Galen picking you up for school?"
"No, I'm driving myself." Vinegar turns to acid. Sure, it's irritating to take a lukewarm shower when you intended to scald the flesh from your body. But not being able to see Galen today is more disappointing than not having hot water all winter. And I hate it.
Spending all of yesterday with him slaughtered my intention of keeping him at a distance. Even if he weren't worthy of his own billboard underwear ad, he's just too likeable. Except for his habit of almost-kissing me. But his obsession with trying to order me around is too cute. Especially the way his mouth gets all pouty when I don't listen.
"You two fighting already?"
She's fishing, but for what I don't know. Shrugging seems safe until I can figure out what she wants to hear.
"Do you fight often?"
Shrugging again, I ladle enough oatmeal into my mouth to make talking impossible for at least a minute, which is more than enough time for her to drop it. It doesn't work. After the exaggerated minute, I reach for my glass of milk.
"You know, if he ever hit you-"
The glass in mid-tilt, I swallow before the milk can escape through my nose. "Mom, he would never hit me!"
"I didn't say he would."
"Good, because he wouldn't. Ever. What's with you? Do you have to interrogate me about Galen every time you see me?"
This time she shrugs. "Seems like the right thing to do. When you have children, you'll understand."
"I'm not stupid. If Galen acts up, I'll either dump him or kill him. You have my word."
Mom laughs and butters my muffin. "I guess I can't ask for more than that."
Accepting the muffin-and the truce-I say, "Nope. Anything more would be unreasonable."
"Just remember, I'm watching you like a hawk. Except for right now, because I'm going to bed.

Auteur: Anna Banks