[Conto] My Girl 
Autor: Gabs | Publicado: 2012-10-30T06:50:00-07:00



Link da música:&nbsp;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DppBhl4_fJc&nbsp;

Quinta Parte&nbsp;





When Theo
woke up the next morning, he felt Spring was not there even before opening his
eyes. He remembered pretty well that during the night she had slept curled all around
him. 






It was the
best night’ sleep he had ever had. 



He yawned
and brought his head up, surveying the room, but he didn’t see her. Theo didn’t
have time to question this, because the bedroom’s door opened and she appeared.
Wearing one of his work white shirts and carrying a tray. 



She grinned
widely when her eyes found his. “Oh, you’re awake!” 



He sat
down. “I am.” Then eyed the tray warily. “Where did you get this? I don’t have
any real food in the fridge.” 



“Well…” She
set the tray beside him. “I went out to buy breakfast. Among other things.
Clearly someone had to guarantee that you’re not gonna starve.” &nbsp;



Theo stared
at her. “You went shopping for me?” 



“No,
silly.” She sat down. “I just bought a few things. We must survive today at
least.” 



Trying to concentrate
and ease down the satisfaction that she was going to spend the day, he eyed
her. “Nice outfit. You didn’t go out wearing this, right?” 



“Of course
not.” She answered smoothly. “I changed when I came back. I hope you don’t
mind.” She stood up and smiled sweetly. “I kind of think it looks good on me.
Do you like it?”&nbsp; 



The best
part for Theo was that his shirt was barely covering her bottom and she wasn’t
wearing a bra. Again. 



He stared
unashamedly at her long legs. “You look really good. But I guess you’d look
better if you weren’t wearing it at all.” 



She
laughed. “I thought you’d say so.” Spring climbed the bed again and gave him a
good morning kiss. “I guess after we eat, I can consider your opinion.” 



She turned
to the tray and Theo frowned, noticing something. “Spring Hurricane?” 



“Yeah?” She
was already nibbling on the bacon. 



“You’re not
wearing panties underneath that, are you?” 



She gave
him an innocent smile. “Did you notice it?” 



“I noticed
a couple of things when you turned around, all right.” He said between clenched
teeth. 



God, they
had made love three times during the night and he wanted her with such a fierce
need that it seemed like he hadn’t had sex in five years. 



She laughed
aloud. 



“Spring,
are you hungry?” He asked again; his body rigid in tension. 



“Yes, I
am.” She drank her coffee, set the cup back on the tray and arched a brow at
him. 



“I’m really
sorry.” He stared at her. “But you’ll have to wait.” 



The next
thing she knew was that she was beneath him again. Spring was still laughing
hard when Theo slid into her. 





XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx





It was the
most perfect Saturday of his life. It was raining outside, but he couldn’t care
less. For Theo, the day was shinning bright. 



They made
love, ate, kissed, played games, watched a movie, made love again, cooked,
laughed, hugged, teased each other, made love one more time, laughed, teased,
ate, took pictures – by Spring’s insistence, made love a last time. And then it
was time for her to go. 



Even then
he didn’t want to. But she had the play and so he took her home so that she
could grab another change of clothes. 



Cathy and
Pam greeted them with knowing smiles. Like they knew what they had done all
day. Theo grabbed her hand before she went upstairs, not caring if her friends
were watching. 



Spring
looked at him, two steps above him, and smiled. “Miss me yet?” 



“Make a bag
and come back to my place after the play.” He suggested, not trying to hide he
wanted more time with her. “Then we can go to my parents’ from there tomorrow.”




“Parents?” There was the sound of
whispers from Spring’s friends. 



She ignored
them, because she just had eyes for him. She couldn’t possibly understand how
her smile didn’t split her face in two. It was that wide. 



“Yes.” She
truly sighed a little when he flashed her a happy grin. “Will you wait for me
to come down again?” 



“I’ll take
you to the theater. Then I’ll pick you up.” 



The three
women in the place melted. 



“You’re so
sweet, thank you.” She kissed him softly. “I’ll try and don’t be too long.” 



