I find a lot of parallels between my aunt and myself. The sad part is that instead of finding it disturbing, I find it highly enlightening. Brenda has always claimed that little kids and dogs are always attracted to her...but really it's more widespread. It's pretty much every living organism and the occasional kitchen appliance. She finds her return interest lacking.

Like Brenda, I profess that I'm terrible when it comes to speaking with people that I don't know. Yet, I know the grocery store checker that has the blue hair (sometimes magenta) lives with her boyfriend who is one year and 3 months younger and so immature that she has to give him chores. I also know her favorite ice cream to be cherry almond and that she consumes a bowl every night before bedtime...oh, and that she has been looking into fitness programs for the last 8 months, waiting for the right one to come along. Nothing yet.

She snorts, my aunt, as we're coming home from our wild night of coffeehouse dining, McDonald's ice cream cones, and Kohl's—where I bought socks and a pair of earrings. "You're just like me. You don't make a lot of eye contact." She went on to relay that the reason the cats flock to me is because I ignore them. She says cats are independent, they don't like coddling. My disinterest attracts them. I grunt. "Same with old men."

I whip my head to her. "Have Nick take you to a bar. Sit at opposite ends. Make eye contact with no one. The old men will flock to you." Lovely...I think I'll pass. Sadly, this exchange came shortly on the heels of me discussing my place in the church, and feeling like a fish out of water, being pretty much the only one there in my age group and situation. I told Bren that I felt like an old maid. "BUT YOU'RE 24!" she exclaimed.

"I mean, really," I debate. "Everybody has children or grandchildren my age. Also, I'm not in any sort of relationship," I pause, rethinking, flopping my wrist with fingers lax, "Well, except for Nick."

"Yeah, 'cept Nick."

But that's a good trick to learn...you know, about the old men. If I ever get desperate enough. Or forget about Nicholas for long enough. Lack of sleep...it does funny things to you.

Keep reminding me, Nick.

Seriously.