Chapter 17: Questions

Back in the present day, Val and Abel were sprawled on the pine needles. This was their regular place to stop, a peaceful clearing in the evergreen trees at the far end of their out-and-back running route.

Abel wanted to ask her about her approaching (16th) birthday, but he had another question first. It turned out, this was a mistake.

“I want to ask you about something delicate, Val, do you mind?”

“Well, now I’m curious. Go ahead.”

“It’s been a long time since we skipped any of our running days for your periods. Did you get tired of having them and decided to just quit?”

“Some things never change. You still don’t understand women. To answer your question, my cycles have been greatly altered because I’m now on implanted hormonal birth control. My periods aren’t so uncomfortable now.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right. I try to keep up, but girls are still mysterious to me. I’ve never had a girlfriend, just a friend who is a girl, and I’m a fifteen and three-quarter-year-old virgin.”

“Sometimes you drive me crazy. It’s like your brain and mouth are poorly connected. Fifteen and three-quarters? Who talks that way? And I am, quote, just a friend who is a girl, unquote? Abel!”

Sadly, she continued, “A good way to STAY a virgin, Abel, is to speak carelessly, thoughtlessly, and foolishly to those who love you.”

Val stood up and turned her back on him. She walked down the path towards home, her shoulders slumped and her eyes downcast. Sitting in the pine needles with his arms around his knees, Abel watched her leave the clearing, then hung his head sadly.

“Fuck me.”