Al Calavicci struggles with an impossible choice – liberty or loyalty.

BOTH OR NONE – Epilogue

Al hadn't been out of detention for almost six weeks. On any other day he would have been overjoyed to be allowed to join in the game of kickball going on by the gate, or to run footraces with the seventh-grade boys. Today, exhausted from his crying, he wandered with his hands in his pockets, thinking about Uncle Jack and Aunt Marion and Trudy. He kicked a stone, scuffing his new shoe against the pavement. His heart was heavy. He was never going to be happy again.

A little girl from the first grade ran up to one of the yard monitors and threw her arms around her neck. The bigger girl hugged her tight, her face lit up with a radiant smile. Al thought about Trudy and the big bear-hugs she loved to give. And the way she would pet your cheek and make you feel like you were the most wonderful person in the world. Trudy really cared, she really loved, and Al missed that. He wanted someone to care about him, but nobody did.

"Hey, Calavicci!" an eager voice shouted. Al looked up this time, though he had ignored the calls of the other boys.

Gianna Polini, one of the seventh-grade girls, waved at him. It was she who had called. She stood near the tool shed, beckoning. He knew what she wanted. They had done it before, hiding behind the shed where the raspberry bushes shielded them from Sister Marie's watchful eyes. She had a way of flicking her tongue against his teeth that always made their kisses especially enjoyable. And she would let him feel the soft, round places through her dress. Normally he would have been thrilled at the prospect, but today he wasn't.

"What'sa matter? Cat got your tongue?" Gianna asked. "You losing your touch, Calavicci?"

"No," Al said numbly, staring at his feet.

She put her arm around his waist. He surprised himself by leaning into her grip It felt good to be touched by somebody that way: gently, as if they cared. It didn't matter that Gianna didn't really care, it was just nice that she could pretend to care.

Al decided he could pretend too. He worked his hand around her back and squeezed her hip. She smiled and led him quickly behind the tool shed. He followed eagerly.

FINIS