"What?"

"You are ashamed of me."

"Why would I be ashamed?"

"That I'm mortal."

"All they know is that I have a girlfriend and that I'm happy."

I wasn't mad at Alexander. How could I be angty with him, when I hadn't shared him with my family, who I saw every day and he hadn't seen his in months?

But I was disappointed. I assumed Alexander would have told his parents every detail about finding the girl of his dreams in Dullsville and our adventures. But then, Alexander was a guy. I knew Billy Boy hadn't shared with my mom any crush he'd had on a very unlucky girl. I couldn't imagine Trevor spilling his guts about every girl he dated to Mrs. Mitchell-though he probably told the entire soccer team. Not only didn't Alexander talk to his parents, but he didn't have a friend in Dullsville besides me.

I felt a pang of loneliness for Alexander. He didn't have anyone to share his thoughts with. I guess that's why he spent so much of his waking hours painting.

Instead of being impatient as I normally was, I knew I needed to give Alexander space to reunite with his family.

"I have to go now. But I wanted to say hi," he said suddenly.

"I wish you could come to school with me tomorrow. I might be more motivated to get a better education if you were in my classes.Especially if I got to pass you in the way for a quick kiss."

"How about this to keep you company, since I can't be there with you?" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a dark-stained wooden bracelet with a dangling silver heart.

"I love it!" I said, putting it on.

Alexander gave me a long squeeze and a tender good-night kiss.

"When will I see you?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his waist like a giant handcuff.

"Sooner than you think."He gently pried my hands apart, stepped into the shadows, and disappeared.