Twisted Roots (DeBeers 3)

I saw Miguel move closer to the bed in anticipation of my response. I had no idea why, but it put a trickle of ice down my spine.

"He... he got confused. He said things that made no sense, and then he got the way he can be sometimes."

"How?"

"You know, staring at nothing, not listening."

She looked at Miguel, who shook his head slowly.

"What things did he say that made no sense?" she asked.

"I don't know. things. He claimed he gave you books or information on giving birth and that you weren't taking good care of yourself. He mentioned Daddy's name, and when I asked him what he had to do with any of this. Uncle Linden said 'Nothing.' It was just confusing."

'What did you do?"

"Mrs. Robinson came out and talked him into going in for a rest and I left."

"Goad." she said. She looked like she relaxed, and Miguel's posture softened as well. 'So where did you meet this boy? Who is he? Where did you go to eat?"

"I met him at school, Mommy. Where else would I meet someone?"

"There's no reason to be irritable. Hannah." Miguel said. "Your mother is asking you a simple question, taking interest in what you do and whom you get to know. There's nothing wrong with her doing that, is there?"

"No," I muttered, even though to me it sounded more like a police interrogation.

"So?" she followed, her arms folded under her breasts. "Tell us."

"His name is Heyden Reynolds and he plays guitar and writes his own songs. We went to a fastfood restaurant near his home."

"Where was that?" Miguel asked.

I told them. Neither spoke for a moment.

"You have to be careful in that neighborhood at night," Miguel said.

"I am careful. I'm not an idiot," I shot back,

"You don't have to be an idiot to find yourself in a difficult situation." Miguel said softly.

No one wants to attach a ball and chain to you. Hannah." Mommy said. "We're just concerned for your welfare. That's all. Especially now." she added.

"Why especially now?" I asked, looking up at them quickly.

"Well, for one thing." Miguel said. smiling. "you've become a rather beautiful young woman. Your mother and I have discussed this many times. We've been anticipating lots of male interest in you, and we want you to have a wonderful social life without any of the problems that can ensue."

I smirked. Sometimes Miguel's calmness was irritating. I thought. Sometimes you need a show of emotion. I hated the feeling that I was being handled. Miguel didn't often resort to what I and my friends called Teacher Talk, words that seemed to come directly out of a textbook. but I couldn't help feeling he was doing it now.

"And for another thing I am going to be quite a bit busier and more occupied because of little Claude." Mommy added. "I don't want to neglect you and miss something important. honey."

"Right," I said and looked away, tears simmering beneath my lids. You've already missed something important, I thought. I've grown up, and you still think I'm eight years old or something.

"You know, you marched in here without asking how your little brother is doing." Miguel said softly.

No one gave me a chance to ask," I shot back at him,

He nodded. "Maybe so," he said generously. "Well, the doctor was here a little while ago and told us he was doing better than they had expected and he might not have to be here as long as they had anticipated."

"Good," I said.