We need to talk

Those four words, when uttered by my mother, still strike fear into my heart.

When Eric arrived at my house yesterday to pick up Emily for the afternoon/evening, that’s how he was greeted. “We need to talk.” He looked apprehensive. I don’t blame him.

I was leaving just as he arrived, and I was in a shit mood. The keyboard on my new laptop is fried (I don’t know what happened to it, but I suspect it has red hair), I hadn’t finished my homework yet, it was raining AGAIN, and I have had an overwhelming week at work.

As I was getting into my car, he took a step forward and offered me a hug. I don’t know if it was the tired in my bones or the empathy toward him because he had just gotten the four words of fear, but I put down my pack and let him hug me.

It’s disconcerting that after all this time I can still sink so easily into the warmth of his embrace. My jacket smelled like him for the rest of the night.




After School:
The talk wasn’t a ball-breaker. Both Eric and my mom walked away pleased. My laptop is still out of commission, but I should be able to pick up my desktop from the computer fix-it guys this afternoon, so it’s possible I’ll have internet at home this weekend. Then again, I may not…

I’ll see you when I can.