Cops & Robbers

Of the girls in my neighborhood, it was the girl who had first suggested naked games who came back most often for more. Bonnie was generally involved in any group gropes and was my most frequent sole partner.

The first time, we were in my attic: an unfinished attic, believe me. Hot as blazes in the summer, right under the eaves. No insulation, no fan, no one ever heard of AC in ... oh, 1944 or so. Bonnie says Let's play Cops and Robbers. How do you play that, I ask. I take my clothes off, she says. I lie down here like I'm in bed. Cover me with something: pretend it's a blanket. I'm the lady of the house, see? Then you come in ... from over there: like you're climbing in through the window. You're the robber.

I wasn't at all sure how that would sound to my Sunday School Teacher let alone to Jesus, but I kept listening. Bonnie was at least a year younger than I, just a little girl, not exactly a peer; but my guest. I listened. I certainly approved the naked part. I don't want to rob you, I said.

You don't have to rob me: you just see me and ... do whatever you want. Oh, you then take your cloths off too.

After that we'd meet behind my garage, in my basement, in the car ... Other kids in the neighborhood, all girls, sometimes joined us.