#jerkwads

*******

    “What’s going on in here?”

    You wanted to shrink into the mattress when you heard Steve’s confused voice. You didn’t want anyone to see you in the state you were in.

    “Isn’t it obvious, Stevie? It looks like our girl’s not having too good of a day.”

    You felt Steve and Eddie sit on your bed.

    Eddie continued, “What’s going on, mama?”

    Against your own judgement, you flipped down the covers to reveal your tear-stained face.

    Both boys visibly shuddered.

    Quietly, you asked, “Do...do you two still love me?”

    Their eyes went wide for a moment and they glanced at each other because to them, the answer was obvious.

     Steve spoke up immediately, “Of course we do, baby. There’s no one on Earth that we love more than our little group.”

    Eddie went on, “Why? did someone say something to you? Because if they did, I’m sure Harrington’s ready to beat them to a pulp while I stay back with you for, you know, moral support.”

    That got you to giggle.

    “Why do you think we’d turn on you like that?” wondered Steve.

    You sighed, “It’s not you guys. It’s everyone else. All my friends are apparently too busy for me these days. It just seems like their excuses get weaker and weaker until they stop talking to me altogether. I shouldn’t have looped you in with them, though. I’m sorry.”

    “No, no, go back,” urged Eddie, “Who’s treating you like this?”

    Steve nodded, “Yeah, they’re acting like jerkwads.”

    “Jerkwads?” you laughed at the word.

    “Wads of jerks,” Steve explained.

    Eddie took Steve’s hand. “I’m with Harrington on this. Whoever doesn’t treat our girl with the upmost politeness and respect are complete and total jerkwads!” he proclaimed.

    “Yeah. Okay. They’re jerkwads,” you agreed.

    “Completely and totally,” pressed Steve.

    You nodded, a smile gracing your lips. “Completely and totally.”

*******