Popsicles and Cooties

He could feel the popsicle oozing down his hand. While he was eating it as fast as he could, the pack came with two, so all he could do was hold one slightly slanted so the juices would drip on the ground instead of his white shirt. He supposed he should go home, but mother would just make him eat his popsicle outside anyways, so why not enjoy the peaceful scenery all the while. Trees swaying, people walking, and a nice sturdy bench to sit on and daydream. He had almost started on the second when he heard a girl’s voice whining.

“Why can’t I have one? I want a popsicle!” whined the girl, staring at his second, melting treat while tugging on her, presumably, mother’s purse.

“I’m sorry honey, but we didn’t bring any money with me, this was just supposed to be a friendly walk and talk. Now please hush down, we don’t want to cause a scene now do we?” It was a simple reason, a good reason, but the girl kept dragging her mother towards him as they walked by, and in consequence, the other woman she was conversing with. As the girl got closer, on instinct, he started to hand her the other half.

“Here, you can have it if you want. I already had the other half. It came with two,” he said as they walked by, gaining both women’s attention. He was used to sharing with his siblings, being the middle child. Plus it was the nice thing to do, even if he was looking forward to eating the second.

The girl looked with wide eyes at her mother, as if waiting for approval. As her mother gave her a small smile and nod, the girl quickly turned towards him, almost bouncing with excitement, and took the popsicle out of his hand. She was smiling widely while attempting to keep her curls from getting blown into the popsicle. Her mother was also gleaming at their interaction, whispering to her friend.

“Look at them, so adorable!” he overheard. “I can almost hear the wedding bells ringing!”

“Once they grow up they sure would be an adorable couple! And what a polite young boy he is too.”

He internally cringed. Marrying? A girl? Everyone knew they had cooties. He was only giving her the popsicle because he wanted a friend, not kisses. He’d much rather kiss a boy, and he made that very clear.

“I don’t want to kiss girls!” he shouted towards two very embarrassed faces. He knew he wasn’t supposed to be hearing their conversation, but in his defense, they shouldn’t have been talking so loudly, especially with them right there. The girl also looked surprised, turning towards her mother with a confused glance. Why were they talking about him kissing? No matter, she had a popsicle to finish.

“Oh darling, that’s because you’re too young right now. You’ll grow up. Then kissing won’t become so gross,” the other woman said with a gentle smile. They didn’t seem to get it. He was fine with kissing; he knew it was the only way babies could be made. He just didn’t want to do it with a girl. He had partially raised his little sister and he had made up his mind along the way. When he decides to kiss someone, it will be with another boy. That way he wouldn’t have to deal with all the sparkles and princesses and dolls. Plus, boys were easier to have fun with and talk to. Girls were always whispering and giggling. Also, the women had to know they had cooties. No one wants cooties.

“No ma’am. When I want to have a baby, it will be with another boy,” he stated proudly. Because he was proud, that he had made such a logical decision and avoided the trap of ending up with a girl. Both women looked shocked, probably because of how smart he was being. They glanced at each other quickly with a concerned look. What was wrong? Did he get the popsicle juice on his shirt? The girl, on the other hand, was looking down at a popsicle stick rather disappointed it was gone. She had been too busy enjoying it to pay attention to their conversation, but when she did look back up, she saw her mother and aunt looking confused and the boy with a proud look on his face.

“Are you sure, hon? You’re still so young, I don’t think you understand how that works.”

“I’m pretty sure I’d rather kiss boys.”

Kissing? Why were they talking about kissing?

“Plus I don’t want cooties!” He glanced at her. Cooties? She did NOT have cooties. With a huff and a glare, she crossed her arms and looked expectantly at her mommy to back her up. Instead, she just looked even more concerned.

“I don’t think you should be thinking about that right now,” she responded with a tight smile and a soft voice. “You are far too young to be thinking about babies and relationships, you don’t understand.” This just made him angrier. Why was he not supposed to be thinking about it? He was already 9! He was going into fourth grade soon! He knew plenty and he had already made up his mind. He was never going to kiss a girl, ever. Plus who gave them the write to talk about his relationships while they could.

“If I shouldn’t be thinking about it, why should you be allowed to talk about us getting married? Shouldn’t it work both ways!” The women glanced at each other. They both knew he was right, but it was different. Wasn’t it different? “You can’t force me to kiss a girl!” he shouted and stormed off. He had had enough of them and their double standard. Plus, he needed to get home before the sunset, and that conversation had taken them to the late afternoon. Mother would be waiting at home expectantly. With her homemade pie and an understanding that kissing other girls wasn’t something he was going to do. She always understood. She never made him think about it, and she definitely never place marriage on his shoulders. And why should she, it was his decision for the future.