Free Intuition by C. J. Omololu Page A

for, using up resources and enjoying themselves, and that’s about it.Improving the world for current and future generations isn’t on their radar.”
    â€œAre there a lot of them?”
    â€œMore than enough,” Janine sneers. “But I’m surprised that an Iawi is mixed up with Khered. Usually by the time someone’s been around for a while they mature enough to leave that lifestyle behind.”
    Sue leans forward on her elbows. “So, what are you going to do about this Drew person?”
    â€œNothing, if I can help it.” I look at Janine. “I know this is probably weird to hear because you’re his mom and all, but I love Griffon, and I want to spend as much time as I can with him in whatever lifetimes we’re lucky enough to be in together. We were drawn to each other after what happened between us last time. Griffon was the one who recognized that I’m Akhet, and he’s been there through all the craziness that’s happened since. If there’s any fate involved, mine is to be with Griffon. Not Drew.”
    â€œForgive me for saying this,” Janine says quietly, “but you don’t sound like you’re trying to convince me. Sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself.”

Seven
    â€œWatch that car!” Mom shouts, grabbing for the dashboard and pumping an imaginary brake on the passenger side. “He’s pulling out!”
    â€œI see him,” I say irritably, turning the wheel to the left to avoid the Prius’ bumper. Driving with her is always a lesson in patience, as well as three-point turns and parallel parking. She freaks out about every little thing. I can’t wait until I take my driving test next month and can kick her out of the car.
    â€œGet in the right lane. You’re going to turn right up here.”
    â€œIn, like, a mile,” I say, putting on the blinker just to shut her up. “I know where I’m going.” I wonder if I’ve had a driver’s license in a previous lifetime, because driving doesn’t seem all that hard.
    â€œYou should always anticipate your next move,” she says,craning her head back to make sure there’s no car in my blind spot.
    â€œAnd the next move of everyone around me,” I finish for her. “I know. Maybe I should get my behind-the-wheel hours with Dad.”
    She turns to me, a pained look on her face. “Why would you say something like that? It’s hurtful.”
    â€œI’m just saying that Dad doesn’t get as . . . nervous as you do when we’re driving.”
    â€œWell, forgive me for caring,” she says, folding her arms and slumping in the passenger seat.
    â€œI know you care. I just need you to care a little more calmly.”
    â€œRight!” she says, pointing. “Take a right here. The restaurant is just down this block. Look for a place to pull over.”
    I slow down, looking for the restaurant. “Can I stay out past curfew? Just for tonight? I’ll be with Kat the whole time.”
    â€œWe agreed on midnight,” she says. “Nothing good ever happens after midnight.”
    I double-park next to the row of cars that line the street. “I’m sixteen,” I say, my frustration mounting about my inability to change any of my parents’ stifling rules. “Almost seventeen. Soon I’m going to have a driver’s license, and with all of the money I’ve saved from giving cello lessons, Dad said he’d help me buy a car—”
    â€œLook,” she interrupts. “I know how hard it is to be young. To have your first crush. I’m just trying to help you make the right choices.”
    I get out of the car and slam the door. “I don’t need that kindof help. I’m not a baby.” I wish I could tell her how much I’ve been remembering lately. About being in England. About being an adult. That I really am not a little kid anymore.
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