"I told her it wasn't just some stupid whim. We've talked about it," he said, and Jamie was doing a good job of hiding his feelings about the whole thing, but Eddie was his boyfriend. He could tell when the other boy was upset.

"She just kept insisting. Gently. Like she was talking to one of the second floor kids." He rubbed absently at his cheek, a frown etched deep across his brow.

"She thinks I can't take care of myself."