My Crazy Nerd (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 37: Wall

A/N: New book cover :)

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Chapter 37: Wall

Did you know newborn babies don't shiver?

It's because of this fat tissue, brown adipose, and babies are born with lots of it; they use it to produce heat to keep warm.

So if a newborn baby ever starts to tremble, it's not because it's cold.

"What's on your mind?"

There came a pause. And then I stared at her, appalled.

To ask of my thoughts, the most intimate part of the soul, was as brazen as any being in the world could dare to do. To share the inner workings of my mind was a precious gift, a sacred reward for those capable enough to comprehend the intricate puzzles and riddles of my very being. To think she would ask--no, demand me to unveil my thoughts was brutal. Cruel. Invasive.

Of course my mother would ask me that.

"Babies," I said. She was my mother, though. As a parental figure, I must do what she asks me to do. Sometimes.

"Babies," she repeated and shook her head, sighing. "Okay."

For reasons beyond my control, Mother came to me at my door and asked me to talk with her at the dining table. Audrey had been hit by a wave of drowsiness and was temporarily comatosed until morning during this nightly encounter and once I left my bed, which my dear Roomy slept in, I went to the kitchen to discuss whatever it was my mother wanted to broach.

First thing she asked of me was what I was thinking.

The next was about Audrey.

"If you two are just going to share a bed, I might as well take down the mattress I've set up," she intoned and placed a palm under her cheek. A droopy frown appeared on her face. "I knew there was something going on between the two of you, but I'd never thought..." I saw the way her teeth clenched as though releasing whatever word that came into her mind would be all too strange. "You and Audrey are...in a relationship?"

Drats. I kept forgetting that Alleny and June were Mother's little messangers.

"Yes, we are," I said. "I like her."

Was this going to be a reoccurring topic?

Mother faltered, not believing me, it seemed. "Are you sure? I know all about teenagers and their hormone adventures, but you're..." Her brows furrowed as she chewed the inside of her cheek in a refraining manner. Slowly, she relaxed her shoulders and straightened her back as she pierced her green gaze at me. "Do you know what it means to care for someone?" she softly asked.

Of course I did.

"It may have been three years since the last person, but this one is new to you, isn't it?" she added. "What you might be feeling--is it just curiosity? Are you just compelled by the idea of intimate relationships? Is it just an a new interest you've discovered? Or do you really care for Audrey? Cherish her as a human being? Because the moment you get bored or frustrated or upset with an idea, you..." Her breath shuddered and her eyes closed for a moment. The clock ticked silently by the wall and the silent hum in the air held heavy and burdensome on my mind as she opened her eyes once more, slowly. She was tired. "We can't keep doing this."

Another person expressing quaint concern. Why? Audrey and I were doing just fine.

"Your violent episodes were just six months ago. You remember that boy William, Alleny's ex-boyfriend?"