She ignores me. “What’s your address? I haven’t been to your place before.”
“It’s just down the street on Crescent Wood Drive.”
“No way.” She gapes at me.
“What?”
“I live on the next street over! This is so exciting. If you need a ride to and from school, I can swing by.”
Oh god. What the hell have I done to deserve this fate?
“No, really, it’s okay. I have a car. I just need to take it to the shop to get checked out.”
“You should hit up Slater's Repair. Best mechanic in town, pretty good prices too.”
“Thanks. I’ll remember that.” I’m holding onto the seat for dear life, regretting all my life decisions. Is this my karma for not thanking that overly smiley guy from the coffee shop?
He kind of reminds me of this girl.
“It’s number 556,” I tell her when we turn on the street.
Thankfully, we make it to my place in one piece. I don’t waste any time getting the hell out of the death trap. That girl should not be on the road.
“Thanks,” I tell her.
“You’re welcome, Blakey. Bye, cutie pie.” She takes off as soon as I shut the door.
“Was that Val?” My sister's voice comes from behind me.
“Yeah.” I turn around. She’s standing in the doorway, dressed in her cheer uniform. I swear she’s always in that thing. How is it comfortable?
“What was she doing giving you a ride home?” Nina grins. “Do you have something you wanna tell me?”
“Ah, no?” I raise a brow. “She just gave me a ride home. My car still needs to be taken into the shop.”
“You sure?” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Val might be a little out there, but she’s pretty cute. I bet you could have some fun with her.”
My mood sours. I know she doesn’t mean any harm by it, but it really irks me when people bug me about girls and dating. It reminds me of just how different I am.
“I don’t like her like that.” I sigh, pushing past my sister to head inside.
“Well, is there anyone you do like, like that?” Nina presses. “I know some girls who are single. Normally, friends dating your older brother is a big no-no, but you’re sweet, and I know you’d treat them well. So, why not?”
“No thanks, Nina,” I say, my annoyance building. “I’m not interested in any of your friends. I’m not interested in any girls... at all.” I stomp up the steps.
“Oh.” She’s quiet, but follows me up to my room. “So, are there any guys you’re interested in?”
“No!” I snap, swinging my angry gaze toward my little sister.
Her eyes widen as she jumps back, and I instantly feel like shit.
“Sorry.” I sigh heavily. “I don’t mean to be an asshole to you. I’ve just had a very long day, and all I want to do is shower and game for a little bit before bed. But if you must know, I don’t have my eye on anyone. And I don’t plan to because my focus is on school. I have enough going on with schoolwork and tutoring that dating isn’t something I’d have time for.”
That's a lie. It’s not that I don’t have time to date, it’s the fact that I don’t want to date. I don’t have any interest in anyone. Not girls, not guys. No one.
I don’t tell her that, though. I already feel broken enough, I don’t need her seeing me as a freak.
I know I’m not. I’m asexual. At least, that's what the internet told me.
