Climb-and-dive on the crank coaster,
I unlocked my heart, let the hurt out.
And then, like he was listening
at the keyhole, Chase called.
(He even asked for Kristina.)
Hey, sweetheart. Just checkin’
up on ya. You okay?
Let’s see. Speedin’. Wantin’ tobacco.
Cryin’ over a guy I thought I was over.
Probably going to start my period—just
in time to encourage a few new zits right
before school started. “Fine.”
Really? You don’t sound fine.
Can I make you feel better?
I told you he was intuitive. Even
if he wasn’t the type I could
bring home to Mother. Yes,
I liked Chase Wagner.
I’d sing to you but I’m pretty
sure that wouldn’t help.
I jumped into his well of ever-present
cheerfulness, gulped deeply,
laughed out loud. We talked until
Scott needed to use the phone.
You probably won’t sleep
much tonight. Think of me
once or twice?
At least. I hung up, feeling much less
alone. Pulled out my journal and
started to write. Wrote all night.