The Past Recedes

Chapter 17

"Nika, you shouldn't show off like that", John chided.

"Why not? Don't people like to see that? Mom always had me do that", said Nika.

John frowned. "That was rude, nobody likes conceited people, especially children. And your Mom was being conceited too, children shouldn't show off", he said.

"Really? She used to take me to the studio and have me speak Greek and Latin. The TV people liked it", she said.

John had an uneasy sensation go through the pit of his stomach. "I'll need to ask your grandparents, but I don't like that. I don't like children performing", he said.

Nika was confused. While she disliked going to the studio, she'd thought people liked seeing children perform. "Okay, when is Josh coming over?", she asked.

John raised an eyebrow. "Uh, he's coming over in an hour. Now you go and apologize to Grandpa and Grandma", he said.

"Why, all that stuff is true", she replied.

"Children aren't supposed to know that stuff, or talk about it in public. It embarrassed them", he explained.

"But why? It's the truth, and I know it's true. What's your IQ, mine is 135", she said triumphantly.

"See, it's not good to boast. I don't know, but I suppose it's a bit above average. Please apologize to your grandparents", he said.

Nika sighed and went upstairs to the guestroom. She was confused at why she had to apologize since her mother had her go on their local TV station and show off and everyone seemed to like it. Her grandparents were in the guestroom as she walked inside on shaky legs. "Grandma, Grandpa, I'm sorry if I embarrassed you yesterday at the museum", she said softly after dropping into a deep curtsy.

"We weren't embarrassed, just startled. Children normally don't know stuff like that", said Gail kindly.

"But Mom used to take me to the TV station in Palm Springs so I could show people stuff. They liked it", she said, looking confused.

"Oh dear, I suppose that's different", said Gail with a frown.

"Really, that's weird. Nika, we know you're a really smart kid, but you can't be showing off like that", said John Sr.

"But Mom liked it when I showed off, she said it was a good thing I was smart. She said the other kids were stupid", said Nika.

The older couple exchanged a look. "Nika, it's not nice to call people stupid", said Gail.

"But what if they were?", she asked.

"It's still not nice. You have to learn how to get along with others", said Gail.

"No I don't, people annoy me", she said matter-of-factly.

"Nika, this isn't a healthy attitude. And do we annoy you?", asked John Sr.

"Not really, you're nice. Dad too, and Josh and Flea and Clara. But the girls in my old neighborhood beat me up", said Nika.

"That's terrible. But not everyone is out to hurt you, people are nice if you give them a chance", said Gail.

"No thanks, I prefer books. It's nothing personal", said Nika softly.

The front door and Nika was relieved to see Josh. "Hey Nika, how's your grandparents?", he asked kindly. He took off his black beanie and his long brown hair stood up from static electricity, then quickly flopped down around his face.

"Hi, Josh. Did I embarrass you guys yesterday?", she asked.

"Sort of, kids normally don't know stuff like that. Then again, I knew weird stuff when I was a kid too, like how male seahorses have babies or that a platypus lays eggs", said Josh.

"Really? That's cool, I'm not familiar with animals", she said.

"Except for cats, I suppose. But not all stuff you know is appropriate. There was a kid I knew in first grade who told the class during show and tell about how babies were made, the teacher was so embarrassed and everyone made fun of him", said Josh.

"That's disgusting! I'm never going to let a boy do that to me", she vowed.

Josh let out a nervous giggle as he turned pink. "Uh, okay. I felt the same way at your age", he mumbled.

"Have you done that with a girl?", she asked.

Josh could only stutter as he turned the color of pickled beets. "Uh, uh, not yet", he stammered.

Before Nika could ask any more questions, John came downstairs. He saw the younger man's red face and frowned. "Dad, Josh hasn't done it with a girl", she said earnestly. Josh actually turned a darker shade of red verging on purple as John put an arm around his friend. "Nika, that's not a good question to ask someone", he chided.

Josh gradually turned a more normal color. "Uh, okay. But this state won't last forever, I haven't found anyone I'd like to be with it", he said.

"I know, you've done that since I'm here, Dad. But it's gross", said Nika.

John just shook his head and sighed. "Nika, this is a very strange conversation to have. Grandma and Grandpa want to take you out", he said.

"As long as it's not Disneyland", she said.

"No, they want to go to Venice Beach. You'll like it, there's a lot art galleries and street musicians", said John.

"Really? That sounds cool", said Nika.

"It is, I played some busking gigs there after I left school. There's a lot of great people in Venice", said Josh.

"Ok, Dad. I'll behave for Grandma and Grandpa", said Nika.

"Nika, we're not going to punish you if you make mistakes. Have fun, but you also have to learn how to interact with people. Being conceited isn't going to make you any friends", said John.

"But aren't you proud of your guitar playing?", she asked.

"Yes, but Mom and Dad taught me not to brag. When I got a big ego as a young guy, bad things happened", said John.

Nika really wanted to know what happened to but decided not to ask. "Okay, but Mom was very proud", she replied.

"Some pride is good, but not too much", John warned, a sad, knowing look in his hazel eyes.

John made sure Nika got in the car with his parents before Mildred started preparing tea. "So Josh, did she really ask you that?", he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Josh blushed. "Uh, yeah. Nothing happened after my date with Ashley, I just dropped her off at her place. We are going on another date Friday, but we do go back on tour Monday", he said.

"Hey, that's cool. Don't rush it, when I joined the band at 18 I was so eager to lose my virginity because Anthony kept teasing me. I don't even remember it, I was drunk", said John.

"Wow, trust me, it won't be like that. I want to lucid when that happens, but I want to be ready", said Josh thoughtfully.