“That’s ok,
take your time. Just not so much time or you’ll be late.” He smiled and tugged
at her hand again when she tried to climb the stairs. “Show me how much you’re
grateful again.” 



Fine. Definitely her grin was going to split
her face in two. She
grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him deeply, feeling his arms come
around her. 



When she
finally went upstairs, Pam and Cathy didn’t even try to be subtle and climbed
immediately after her. Theo laughed a little, knowing they were going to talk
about him. He was surprised that it didn’t bother him at all, maybe embarrassed
him some. But he could deal with that. He just hoped Spring would remember the clock.




*** 



Spring
couldn’t deny that she was a little nervous in meeting the rest of his family.
She tried to distract her mind looking out of the window, but it was not
succeeding. 



Noticing
that, Theo unclenched one of his hands from the wheel and took hers. 



“No reason
to worry.” He said and kissed her hand lightly. 



She smiled.
“I know.” 



“When I’m
going to meet your parents?” 



She threw
him a surprised look. “Do you want to?” 



“Of course
I want to.” He lifted a brow. “And besides, I also have the right.” 



“We can go…
um… Next weekend, maybe? They live out of town.” 



“Great.” He
flashed her a grin. “It’s going to be payback. My family will probably
embarrass me as soon as you’re past the door.” 



Spring
fluttered her lashes. “Well, I’m even more anxious now.” 



They rode
for another fifteen minutes and then he parked in front of a pretty white
house. As usual, Theo opened the door for her. She was just getting out when
she heard the noise and soon two young boys came running from behind the house.




They were
indulged in a water battle using water pistols. Both of them were blonde and
were making noises as ‘shots’ with their mouths. 



“Hey,
monsters. Put the guns down, we have company here…” Theo was barely finishing
speaking when the taller aimed and fired. 



The short
one laid down on the grass and the shot of water hit Spring right on the face. 



“Goddammit,
Simon!” Theo cursed. 



“Sorry,
Uncle Theo. But you’re not allowed to say bad words at me.” He smiled sweetly
and approached. “It was Kevin’s fault for getting out of the way.” 



“It wasn’t
my fault!” Kevin complained getting up. 



“Was too.”
Simon insisted. &nbsp;&nbsp;



“Was not.” 



“Was too.” 



“Was not.”



In the
middle of the discussion, Spring started laughing while wiping her face. 



Theo
sighed. “I’m sorry.” 



“For what?”
She was still laughing and then noticed that the boys had stopped fighting and
were staring at her. “But I guess my make-up is ruined now.” 



“You’re
still pretty.” Kevin offered; his cheeks coloring up. 



“Oh?”
Spring brought her face close to his. “Well now, thank you.” She kissed his
soft lips. “I’m all honored for a handsome young man like yourself think that.”




Kevin
smiled fully, pleased that she had called him ‘young man’. 



“I’m going
to be seven in September.” He said proudly. 



“So? I’m
going to be nine in November.” Simon said, not wanting to be left behind. 



Spring
looked at him. “Oh, but I’m surrounded by handsome young men.” 



Theo
breathed in the scene, saying nothing at all. 



“You’re
Spring, right?” Simon asked, wanting to show her he knew about things. “Mama
kept saying all the way here how we were supposed to behave because Uncle Theo
was bringing a girl for lunch. Uncle Theo has never brought a girl here before.”




“Really?”
Spring grinned when Theo coughed aloud. 



“That’s it.
Let’s go inside.” He said, narrowing his eyes at his older nephew. 



“But now
that I’m getting along with your family?” She teased. 



Knowing
well that look, he narrowed his eyes at her too. “Yeah, now.” 



They
started walking toward the porch and Kevin hurried to match his step with hers.
“You’re Uncle Theo’s girlfriend?” 



“How come
he isn’t holding your hand if you’re his girlfriend?” Simon demanded. 



“Yes, Theo.
How come?” She grinned again. 



Theo rolled
his eyes and took her hand. “Oh, great. I’m already being embarrassed by my small nephews.” 



“You are
not supposed to roll your eyes at her.” Simon declared, wanting to show he was
wise. “Mama hit Daddy’s head with a pan when he did that to her one time.” 



