Danny's Mom by Elaine Wolf Page A

tells me about guarding the locker room. But Tina knows that Ann can't stand there forever. Tina has a plan. She asks Liz, “How's it goin'? And how's poor Mrs. Maller doin'? What a pity her son died. And just how old was he, anyhow?” And while Liz answers— because she knows she has to—Jen snatches Liz's lock from the inside corner of her locker, where she puts it while she changes. Tina's sure Liz won't say anything. And the whole period while they're out at softball, Liz knows her locker's open. But there's nothing worth stealing. No jewelry, at least.
    What Liz doesn't know is that Tina told Fred Morris to pull the fire alarm at exactly 9:22, when the gym class always comes in.Fred will do anything for Tina. Anything for that blow job she's promised him. And everyone will listen to Ann when she hurries the class back outside. Everyone but Tina, who'll dally just long enough to take the clothing from Liz's locker.
    Fred knows to call the gym office as soon as the “all clear” sounds. And when it does, Ann shepherds the girls in and hears the phone. So she doesn't stay in the locker room. Instead, she sits in the gym office and talks with a man who says he's Linda Marshall's father, and he wants to know how his daughter got hurt in a softball game and what Ms. Richardson's going to do to prevent future accidents.
    And while Ann's on the phone, Liz pulls off her sneakers and T-shirt, looks in her locker, and finds only her backpack. No clothes. Tina and Jen corner her. Tina swipes Liz's T-shirt off the bench. “Want your clothes back, Liz?”
    If she answers, she'll cry. So Liz simply nods as other girls grab what they need from their lockers and move away.
    “Okay then,” Tina says. “We'll trade you. Take off your sweatpants, and we'll give you your clothes.”
    “And don't even think of calling for help,” Jen adds. “'Cause if you do, we'll strip you butt naked. Bet Mr. Richard's Son would love to see your skinny little ass.”
    “But don't you worry,” Tina says, “'cause we always play fair. All you have to do is give up your smelly sweatpants and you get all your stuff back.”
    “Sounds fair to me,” Jen says.
    “Please give me my clothes,” Liz pleads.
    “Sure thing,” Tina says. “Just take off your sweatpants and they're yours.” Liz doesn't move.
    “Hey, come on!” Jen says. “We haven't got all day here. Just listen to Tina, and you'll get your things back. Tina doesn't lie.”
    “Maybe she needs help,” Tina says. “How 'bout we give her a hand, Jen?”

    “Yeah. Put our hands there. Get it? See how it is for Mr. Richard's Son.”
    “Wanna see how it feels, Liz? Feel what it's like for a fuckin' dyke? Or you wanna take your pants off yourself?”
    Liz pulls off her sweats.
    “Okay, give.” Tina grabs the pants from Liz's hands. “Now just be patient, Liz. As soon as Jen and I are dressed, you'll get your clothes back.”
    I picture Liz sitting, knees to chest, on the bench. The locker room's silent. Everyone's already gone to third period.
    “Oh no you don't,” Tina says. “No sitting. You stand right where you were and let us have a good look while we finish getting dressed. See if we can feel what it's like to be a homo. Come on now. Hands at your sides. That's good. Stand still. Give us a view.” Tina looks at Jen. “Hey, I don't feel anything. Do you?”
    “Nope. Don't know how Mr. Richard's Son gets off on that.”
    “Well, maybe we need to see more. Whaddaya say, Liz? Maybe butt naked's the way to go, after all.” Tina unhooks Liz's bra and flicks it off her shoulders. It falls to the floor. “Now can you get out of your panties yourself, or do you need help with that too?”
    The door opens. The next class straggles in. Tina and Jen rush out. Liz darts to the toilet and vomits. She hears Ann in the locker room. “Let's go, girls. Hustle! Quick change and out for softball.”
    Liz is silent in the stall. I imagine her running her hands over the goose bumps on