Crank (Crank 1)

Nothing unusual.

Nothing, except me.

I whiffed a line of willpower.

Got up, got dressed in

ratty clothes.

Hair unbrushed,

ditto teeth,

I went into

the kitchen, poured

hot black brew

and lied about my date.

Answer Before They Ask

Great strategy. Mom didn’t even snarl

when I said I was too tired to go

to Jake’s soccer game.

Once I saw her tailpipe, I called Chase.

Thirty minutes later, he chugged up

the driveway. One look, he knew.

What’s the matter, Kristina?

“Too much fun last night. Come inside.”

My mom might have accepted the lie.

Chase knew better.

You’re buzzed. But there’s more.

So much for deceit, for accepting blame.

So much for never telling a soul.

I broke down like rotting rafters.

Tell me what happened.

I told him everything, start to finish,

in minute detail. He gathered me up,

glued me back together.