Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/126

 had. I don't see how they could stand him. He's got an ugly body … and that thing of his … looks like an earth worm. He gave a slight shudder remembering Stud's flesh against his.

A bus was there along the edge of the walk waiting for its passengers and there were also parents in cars waiting for their children. Gaylord nodded at several he knew as he proceeded toward his own car. He wondered if Rogers was there. Yes, there was his arm resting on the car door.

His steps were long now, straight down the sidewalk toward his car and Rogers. He did not speak or glance at those he passed. Unconsciously he increased his pace until, to his chagrin, he noticed he was almost running, and as he rounded his car was surprised by the rapid beating of his heart.

"Here I am," beamed Rogers. "You're going to get tired of seeing me around before you even know me." He bent over and opened the door for Gaylord.

"Hi … phew … what a day," breathed Gaylord, sliding behind the steering wheel. Then his face cleared and a decisive line showed about the corner of his mouth. "Where were you all afternoon? I looked for you between classes." He pressed the car starter.

"That's funny, I was doing the same thing … I was looking for you and wondering if you had gone home early."

Gaylord looked at Rogers and saw the friendly grin, the deep dimples. They both giggled, like the girls in the corridors when Gaylord passed. The sound of the car motor seemed to giggle too, loving the gas going into its hungry stomach.

"Guess we just missed each other in the mad scramble. Did you ever see so many darn kids?"

"Sure haven't. Remember, I went to a country school."

"It wasn't this bad a couple of years ago. I don't know why people move to this ‘rat hole' of a town. Still they do. I'll be glad when I can get out of it."

"My dad says it's a good town," Rogers replied.

"So does mine, but that doesn't make me like it." Gaylord passed a soft hand over his brow, feeling tiny drops of perspiration. "Durn, it's been hot today."

"Sure has." 116