“Um. Can
you lend me your pistol instead?” Spring asked while Theo rolled his eyes
again. 



Kevin gave her
his first. “Take mine! Mine is better!” 



“They’re
the same, stupid.” Simon pushed his brother aside and offered Spring his. 



“They’re
not!” 



“Are too.” 



“Are not.” 



“Are too.” 



“What’s
going on…? Oh, hey.” Nina opened the door when she heard her children’s voices
and smiled when she saw them. “You must be Spring.” 



Spring felt
a little flutter around her heart. At least she didn’t need and try to impress
the kids; they were already impressed because she was an outsider. The adults
were the difficult ones. 



“Hello.”
She smiled shyly. 



Theo arched
a brow to that; she was never shy. “This is my sister, Nina.” 



“You look
even prettier face to face.” Nina said and enveloped Spring in a warm hug. “I’m
so happy to meet you.” 



“Thank
you.” Spring immediately relaxed. “But you’re being nice. My make-up is
probably all wrong because of the water.” 



“Water?”
Nina eyed her children warily. 



As their
heads went down in unison, Spring explained. “It was just an accident. Nothing
major.” She winked at them. “And it’s a hot day, isn’t it?” 



“See, mom?
It’s a hot day.” Simon grinned. “And Uncle Theo said ‘goddammit’.” 



Theo eyed
him. “You’re trying to make me mad, kid? There’ll be payback later.” 



“Stop you
two.” Nina threw a look at Theo. “Let’s pretend we’re a happy, polite family.
Come inside, Spring. I’ll show you to the bathroom.” 



Spring let
herself be led by Nina. Behind them they could hear the children laughing while
Theo assaulted their bellies with his fingers. 



Spring
wanted to look nice at least for Theo’s mom. Nina showed her to the bathroom
and waited for her outside, barely containing her excitement. 



Theo
appeared and stared at her bouncing leg. “Nina, please, don’t push her, ok?” 



“When did I
do that to you?” She asked innocently. 



“Never.
Because I never gave you the chance.” 



“So. How do
you know I’m going to now?” 



Theo brushed
a hand over his face. “Just be nice like any normal sister. I’m going to warn
mom to behave.” 



Nina smiled
at his back and whispered. “But you forget I’m not a normal sister, brother
mine. Oh, hi!” She exclaimed happily
when Spring got out. “Well, you look stunning now!” 



Spring
smiled. “Thanks. I found a lipstick inside the drawer and I put it on, I forgot
mine at Theo’s. I hope you don’t mind.” 



More than pleased
with the precious information, Nina glowed and hooked her arm with her
sister-in-law’s. “Of course not, you’re at home here. The color looks beautiful
on you. Mom is right by the kitchen; she has said marvelous things about you.” 



“Nina,
where is the knife I asked?” A blonde man approached them and smiled when he
saw Spring. “Hello. You must be Theo’s girlfriend. You’re the first he ever
brings home.” 



She wasn’t
less embarrassed to hear that than the first time and grabbed the hand he
offered. “Nice to meet you. And… um… Thank you, I guess.” 



As the man
laughed, Nina explained. “This is Dale, my husband. I couldn’t get rid of him.”
She smiled teasingly. 



He circled
her waist with his arm. “You couldn’t get off my back, you mean.” 



After they
kissed, Spring said. “I met your children. They look just like you.” 



Dale smiled
the I’m-a-big-man smile. “Yes, they
do.” 



Nina
growled. “And I was the one who went
on fifteen hours of labor. Each.” 



“Think of
it this way, baby.” He started. “If we get divorced, I could never even ask for
a DNA test to get rid of the pension.” 



Nina
punched him in the arm. “Go back to the steaks, you smart-ass. I’m hungry.” 



Dale winked
at Spring. “She is always hungry. I’m thinking that there’s a third baby on the
way. Another copy of mine.” 



He left
laughing aloud when Nina threatened to cut off a vital part of his anatomy. Spring
tried to disguise her laugh, but Theo’s sister gave in to it too after Dale was
out of sight. 



“He
infuriates me and makes me laugh with a disturbingly frequency.” She confessed.




