“Did you? You’ve been really quiet the last few days.” Milo used his fork to pick out a piece of melon from the fruit salad on his plate, hypnotizing Elio as he chewed and licked his lips. “I wasn’t expecting to see you this morning.”
“I…” Elio missed his old brain and the way it had worked before he noticed how perfect Milo’s lips were. “Sorry, I’ve had a hard time sleeping lately. I ran into your mother while I was getting coffee and didn’t have a choice in the matter.”
“Sounds like Mom. What’s keeping you up at night? Anything I can help with?” Milo asked but Elio shook his head.
“I have a lot on my mind and it’s a new place.” That seemed believable.
“I’m sorry. I have a hard time sleeping in strange places too. Are you going to eat that? The fruit salad is really good this weekend.”
“No, go ahead,” Elio said as he handed Milo his plate. “I haven’t had much of an appetite lately.”
Ten
Bubbles always pop.
They’re formed when soap reduces the surface tension of water, allowing it to stretch into a film and fill with air. Eventually, molecules in the bubble’s film evaporate until it’s too thin and the imbalance between the air pressure inside the bubble and the surrounding air is released when it comes in contact with a dry, dirty surface or is punctured by a poke.
The safe, productive bubble Elio had created for Milo at Starlight popped rather suddenly after an encounter with Brad and the Mean Guys.
Milo was taking his shortcut to Elio’s office, jogging up the winding stairs to the second floor. But Milo paused when he came around the turn and spotted Brad, Bryan, and Tyler leaning against the rail.
“Look who’s here! It’s von Hessen’s pet.” Brad pushed away from the rail and skipped down a step as the other two snickered and clucked like hens.
“Excuse me.” Milo kept his head down and attempted to pass but Brad intercepted him.
“What’s the hurry? Prince Harming isn’t here yet. He won’t show his freakish face for hours. He’s too important to worry about the time or come to meetings.”
The last part was factually accurate but Milo wasn’t going to take Brad’s bait. “Please let me pass,” he said as loudly and firmly as he could muster.
“Come on!” Tyler hopped down a step and bent so he could see Milo’s face. “What did you do to become von Hessen’s pet?”
Shocked, Milo gasped and shook his head. “Nothing! I wasn’t expecting any of this. I’mnothis pet.” He bit down on both lips, immediately regretting it. He knew better than to engage or acknowledge their taunts. That just made things worse. “I have to go.”
They still wouldn’t let him pass. Brad tried to open Milo’s backpack but he snatched it back and hugged it protectively. “Hiding something? Bring something kinky to work?” Brad jeered and Tyler laughed.
“Not Mild Ashby! Von Hessen might be getting unlimited head but that’s probably it. Ashby’sboringand he probably cries whenever he takes his clothes off.”
Milo reeled, horrified and humiliated. “Stop. I need to get by,” he said in a cracked, wavering voice.
They all turned when they heard boots rushing up the stairs just before Elio appeared. “Everything alright?” he asked as his black-lined eyes narrowed.
“Yes,” Milo answered quickly and pushed his way past the Mean Guys while they were distracted.
He raced past Carmen and Elaine without saying good morning or hello, straight to Elio’s office. Once inside, he went to the desk and ignored his shaking hands as he took out all the notepads and folders he’d need. He was synching his tabletto the touchscreen when the door opened and Elio rested his skateboard next to it.
“You’re upset.”
Milo shrugged, keeping his back to Elio. “A little but I’ll be fine.”
“I know it isn’t in your nature but have you ever tried standing up to them?”
“I couldn’t!” Milo began to feel clammy and shakyinsideas he imagined confronting any of the Mean Guys, especially Brad. “They’d never stop if they knew they were getting to me.”
“What did they say?”
“It doesn’t matter, Elio. I’d rather act like nothing happened and show you what I have.”
“Look at me, please.” Elio said but he didn’t wait for Milo to comply. He grabbed Milo’s sleeve and gave it a firm pull, turning him around. “Do you think those three will keep it a secret? I bet they’re running their mouths right now,” he said as he caught Milo’s chin and tipped it back. “I’d rather hear it from you.”
