Mike put the repaired string down by the kitchen table and went to her, slowly. He rubbed her shoulders with his left hand, as he spoke.
"What's wrong, Jeanie? You seem like you're angry about something. Did I do something wrong?"
He sounded so adorably innocent she tried to let the anger go out of her voice.
"No, not really, Mike. It's just me. As you know, I haven't, until now, had much luck with men. Ever since I was a teen ager my dream has been to some day settle down and have kids. Dammit, after all, Mike, under the scientific, logical shell you know every day at work, I am a woman, you know! And I've always wanted to marry a special, loving, home-spun guy like you....a normal, good-looking guy." She turned to face him, almost in tears.
"I try to fool myself, you know," she continued, with great difficulty, "Things with us are so perfect and wonderful I forget that you're different, you're not normal, and have special powers. You're just the guy I've always wanted.....then, BAM, something like this happens, and it scares me, Mike, it terrifies me down to my very bones! I don't want to loose you, ever, but I don't know if I'll ever be able to get used to your powers. I've always been weary of psychic phenomena because of my upbringing. You're so different. I know it's not your fault, but I want to get MARRIED some day, Mike. You can't do this, you can't do that, you don't know what else will happen to you....why; get MARRIED....you don't even know if you can....and I'm a woman, I....."
"I know you are, darlin', I'm well aware of that fact every time I'm in the same room with you! My body won't let me forget it! Anyway, you don't have to worry, I've already asked Dr. Horton about that, and he says everything's o.k., to go ahead with any plans I have that include you. He even took some tests and they came out fine."
"I don't know, Mike, what's going to become of us, but I DO know that I'm going to need a little time to think things over, alone, before we continue our relationship. I'm sorry, Mike, but I....think we should separate for a while, then sort out our feelings."
Mike was flabbergasted by Jeanie's outburst. He thought they were getting along excellently, and he never suspected she felt so strongly about this. He wished with all his heart at that moment, they'd have talked more. With a horrible sinking feeling he whispered, "If you think that's what's best. I- I don't want to....hurt you.....ever."
Jeanie's expression changed instantly as she watched him, to one more relaxed. She felt like a balloon that had just lost all its air.
"Oh, bureaucrats!" she cursed, "Why should I say all this and hurt you? Why should I fight it? I know we were meant to be together from the first time I saw you! Forget everything I've said tonight about us.