Seventeen

"Jaynie Colter!" Mamma saw me coming, her face pale. She was shocked and angry. "What on earth-?"

"I can explain, Mamma."

"And you will! But not dressed in your nightclothes in front of everyone, goodness Janyie-!" She was shaking her head exasperated.

"If you would just listen-!"

"Would you get inside! You are not dressed properly!" Frank was angry too, his eyes boring into mine. "We'll discuss this in the house."

"But father-!"

"Get inside!" His bellow was harsh, gray eyes snapping fire at me.

Crossing my arms, I stalked to the door and jerked it open. Once inside, Mamma opened up a tirade of rebukes and I did not attempt to interrupt her. Nothing I said would be heeded in the moment. She had been worried, and now was simply venting her tightly held emotions. I had not had a chance to speak up when Frank came in. He looked calmer, and I wondered what the two men outside had told him. Had Al Baily tarnished the truth, or had Toby Whitney spoken up for me?