Page 69 of Class Clown

“I’m picturing his pink little nose pushed against the bars of the cage as he watches me growing smaller and wondering what he did wrong,” I sobbed.

Yes, I was crying. Over a creature that had haunted me for weeks.

“I thought this is what you wanted,” Cole said, confusion lacing his tone.

“It is. But don’t you see? It’s me. I’m the porcupine. Always stalking attractive things and then wondering why they leave me. He was my spirit animal and I didn’t see it until it was too late.”

“Oh-kay.” Cole hugged me tight. “This has taken a turn.”

“It was dangerous for Quinn to remain here.” Nico’s voice joined from my other side. “The more comfortable he got around people, the more likely he’d get killed. He needs to be protected.”

His confident tone helped, and I nodded with a sniff, wiping at my eyes. Nico handed me a tissue from one of the many pockets on his quick-dri pants.

“Do you keep these things on hand?” I asked.

“I’ve recently started to,” he responded.

“Because of me?” I looked at him through blurry tears. “Because I’m either crying or sniffling?”

“No.” His forehead furrowed. “Because I’m surrounded by kids who get cuts, or sneeze, or cry, and I’ve found it useful to have tissues on hand.”

“Totally,” I agreed. “Very reasonable.” The two men exchanged a glance over my head and I took a deep breath, which stuttered slightly when Nico took my hand in his. It was meant as a comforting gesture, which it was, but I also held on because it felt so good to be connected to him. I took in another deep breath. “Okay, that was a weird reaction, but who knows where I am in my monthly hormonal cycle.” When they both remained silent another batch of tears welled up. “I mean, he was pretty adorable once I realized he probably only wanted to lick my skin because I’d taste so good.”

“There is no possible right way for me to respond to any of that,” Cole said, which made me laugh but it gave me the hiccups.

“Something has happened to me up here, and I’ve unlocked an emotional side of me that I didn’t know existed, so I’m also scaring myself if it makes you feel better,” I hiccoughed.

Cole’s arm around my shoulders tightened. “It does make me feel better that I’m not the only one worried about your reaction.”

I swatted at him with my free hand. “Alright, alright. Go back to running this place and let me blubber in peace.”

“You sure?” Cole asked.

I nodded, swallowed down a hiccup and tried to smile. “Yes. I’m okay. I’ll think on happier times, like when I found out they could climb trees and scream. That stuff gave me the heebies.”

Cole bit his lips together and I knew he was trying not to laugh. “He was kind of creepy, the way he waddled around watching you.”

“Sitting outside whatever building I was in, like a puppy dog who just wanted to gnaw at my leg,” I agreed on a giggle.

“His eyes were truly beady and I never could get a read on his intent. Love or hate? I still don’t know.” Nico ruminated.

Cole finally laughed and it gave me the boost I needed to put my meltdown behind me. I shrugged out from under his arm and pushed softly at his side.

“Go work. I’ll see you for dinner,” I said with a wobbly smile.

Cole walked toward the lodge and made short works of the steps up to the porch. Once he’d disappeared inside, I turned toward Nico and he released my hand. I used his tissue to blot at my face and blow my nose.

“There, sir. As you can see, I have recovered my senses. I think I’ll go find something a little less sad to occupy my time. Maybe I’ll flirt with a ground hog and see where that gets me.”

“Are there ground hogs around here?” he asked.

“Are therenotground hogs around here?” I countered.

We stared at each other until he cracked a grin. “Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to learn how to shoot a gun. I have a concealed carry permit and there’s a shooting range that the camp doesn’t use anymore. It’s about a mile and a half hike from here. I’d be happy to take you.”

I took a deep breath. “This is a bucket list item for me, you know. If I learn to shoot a gun I will be able to stop lying to my father.”

He looked over my head and back to me, attempting to make sense of that pronouncement. “So, that’s a yes?”

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