A Rose for Melinda by Lurlene McDaniel Page A

real close and that's when he saw the shunt taped to my chest. I was mortified. I explained that it has a shut-off valve but is connected to a portal vein, and that it's there so the doctors won't have to find a vein every time I go for chemo. Veins often collapse because the chemo is so strong. I was afraid he would be grossed out, but he only asked questions and studied it. He made me feel that wearing a shunt is the most normal thing in the world.
    He told me that science is his favorite subject, especially biology (he's in some kind of accelerated program in his school and he attends a few classes at the community college. This was news because he's never mentioned it before). I told him, “Way to go,” and he grinned (which almost stopped my heart). I thought I knew everything about him, but now I know that I don't. Which is fine with me. It's sort of like digging through a box and finding something unexpected that makes you feel happy.
     While you get to
hang with Jesse, I am stuck in
classes. Not that I'm jealous.
Anyway, big news: Pete is
definitely history and I've
tumbled for Kerry Robinson. I
should have mentioned sooner
that he and I have been flirting
in class (we have two together!)
and hanging out in the halls, but
I wanted to wait until it was a
fait accompli
(see, I AM learning
something in French class).
     Kerry is totally a jock
and totally popular. I'm so happy!
     Congrats on landing
Kerry. What happened to Allison,
his main squeeze from last year?
     She got preggie! Kerry
swears not by him.
     And you believe
him? They were joined at the
hip all last year.
     Sure I believe him.
Why shouldn't I?
     Don't get offended.
Just be careful. Actually, I feel
sorry for Allison. Don't you?
She's only fourteen and “with
child.” What will she do? Do
you know?
     I don't know anything
about Allison's story. Don't
worry, I'll be careful. How about
you? Are you and Jesse still
“just good friends”? Any mouth-
to-mouth action yet?
     When something
exciting happens, I'll tell you. I
have to go now. Movie about to
start on the VCR for Jesse and
me. Popcorn, sodas, ice
cream—no wonder I weigh a
ton. But NO parents hanging
over us. Mom and Dad went out
for the evening.
    MELINDA'S DIARY
    September 2 (Labor Day)
    We had a good breeze on Lake Lanier, and the sailboat skimmed along like a waterbird. Jesse was impressed. I told him that sailing is the best way to ride the wind and he agreed. Dad showed him how to trim the sails, swing the boom, and tack to move the boat across the lake. Mom packed a picnic and we dropped anchor in the middle of the lake and feasted. I had to cover up most of the day and slather on the sunscreen because some of the meds I'm taking interact with the sun. I really didn't mind since I didn't want Jesse to see me in a swimsuit in my present blubbery condition.
    Later, Dad and Jesse went swimming off the boat and I went below and took a snooze. (Will I ever feel 100 percent again?) We headed home right before sunset. Jesse and I sat on the bow of the boat and watched as it cut through the water like a knife. He slipped his hand over mine and it was like we were in perfect sync with each other, like we had one heart beating between us.
    When we got home, Dad made ice cream and Jesse and I watched the fireflies come out. He said, “You want me to catch some in a jar for you?”
    I said, “Sure.”
    And he said, “Did you know that scientists pay for these bugs? I catch them out where I live and stick them in the freezer. When I've got a bagful, I take them into the science department at the university and they pay me thirty-one cents a gram for them—nine dollars an ounce.”
    “They don't look like they weigh much,” I said.
    “It's a way to earn money,” he said. “And I'm helping a scientific cause.”
    As usual, Jesse's knowledge surprised me, so I urged him to catch a hundred fireflies and stick them in our