Crank (Crank 1)

Climb-and-dive on the crank coaster,

I unlocked my heart, let the hurt out.

And then, like he was listening

at the keyhole, Chase called.

(He even asked for Kristina.)

Hey, sweetheart. Just checkin’

up on ya. You okay?

Let’s see. Speedin’. Wantin’ tobacco.

Cryin’ over a guy I thought I was over.

Probably going to start my period—just

in time to encourage a few new zits right

before school started. “Fine.”

Really? You don’t sound fine.

Can I make you feel better?

I told you he was intuitive. Even

if he wasn’t the type I could

bring home to Mother. Yes,

I liked Chase Wagner.

I’d sing to you but I’m pretty

sure that wouldn’t help.

I jumped into his well of ever-present

cheerfulness, gulped deeply,

laughed out loud. We talked until

Scott needed to use the phone.

You probably won’t sleep

much tonight. Think of me

once or twice?

At least. I hung up, feeling much less

alone. Pulled out my journal and

started to write. Wrote all night.