Crank (Crank 1)

Chase Steadied Me

as we walked to his truck,

hand in hand. He opened

the door, helped me inside,

slid in behind the wheel.

So tell me.

I considered playing

ignorant, but knew he

wouldn’t let go.

“About the baby …”

My eyes unlocked

from his, but not quickly

enough to conceal the truth.

Brendan is the father.

My throat constricted,

like a rubber band twisting

around my admission.

“Oh, God, Chase.

It’s all so wrong!”

Our eyes reconnected.

In his, I found sympathy.

And jealousy.

It doesn’t matter, Kristina.

We can make it right.

He Drove Me Home—Slowly

My stomach flip-flopped

with every curve and brake.

Finally, he asked,

So what do you think?

I had no answers.