Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/144

 are always hard but, it won't take long for you to adjust yourself. You're a fine looking boy and you've a good card. I think you'll be right at home in a very short time.

"I remember when I first came here four years ago. I regretted making the change after the first week or so, but I'm still here and would probably feel funny if I were to go back to the old place.

"We've got a wonderful staff of teachers, and you, being from the country will sure enjoy our gym. It's really a fine one.

"If you need any help at any time, feel free to call on any of us. I want you to like it here. That's my job, to make you and the other students enjoy coming to class."

In a school convulsed with new faces, strange rooms and shrill voices, Glenn Rogers had become a student; had walked shyly down its long halls, looked timidly for his home room. His face had peered furtively from door to door; passed the mob of young figures; crossed the hard floor with doubtless steps. His landscape had changed, and inside he had felt tangled up. He had collided with someone; blushed and pushed forward into the strangeness.

The pillow pounding continued and for an instant cool reason locked his feeling. He saw them all aloof, their faces unfriendly and unwilling. No one had tried to make him feel at home. Then, he remembered Gaylord; remembered leaning forward and picking up the pencil Gaylord had dropped. He had accepted it, speaking a quiet, "Thank you." For a moment, when he spoke, he met his eyes, and he saw them widen in a quick but friendly surprise and when he opened his book again, he felt Gaylord watching him.

He remembered his own thoughts of Gaylord and wondered if there had been any similarity in Gaylord's. He remembered Gaylord's eyes; they had explored his searchingly and deeply with a sort of longing in them. He liked the sincere face mingled among the vehicular tangle of dreams. He liked Gaylord and something within made his pulse race. He felt as though he had never been alive before.

"We're going to be good friends, Gay," he said softly to himself. "Good friends." And when this was decided, he punched the pillow again, and went to sleep. 134