An Apple for Zoë ~ The Forsaken Read Free

610 KFRC. The steady drumbeat and piano of Pretty Ballerina by The Left Banke filled the room. Julie's heart swelled as Tommy lay across from her. The fear of being caught by her parents was the farthest thing from her mind as Tommy brushed his hand across her cheek. With so much to be said, Julie could hardly contain herself, as she was about to share her very first kiss with the one boy she would love for the rest of her life. The two—would-be lovers—whispered softly to one another as to keep their Saturday evening rendezvous a secret.  
    "You sure your dad won't come in?" asked Tommy.  
    Julie smiled and wrapped her barefoot around Tommy's ankle closing the distance between them.  
    "Are you kidding, it's Saturday night, he's got his martini and a new color television. Soon he'll be overdosing on Jackie Gleason, Lawrence Welk, and don't forget tonight, Bing Crosby is the host on The Hollywood Palace ," she said with a wry smile.
    "Bing Crosby over Petticoat Junction ?" he asked playfully.  
    "No, I'm serious, all week long, all I've heard is, 'Bing is on The Hollywood Palace , so keep it quiet, and maybe in the morning we can all have some Minute Maid orange juice,' " she said in her best father's impression of Bing Crosby. The two of them covered their mouths to keep their laughter to a minimum. As their laughs subsided their eyes met.  
    "Kiss me Tommy," said Julie in a sweet romantic plea.  
    Leaning together, Tommy gently placed his lips against Julie's. Hers were soft and moist. Together they found the bliss of innocence. In a daring move, Tommy slowly parted his mouth and Julie took his gesture and the young lovers enjoyed the pleasure of a first French kiss. Pulling Tommy closer, Julie wrapped her petite arms around him. Holding him tightly against her, Tommy could feel the swell of her breasts. When their kiss ended Julie placed her head on Tommy's shoulder. The euphoria of the moment was forever etched in her mind to the tune of Pretty Ballerina , and made even more perfect as Tommy whispered in her ear.  
    "I love you, Julie."
    *
    Stopping on the sidewalk to adjust his black horn-rimmed glasses, the melodic sounds of The Left Banke called his attention to a nearby window. Hidden by the darkness and fog, the stranger stepped from the sidewalk and into the yard. Cautiously he made his way to Julie's bedroom window. Silently he watched the young lovers as they lost themselves in their passion. Gripping the gun, which was buried in his pocket, his fingers caressed the gun in a fashion that mirrored the young boy's hand enjoying the touch of the girl's firm, supple breast. As he watched the boy, his own desire increased. Gripping the gun tighter, the stranger stepped closer to the window. The snap of a dry dead fallen tree branch caught the girl's attention. With a start Julie stopped kissing. Tommy quickly pulled his hand from her shirt.  
    "Tommy did you hear that?" she said clicking off the radio. Tommy nodded and listened. Silently they both held their breath as to sharpen their hearing. The rustle of dead October leaves crunched slightly.  
    "Tommy, I think someone is watching us," said Julie in the hushed tone of a frightened babysitter.  
    "You want me to go look?" asked the boy valiantly.  
    She nodded her approval. Slowly rising from the bed, Tommy cautiously moved to the window. Standing next to the sill he attempted to peek out and not be seen.  
    "Julie, turn the light off," whispered Tommy. Julie reached over and pulled the plug from the wall, causing darkness to fill the room. Again Tommy made an attempt to stealthily look out the window. Julie slid off the bed and moved to her bedroom door and opened it slightly, from the distance she could hear her father laughing at the preview bumper for The Hollywood Palace .  
    Looking out the window, Tommy tried to see, but the fog concealed most everything within view with the exception of the streetlight on the corner of Jackson and Maple. The