Spring
stared at her. “And you are crazy about him.” 



Nina melted
and her smile was soft. “I really am.” And then she grinned at her. “We’re
going to get along really well, sister-in-law. You already read me perfectly.” &nbsp;&nbsp;



“Not
really. It’s just written all over you.” 



Nina
nodded. “Yeah. And you want to know a secret? Actually there’s a third baby on
the way, but Dale doesn’t know it yet.” 



*** 



Theo
watched Spring offering to help his mother in the kitchen and Sue glowing in
delight in response. They disappeared inside the house together along with Nina
and he took a long pull from his beer. He hoped his mama had understood what he
tried to say with ‘don’t even think about
mentioning marriage to her, mom’. 



Travis
approached his son standing in the yard after taking a beer for himself,
because his wife wasn’t around to rattle him about it. 



“What’s up,
son.” 



“Hey, Dad.”
Theo nodded at him. “Nothing much, actually.” 



Travis
inclined his head to one side. “You look a little worried over there.” 



Theo
watched Simon and Kevin disputing about who was going to help their father fry
the steaks and Dale repeating patiently that both of them could do it. 



“Don’t I
have a reason? I’m pretty sure mom is going to bring up something that’ll
embarrass me.” 



The older
man suppressed a smile. “Give your mother a little credit. And besides, seems
to me the girl can take the probing just fine.” 



“I don’t
want her to take anything.” Theo said a little fiercely. “Look, we only know
each other two weeks. This is not the time for this kind of thing.” 



“Um.”
Travis sipped his beer. “Seems to me you went pretty fast on taking her
defense. Kind of weird for a two-weeks-couple.”&nbsp; 



“There are
a lot things seeming to you lately.” Theo replied bitterly and cursed when his
father grinned. “I’m in love with her, Dad. It’s terrifying.” 



“That it
is.” Travis agreed. “But you always could take on a challenge smoothly. The
odds are in your favor.” 



Theo stared
at him with eyes so honestly scared that the older man wanted to grin again.
“What do you mean?” 



“It’s not
going to be so complicated in order that she is in love with you too.” 



“You think
so?” He swallowed hard. 



“Oh, I know
so.” Travis looked at his son-in-law trying to break apart his grandchildren
from a fight. “What do you want, Theo?” 



He started
speaking and cursed when his voice was hoarse. “I want to marry her.” He
hesitated, baffled by his own words. “This is insane. We only know each other for two
weeks.” 



Travis
nodded. “Yes, young people. Losing the best of life by being so damn meticulous
about everything. You know how long it took me to know your mother was the one?” 



Theo
swallowed again. “No.” 



“Five
minutes, boy. Five minutes and one look from her. And Sue complains to this day
that I was too long.” He smiled. 



“Those were
other times.” Theo tried to be reasonable and cursed for the millionth time. “I
don’t even know what her favorite color is!”&nbsp;



Travis
arched a brow. “I hope my boy is smart enough to remember about the important
things. Do you know how to make her smile, son? If you do, then that’s it.” 



Spring
strode out of the house on that moment and put the salad on the picnic table.
She saw Theo and went to him, giving him a quick kiss. 



She too was
glowing. “Your sister is going to teach me how to make the apple pie.” 



The look
she gave him made him wish they were alone so he could show her how pleased he
was by the news. He had a few interesting ideas about that special pie and…
Certain parts of Spring’s body. 



He chose to
kiss her instead, and because the discussion with his head was fresh on his
mind, it was bit more intense than he intended. “I will have to thank her for
the rest of my life.” 



Because she
knew what he meant and was starting to feel a little hot, she turned to Travis
and to the beer on his hand. “Sue asked me to make sure you were not drinking.”




“Oh.”
Travis made a face. “I suppose you are one of those women who stick close
together.” 



Spring bit
her lip. “It happens that I am, but…” She stood on her feet and pressed her
lips to his cheek. “I also remember well about certain gentleman calling me ‘an
angel with a warrior’s stamina’. For the time being, I’m gonna cover for him.” 



Spring
flashed another grin at Theo and started walking, but then turned again. “Just
be aware, Travis. Sue is coming out in a little bit.” 



