(It actually helped to know that Laura was only just understanding English. It made Eddie aware of himself more than he normally would have been.
She isn't the only one aware of their gender difference. Eddie has forgotten about Beverly mostly, and so as far as he's concerned, this is the first time he's properly spent time with a girl his own age alone. Just like her, he's feeling a little awkward, a little stiff, but mostly, he's treating her like he'd treat the guys. Mostly because something about her reminds him of them.)
Stay there? (Eddie glances back for only a second. He could be adventurous but not reckless.) Like, live with you? Would that be okay?
(There's an edge of hope to his voice. It had been a worry that had been gnawing intensely at him for a while now- where he'd go, what he'd do for food. He'd met adults, sure, but he felt ten times as awkward with them than he did with Laura- even with her being a girl. To have a child invite him into her home was so much easier for Eddie than Eddie having to ask an adult if it's okay if he could stay with them.
So demand or not, Laura was probably going to get her way. Eddie certainly didn't want to say no. He just knew how the world functioned. Kids didn't make the rules.
It isn't the first time that he's realized his mom isn't here but hearing someone say it so bluntly...It's...It's so freeing and God, he feels bad, but it's true. He feels something open up inside of him, a wary taste of genuine enlightenment.)
...You're right. I can do what I want. (To emphasize on that point, he does something he knows he's always been strictly forbidden to do on his bike.) Hold on extra tight now.
(That's the only command he gives, suddenly speeding up way more once they're in the clear. Then, he jerks his body upright and pulls them up. For only three short, wonderful seconds they're airborne, and then they land with a thump and keep on sailing. Eddie laughs breathlessly.)
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(It actually helped to know that Laura was only just understanding English. It made Eddie aware of himself more than he normally would have been.
She isn't the only one aware of their gender difference. Eddie has forgotten about Beverly mostly, and so as far as he's concerned, this is the first time he's properly spent time with a girl his own age alone. Just like her, he's feeling a little awkward, a little stiff, but mostly, he's treating her like he'd treat the guys. Mostly because something about her reminds him of them.)
Stay there? (Eddie glances back for only a second. He could be adventurous but not reckless.) Like, live with you? Would that be okay?
(There's an edge of hope to his voice. It had been a worry that had been gnawing intensely at him for a while now- where he'd go, what he'd do for food. He'd met adults, sure, but he felt ten times as awkward with them than he did with Laura- even with her being a girl. To have a child invite him into her home was so much easier for Eddie than Eddie having to ask an adult if it's okay if he could stay with them.
So demand or not, Laura was probably going to get her way. Eddie certainly didn't want to say no. He just knew how the world functioned. Kids didn't make the rules.
It isn't the first time that he's realized his mom isn't here but hearing someone say it so bluntly...It's...It's so freeing and God, he feels bad, but it's true. He feels something open up inside of him, a wary taste of genuine enlightenment.)
...You're right. I can do what I want. (To emphasize on that point, he does something he knows he's always been strictly forbidden to do on his bike.) Hold on extra tight now.
(That's the only command he gives, suddenly speeding up way more once they're in the clear. Then, he jerks his body upright and pulls them up. For only three short, wonderful seconds they're airborne, and then they land with a thump and keep on sailing. Eddie laughs breathlessly.)