I don't know what I expected to find in this book… but it was not THAT!
This book was filled with diagrams and notes and tons of lewd pictures! It was book about how to arouse the opposite sex! It was a step-by-step instruction manual on things I have never even heard of! My face felt like it was on fire, it must have been more red that my hair. I threw the book on the bed as if it burned my skin to the touch and looked away.
"Are you mad?" Marshall asked cautiously.
"Why do you have that?" I asked, while hiding my face and looking away.
"Uncle said that I was probably doing it wrong and that's why we haven't mated yet. So He gave me this book to help-" I cut him off
"How much have you read?" I asked, completely regretting the fact that I let my curiosity drive me to this.
"Most of it." He said, as if he was talking about any old book. He didn't even look that embarrassed!
"Most of it?" I asked back, looking for clarification. I hope he didn't read the part that I just saw, that was way too… aaahhh!! I covered my face again at the thought.
"Well I didn't read the parts about male arousal since…" He looked down at his lower body, back at me again, and shrugged.
Oh. My. GOD.
I couldn't take it anymore.
"We are returning this, RIGHT NOW." I said, sounding like a mother scolding her kid.
I grabbed his wrist and dragged him along behind me as we headed to the long house. I don't know if 'dragged' is the right word, he clearly followed my lead. There was no way I could actually drag that hulk.
I peeked back at him as we walked, My embarrassment dissipated enough and my sense came back. I wanted to make sure he wasn't mad. He looked quite satisfied trailing along behind me, with me holding on to his wrist. This fool…
I realized this might look ambiguous to some of the neighbors and I didn't want them getting the wrong idea. Just as I released his wrist, he grabbed my hand and interlocked our fingers. I looked up at him, surprised, and he smiled down at me. That smile could kill. I blushed and continued on, since I didn't want to make a scene while trying to pry his grip from my hand.
We entered the long house and headed right for his uncle's office. I didn't even knock this time, i just bust in the door with the book in one hand and Marshall attached to the other.
His uncle didn't look all that startled at the sudden intrusion. He took a look at the book and at our hands and smiled. "I take it that the book worked then, my boy?" He asked with smug aura.
"Yes" Marshall answered
"No!" I shouted at the same time.
Harris looked between the two of us, cocked his head, and looked to Marshall.
"Take this book back, he doesn't need any more ideas." I said as I dropped the book on his desk and prepared to leave.
Harris was still making eye contact with Marshall. Marshall paused as I was trying to drag him away and he said to uncle, "It did work. She has agreed to sleep with me" Marshall gave his uncle a thumbs up and followed me out of the room.
I could hear his uncle flop back in his chair and sigh as we were leaving the room. I had some satisfaction in knowing that his trap didn't work.
Everyone was getting dinner and sitting down as we left the office so we got in line. Marshall was ahead of me in line when I felt someone tugging at my tunic. I looked back and saw his little sister standing behind me. "Hey you!" I said with a smile on my face. Marshall peeked over his shoulder then went back to talking to whoever was in front of him.
"Hey Mika! I haven't seen you in forever! Are your legs feeling better?" She asked
I patted her on the head, which was a little awkward since we were the same height, and responded, "Yes, I am able to make it to here and back to Marshall's house all on my own."
"Does that mean you are well enough to play hide and seek with us?!" Her eyes lit up as she asked.
I hesitated to answer. I was only as tall as the kids around here and I contributed even less than they did. what would people think if they saw me running around playing hide and seek? Not only would I look like more of a slacker but they might actually think I'm a kid.
"I'm afraid not yet," I said, as I chose my words carefully. I saw her face drop, disappointed at my answer. "Maybe once I'm all better I can." I added, to make her feel better.
She was happy with this answer and went on chattering about her friends and the newest hiding spot she found. I found my mind drifting as she spoke. I likely wouldn't ever get to play a game with her. As soon as my strength returns, I am leaving. I can't stay here. They are all waiting to see what kind of Demi-human I will turn out to be, but I'm just a human. I would rather leave than get chased out.
We got our food and sat down. I ate in silence as Marshall chatted with everyone. He was a very good guy. Everyone liked him because he was kind and earnest. The neighbors were thanking him for helping with this or that and the guys were laughing at his latest blunder. I felt someone glaring at me and saw Kara, standing in the door of the longhouse, flick her hair and storm off.
Don't worry, b****, I wont be here forever. I though to myself as I rolled my eyes. The insults from earlier surfaced in my memory and brought about a wave of depression. Marshall seemed to sense my mood and looked down at me quizzically. He was a man of few words, but he said everything he needed to with those eyes.
I sighed and told him I was just feeling tired from today. I excused myself and planned to walk back to Marshall's. I stood outside and took in the last bit of daylight as the suns set below the horizon and the sky darkened. It was about to get cold again. I started to walk towards the hut when my legs gave out.
Of course, I sarcastically thought to myself, couldn't have better timing. Truthfully I did do more today than normal, plus wrestling over the book. I guess it's not unexpected, it's just inconvenient. I sat on the ground with my back leaning against the long house. I planned to rest my legs a bit before going back inside and waiting to walk home with Marshall. I would be in trouble if they gave out on me halfway back when it was dark.
The ground was dry and cold as I sat there, leaning against the log house. I was definitely tired from today's activities. I should rest a little and regain my strength because god only knows what mischief Marshall will get up to later. I snickered to myself. He did say he was only going to sleep, we will see how well he sticks to that. I might have to bop him in the nose with a newspaper. I snorted to myself at the ridiculous image in my head.
I could hear the laughter and loud conversation from inside, it made my heart warm but also made it ache. A big supportive family, good laughs, a warm, happy home. things I've never had but always wanted.
It's the things you can never have that you want the most. Maybe it's just my middle child syndrome talking here but I would give anything to become a demi-human like them and stay here forever. I sighed, feeling like I was forgetting something. Before I could wonder too much I heard the sound of boisterous laughter from inside and smiled to myself, no doubt Marshall did something.
I drifted off to sleep, lulled by the sounds.