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

was too intense; he caressed my cheek and arm, a bit clumsily, and played with my
hair. Most of the time our heads were touching.
I can't tell you, Kitty, the feeling that ran through me. I was too happy for
words, and I think he was too.
At nine-thirty we stood up. Peter put on his tennis shoes so he wouldn't make much
noise on his nightly round of the building, and I was standing next to him. How I
suddenly made the right movement, I don't know, but before we went downstairs, he
gave me a. kiss, through my hair, half on my left cheek and half on my ear. I tore
downstairs without looking back, and I long so much for today.
Sunday morning, just before eleven.
Yours, Anne M. Frank
MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1944
Dearest Kitty,
Do you think Father and Mother would approve of a girl my age sitting on a divan
and kissing a seventeen-and- a-half-year-old boy? I doubt they would, but I have
to trust my own judgment in this matter. It's so peaceful and safe, lying in his
arms and dreaming, it's so thrilling to feel his cheek against mine, it's so
wonderful to know there's someone waiting for me. But, and there is a but, will
Peter want to leave it at that? I haven't forgotten his promise, but. . . he is a
boy!
I know I'm starting at a very young age. Not even fifteen and already so
independent -- that's a little hard for other people to understand. I'm pretty
sure Margot would never kiss a boy unless there was some talk of an engagement or
marriage. Neither Peter nor I has any such plans. I'm also sure that Mother never
touched a man before she met Father. What would my girlfriends or Jacque say if
they knew I'd lain in Peter's arms with my heart against his chest, my head on his
shoulder and his head and face against mine!
Oh, Anne, how terribly shocking! But seriously, I don't think it's at all
shocking; we're cooped up here, cut off from the world, anxious and fearful,
especially lately. Why should we stay apart when we love each other? Why shouldn't
we kiss each other in times like these? Why should we wait until we've reached a
suitable age? Why should we ask anybody's permission?
I've decided to look out for my own interests. He'd never want to hurt me or make
me unhappy. Why shouldn't I do what my heart tells me and makes both of us happy?
Yet I have a feeling, Kitty, that you can sense my doubt. It must be my honesty
rising in revolt against all this sneaking around. Do you think it's my duty to
tell Father what I'm up to? Do you think our secret should be shared with a third
person? Much of the beauty would be lost, but would it make me feel better inside?
I'll bring it up with him.
Oh, yes, I still have so much I want to discuss with him, since I don't see the
point of just cuddling. Sharing our thoughts with each other requires a great deal
of trust, but we'll both be stronger because of it!
Yours, Anne M. Frank
P.S. We were up at six yesterday morning, because the whole family heard the