Joelene

We didn't have sex

that night.

But his hands

were skillful.

And I took a trip

to some faraway place

more than once.

And the next weekend

when Mamaw invited

her friends over,

they had a heated discussion.

Jenna, with her big tummy,

was talking about sexual abuse

and what was the difference

between consensual

and non-consensual sex.

And Papaw was helping Robert

and Eric with the grill.

And Mamaw said:

"Perverts are all around us.

Men who like younger girls

should be interrogated."

And Papaw laughed:

"So because a man likes

a younger girl he's a pervert?"

Jenna side-eyed him.

"He has the potential.

Any man who is fine

with touching a young gal

should be watched."

And Eric looked around

and his eyes met mine.

They looked like a green,

stormy sea.

Like he was troubled.

And I hoped he knew

I didn't think he was a 'Pervert,'

even though I was younger

than him.

But when I tried to smile at him,

to reassure him,

he walked away

and escaped around the back.

And without thinking,

I went after him.

Because I didn't like

to see Eric sad.

It made me sad.