Both men
watched as she walked back inside. 



Travis
grinned fully. “If you don’t take that woman, son, somebody else will come and
get her. Soon.” 



Theo was
still staring at the door. “Not going to happen, Dad. I’m not letting her
go.”&nbsp; 





*** 



Theo’s
family was a lousy one. They talked, teased, laughed and fought even when they
were eating. 



Spring
didn’t remember ever having had a better time. 



Because she
was really hungry, she didn’t listen to her conscience and made a generous
plate. 



Sue seemed
extremely please. “See, Nina? She isn’t one of those
skinny-just-eat-carrots-girls. Even if she’s a dancer and an actress. That’s so
good!” 



“Mom.” Theo
warned. 



“Oh, what did
I say?” Sue complained. 



“No, I’m
definitely not.” Spring laughed even as Theo shook his head. She searched his
hand above the table. “I truly believe that food is one of the best things in
life.” 



“Video game
is the best!” Kevin said with his mouth full, received a look from his mother
and apologized with a shy smile. 



“No, it
isn’t. Computer is the best.” Simon insisted. 



“Is
not.”&nbsp; 



“Is too.” 



“Is
not.”&nbsp; 



“Is too.” 



“Enough.”
Nina eyed her sons. “So, Spring… My father said that he and mom went to see
your play. Dad said you were amazing. I think I will go see this for myself.” 



“If you get
to convince me of going, you mean.” Dale put in. 



“I know
just how to convince you.” Nina
smiled sweetly.&nbsp; 



Theo rolled
his eyes. “For God’s sake, your sons are hearing that.” 



Nina
shrugged. “They don’t know what I mean.” 



“Yes, we
do.” They said in unison. 



Nina eyed
them and then eyed her husband with a mortal look. “And how exactly they have come to know it?” 



Dale was
pretty calm. “There are certain things men need to learn still young…” 



“Oh, Jesus
Christ.” Travis rubbed his forehead. “I don’t need to know about you having sex
with my daughter.”&nbsp; 



Dale
narrowed his eyes. “Thank you a lot. I explained to them that we had had a
pillow war.” 



Travis went
red while Nina stared at him accusingly. 



“What’s
sex?” Simon demanded. 



“Is it a game?”
Kevin asked excited. “Can we play it too?” 



Spring
brought a napkin to her mouth to hide the chuckle. 



Sue shook
her head. “That was just dandy, Travis.” 



“It’s a
game for adults, Kevin.” Theo tried to fix the mess his father had made.
“You’re going to understand it when you’re older.” 



“I’m big
enough. I want to understand it now.” Simon demanded again, sitting back. When
no one answered, he turned to Spring. “Do you know that sex is?” 



Spring
gagged with her lemonade. “Uh?”&nbsp; 



Simon was
impatient. “How come you don’t know what sex is if you’re an adult?” 



Nina
sighed. “Enough of this subject, Simon. Finish your meal.” 



But he was
still waiting for an answer from Spring. “So?” &nbsp;



Dale
intervened. “That’s it, buddy. Let’s finish eating so we can go and play some
football. I remember you saying something about kicking my” He stopped speaking
when his wife glared at him. “head. Did you mean it or not? I’m not going to
make it ease for neither you nor your brother.” 



Simon
turned to his dad, grinning. “You’re old! I run faster!”&nbsp; 



Dale arched
a brow. “Am I, now? Just finish your meal and we’ll se about that.” 



Both Simon
and Kevin, who had been paying attention to the discussion, resumed eating
again. 



Nina was
offended. “Oh, that’s just great. No one wants to obey mom, but daddy speaks,
then it’s all forgotten. That’s
unfair.” 



Her husband
smiled. “It’s a guy thing, baby. You can’t understand it.” 



“Oh, you
arrogant son of a…” 



“No bad
words allowed.” Theo reminded her with a smile. 



“Shut up!
You’re a man, just like him!” She said and when her breath hitched, she took
another one slowly. 



Dale
immediately went serious. “What’s it, love? I was just teasing, I’m sorry.” 



