Page 6 of First Kiss with a Mothman

“A human transfer?”

“How can you tell?”

“Your reaction to being at a mummy coffee shop.”

I snicker. “Guilty. Haven’t spent too much time with monsters.”

“What brings you here to the U?” he asks.

“Cheap tuition. A music program.” I shrug and push up my sunglasses. “And finally, the chance to spread my wings.”

“I hear that.”

“Squawk!” He chuckles at my bird. Reginald is apparently done with his sesame seeds.

“Speaking of wings, this little guy is so chill. Can’t believe they trained a seeing-eye bird.”

“They didn’t. But he kind of found me. And he does all the guiding I need, so the government made an exception for this blind guy. I was never much of a dog person anyway.”

“How does he help you? Does he tug on, like, a leash?”

“No. He flies around, and I can hear him. And when it’s time to turn, or if I shouldn’t cross the street, he lands on my shoulder. He taps to get my attention, so like, if I’m supposed to be turning left, he won’t stop tapping until I turn that way.”

“Wow,” Tanner remarks in awe. “You and the bird are completely in sync.”

You have no idea. “Basically.”

“Cool. So he actually is a familiar.”

I sip then put down my coffee. “I’m not a witch. Or a monster or anything.”

“Doesn’t matter. A buddy of mine has a familiar bat. And he’s human.”

“Really?” I tap the table and Reginald hops up to my shoulder.

“Yeah. But he shares it with his boyfriend, a vampire, so there’s that.”

“Wow. I already like Creepin U. I mean…shit, is it offensive if I say that?”

Tanner chuckles and stands up. “I’ve been where you are. Not offensive, but probably don’t say that near Dean Yaga.”

We share a laugh, and I hear him pick up the tray. He offers to throw out my trash and come back, so I oblige. I stand up and take out my walking stick, mentally preparing to ask Tanner where I can make friends. Then, maybe he’ll take the hint and become my first official college friend.

“All cleaned up, Arie. You need me to direct you to the dorms?”

“No, but I do have a question.” I gulp and try not to sound like a loser. “How do people like…make friends on campus?”

“Well, there are parties, frats or otherwise.”

“Wow, we have fraternities here?”

“Yeah. There’s also the annual bonfire. Drinks by the river to celebrate the beginning of the year.”

I gasp and grin. “That sounds amazing. You going?”

“Yeah. My boss, my boyfriend, and all my friends are going. As per the rules of peer pressure, I’m there.”

While I’m mildly disappointed he’s taken, I’m glad that gay guys can be open here at Creelin. Maybe he can help me find a boyfriend of my own?