"Uch," I said, wrinkling my nose, because sex still made me a little nervous and a little uncomfortable. I was partly teasing, of course, because I didn't care that other people did it and I was glad they were comfortable and happy, but I didn't really like talking about it. I was trying to be better about it, but it was difficult. It was just all so new.

But I could try. I knew Elio wouldn't laugh at me.

"It's strange to think I won't have to live at the Home in just over a year," I admitted. "Right now it's a struggle for Eddie and I to have any time to ourselves, especially since the staff knows we're together now. But in just over a year, I'll have a place of my own."