Paris Wills is a dreamer. His father always said he got it from his mom, an artist who was unlike any other. Her virtue was painting, and Paris' is poetry. No matter where he is, Paris finds inspiration for his poems.
In the summer after his sophom...
"I am - we are!" I stutter, assuring her everything's alright. I'm desperate to finish this brutally awkward conversation and move on.
"Are you using protection? What about lubricant? Has Gray been tested? Have you been tested?"
"Ugh, stop! You're going to make me die of embarrassment!" I shout, heading toward the staircase to make my way back to my bedroom.
"Well, don't come crying to me if you get an STD! I teach biology, Paris, I've had the sex talk many times!"
I stop at the first step and turn around, at a loss for words. I know she's just looking out for me, but my breakfast has bubbled up to my throat and I feel like I'm about to throw up all over the carpet.
"We're very careful, I promise. We don't use condoms because Gray and I are exclusive and he's been tested for STDs. Also, we always use lube. Are you happy now?"
"Yes. I'm glad you two are being responsible about your sexual activity."
There's a moment of silence before I come clean about something's that's been on my mind these past few weeks.
"Well, we haven't really had sex since my accident."
I can't believe I'm having a conversation with my aunt about my sex life! I never thought I'd see the day.
"Is there a reason you haven't been sexually active recently?"
She sounds like a doctor, and sometimes I wonder if her real dream was to become a sex therapist instead of a high school biology teacher.
"No. I mean, I don't think so. I guess we just haven't gotten around to it yet."
"Do you want to have sex?"
"Yes, maybe, um...can we stop talking about this?"
I'm stumbling over my words like a runner who's tripping on all the hurdles. Of course, Nessie ignores my staggered pleading and keeps going.
"I think Gray might be nervous to initiate intercourse because the last time you two were that intimate was before your accident. He probably assumes you're not ready yet and he won't make a move until you tell him."
My mouth is open and I feel like a whale shark standing there in my living room with my lips gaping and my hands fluttering in embarrassment. Is Nessie really telling me to spread my legs and tell Gray, "have at it"?
"Why are you doing this?"
"Because I'm your aunt and I care about you. Also, I may have received a call from Erin wondering if I was comfortable with my nephew, a minor, renting a room from her."
Now my face is even redder.
"You said to make a move. I guess I was already one step ahead of you."
"Mhmhm," Nessie shoots a squinted glare at me, "You're lucky I said yes and didn't cancel the reservation. They're fully booked tonight."
"Thank you," I mutter, unsure what else to say.
"You're welcome. Next time, just ask me or your dad first. What'd you think we'd say? 'Save yourself till marriage?' I certainly didn't. Nor did your dad. Or your mom."
"Ew!!! I do not wanna hear about any of your sex lives."
"Paris, aren't you happy that we can have such an open dialogue about sex?"
"I'd be happier if you stopped talking!" I tease, though truthfully I'm trying to hold back the tears forming in my eyes. I'm incredibly thankful for Nessie's awkward sex talk. She only reaffirmed my suspicions. Every time we kissed, it seemed as if Gray was holding back a little like he was afraid I would break in half or something. Gray needs to know I'm okay before we take that next step. It's like our first time all over again, and I'm ready. I hope he feels the same.
"You know, if you ever do need a condom, I think I have some in my room that you could take off my hands."
"NESSIE!" I yell, unsuccessfully trying to hold in my amusement. The two of us laugh our asses off, practically falling on the floor. It feels great to grin and chuckle in this house that for so long had no joy in it. It's as if things are back to the way they were all those years ago. Maybe my mom isn't alive anymore, but her spirit lives on.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
