Page 157 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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Obi says, keeping his distance.

“But we weren’t,” Vass protests.

“For goodness’ sake!” Obi yells,

“I can handle a bit of banter.”

Obi can’t handle it.

Obi can’t handle us.

Vass smiles but it doesn’t reach their eyes.

Vass’s smile tells Obi that he’s on thin ice.

“Shit! I’m sorry.”

Obi flashes his fangs, and he forces a laugh.

“Laughter is the best medicine.

At least, that’s what they say.

Anyway, I have band practice.

So, I should be heading home.”

Obi looks to me for permission to leave,

like a vampire who needs permission to enter.

I realize, Obi couldn’t get inside,

because my heart was already occupied.

“You probably need to rest,

don’t you?” Obi asks me pleadingly.

I know I should protest more,

for Obi’s sake, to make sure he knows

I wasn’t making fun of him.

But, like an energy vampire,

Obi has drained me

of all good feeling for him.

I don’t protest. I let him go.

“You’re right,” I say,wanting him

and my embarrassmentto go away,

as much as Obi wantsto leave.

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