One True Theory of Love by Laura Fitzgerald

Author:Laura Fitzgerald
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin USA, Inc.

Eventually, Meg’s maternal instinct kicked in and she grew worried about the silence in Henry’s room. She knew he was in there—he’d promised her once that he’d never run away, and so far, he’d never broken a promise to her. But he was an antsy kid, not one to sit still, not one to take naps, not one to read a book for this long.

She went to his room and tapped on the door. “Henry?” She made her voice soft, loving, and then tried the knob, which was still locked. “Open up, please.”

She heard the covers on his bed rustle, and seconds later, he unlocked the door and opened it. Meg’s heart broke a little when she saw his pale, drained face, complete with raccoon circles under his eyes, which he only got when he had a headache. Or, possibly, when he’d cried his guts out. Meg followed him back to his unmade bed, and when he lay down, she sat next to him and put her cool palm against his warm forehead. He relaxed instantly.

“Let’s talk,” she said. “And let’s remember we’re on the same side. Okay?”

Henry sighed and gave the slightest of nods.

“I thought you liked Ahmed,” she said softly.

Henry abruptly sat up. “I do!”

“Don’t you see how calling Jonathan and asking him to get involved in our lives can threaten what we’ve got with Ahmed?” Meg asked. “Calling him just wasn’t very smart.”

“You said you wouldn’t marry Ahmed!”

“Shh. Shh.” She brushed his bangs off his forehead. “First off, it’s not like Ahmed has even asked me to marry him. He hasn’t. But no matter what, I’m not going to get back with Jonathan. That’s never going to happen.”

“I know that!” Henry said. “That’s not why I called him.”

“Well, then, why did you? Do you want a relationship with him? Is that what this is about?” Meg shuddered, unable to help it.

“Can we not talk about this anymore?” Henry begged. “Please.”

“You can’t make life difficult for me and then expect me to go easy on you. You see how that’s not fair, right?” Meg asked. “Your calling Jonathan has raised a whole host of problems. How do you think Ahmed’s going to feel? He coaches your soccer team. Plays chess with you. Helps you feel better when you’re sad. Takes you to work with him. Your calling Jonathan—when you’ve never before expressed even the slightest interest to get to know him—sends the message that none of what Ahmed has done for or with you means anything to you.”

Henry’s eyes brimmed with fresh tears. “But it does,” he whispered. Meg brushed his bangs off his forehead to soothe him.

“I don’t mean to make you feel bad,” she said. “And I don’t want you to think I’ll keep you away from your father if you have some intense need to meet him or something. But you come to me. Okay? You don’t go behind my back, ever. You come to me for everything.”

“But, Mom.” Henry put his hand on her knee.

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