Chapter 16
THE PREPARATION
"Rupert?"
"What, Mimosa?"
"Do you still want to marry me?"
"Let me consider your question." Rupert hesitated, studying Mimosa's face intently as the bus continued its lumbering way across town.
"I don't see the logic in it," he admitted finally. "Therefore, I assume you have either a prank or a practical joke on your mind. In either instance, the answer you would prefer is 'yes', and since 'yes' would also be a legitimate reply in regard to my emotional projection of our relationship, I can frankly, but hesitantly, answer your question in the affirmative."
"What if I weren't a virgin?"
"Technically, morally, and religiously, that's much too complex for my computer-like mind to handle, unless you employ a specific."
"A virgin is a virgin," Mimosa replied. "That means a girl who hasn't been laid-laid, fucking, sex, the birds and the bees, Rupert! Has anyone ever discussed the facts of life with you?"
"Certainly," Rupert responded. 'Miss Gitlin."
"WHAT?"
"Don't shout, Momosa. I do not enjoy emotional scenes on public vehicles of transportation."
"You've discussed fucking with Miss Gitlin? Miss Gitlin? That clumsy stupid science teacher?"
"Sex is biology," Rupert replied. "Naturally, we discuss biology ... in biological terms. Fucking is a literary form. Usually I read it in print."
"Did you ever do it?"
Rupert shook his head. "Of course not. I'm only thirteen. It would be technically impossible. I haven't reached puberty yet."
"I have."
Rupert blushed. "I've noticed that fact, Mimosa. Indeed, I believe I was aware of it before you. If you recall, I proposed marriage a year ago."
"True. True," Mimosa said thoughtfully. "I've really only been fully aware of it the past few months."
"I imagine it must be a strain."
Mimosa nodded. "Sometimes I don't know what to do."
"Which is why you are considering deflowering yourself, I presume?"
"I've done that," Mimosa said. "I did it with my thumb. About three months ago. It didn't hurt much."
"Therefore, your previous question was irrelevant. If you are already deflowered, then the question of your virginity is certainly academic."
"Well," Mimosa hesitated, "not really. I'm considering the idea of doing it with a man."
Rupert beamed. "That's an excellent idea. I approve of that completely."
"Do you?" Mimosa asked with a downcast expression. "But I thought you loved me. You asked me to marry you. Wouldn't you want me to be a virgin?"
Rupert shook his head.
"No?" Mimosa persisted. "Really?"
"Really! First of all, our contemplated marriage would not occur for at least a decade. During that time, I have a great deal of academic work which must be accomplished, leaving me no time at all for the development of the physical side of my nature. A marriage seems to me to be a perfectly natural union of complementary opposites-Yin and Yang. That principle."
"White I cultivate my mind for the next ten years, I would appreciate it if you devoted similar care and attention to the preparation of your body. As many sexual experiences as you require should be rapidly indulged in. Think of me and all the cram courses I indulge in. Unless you intend to be lazy!"
"Do I act lazy?" Mimosa demanded indignantly. "I happen to be reacting right now with a sort of quirky feeling of dumb amazement, but that's because we never discussed this before."
"That's not my problem," Rupert replied indignantly. "Up until now, I've been an object of scorn and ridicule in your eyes."
"That's true."
"I know."
"But not any more," Mimosa said. "Now I think you are very intelligent."
"An opinion in which I concur."
"We might just do well with each other at that," Mimosa remarked, giving credence to a thought which a few hours ago she would have considered ludicrous. "You'll study and I'll screw."
"For the next ten years," Rupert said. "From then on, we'll combine our report." Mimosa laughed.
"Shall we shake hands and call it a deal?"
She hesitated, looking at the serious-faced boy with intent interest. Rupert certainly was smart. "All right," Mimosa said, "it's a deal!"
They shook hands.
"Now I'm engaged!" Mimosa stood up. "I'll see you later, Rupe. I'm about to go into practice!"
"Here?" Rupert asked. "This isn't our stop."
"This is the hospital, isn't it."
"Yes..."
"That's my stop," Mimosa announced. "Don't worry, Rupe. I'll make you a fine old wife!"