When I get out of bed, my joints creak. It feels like I'm an old man! Aunt Sally told me it was normal for guys to grow a whole bunch, but this is ridiculous. I'm only twelve!
I stand up and stretch, tails curling tiredly. I look at my bed. So many bedtime stories and funny-kisses.
Now it's too small for me! Or rather, I've gotten too big for it. My stockings always stick out the bottom, and Bunnie never lets me forget it. 'Ah knew it was yew, hun. Mah ears can hear yor feet comin' from a mile away!'
I run my hand over the sheets fondly. I'm gonna miss this bed when I have to get a new one.
I'm tired of growing! I'm only twelve!
I throw my sneakers on and head over to grab some breakfast. I like to get there early to avoid the crowds...and the stares. No, not from my two little friends.
Let's see, apple, banana, cereal, oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, rasin bran, milk, grapefruit, two omeletes...wait! Yesterday I only had one omelete! What's happening to me?!
Rotor snickers good naturedly as I sidle up to a table with my mountain of food. I grumble, but can't say anything in return. Walruses always eat this much.
What was that someone said once? A black hole in the stomach? Yeah, I've got two of those. I mean, what else could explain me eating all this food?!
I'm only twelve!
Later on I'm over at the watch tower, helping Dulcy set up a new windsock. She went left when she shoulda gone right. No, scratch that, she just should have stayed on the ground.
Straining, I pull the log upright using the pulley system I rigged onto a nearby tree. Someone whistles. I look behind me, and see those girls again. Those. Same. Girls. Giggling...at me!
"Tails! THE LOG!!!"
The rope snaps taught as I drag the log back up sheepishly. But, seriously, who can concentrate when girls are ALWAYS staring at you?! Antoine said something like 'Zey are attracted to your charmz and good loooks, oui? I knowz this, Tails, for it is, how you zay, zo hard to be ze stud, yes no?' Well, HE may know it, but I sure don't!
Come on, I shouldn't have stalkers! I'm only twelve!
That afternoon I'm alone, sitting by the ring pool. At least some things never change. No matter how old I get, the same ring will always pop out of the water at the same time. If no one's around, I'll watch it hover over the water for a few seconds, before snatching it, and going to give it to...
"Hey lil' bro, what'cha doin' on such a fine day?"
I nearly fall into the lake when Sonic appears out of nowhere, like he always does, and greets me in his usual way.
"Geez, Sonic! Trying not to fall in the water!" I complain, narrowing my eyes at him accusingly.
He laughs, the way he always laughs. The way he does anything. Unabashedly forward, saying, 'Yeah, I'm Sonic, and here's how it is!'
"Sorry, bro, sorry." He sits down next to me. "Days like this, man...feels like I could just up and blow outta here for a week."
"I bet Sally'd have a fit." I counter, though liking the idea myself.
"Nah, she'd just be worried 'bout me or somethin'. But I'd be safe, no prob, 'cause you'd come too, right?!" Sonic smirked, ruffling my hair the way he used to when I was a kid.
But I'm not a kid any more.
Kids are satisfied with number one fan status.
Kids are satisfied with best friend status.
I stutter out a reply, and Sonic's rolling on the ground, laughing at my reaction. My cheeks are red, and I tell him I've been kinda sick lately.
Kids don't have to make up excuses. Kids tell it like it is.
Just another part of growing up, though this part is really bad...but not THAT bad. Yeah, it doesn't make any sense...I don't understand it either. That's why it's so frustrating!
Sonic's in the pool now, yelling to me to not be a wet blanket and join the party.
When did this happen?
I think I'm in love with my best friend!
...but I'm only twelve!!!