While I hadn't told Paul of my intention to telephone his daughter, word of my attempt reached him, via the tattle-tale matron in charge. Paul assured me I was now cleared to call Karen and was thrilled that I wanted to do so. He apologized on behalf of his new employee but seemed to find no problem with the screening of Karen's calls. I surprised myself with my tact in withholding my strong opinion to the contrary.
As soon as I ended my conversation with Paul, I called Karen. It was nearly nine o'clock but I didn't care. Miss Bitch pointed out the hour, suggesting an earlier time might be more appropriate on a school night. I ignored her. "Put Karen on the line, now." After a long delay, Karen answered, sounding very nervous.
"Yes?"
"God, Karen, I just wanted to talk to you. Who is that . . . woman? Is she standing over your shoulder taking notes?"
"Yes."
"Put her on the line, please." There followed a hesitation where I sensed a discussion was being held but Miss Iverson finally spoke.
"Get your ass out of that room and let this young lady have a private telephone conversation! Now, put Karen back on the line." Karen was there immediately. "Is she gone?" I asked.
"Yes. You yelled at her so loud I could hear what you said. Now there's someone else who doesn't like you very much." Karen actually giggled. "You were going to call her an inappropriate name, weren't you?"
"You betcha! I'd tell you but I shouldn't say bitch in front of you, so you'll have to guess. What's happening?"
"Why did you telephone?"
"I just wanted to chat. Did you read the books we bought? How is your new guardian? I think I can guess the answer to that last one myself. How is Timmy getting along? Oh, and thank you for your thank you note. It was a tad formal but I loved hearing from you. I just didn't realize I needed a presidential proclamation for us to have a conversation."
"I don't get many phone calls . . . none, actually. I liked the books but Sister Rose didn't."
"I didn't buy them for Sister Rose. I bought them for you. She didn't take them and burn them did she?"
"No. Timmy told her about them after I read a part to him. She demanded to see them but I said no, because they were gifts."
"Good for you! Down with censorship!"
"Sometimes you scare me, Sarah."
"Good! Being scared keeps you on your toes. It's a natural response; you don't need special lessons for it." We chatted for twenty minutes with Karen opening up as the conversation progressed. I loved talking to her, nearly as much as my conversations with her father and my sister.