Epilogue

“I like you.” Both girls blurt the words simultaneously.

No shit? Who woulda thunk the two most difficult kids I’ve ever had to deal with had the hots for each other?

“But I can’t go out with you,” the tall one says. Bummer, but not surprising, given what she told me.

The preppy one shrieks in response. “What?! Why not?”

“Because I’m not sure if I like you for the right reasons.”

“How can there be wrong reasons to like someone?”

I’m starting to feel bad for the shorter one. She may be pushy and rude, but she’s just too innocent for her own good. Reminds me of all the times I hurt someone through my own naivety.

The tall one sucks in a breath. “I do like you for who you are, but, to be honest, most days, I can’t get my mind off your mouth.”

“Understandable.” The preppy girl nods. “I want to kiss you, too.”

Although she’s trying to appear calm and collected, she’s visibly shaking. Poor girl gave up on her dream of a perfect confession only to be held at arm’s length.

“I want to do more than kiss you. Much more, but I’m not ready yet. Besides, we bring out the worst in each other. I let you talk me into things I regret doing, and I know you wouldn’t have felt confident doing them without me to protect you. My libido urged me to follow along, and until I learn to come to terms with it, I think it’s better if we keep our distance from each other.”

“No big deal. We’ll just stop blackmailing old men.”

I’m sure I didn’t hear that right. Blackmailing old men? Is that some kind of TikTok trend these days?

The tall one shakes her head. “It’s not that simple. I’m too immature and could end up hurting you in ways I don’t—”

“This is stupid. Stop being an idiot.” Reaching up, the short one grabs the tall one’s collar, then pulls her down and plants an unpracticed kiss on her lips. The tall one’s eyes go wide in surprise, but she still has no idea what’s in store for her. After breaking the kiss, the short one slaps the tall one across the cheek. “Of course we’ll hurt each other. That’s part of being in a relationship.”

Tears are falling from her cheeks now, as if she had been the one hit, and the tall one hugs her.

“But we’re young, and you’re my first love,” the tall one whispers. “I’ll mess up badly.”

“So will I, but I love you.” The short one wraps her arms around the other’s abdomen. “We’ll take it slow. No more crime, and nothing but innocent hand holding. Just don’t leave me.”

Tightening her grip, the tall girl nods. “OK. I love you too.”

They stand there like that for a few moments. Then a few more. I cough awkwardly to remind them I’m still here.

The small girl wipes the tears from her eyes and turns to me. “Did we do all right? Were we proper gays?”

“You did fine. Good luck. Come back and see me if you need help again.”

They both smile at me and walk out, hand-in-hand. Part of me fears what mischief they’ll get up to on their own. But who knows? Maybe things will work out.

After all, they really are perfect for each other.