“Nothing,
I’m all right.” She guaranteed, seeing the worry in his eyes. “Lost my breath,
that’s all.” 



“Are you
okay, mommy?” Simon took her hand. “Don’t get mad. I won’t ask questions
anymore, I swear.” 



She smiled
at him, her maternal heart bleeding a little. “I’m fine, baby. I can’t get mad
at you for a long time, you know that.” 



After the
peace was restored, Theo observed. “You used to lose your breath all the time
when you were pregnant, remember? Just couldn’t stop cursing at everybody.” 



Spring
glared at him accusingly and so did his sister. 



“What?” He
asked, confused. 



Nina
murmured. “You had to spoil the surprise.” 



Dale
stared. “Are you pregnant?” 



“Well, I
wasn’t going to tell you this way…” 



“Why the
hell didn’t you tell me?” Dale took her the shoulders, forgetting about the
no-cursing-rule. “Have you seen a doctor? Are you all right? Have you done all
the exams? The baby is fine? Are there any restrictions? You should be with
your feet up! Why your feet are not up?” &nbsp;



“And that’s
why I didn’t tell you.” She declared tired. “You’re going to torment me all
over again. I was hoping you wouldn’t notice until the eighth month or so.” 



“Do you
think this is a joke?” He demanded aloud. 



Kevin
tugged at his brother’s shirt. “Why is Dad mad?” 



“It’s nod a
bad mad, it’s a good mad.” Spring explained gently. “He’s just scared a bit.
And worried. You’re going to have a brother or a sister.” 



Simon made
a face. “Another one to drive me crazy? Oh, great.” 



Kevin
ignored the comment. There were stars in his eyes. “I’m not gonna be the ‘baby
son’ anymore.” 



“See that,
Theo?” Sue pointed a finger at him. “Your sister is having another baby and I
don’t have any grandchild from my son. Do you think this is fair to me?” 



He didn’t
like where that was heading. “Fair to you?
Now, wait a second…”&nbsp; 



“Don’t you
agree with me, Spring, darling?” Sue maneuvered in a way she thought was pretty smoothly. 



Travis
stopped with the fork halfway to his mouth, Dale and Nina stared, and even Simon
and Kevin stayed quiet as if sensing something. 



“Do you
want you to have babies, don’t you?” She probed. 



Theo went
pale. “Mom!” 



“Oh, what
now?” She asked impatiently. “You said that I wasn’t supposed to bring up
marriage, and I’m not. I’m talking about babies instead. I’m following our
deal.” She brushed a hand at him. “Now, shut up and let me talk to the girl.
So, honey, do you want babies? I know it’s compromising for you because of the
dance, but you want someday, don’t you?” 



Spring felt
weirdly that a negative answer wasn’t allowed anyway. “Well, I… Yes, someday.” 



Dale and
Nina were hiding grins as Sue nodded with satisfaction. 



“See, Theo?
What was the entire fret about? No harm done. You were the one making a big
deal out of it.” 



“I can’t
believe you did that.” He was shaking his head in misery. 



Spring put
a hand on his shoulder. “It was just a question, Theo. What’s the matter?” 



And she liked the girl more and more, Sue was thinking happily. “See,
baby? Just a question. No problem at all. Now, now. Shall I bring the desserts?
Will you help me, Spring, my dear?” 



“Sure.” She
kissed Theo on the cheek, but he didn’t look at her. “Don’t be such man about
it.” She whispered in his ear. “It wasn’t that bad.” 



Then she
got up, smiled at Sue and followed her inside. 



“Yes,
little brother…” Nina started. “You chose really well. If she could deal with
mom’s direct probing like that, you have no choice. Go on and marry the girl.
Better you will not find.” 



“Neither
more comprehensive.” Dale added.&nbsp; 



“Uncle
Theo, you’re getting married?” Kevin asked curiously. 



Simon said
more. “Will she be our aunt now?” 



Theo let
his head down on the table. “Oh, God. Not the kids too.” 



Travis laid
a hand on his shoulder in solidarity. “Yeah, son. That’s our family.”











***






Later,
after Theo went to pick up Spring at the theater and they were back in his
apartment, he was still quiet. 




