As always this is a demo draft. It has undergone no re-writes or editing.

Two days later, the sun was setting in an amalgamate of orange and reds. Purple flared at the horizon and the breeze had warmed ever so slightly as a final farewell from summer. Wilona crouched on one leg with the other outstretched in an attempt to loosen the muscles while they were still warm from the run. Satisfied, she stood up gingerly and hurried to the lockers.

Changed and showered, she wrapped a woven scarf around her head and freed her curly hair from the folds. From behind, she felt a presence encroach. A warm presence that delicately wrapped it’s arms around her shoulders in a massive hug and rested its head upon her own.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

Odi and Wilona smiled for neither could see the other’s face. Wilona placed one hand on his arm, sending a brief burst of a excitement through his stomach. He met her hand with his own and together, they walked out the gates of Huber Prep.

Edmund watched from one of the windows as they went. He smiled, like a parent seeing their child off to school for the first time.

–––––

“So, what should I be expecting here?” Wilona asked after several blocks of near silence.

“Hmm,” Odi contemplated. “Be as formal as possible It’s a sign of respect. Be sure to bow when they offer to let you in the house. Don’t mention anything about the war in Uganda.”

Odi was pleased to see Wilona staring straight ahead, absorbing every word.

“Don’t mention books. They hate books. In fact, did you bring a book? It’d be good to be burning one when they first meet you.”

Wilona hit him.

“Was anything you just said true?!” She asked incredulously.

Odi couldn’t help but laugh a full hearty laugh. Wilona blushed furiously.

“I’’m sorry! I’m sorry,” he said through struggled chuckles. “You don’t need to take this so seriously. They will like you immediately. My mother enjoys everyone. My sister… well she can be interesting. She is fascinated by language as well but more in the etymology department.”

“Fascinating,” Wilona said, her voice trailing off in through.

They rounded the corner to find Cranky Ed sprawled on a park bench. Odi was quick to explain.

“Don’t worry, it’s just Ed. Guy was a lecturer before he lost his wife so he might try talking at you.”

“Talking at me?” Wilona asked.

“Typically your shoes, but he’ll talk to hats and large coats well.”

“He seems… well kept.”

“The neighborhood looks out for him. Used clothes, public restrooms, that sort of thing.”

Ed finally noticed the pair walking near his domain.

“Ho, there, students! The four of you shouldn’t be out so late.”

“Shoes this time. Hello, there Doctor Ed. What’s going to be on the next test?”

Ed’s eyes lit up.

“I’m glad you asked!” Ed said, never breaking eye contact with their feet. “I’m considering a section on thermodynamics with a short essay on your opinions about the oil industry and its relationship the world as a whole. Of course, the Essay won’t be weighted heavily as I’m more curious about your opinions than about any semblance of a solution but fully formed trains of thought never hurt!”

“Will there be any bonus questions?” Wilona asked, picking up the thread.

“Oooh, you won’t get any hints from me!” Ed said, puffing up with pride. “Mind like a steal trap! No secrets from me!”

“Please?” Wilona said in an unnervingly sweet manner than caused Odi to take a half-step backward.

“Ahhh, how can I say no?”

–––––

“That was— well done,” Odi said.

Wilona beamed.

“Promise to use your powers for good,” Odi whispered gravely.

“Never,” Wilona said, matching his tone.

Suddenly, Odi’s home was before them. His heart apparently attempting to join a drum-line.

“M-maybe you should come over some other night?” Odi stammered.

Wilona rolled her eyes and seized his arm dragging him towards the front door. As they approached, it flung open to reveal a smug-faced Nanu.

“My brother approaches with a maiden in tow!” Nanu declared.

Wilona felt Odi’s grip tighten.

“Hang on Nanu, there’s something I need to do first.”

“What– HEY!” Nanu shouted as Odi close the front door. They could her muffled ramblings from the other side.

Odi turned to Wilona and take a hand in each of his, but Wilona wasn’t waiting any longer. She leapt up and closed her legs around his waist and her rms around his neck. Odi caught her thighs and supported her weight. Then, in the light of the moon and chill of the breeze, they kissed.

Nanu opened the door to yell but instead squeaked in surprise and slammed the door again.

–––––

“You could have told me that’s what you needed to do,” Nanu said later at the dinner table.

“How was I going to tell you that? Besides I wasn’t actually sure if I was going to be able to do it.”

Odi, Wilona, Nanu, and Mrs. Uba were gathered at the table. One lucky chair typically kept for visitors was getting some much needed attention.

“You are a pretty girl,” Mrs. Uba said. “Pretty and strong. I see you are harrier like my son. I don’t see why you chose his lanky ass, though.”

She and Nanu laughed in nearly identical tones.

“You don’t often meet a man who is as engaged in learning as Odi,” Wilona said.

Odi felt his face get hot. He expected to feel ignored at the dinner but this was extremely difficult to sit through nonetheless.

“Learned, yes,” Mrs. Uba nodded. “Don’t know about ‘man’ though.” She smiled slyly.

“You’ve done a great job with this one, Mrs. Uba,” Wilona said. “Nanu on the other hand seems like a constant fireworks display.”

Nanu and Wilona smiled at each other.

“I’ll take that as the complement it is. I like her, Odi. If you screw it up, I might swoop in. I’m open to anything this cute with this curly of hair,” Nanu said as she mockingly gazed longingly at Wilona’s mane.

“Mm, yeah, Odi. A shorter, spunkiest version of you. Better watch out,” Wilona said.

They laughed. Odi managed an embarrassed smile. His mother caught his eye and gave him the faintest wink.