really have to go。 I just wanted to say thanks for being so supportive。？ She held up her hand and
waved stiffly； even though he was sitting right in front of her。 ？I guess I？ll see you at graduation；？
she added with faux cheerfulness。 Then she turned to push her way through the heavy curtains
again。
？Wait。？
Her stomach filled with dread and she shivered again in her thin white baby tee。 She could hear
voices outside in the hallway。 Someone would hear her if she yelled loudly enough。 She turned
around。 ？I really do have to go。？
Mr。 Beckham slipped off his stool and walked toward her。 ？May I ？？ He swallowed； his Adam？s
apple bobbing nervously。 ？Would you mind if I just ？ gave you a petit； petit kiss？？ he asked
quietly； pinching together his thumb and forefinger to demonstrate just how small the kiss would
be。
Serena hesitated； reluctant to turn this into a huge deal but eager to get rid of him。 She could just
say no and leave。 Or she could freak out and run up to Mrs。 M？s office and turn him in。 Or she
could let him give her a little tiny kiss to remember her by and then just for