She made a
deal earlier with herself that she wouldn’t bring up the subject, but seeing
that he wouldn’t let it go, decided to say something. 



They were
watching a movie. Between them, there was a bucket of popcorn. She motioned it
out of the way and got closer to him. 



“Theo?” 



“Yeah?” 



“Cut the
bullshit immediately or I’m really going to get mad at you.” 



He looked
at her. “What’s the problem?” 



“Oh, do you
want to know what the problem is?
I’ll tell you what it is. I can count in one hand the number of words you said
to me after we left you parent’s house. You said it was okay for me to go!” 



“It has
nothing to do with you.” 



She waited
and narrowed her eyes when he didn’t say anything more. “That’s it?” 



“What do
you want me to say?” 



She hated
that stupid sentence. “Screw you!” 



He cursed
when she left the room and went after her. Apparently they were having their
first fight. Theo couldn’t say that he cared for it. 



When he got
in the bedroom, she was thrusting her clothes in her backpack. 



He
instantly grew alarmed. “What are you doing?” 



“What does
it look like?” She answered fiercely and started looking around the room. 



“Spring, it’s
not necessary for you to go…”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 



She kneeled
and put her head under the bed. “Well, I don’t always do what’s necessary.” 



“Wait. Just
a minute…” He started toward her, but she got up and started walking around the
room. “Spring, let’s talk a minute.” 



“Now do you want to talk? Newsflash for
you, I’m done with talking.” 



“But I
didn’t get my chance to explain…” 



“No? You
didn’t get your chance?” She looked at him. “And what was that about ‘what do
you want me to say’? I hate this fucking sentence. And where are my fucking
shoes?” 



Theo saw
that her shoes were under the armchair close to the window, but obviously he
wasn’t going to point that out. She was just going to leave faster. 



“Baby, calm
down a sec and let’s…” 



“No! I’m
out of here.” 



Theo
couldn’t understand why she was so mad that way, he really couldn’t. 



“Screw the
shoes.” Feet bare, she threw the backpack over her shoulder and started for the
door. 



Theo got
there faster, closed it and stood in front of it. “Spring…” 



“Move.” She
warned. 



He knew it
was the worst time for that kind of thought, but couldn’t help noticing that
she looked amazing while angry. 



“I can’t
let you go.” Theo meant more with that. 



She stared
at him and stared at the doorknob. When Spring tried to be fast and pass by
him, Theo locked his arms around her waist and threw her over his shoulder like
a real caveman. 



“Stop! Let
go of me! I’m going to scream!” 



Theo threw
her on the bed and pinned her arms and legs with his body. She was furious and
cursed all the time trying to get free. 



“We’re
going to talk first and then if you still want to go, I’ll let you. I promise.”




“No! I
can’t believe you really manhandled me this way!” 



“I’m
sorry.” And he was. “But it was the only way you were going to listen. I’m
going to relax the grip now, okay?” 



She nodded
and he did. 



“Now…” 



“Why did
you lie to me?” She started and her voice was low. “You said it was okay for me
to meet your family and obviously it wasn’t.” 



“But it was.
I didn’t lie when I said you’re important to me. It’s just that…” He looked
into her eyes. “I’m embarrassed. And I was scared they were going to say
something bad, like it happened. I love my family, but they just don’t get it
that not everyone can deal well with the ‘pushover routine’. I just… I don’t
want to lose you.” 



“Oh, Theo…
I… Can you let go of my arms?” 



“Of course.
Sorry…” 



She
clutched his face between her hands. “You’re not going to lose me. That’s a
ridiculously silly thought. I told you before that I’m not uncomfortable often
and I loved your family. There’s nothing they could have said that it could
change the way I feel about you. Even if they were bad the way you apparently
fear. You should have had faith in me. And mostly, faith in you. How could I let a guy like you let you go?” 



“You were
going to. Three minutes ago.” 



“I wasn’t.
I was going to let you stew for a couple of hours and then finally answer your
phone calls. You were going to call, weren’t you?” 



Recognizing
the threat in her eyes, he grinned. “Absolutely. I would call, text, e-mail and
then serenade under your window.” 



