Free Significance by Shelly Crane Page A

Caleb.
    “You can heal me?”
    “We can heal each other, after we ascend. It’s one of the things all significants can do for each other.”
    I blinked.
    “Are there a lot of things that we can do like that?”
    “Yes. Lots,” Grandma answered. “You complete each other, two halves to one circle. You are no better matched physically, mentally, temperamentally, spiritually and by abilities than with your significant.” She pulled up Caleb too by his arm and spoke to us both quietly as she held our hands. “Now, listen. I know what you’re feeling right now. And I know how quickly things can get out of hand if you aren’t careful. You’re human. It’s gonna make your feelings and reactions to him much more potent and stronger than it would for someone else.” She looked at Caleb. “And you’re gonna have a hard time too because you’re gonna feel what she feels. You’ll have to keep yourselves controlled. Aces get pregnant the human way, ya know.”
    I wondered if Caleb was blushing as furiously as I was. I looked over and saw that he was. This was by far the strangest and most uncomfortable conversation I’d ever had with a grandma. But at least he said something.
    “Gran, I’m only gonna ask this once. Please don’t have sex talks with me, ok? Especially with Maggie in the room. Do you think we could do that?”
    “Oh, now, don’t be embarrassed. It’s natural-”
    “Dad! Little help here,” he called out.
    “Alright, Gran,” Peter laughed. “Why don’t you take Maggie to the kitchen and I’ll talk to Caleb. But first.” He came and stood in front of me. He smiled and reached around me to hug me to him. “Thank you so much for saving my son, Maggie. Even if you weren’t his significant, I would still owe you everything.” He pulled back and released me.
    “It was nothing, really,” I insisted.
    “Nothing, smothing. Come on, pretty girl. I need help with the banana pudding,” Grandma chimed.
    “Aces eat banana pudding?” I asked as she looped her arm through mine, but I felt stupid for my question.
    “Yep. Aces love banana pudding. Well, my Aces do anyway.”
    She towed me with her. I glanced behind me at Caleb and he mouthed a ‘sorry’. I smiled and shrugged and made my way to help a bunch of Aces make dinner.

Six
     
     
     
    Gladly, Gran did not continue her plight for safe sex with me. In fact, she didn’t speak of anything about our imprinting at all. She just asked me questions about school, my dad, my brother, growing up.
    The other ladies in the kitchen listened intently when I answered. The little girl I’d seen in the window had apparently been held back from the meeting we had earlier and was now bouncing around me as I sliced bananas. She was about seven years old I’d guess and was very cute in her green dress and ponytail.
    Everyone decided to eat outside so I helped set the tables and bring out dishes of hot concoctions. I texted Bish really quick while I had a few seconds.
    Hey. Thanks for the congrats. I miss you. I can’t wait to see you. The sooner the better. Dad’s pretty bad but we’re making it. How’s things in NY?
    As expected, the fasted typer in NY, who always had his phone attached to his hip, answered within thirty seconds.
    Man, I miss you too, kid. I’m sorry about dad. I’ll try to send a little bit more money in a couple weeks but things are crazy expensive here. Other than that, things are...ok. I’ll start looking at when I can get a few days off soon. Love ya.
    I typed back.
    Don’t worry about us. We’re fine. Love you too.
    When I made my final trip into the kitchen to help I saw the men had moved outside and were already parked in their chairs. Most of the woman had sat down too. I saw the empty seat next to Caleb, put my dish down and started to make my way over to him.
    I felt like everyone was watching me. I’d felt like that all day and was glad I hadn’t just grabbed a hoodie and jeans like I would have any other