everyone had skipped the editorials that day.

Sam came down first, and after greeting him, I showed him the letter to the editor. He read it while he filled his mug with coffee. He drank it straight, no cream or sugar.

"I've already e-mailed Marlene about it. I needed to do something," I announced.

Sam nodded in approval. "Well, if he stages a protest in the town, he'll need a permit from city hall. They'll tell me if he does that. If he fails to get the permit, then the police can arrest him."

"How much do the permits cost?" I asked.

"No charge. They only exist so the police can plan crowd control. They also limit where he can hold his protest. Town laws require that all protests must be off school property and cannot disrupt school activities. That was put in place during the Vietnam War. The mayor at the time was worried about campus protests, and the law has never been changed."

"What will happen if he applies for the permit?" I asked.

"He'll get it. He does have a constitutional right to stage a peaceful, legal gathering," replied Sam.

"Thanks for the civics lesson," I said with a smile. "Can't you do something?"

"I'm only the DA, not the Attorney General," replied the Sam with a smile.

Mom came down, and we caught her up on what was going on. What really got me through all this was the fact that I had such great support from my family and friends.

"So why is he attacking me on the issue of the rape, and not because of my being TS, which is obviously the real reason for his actions?" I asked.

"He can't; it would be a violation of state law. So by protesting that this is just a case of criminal injustice, he can skirt his real issue without breaking the law, and he also avoids a civil rights lawsuit," explained Sam.

"I'm not sure who I hate more right now," I replied.

As we ate breakfast, we discussed our strategy. I'd have preferred to hear about their trip, but first things come first. Just as we were cleaning up, Marlene called. She talked to Sam for nearly thirty minutes. I got to talk to her afterward.

"Don't worry too much; I know you want this to just go away, but like all plagues, this one will pass," she remarked.

"How bad will it get?" I asked.

"That's up to him. If he holds his little rally and fails to gain any support, he may just move on. These guys hate to dwell on their defeats. I'm working with some groups to conduct a counter-rally. If we can make a strong showing, he'll shift to an easier target. I don't think he knows how tough you are."

"I wish I knew myself."

"Look, Erika, I've been involved in many such cases, and I know that you can get through this."

"Thanks. I just don't want to cause any problems."

"YOU aren't causing the problems; HE is. You, Erika, are just defending yourself; remember that," she stated firmly.

She needed to speak to Sam again. This was a like a bad dream that keeps repeating. However, I wasn't going to repeat my mistakes and try to do this all on my own.

I went upstairs to get ready for work. I looked at my scar, and it was barely noticeable. Too bad the rest of this wouldn't fade away. I was surprised that they were still on the phone when I came down. I was wearing a sleeveless spring dress and sandals. I didn't mind wearing dresses, now that the weather was warmer.

Mom said goodbye and hung up the phone. She let out a loud sigh.

"So, what's the plan?" I asked.

"Wait and see for now. Marlene is organizing groups in support of you, but the next move is his," remarked Mom.

"What about replying to his letter?" I asked.

"She said that she'd draft a reply and send it in today; we'll get a copy by e-mail," added Sam.

"Cool."

"I know this may sound corny, but have faith in the people of this community to do the right thing," continued Sam.

"I will. I just wish that he'd come out in the open and fight fair."

"It's not his style or of those like him."

Mom let me borrow the car to go to work. I turned down their offer of a ride; I wanted them to relax at home.

Work went really well; it was like a five-hour vacation from my problems. Cindy kept me busy so that I didn't have time to think about the Rev. Mel told me that the guys in the leather store said to call them immediately if he showed up here in the store. I thanked her but said that was very unlikely.

We stayed pretty busy all day. Girls were coming in to pick up their prom dresses, and we were getting more people in looking for outfits for weddings. I wanted to concentrate on school, prom, and my future, but I kept thinking about the Rev and his tactics.

As I approached my house, I saw a beat-up, old, white camper drive by in the other lane. It seemed out of place for this area. I couldn't make out the plates, but they weren't from PA. When I reached our house, I saw a white box sticking out of the mailbox. I immediately pulled into the driveway and ran into the house. Sam came out and looked at it, then left it alone and called the police.

"What can you remember about the camper?" asked Sam.

"It was a white pickup with a camper top. It was an old truck. I think it was a Ford. The plates weren't Pennsylvanian. That's what caught my attention, but I didn't look at them all that close," I explained.

The box was a white shoebox tied closed with string. Sam felt that it wasn't dangerous, but he saw no need to take chances.

The police arrived and, after examining the box carefully, they removed it from the mailbox. They opened it up and called Sam over to see inside. I'd hoped that it was a false alarm, but judging by his expression, I could tell that the Rev had struck again.

"May I see?" I yelled. I was standing up by the front door with Mom, Cat, and Terri.

Sam waved us down, "Just don't touch it."

Inside the box was a male action figure doll in a dress. There was a sign attached to it saying, "I'm Eric the lying freak!" and a card saying, "Save your soul and tell the truth! Free Jason!"

"This is pretty sick and pathetic. It's like being harassed by some six-year-old kids!" I stated angrily.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned to see Officer Tom Bell, "You okay, kid?" he asked.

"Yes, thanks, I'm just really pissed." I was glad to see him on this case.

"I put out a description of the truck; if we find it, we'll question the driver," announced Tom.

"Great, I appreciate that. I would like copies of the photos of this sent to my office in the morning," stated Sam.

"Will do, sir," replied Tom.

We walked back into the house. So far, it was just annoying. He really hadn't done anything all that illegal, and we weren't even sure it was. The Rev. Sam was grilling dinner, and Mom had invited Cat and Terri over. I would have called Laura, but I knew she was having dinner with her family.

Thankfully dinner was very good, and being surrounded by friends and family made me feel very safe and secure.