Chapter 16

"I'm turning fifteen in a few days."

It's not the best response to a confession, especially not when I say it like I'm outraged to have her affections directed at me. But that's all I have, it's not like I've had a lot of practice on the receiving end of affections...or the other end for that matter.

She blinks and I have to look away, drive us out of traffic and angry honking drivers behind us. It's difficult keeping my eyes on the road after hearing that, after saying that.

She sits up in her seat, folds her arms and stutters, "Are you saying...I'm old?"

"What? No, I didn't say that I-"

"But you meant it? Why else would you tell me you're turning fifteen soon? You think I'm a predator. Oh god." she sinks into the seat, covering her face with her hands.

"No, no, no! I don't think you're a predator but-"

She spins at me and demands, "But you think I'm far too old for you, don't say anything else, nod or shake your head."