Suddenly I knew who I was. I am Kitten, and I belong to Reed!
Yes, people judge me. My mom says that you can’t fall in love at eight. But that’s because other people haven’t met their true mate yet. That’s why people are so angry. They are constantly searching for their souls to be filled. I’m lucky because as soon as I found him, I knew I was never letting him go.
“Tess, sweetheart.” Startled, I gasp.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Caroline laughs. Reed sits down next to me on the couch, pulling me close.
“You know how jumpy I am,” I say, laughing too.
“I do, honey.” She frowns, and her face is the picture of seriousness. Oh God, she seriously is going to set some rules! If Reed and Jax will never follow them, then I’m not going to follow them, and I’ll have guilt!
“Kitten, stop.” Reed’s hand is on my knee. I must have been bouncing it again. It calms me, but he would rather I lean on him if I get nervous. So, I do. I grab his hand and he leans back on the couch with me, completely relaxed. Caroline’s hazel eyes dart back and forth from my face to Reed’s, then to our hands.
Clearing her throat, she goes on. “Okay, here are the rules…”
“Shouldn’t Jax be here?” Reed interrupts.
“No, this does not involve him.” She starts to pace. “I need to have this conversation with you two. Also, I would like to speak privately with Tess.”
“No,” Reed states.
“No? Excuse me?” Her eyes are huge. “Reed Bradley Ian Saddington, you may be the star at your school, and you may have been blessed with good looks and a gifted brain, but I am your mother! I run the show in my house!” Her pretty face flushes.
He shrugs. “You can talk to Tess, but I will be with her.”
Caroline stares at Reed as if he’s grown two heads. “No… Reed, I will talk to her alone.” Her eyebrows lift in challenge. Feeling that I should help, I squeeze Reed’s hand, hoping to keep him calm.
“It’s all right, Reed. I would like to talk to Caroline alone anyway,” I say, looking at her. I know he’s shooting me daggers. Silence fills the room and at last, I glance over at him. After all, his grip on my hand is becoming somewhat painful.
“What?” I look at him innocently.
His eyes are sparkling. He acts like he hates it when I stand up to him. But secretly, he loves it, I think. I start to shake my leg again, which must make him reconsider.
He pulls me closer and mumbles, “Fine.”
Caroline paces again. “I’ve talked this through with Brad and Claire.”
Both of us groan at the mention of my mom.
She stops and glares at us. “Knock it off, you two. Tess, we have all decided you can’t sleep with Reed this time… I mean, in his bed, like you used to.” We both must be staring at her as if she’s insane because she starts to stutter, and her arms are getting animated. “You know what I mean.”
“I have no idea what you mean, Mom.” God, Reed is such a smart-ass.
Caroline gives him the mom stare. Her cheeks are still flushed. She’s wearing a pale pink dress and her cheeks surpass it.
“Why now?” Reed’s voice rises. “She has been sleeping with me since we were eight years old!”
“It was one thing when you were little. Tess had issues with her anxiety.” Holding up a finger, she continues. “She is no longer eight, and neither are you! This time, she’s staying for a couple weeks, maybe longer. She will sleep in her bed, in her room.” Turning to me. “Tess, you’re a smart girl. I don’t think I need to get into details. You must know it’s not appropriate.” I can sense Reed’s energy. He hates when anyone tells him no.
“Mom.” Reed pulls me even closer. “Do you have any idea how jealous your friend is of Tess? Her own daughter!” He’s getting angry, and I put a reassuring hand on his leg and squeeze. He glances down, then continues. “Every chance she gets, she tries to make her feel like shit. You know why? Because she can’t stand that Tess is beautiful, inside and out.” He shakes his head in disgust.
Taking a breath, I let it out, my eyes stinging with tears. If only I felt as beautiful as he sees me. Caroline doesn’t move and looks down at her hands.
She sighs. “I know that Claire is not perfect, but she has been going through a rough time lately.”
Reed jumps up. “Lately? How about Tess’s whole life? I’m not going to allow her to do any more damage to Tess. You want to do something worthwhile, Mom? You should have Olive Oyl give you guardianship over Tess and call it a day.”