Crank (Crank 1)

That’s pretty late.

Very late. But I’d definitely be

awake. I coughed up the fact

I was sneaking out.

Okay by me. Just don’t get caught.

No duh. I didn’t plan on

getting caught. Still, what could

they do if I did? Ground me forever?

What sort of party would you like?

Damn, direct. Not even sure

if he indulged, I said I’d bring

the toot if he’d bring the beer.

Sounds like a deal I can live with.

Mom’s SUV turned up

the driveway. Deal sealed,

I said good-bye.

See you tonight, luscious.

Luscious? Plain old white

bread me? I liked it. At least

I thought I did then.

I Hid Out in My Room Until Dinner

made sure to gag down every scrap of spinach,

so both my mom and my mouth

would keep quiet.

I still had a valid cramp excuse so I packed it

in early. Uh-huh. Sat in the dark, lit

as the starry sky.

Listened to the sounds of my normality: familiar

footsteps in the hall; whispers; laughter; baying

at the moonlight.