The Education of Caraline

“You’re just a food slut!” yelled Jenna.

“We should ask Sebastian’s opinion,” said Nicole. “Where do you stand on the whole food versus sex thing?”

“Nic,” I said, knowing she was deliberately baiting him.

But Sebastian didn’t need my help.

“Caro’s a great cook,” he said, smiling at me. Then he whispered in my ear so no one else could hear him, “but I think you feed me well because you know I’ll need my energy later.”

“Ugh!” shouted Jenna. “I know you just said something really hot,” she accused Sebastian. “It’s so mean of him, Lee! Come on, you could at least tell us what he said.”

I shook my head. “Need to know basis, Jenna, and you don’t need to know.”

Sebastian grinned, not looking the least embarrassed. I was relieved: sometimes my friends could be a real handful.

After a couple of hours, I could tell he was getting tired. He was moving awkwardly, and I knew that sitting so long was hurting him.

“Why don’t you go take a nap, tesoro,” I said, quietly. “We’ll just be yakking out here for a while. You’ve more than done your part.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Of course not. Just take care of yourself and rest.”

He smiled. “Okay, but wake me up before they go?”

“You really want some more?” I said, pretending to be shocked.

“They’re okay,” he said, smiling. “They really care about you, Caro. That’s all that matters.”

He made his apologies and left us alone outside. I knew their evaluation of him would be offered up any second.

Nicole weighed in first.

“Well, he’s even hotter in the flesh, Lee; hot-tempered, too.”

“Both are equally true,” I agreed.

“You guys look good together,” said Jenna, thoughtfully. “I must admit I had my doubts, but it’s obvious he adores you. Hell, that’s as good a start as any.”

Alice nodded. “He needs to find a new direction, Lee. He’s not the kind of man who can just sit around.”

“I know, but it’s still new. I’m not going to rush him. I’m just enjoying having him home and seeing him getting stronger.”

“So when do you think you’ll be getting married?” said Alice

“No, don’t encourage her!” whined Nicole. “This is baaaad. Where are we going to go to ogle hot surfer guys?”

“You can still come here,” I said, laughing.

“What? And ogle your husband? That’s just plain weird!”

“That’s not what I meant at all, and you know it, Nicole! Look, you guys are my friends – you’ll always be welcome here.”

Nicole rubbed her hands together. “Well, I’m going to enjoy making you shop, Lee: get you out of your damn jeans for a change, although I see you’ve made an effort today.”

I smiled at her. “Nope, no shopping.”

“What?”

“I’m not turning into one of those Bridezillas: it’ll just be you three and Sebastian’s friends from San Diego. My friend Marc said he’d try and fly in, depending on the date. We’re going to see if we can get October 2nd – it’ll be Sebastian’s 28th birthday.”

“Oh, God! Twenty-eight,” sighed Alice. “That sounds so young! Oh well, at least he won’t be able to forget your anniversary.”

The girls were just getting ready to leave, and I was wondering whether or not to let Sebastian carry on sleeping, when he screamed loudly again and again, a chilling, heart-rending sound.

Alice jumped and Nicole swore, but I was already on my feet and running.

Sebastian was thrashing around, his face contorted, his body covered in sweat. I shook him awake urgently.

“It’s okay, it’s okay, I’m here.”

He clung to me, his breath shuddering in his chest.

“It’s alright, Sebastian, it’s going to be alright, tesoro.”

“Fuck, Caro,” he gasped. “I keep seeing…”

“I know, baby, I know.”

He covered his eyes with trembling hands. “I can’t go out there, Caro. I can’t see them like this.”

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