Spring
laughed. “Oh, I can’t believe I’ve lost that! Can we fight again and then
follow your plan?” 



“No way.”
Theo said and then lowered his lips to hers. 



They kissed
for a long time and Spring spoke. “Theo, just promise me something? Don’t hide
anything from me. If you have a problem or are unsure about anything, just talk
to me about it, okay? I hate not knowing. I start creating sceneries in my head
and they’re not pretty.” 



“I
promise.” He kissed her temples, one and then the other. “And I also promise to
remember never to ask ‘what do you want me to say’. Forbidden sentence at all
times.” 



She laughed
again. “Yeah, be sure to remember that.” 



“You were
pretty mad, Spring Hurricane. Got me scared.” 



“I’m an
intense person.” 



“In all
aspects.” 



Spring
grinned. “True. But I don’t get mad often, I don’t like it at all. Though there
are those things that I can’t stand, I’ll tell about it someday.” 



“Like
what?” Theo stared at her, uncertainly. 



“Like…
Don’t you ever even think about cheating on me. I’ll find out sooner or later,
and you’ll regret it deeply.” 



“That’s
ridiculous. Who would I cheat on you with? You’re the best.” 



She circled
his neck with her arms. “That’s a pretty clever way of answering this, handsome
Theo. But you know, there’s an advantage of us fighting.” 



“I don’t
see one. You get mad and I get guilty.” He wrinkled his nose. 



She
chuckled. “Oh, but there is.” Spring approached to speak close to his ear.
“It’s called make-up sex.” 



Theo could
feel his whole body agreeing with that. “Um. In that case, I can reconsider my
opinion on the subject.” 



She caught
his earlobe between her teeth and circled his hip with her legs. “I’m sure you
can. And you want to know the best of it? I’m really intense in that too.” 



He grinned
at her and kissed her mouth hard. “Prove it to me.” 



“Is this a
dare?” She raised a brow. 



“What do
you think?” 



“Well,
well, well… I’m not one to refuse a direct challenge like that.” 



He heard a
sound far away and lifted his head. “Wait. We let the movie still…” Theo
growled when Spring unzipped his jeans and gripped him. “Screw the movie.” 



*** 



When Theo
finally regained his sanity, he found himself lying on his back and his
head hanging off the bed. 



He was
panting hard and his heart was pounding loud. “I think I’m having a heart
attack.” He heard her chuckling and felt her foot caressing his legs. “Don’t
laugh, will you not help me?” 



“No. You
dared me, now you pay the price.” She lay beside him, head on his shoulder and
her hand above his heart. “I’m really glad I met you, Theo. And I never thought
that my constant fight with the watch would bring something good in return.” 



He lifted
his head and moved until it lay on the pillow. “I’m really glad I met you too.
You were truly a hurricane in my life. But you built something instead of
destroying it.” 



There were
tears in her eyes. “You always say the nicest things.” 



“Don’t
cry.” He warned uneasily, but she started crying anyway. “Spring, please. Don’t
do that.” 



She smiled.
“Trouble with feminine tears?” 



“With all
kind of tears.” He stared at her worriedly and started massaging her hip
without a clue what he could do to help. &nbsp;



“You’re the
sweetest of all, you know. And don’t worry, I’m crying because I’m happy. I’m
so happy.” 



“Then
smile. You can make fun of me if that will help.” 



“And you
are the cutest of all too. Just hold me, Theo. Okay?” 



He nodded
and brought her close, caressing her hair, shoulders, neck, back… He felt her
shuddering and relaxing. 



Theo tried
to think of something to say to get her mind off whatever she was thinking that
was making her cry. “You know… You never got to tell me the story behind your
name.” 



She
grinned. “There’s no story. My mother loves different names and my father likes
to please her. I just said that so I could get you interested and then you’d
call me.” 



“Yeah?” He
looked at her curiously. “You’re definitely a slick one, Spring Hurricane. But
let me confess a secret: I was interested the minute I saw you.” 



She stared
at him and sighed a little. “When did I get so lucky?” 



“The
moment I did.”&nbsp;