Page 2 of His Shy Girl

I breathe in and hold it for five seconds, then release it on a count of ten, feeling my nerves starting to settle.

“B-b-better.” My word comes out smoother this time, and the creases around her eyes soften.

“You were really focused on that.” She looks toward my computer screen. “You usually don’t scare so easily.”

“I-I was sc-c-c-rolling through the m-message board looking for new roommate p-p-postings.” I really don’t want to get stuck being paired with someone next year. I’m liable to be placed with a sorority girl who will treat me like dirt.

“Any luck yet?”

“N-n-not y-y-y-yet.” My nerves are still rattled, but I think that’s because of the thought of having to live with a stranger next year. I’m just hoping I can meet someone nice online, and that by the time I get there, I’ll be comfortable enough with them to be able to form a sentence.

“Well, you have plenty of time.” She nods reassuringly. “I just came to let you know that your dad and I are heading out now. Dinner is downstairs when you get hungry. And I already gave Bitsy Boo her dinner, so you don’t have to feed her.”

As if my sweet little kitty was just announced to the royal court, she comes strutting in like a little princess, rubbing up against both of our legs before she goes over and jumps up onto my bed. She curls up in a little ball right on my pillow. Her favorite spot in the house.

“Th-th-thanks, M-m-mom.”

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay by yourself?” She’s looking more nervous now because I’m still struggling so much with my words. “You could still come with us if you want to.”

The last place I want to be is at a charity event in a room filled with people. The crowds. The noise. The way people look at me when I open my mouth to speak… Yeah, I’m definitely good with staying home and playing video games tonight.

“I-I-I’m eigh-t-t-teen, M-m-mom. I’ll b-b-be ff-fine.”

It’s not like I’m five years old and will let a random stranger into the house. I won’t even answer the door if someone rings the doorbell. But she still sees me as a little girl who she doesn’t think is capable of defending herself. Or screaming for help in an emergency. I’ll be honest, sometimes it makes me feel inadequate and insecure with how worried she gets. But my speech therapist told me that I need to think of things from her perspective. She just wants to protect me from the cruelties in the world. All she’s trying to do is keep me safe. It’s her mother’s love, not the fact that she thinks I’m weak or incapable of taking care of myself.

“Okay, sweetie. Well, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call us. And make sure you keep the alarm on.”

I refrain from rolling my eyes, reminding myself that one day when I’m a mother, I’ll probably be just as protective of my daughter too. I should be thankful I have two parents who love me so much they want to keep me safe. Which is why I smile.

“I w-w-will, M-m-mom. L-l-love y-y-you. Have f-fun t-t-tonight.” I want to tell her how beautiful she looks, but I’m already exhausted from talking. That fright really rattled my nerves, and my current state is rattling my mom’s.

“Okay, sweetie. Love you.”

She blows me a kiss on her way out the door and I take another deep breath, breathing out to the count of ten as I return my attention back to my computer screen. I start scrolling through the message board again, pausing when I see a username I don’t recognize. There must be a new member in the group. And it’s a girl. Win win!

Bren2025RB:Hey! New here. Getting psyched for next year. Go Devils! Curious if there are any other gamers in the mix? I’m a Kanturia nerd. Anyone else in here play?

I do! Kanturia is one of my favorite video games. That must be what the RB in her username stands for. Bren must be short for Brenna or Brenda. Twenty twenty-five is obviously our graduation year, and I’m guessing the RB stands for Rogue Borg. I almost have the exact same username. Will2025TE. Will is short for Willow and the TE is because I’m a Tyrant Exile, which is only a few levels above her in the game. But the fact that she made it to Borg level means she’s really good.

Me:Go Devils! Good to meet another Kanturian on here. I was beginning to think I was the only one who played. LOL. BTW, did you see the Serpent skin that’s in the merchant today? I’m on the fence about whether or not to get it. Do you think they’ll bring it back for the holiday sale?

I have enough Kanturian coin to buy it, but I always have a hard time pulling the trigger because I never know if something better will be in the store tomorrow. But the Serpent skin is pretty awesome. If they aren’t going to bring it back for the Black Friday special, I might regret not getting it.

Bren2025RB:I haven’t heard whether it will come back or not, but it’s pretty sweet. I couldn’t resist the slithering sword. It just took out the Zenith with two strikes, so I personally think it’s worth it. But if you’re already past my level, it might not be as valuable.

Two strikes? That’s amazing. It took me nearly an entire week to get past that creature.

Me:That’s incredible. I’m definitely getting it then. It took me an entire week to wipe out the Zenith. That’s time I would like to get back. BTW, when you get to the Phoenix level, I have a trick. Took it out in three tries.

Bren2025RB:Three tries?? No way! Everyone says that’s the hardest level. People were talking in the chat about how it took them months. Dude, that’s pro skills. Definitely need to know your genius.

I’m smiling wide, feeling excited by the compliment. I never get called a genius, that’s for sure. A blubbering idiot. The Sped Queen. Loser. The Sputtering Carburetor. Those are the things people usually say about me.

Me:I used the dragon skin and lit the nest on fire. Then I waited on top of the black rock. (You’ll see it when you get to the level.) Once the Phoenix took flight to make its escape, I struck it in the chest with a silver arrow, which immobilized the thing. Then I shot it with an arrow of fire and let it burn. I can’t take credit for knowing that silver is its kryptonite. Someone in the forum told me. But the fire was my idea to lure it out. The first two attempts, I accidentally lit myself on fire. But then I finally figured out the angle.

Bren2025RB:Nice! That’s badass. I’ll definitely be using that. So, what have you picked up so far in here? Any tips on course schedules? Professors to avoid? I want to be in the know.

I’ve kept a running list of what people have been posting, but only when it pertains to the classes I need for my major. I’ve also written down what dorm buildings to avoid, although, at this point, it sounds like that’s all of them. Which has me seriously hoping I can meet a nice girl and get an apartment with her. My parents aren’t too keen on the idea because they like safety in numbers, but they also understand how nervous I get in crowds so they’re okay with me moving off campus.

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