The only people I don't expect are the postors of the churches. They are making too much money from their Christian congregations to jeopardize it by checking in. They go somewhere out of town dressed as Road men.

I feel like I'm walking into the mouth of a whole. It feels great but have you ever seen what comes out of the tall of a whole?

I think I have realized the come of Penny's home life. Her mother could possibly have a large tumor in her brain, causing severe pain and mood changes. She has a history of these things. This is the latest news. I hope that it will be corrected soon..."

Which was immediately followed by another letter a week later:

They still don't know that I'm in town

Penny turns seventeen today!

I have been very hand on her lately because I didn't think that she had courage enough to stand up for herself. We have had to hide our love from everyone and it has affected my pride. My hair is standing out like a lion to signal my frustration. I think that if she has the love for me that she says she does then she wouldn't let anyone keep us apart not even her family.

Today was a perfect example. First thing in the morning I called her house, thinking that her parents were at work and it was safe. Her mother sounds just like her so I said "Penny?" "No, this is not Penny." "Could I wish Penny a happy birthday?" "No." "I just want to wish her a happy birthday." "Marvin, this is Nick. Do you want me to get Penny?" "Click."

I called Jilly to get Penny to meet me at the Pizzi Pan. I fell asleep, and got a call from Penny about 4 p.m. She wanted to see me, but we would have to meet behind the Burger Queen beside the motel. She showed up in a green mustang.

I told her to move over and got in the driver's side. She asked me where we were going and I told her to wait and see. When I drove out on the street she ducked down. I pulled around the motel where we have a single car garage. Pulled the car in and shut the door. Penny said: "You're crazy if you think I'm getting out!" I took the keys so she had no choice. We went to my room. She said, "There isn't even a chain on this door!"...I told her that I had something for her to read. A letter. It was more or less a demand for some sort of sign from her that she had the strength and courage that it would take to get us somewhere. We didn't have to hide. She cried. Then she started getting dressed in order to leave without talking about it. I could not allow that and I didn't. After a time she calmed down and started to talk. She cares, but she isn't ready for the sacrifice yet. So her feeling isn't that strong--yet. As we were yelling at each other we caught each other's eyes and realized that this fight was ridiculous. We had never really fallen away from each other. If we had, we were now back together for the cause. But!

We started looking for her keys. It took half an hour to realize that they were back in the car. Now! Getting her back to the car was another matter. We decided that it was necessary to wear a disguise. She put on my coat and pants. Back to the Burger Queen...

It was 7:30 p.m. When I got back my boss told me that Jilly had called and said that Penny's mother was looking for her. I haven't heard from her since.

Do you believe that I am in love with someone who can be 'grounded'?

The other night I called Nick for the latest word. He is getting paid a total of $12 a week by the Thistle Dew proprietor, who gives him room and board and knows that Nick himself is grounded. Nick says he and Penny may be ready to make a move soon. An anonymous caller rang her up a few days ago and said "I saw where you went the other day." Nick has heard that it's possible for them to get married in Georgia and make it stick. If courage holds they may soon light out to the south.