Page 86 of Wallflower

"Love you, Mom. Love you, Dad," I said and gave each of them a kiss on the head. It looked like they might need it. Especially my father, who kept staring at me with concerned eyes when he thought I wouldn't notice. "You know, we should think about getting a dog."

Dad sat up straighter. "Viola, your mom and I would love to. If your mom didn't have severe allergies, we'd take one in a heartbeat."

"I know," I said, "But cats and dogs are different. They carry different kinds of dander. Also, I really think it would brighten up your lives when I leave for college next year."

"Leave?" Dad's face fell. "We still have a long time before that happens. Where is this coming from?"

I shrugged. "I just know how much Hermione means to me. And how all of the animals bring so much joy. I don't want you suffering through empty nest syndrome when I'm gone."

"We'll think about it," Mom said, and Dad gave her a look.

"But your allergies," he said again.

Mom patted his hand. "Go on, Viola. We can talk when you get back. Love you."

"Love you," Dad said to me.

"You two are my favorite muggles ever," I said back which earned a smile from Mom and caused Dad's frown to soften. I went to the shelter where I tried to clear my mind. But a set of brilliant blue eyes kept intruding, making that impossible.

Mom hadn't been joking.

When I got home a few hours later, she was waiting for me in the living room. She patted the space beside her, and I sat. Then, without my permission, my eyes traveled right to the spot where Dare had kissed me. I would never look at that wall the same way again.

"That good, huh?" Mom said, and I startled.

"Sorry," I said and ran a hand over my face. "I didn't mean to zone out like that."

Her smile was small, but it was there. "Please, don't apologize. That kiss made me blush. Was it as good as it looked?"

"Yeah." I sighed in response.

"A good kiss can be very distracting." Mom cocked her head. "Was that the first time or…?"

"Mom." I shot her a look.

She held her hands up in surrender and laughed. "Alright, I'll back off. I just want you to know that you can talk to me."

My voice was soft when I said, "I do know that."

"About anything," she added. "Boys, the shelter, tampons, how to write a killer college essay, which Harry Potter book is the best."

"Seven," we both said at the same time, which resulted in shared laughter, hers and mine.

Mom smiled at me. "You might need to ask your Aunt Lillian for makeup tips. But I can help with some things. And I love hearing about your life. I love how open our relationship is, Vi."

"Me, too, Mom."

"Dare seems like a nice boy from what I hear—and believe me, I've heard plenty from you father. He never stops talking about that kid."

I nodded. "It's all true, Mom. Dare is crazy talented."

"I just hope you know what you're doing," she said.

I sighed again, but this one was out of exhaustion.

"I have no idea," I admitted. "It started out so simple. Just taking Dare to school, but now… Gah, Mom, I don't know. It wasn't supposed to be like this, to feel this way."

"Feel what way?" she asked.

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