Fallout (Crank 3)

in all that time means I’ve got

a fair amount of catching up to do.

I HAVEN’T CAUGHT ALL THE WAY

Up yet. Haven’t gone all the way

“there,” not that he’s asked to.

Part of me really likes that—

that he respects me enough

not to pressure me into something

I’m probably not ready for. Part

of me wonders if I’m not good

enough for him to even want to try.

It’s warped. So am I. Although

I have to say, with Bryce in my life

I feel a little less distorted than

I used to. He grounds me. Not only

that, but for once, people at school

don’t look at me like I’m a complete freak.

Not with Bryce’s arm around my waist

as he walks me to class. Not when they see

us steal kisses (you’re not supposed

to swap spit in the hallways). Not when

they see us come and go in his car,

stereo blaring. Sometimes grunge,

sometimes country. I’m happy to listen

to Three Days Grace. And, with some

coaxing, he’ll agree to Toby Keith,

though I haven’t quite convinced him

Toby’s music is rock with a Texas

drawl. On weekends we manage

to steal some time together, if I can