Fenris Perrywinkle: The Great Galactic Duel

Chapter XI: Talking to Myself as I Lie here Dying

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Amanda shakes her head a little as we gently touch down at her father's place. I take her hand in mine. She lets me, but turns her head away from me.

"It wasn't a fair fight. You're still new at this," I whisper. She still doesn't say anything.

My eyes drill holes in the back of her head. I have no idea what's going on with her, but, I'll wait.

Time passes. Good grief this woman is stubborn. I feel like I've been standing on this porch holding her hand and staring at the back of her head for days. Maybe it's only been a few minutes, but that's not what it feels like!

In desperation, I pump her hand a couple times. "You'll get her next time!"

Her head finally turns toward me. It's wearing a little scowl.

"Do you seriously think that's what I'm thinking about right now?"

I suddenly feel uncomfortable. Apparently I stink at reading women. I have no idea what to do next.

She moves a little closer to me and studies my eyes. Goodness, I think she's got that same 'staring into my soul' talent that Jenn has. Do all women have the ability to do this??

"You're an idiot," she whispers and turns her head away from me again.

My heart starts to pound a little. I take a deep breath and squeeze her iron hand as hard as I can. "I said you'll get her next time!"

Amanda wrenches her hand out of mine and turns toward me again. Her eyes start to redden and shimmer in the afternoon light. I think she's about to cry – which means I've done something stupid again.

"I don't care about losing the fight!" she yells, her voice starting to crack a little with emotion.

Oh brother, here come the water-works. Am I seriously going to see both of the loves of my life cry in one day? How much can one man be made to bare? Women are so dang emotional! I mean, I got kind of choked up a little earlier too, but I choose to forget that little tidbit.

"You were up there! With her! In your arms! She was practically on top of you! Did you kiss her? Are you leaving me after everything we've been through together!?"

Maybe the alien body suites that both of them constantly wear now affect their emotions or something.

Amanda gives me a gentle tap on the chest that nearly breaks three of my ribs. "Are you even present right now? Focus, dammit! I'm trying to ascertain our relationship status!"

I struggle for breath and vigorously rub my bruised chest. Amanda isn't breaking her death stare, she wants a reply. Maybe she'll tap me again and accidentally knock me out so I won't have to have this conversation.

Yeah, I'm an emotional coward. Sue me.

"Fenris..." she growls through gritted teeth.

"I love you and I love her." The words just kind of tumble out of my mouth like verbal vomit. "I love you both, I think. Okay? You're both super hot, you've both helped me out a ton, I care for both of you, I want the best for both of you, and... you're both super hot."

Strangely, that answer seems to upset my Amanda. She bursts into tears and covers her face. A moment later, she lifts into the air and streaks away into the clouds.

I stand watching where she disappeared. When exactly did my life become some lame soap opera?

"Boy, you are a special kind of stupid, ain't ya?"