That little mouse shook something inside of me when she ran into me. And I have reason to believe that I’m never going to be the same.

Now I’m more than pissed. No, it's something more. I don’t know what to call what I am, but I don’t like it. Not one fucking bit.

5

Molly

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Mom asks when I step out of my closet having changed from my school uniform.

Yeah. She always comes to find me when I get home from school. Normally I hit the kitchen and get something to eat since I always have a small lunch. Today, however, I only grabbed a candy bar before I made my escape to my bedroom. I hadn’t been ready to meet Asher yet. That plan went to hell quickly.

“I met Asher.”

“Oh?” Her tone goes up a few octaves. Silence fills the room, and I know she’s waiting for me to elaborate.

“Only for a second. I kind of ran into him outside of Tomas’s office.” No way am I going to tell her what I overheard. Now if Tomas had said something out of line, I would, but he’d stood up for my mom, and that’s all that matters. I’m not adding to any of the stress she’s having over Asher. And it’s not Tomas' fault that his son is acting like a jerk.

“Was he nice?” I shrug, not wanting to lie to her.

“Didn’t really say much to each other.”

“I’m sure everyone will get more acquainted over dinner.” Mom forces a smile, and I hope my fake ones aren’t as terrible as hers.

“Don’t sweat it, Mom. He’s not sticking around.” I think it’s clear Asher doesn’t plan to stay any longer than he has to. I think that's for the best.

“Maybe so, but we’re family now, and it would be nice if everyone got along.”

“That would be nice, but we can’t make people like us. But I do believe if he took the time to get to know you, he’d see how wonderful you are. If he doesn’t care to do that, then who cares. It’ll be his loss.” I use some of the same words she’s said to me when I found it hard to make friends.

“You’re right.” Her smile meets her eyes now. “I’ll let you get to studying.” She gives me a kiss on the cheek before she slips from my room. I let out a long breath, falling back on my bed.

What the heck had that been? When my body collided with Asher’s, it had lit up in a way it never has before. It has to be the mix of emotions I’m having today. So much in my life is about to change again.