“Oh, too bad Alex, that you have to leave so soon!” I say loud enough for my mother to hear from across the room. My family members turn to look at me. Mom’s mouth is a thin line of irritation.
Alex looks confused, so I lean in close to whisper conspiratorially, “It isn’t going to work, between us. We both know it. Just take the easy out, it’s all good. You won’t offend me.”
Alex agrees with my statement easily although he is still looking at me like I am abstract sculpture called ‘Untitled’.
“It was really nice to meet you, Piper. I think at least.” He cracks his first smile since he sat down, it’s so handsome that it almost makes me regret suggesting he leave. Almost.
“Back, atcha, my guy.” I shoot a finger gun at him, and watch the rest of his ego dissipate like he’s been struck by a sniper rifle of awkwardness.
He says a polite goodbye to my Mom on his way out the door. Her face is bright red when he’s gone, and she doesn't speak to me for the next forty-five minutes.
"So, Mom is really pissed.” Penny gives a little laugh as she sidles up next to me.
"Yeah. I may have gone a little overboard,” I admit. "I'll give her a couple days to cool down and then apologize."
"It was impressive how fast he got out of here. What did you say to the guy?"
"Ugh, told him I would laugh at his dick." I sigh, putting my head back against the wall.
“Really?” Penny asks appalled.
“Yes?” I say with a little question in my voice.
“Piper! You can’t do that!”
“What? Laugh at his dick? Or tell him I’m going to laugh at his dick.” I giggle.
“Both! Neither!” Penny giggles too. “We’re leaving soon. Do you want a ride home?”
“Are you driving?” We both snicker.
“Michael won’t mind. Honestly,” she says. "And I don't think you want to ride with Mom."
“No, no. Thank you, I think I’m going to sit here for a little bit longer.”
Ant doesn’t know I’m here. He knows to look for me at home, if I just stay away from there a little longer, maybe I can decipher how I feel about the situation.
“Just let me know if you need anything.” Penny waves as she leaves and the rest of my family follow suit shortly afterward.
I scratch behind the ears of my soft orange friend. He’s still keeping me company, occasionally raising an ear when I laugh. I’ve got a nice soft pillow, a cozy footstool, and a 98% on my phone battery. I'm not sure I'm ready to go home to my empty apartment and be completely alone, just waiting for a Mothman to possibly show up.
I double check my phone. There’s nothing there. No texts from my friends, and also no apology message from a certain Mothman. Not that I want to hear from him.
Crap. What am I doing? Maybe I would be better off with a personal trainer who thinks my laugh is too loud.
14
PONTIUS
I thought things would be different with Piper. She’s my mate, she was supposed to understand me. I planned to do everything right. I wanted to give her everything she could ever desire. Anything she asked for. Finally, I’d have someone to really connect with.
Instead, I upset her. Just like I upset every other human. Now I’m alone. Again.
I can’t even watch her like I did before. She asked me to stop, and even though I only want to keep her safe, I have to do as she asked. I already love her. Of course I do. She’s perfect. And she thinks I’m a freak.
If I can’t focus on her, then I’ll move my focus to the only other thing I know. Work.
I power up my computer and log into my work account, pull up code, and start debugging.
