Fallout (Crank 3)

about it. Listen to your heart.

It generally says the right thing.

MY HEART SPOKE UP

Told me Brendan is a prick

and that, even more than our mutual

eye art, increases the likelihood

that he is, yes, my father.

Guilt seethed all the way

home. And there was no staunching

it when Nikki greeted me at the door

wearing a sexy red dress.

Like it? she demanded.

It’s for the station Christmas party.

“I love it. You’ll be the prettiest girl

there, that’s for sure.”

Without warning, chills

rattled my body. “Cold out today.”

See? I’m glad I didn’t go. Come on,

I’ll fix you some cocoa.

She pulled me off into

the kitchen, prattling on and on

about shopping and malls

and where we’ll spend Christmas Day.

Though my eyes couldn’t help but admire

her silk-sheathed frame,

my brain could not focus

on what she was saying, something

she finally took note of. Hey. Are

you getting sick or what?

She set the steaming cup