THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL : THE DEFINITIVE EDITION ... - Fidele

five minutes. He wanted to tell me something about himself, but didn't find it
easy. He finally got it out, though it took a long time. I honestly didn't know
whether it was better for me to stay or to go. But I wanted so much to help him! I
told him about Bep and how tactless our mothers are. He told me that his parents
fight constantly, about politics and cigarettes and all kinds of things. As I've
told you before, Peter's very shy, but not too shy to admit that he'd be perfectly
happy not to see his parents for a year or two. "My father isn't as nice as he
looks," he said. "But in the matter of the cigarettes, Mother's absolutely right."
I also told him about my mother. But he came to Father's defense. He thought he
was a "terrific guy."
Tonight when I was hanging up my apron after doing the dishes, he called me over
and asked me not to say anything downstairs about his parents' having had another
argument and not being on speaking terms. I promised, though I'd already told
Margot. But I'm sure Margot won't pass it on.
"Oh no, Peter," I said, you don't have to worry about me. I've learned not to blab
everything I hear. I never repeat what you tell me."
He was glad to hear that. I also told him what terrible gossips we are, and said,
"Margot's quite right, of course, when she says I'm not being honest, because as
much as I want to stop gossiping, there's nothing I like better than discussing
Mr. Dussel."
"It's good that you admit it," he said. He blushed, and his sincere compliment
almost embarrassed me too.
Then we talked about "upstairs" and "downstairs" some more. Peter was really
rather surprised to hear that don't like his parents. "Peter," I said, "you know
I'm always honest, so why shouldn't I tell you this as well? We can see their
faults too."
I added, "Peter, I'd really like to help you. Will you let me? You're caught in an
awkward position, and I know, even though you don't say anything, that it upsets
you."
"Oh, your help is always welcome!"
"Maybe it'd be better for you to talk to Father. You can tell him anything, he
won't pass it on."
"I know, he's a real pal."
"You like him a lot, don't you?"
Peter nodded, and I continued, "Well, he likes you too, you know!"
He looked up quickly and blushed. It was really touching to see how happy these
few words made him.
"You think so?" he asked.
"Yes," I said. "You can tell from the little things he lets slip now and then."
Then Mr. van Daan came in to do some dictating.
Peter's a "terrific guy," just like Father!