Exposed

Even before noon, the high summer heat and humidity of South Georgia can be stifling. So it was not unusual for me to run into several of my elementary school friends at the city pool of our tiny town.

On that particular morning, I noticed that my classmate Mary was standing chest-deep at the pool’s edge. I had an enormous crush on her. So my heart leapt into my throat when I noticed her stealing glances at me and quickly turning away with a shy smile.

No way I was going over to talk to her. But to my surprise she motioned our friend Roger over to her, whispered something into his ear, urged him in my direction, and watched him expectantly as he padded over to me.

I prepared myself for a secret love message.

Roger strode up to me and announced in a voice that carried across the…