Here Skies Surround Us by Melanie Mcfarlane

Author:Melanie Mcfarlane [McFarlane, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: teen, young adult, science fiction, exploration, discovery, action, adventure, survival
ISBN: 9781946700056
Publisher: Month9Books
Published: 2017-11-01T07:00:00+00:00

Evan takes me home after our afternoon together and promises to pick me up after dinner. He has some paperwork he needs to finish up from this morning, and then he’ll be back to collect me. I hug myself inside all through dinner.

“What’s got you in such a good mood?” Alec asks suspiciously.

“Evan is taking me out for a surprise tonight.” I beam at him from across the tiny table.

He frowns and taps his finger against the table. “I don’t like the idea of you being out past dark,” Alec warns.

“I’m not a kid. Plus, I’ll be with Evan.”

His finger taps faster, and then he frowns at me. “Are you two serious?”

“I followed him here.”

“I mean, are you serious? You know, in other ways.”

“I don’t follow.” But I do. I just wish this conversation would go away. Maybe the more uncomfortable I make him, the more likely he’ll drop it.

“For the love of God, Natalia.” Alec throws his hands up in the air and leans back in his seat. “Did my mother never talk to you about things—you know, about men and women?”

Ohmygawd. I stare at my uncle, open-mouthed, with my fork in mid-air. I shudder as I realize what he is implying. “Are you kidding me?” I ask. “Are you seriously going to have a sex talk with me?”

“Don’t say that word at the table,” he reprimands.

“Well, you insinuated—”

“You know what,” he says, “never mind. I can’t believe I brought it up.”

Finally.

“Me neither,” I say, putting my fork down and getting up to clear my plate.

“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he says. “Things are just different here. Not everyone has the same ideals as back home. Not everyone waits for marriage.”

“Enough. I’m going to wait for Evan outside,” I say. “I don’t want you opening the door with a shotgun to intimidate him.” I don’t hide the sarcasm in my voice.

“Natalia!” my uncle calls to me as I slam the door. I slump onto a bench outside.

After a few minutes, the door quietly opens behind me. Alec comes and sits next to me on the bench.

“I’m sorry,” he says.

“That’s all right.” I play with the hem of my t-shirt, not wanting to meet his eyes.

“No really,” he says. “You’re an adult now; I forget that sometimes. You were so young when I left and there’s a lot I missed out on.”

“Really,” I say, turning toward him, “it’s okay. I know you’re just looking out for me.”

“Your mother used to look out for me, you know?” Alec says, relaxing on the bench next to me. “She’d always warn me about girls. ‘Watch out for her,’ she’d say. ‘She only wants you for one thing.’” Alec laughs aloud.

“Your brain?” I ask.

“Of course.” Alec smirks. “Brains like these aren’t born every day.” He winks. “I just hope that Evan appreciates you, that’s all. I don’t want you to get hurt. I know you’re anxious to get home, but just remember that Evan has ties here. It won’t be as easy for him to leave as it will be for you.

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