Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/51

 "Sure we like it … in fact we like it so much let's all have a crack at it, huh?"

"Sounds good to me. I ain't ever corn-holed anybody before, but I'll try anything once."

Gaylord took another step, then tried to run. It was like a horrible dream when you tried to scream but no sound came. He couldn't escape now. They had circled him, and, quick as a cat, one had thrown one arm about Gaylord's neck and pressed hard. He put his other arm around his waist and Gaylord felt parts of their bodies touch.

"Come on dearie … I'm hotter than a bitch dog … ain't had a piece in two days. Ain't ever been up the back door," he laughed.

Gaylord's waist hurt from the tight gripping. "Don't," he cried. He broke away from the boy.

"Aw … come on." He picked up a piece of soap from the floor and massaged it in his wet hands. It lathered freely and with these hands he grabbed Gaylord. "Come on … I'll fix you up."

"And you said you ain't been up the back door before, Pete."

"That's what I said, but I'm a damn liar."

"That's what I thought," laughed Stud.

"I'll show you how it's done," grinned Pete. "I'll be first."

"Like hell you will," snapped Stud, and grabbed Gaylord. His bareness touched Gaylord's leg. The leg jerked as though a live flame had been put to it. His legs came out of the paralysis then and he kicked and struggled. At that, Stud pressed his body closer to his, pinning Gaylord against him.

Gaylord was crying inside his head. They can't do this to me. Why should they always pick on me? I've never hurt them. Around his waist the wet hands tightened and a swish of wet cloth circled his knees. He turned and stared at the exposed part of Stud's body in paralyzed horror. It was wormy white contrasted with the ugly sallowness of his face and hands. He felt the same kind of nausea he had once felt when he had gone out with Thelma White, but this was worse. He saw the cruel tense look in the smoky eyes. And now he felt hard flesh against him. While his head rocked, he tried with his legs to free himself. With his elbows he tried to jab Stud's sides. 41