Fallout (Crank 3)

with a plea. “I’ve never told

this story to anyone

before.

Can we just keep it between

you and me?” The question

floats, a fallen red leaf in

the breeze.

KYLE HAS LISTENED

Without comment. Finally he says,

Who would I tell? He cocks his head,

looks at me in an assessing way.

That’s why you never did it with Matt?

“Not with Matt or anyone else. But

how do you know we never did?”

He grins. Because Matt isn’t the type

to get laid and not brag about it.

I, on the other hand, am very good

at keeping secrets. He moves closer,

puts his arm around my shoulder.

I’m sorry that happened to you.

But it doesn’t change how I feel.

I love you. And if you really love

me, you have to trust me. In one

swift motion, he shifts his body

and I am again reclining in autumn

gold grass. I learned a long time ago

not to place my trust in anyone.

You always get screwed in the end.

But when Kyle lowers himself over me,

the kiss that finds my lips is brimming