When she started crying I couldn’t help it, I wrapped my arm around her. She jumped slightly and looked at me questioningly, but I didn’t move it. She wiped away her tears.
Her: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to break down like that.
Me: No it’s fine. If you’d come a year earlier I would have done the same about my parents.
She smiled a tired smile. Her:Thanks.
Me: No problem.
We were silent for a while, just watching the creek bubble away, letting the calmness soak in. Then I thought of something.
Me: Those…um… boyfriends, did they know about the collage thing?
She shook her head: No, the most they knew is that I came up with the weirdest nicknames. I called Maine Manny, and Florida Flori, for example.
I laughed. Me: Well if I ever hear you call someone Brassy I’ll know he’s your Nebraska.
She laughed and smiled at me.
Her: I don’t think I’ll have a Nebraska.
I looked at her nervously.
Me: I hoped not.
She smiled and blushed, when she suddenly looked at her watch.
Her: Oh shit.