Thank God, Penny had arrived on Friday. Thank God, Fern's parents had taken them to Disney World and Cypress Gardens. Thank God for the family picnics on the beach. Had it not been for these things, she would have had to spend the last three days alone with Penny. By now she'd have probably gone nuts. Maybe she'd go nutty by the end of the week anyway, but what could she do?

If only Penny wouldn't keep acting like such a sex maniac. Not only did Penny continue to embarrass her in private, but Fern felt embarrassed being with Penny in public. Penny eyed the boys as if they were chocolates in a candy store. Talk about raping with the eyes! Penny was worse than the most horny guys at school. She had flirted shamelessly right in front of Fern's parents, had flirted at Disney World and Cypress Gardens, had flirted with half the guys in Daytona Beach.

Penny sometimes seemed to be making eyes at Fern's dad. Impossible! Not only was that an embarrassing thought, but it was ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous!

"Having a heart attack or something?" Penny asked.

Fern opened her eyes. The room looked strange for a few moments, as if Fern were returning to it after a long trip. Penny sat there like a permanent fixture, as if she'd claimed the room for herself.

"I was almost asleep," Fern said.

"You were breathing real hard. I thought you were having a bean attack or some kind of fit." Penny laughed, then grabbed Fern's hand. "Let's go."

Fern pulled her hand away. "Go? Where?"

"Don't get so uptight, honey," Penny said. "We're going downstairs to find out if Mommy and Daddy are sleeping or making whoopy." She stood up.

"You're crazy!" Fern said. "Lie down here and go to sleep."

"You're crazy," Penny said, smirking. "I never go to bed this early. Coming along? Or are you gonna wait for me to get back and give you a report?" She turned and marched toward the door.