For all my thinking that summer about
my friends, all I learned was that I couldn't come to any conclusions
about them.
That was four years ago. Now I have a problem that I must
solve. I don't intend to end trapped in a nowhere place like Patapsco.
Unfortunately, I don't have a powerful psychohistorian like
Hari Sheldon of Asimov's Foundation to project my future. I'll have to
struggle my way through.
Perhaps I can use the great method of geometry.
GIVEN: A high school senior is successfully completing his
courses. His record is checkered, sciences and maths in the 90's. Social
studies and German in the 70's.
FIND: His future.
| 1. Apply to college | 1. Normal for type |
| 2. Take SAT | 2. General requirement |
| 3. Interview with dean | 3. School requirement |
| 4. Show scholarships | 4. Proof of intelligence |
| 5. Refused admittance | 5. Does not follow |
No wonder I only got a 98 in geometry. I can't figure
out the last step.
It being Christmas night, WCAO is still playing religious songs.
I'm waiting for them to go back to their normal programming. I'd even be
glad to hear 'Ringo' by Lorne Greene -- a song that I liked the first time
I heard it, but also knew that I'd be sick of its overblown sentiments quickly.
It's too bad that the theme of love that I hear in the Beatles
songs isn't practiced on the streets of Patapsco.
Still, there has been an effect. Richard fakes a British accent
around girls. Perhaps I should try that.
Betsy came over after church this morning. We've exchanged
presents every year since the eight grade -- whether I'm her boyfriend or
not. Again this year I'm not.
She liked the perfume I gave her -- Tabu. I feel in heaven
when I smell it on her.
Betsy is so beautiful. Every time I see her, I want to hold
and kiss her. Sometimes she lets me. Then other times, every word between
us leads to an argument.
She gave me a book. 'How I Made Two Million Dollars in the
Stock Market'.
