. what's going on?" Beth managed."Sorry, no time. Just wanted to say thanks for the kiss. I needed it. Andeven HE," at this she pointed to the sleepin...g form below her, "enjoyed ita lot, not that he'd say so. Boys. What can you do with them?" Who... what are you?" Ah. I guess we never really did get introduced officially, even thoughwe've kissed. Twice, in fact. My name is Constance, but you can call meConnie." Twice?" Beth asked, but before the girl could answer, the boy formstirred, and the. ” I didn’t know what to tell the man. Jim was fighting for the South but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him no. So I shook my head yes. “Thank you, ma’am,” he said. “Are you living here all by yourself?” “Yes, sir,” I said, “my husband is fighting in the war as well.” “You must be right proud of him.” “I am.” Then he asked if there were any chores that he could tend to since my husband was gone. I didn’t want to be rude so I told him I needed help moving my mamma’s chifferobe in the master. If you keep count, and sound appropriately grateful right to the end, you will get a reward. Do you understand?” My brain raced – twelve, and I had to be grateful and ask for each one. What else could he possible ask of me to make this more demeaning? Still, strapped down straddling this stool, with my already red ass high in the air in the perfect position for punishing, I was hardly in a position to negotiate. Besides, the earlier ministrations over his knee, followed by the paddling and. We'll be at different schools."Abby gave a pained smile."If Ricky is still giving you a hard time, I'll talk to him," I offered."No need," Abby said. "I'm okay with it."I nodded."He sounds like a nice guy, Trip." Don't trip, dear," my wife said.I blinked, looking around. We were outside the health lodge. We had taken the same walk I had just taken in my mind."This was your house?" Laura asked, sounding surprised."No, dear. This was the first aid station. It was where you went if you got sick,".