Still, When Brendan Came By

I left my friends with my sister, took a walk to the back of the park, the eyes in back of my head noting envious stares.

Brendan noticed, too.

You related to those people?

"Pretty much." I b.u.mmed a cigarette, inhaled like it was the healthiest thing a person could do.

The pretty one looks like you, but the others don't My turn for a jealous jolt. But I had a secret weapon. "The pretty one is my lesbian sister. The others are my cousins."

Lesbian! Really? I never met one before. How about you?

I laughed. "Of course I've met one, if my sister is one. Oh, you mean do I lean that direction? No way. I prefer male hardware."

I like what you've got, too, li'l sister. At least, what I can see.

Male hardware? Must have read it in Cosmo.

Whatever. Brendan touched my hair, made a move like he just might kiss me....

d.a.m.n. There's my boss. Back to work. Call me, okay?

I wondered if I could. I'd always waited for boys to call me. Which is why I never talked to any except Trent. And Adam.

By the way, beautiful, what's your name? In case you call.

Twice in one day! I almost told him the truth but realized the fantasy was better and rested completely in Bree's hands.

I Went Home

tired, tanned, and stuffed on barbecue, Scott insisted high on life, nicotine, and purloined booze, Chase invited elated, pumped up, full of Bree's magical ego, Brendan inflated chastised, brought back down a notch or two, Leigh instigated then all the way, chest-deep into s.h.i.t when Mom finally noticed the tattoo, my meaningless, forever symbol of love. Still, Bree swore whatever punishment lay ahead, only one thing could have improved that phat, fabulous day: a big bite of the monster.

Grounded UFN

Until further notice. No excursions, no calls.

How unfair could you get?

Couldn't she just decide how mad to be, then mold the consequences to fit?

I'm so disappointed in you!

What else was new? She was only good with "all I could be" when it involved a straight-A report card.

Don't you realize this could scar you forever?

Well, duh, Mom. It already had, though not in the way you imagined.

Couldn't you have asked about that?

Why can't you be more like your sister?

Did she mean look more like her? Be PhD bound? Or maybe she wanted me gay? Lesbians and pregnancy rarely mix.

How can I trust you to make good decisions?

Oh, great. Here it came. No driver's training, no driver's license. Their way of keeping me cooped up forever.

Driver's training is on hold.

And to keep you from feeling cooped up, you can pull weeds.

Fine. I was almost 17, would never drive, and now I'd spend my summer yanking goats' heads.

The Problem with Being Grounded

is it gives you a whole lot of unavoidable time to think.

Not even pulling weeds can take away your ability to plot all the varied and wonderful things you might do to get even, or at least to make up just a smidgen for time lost to TV and yard work and house cleaning.

Time better spent camping with old friends (even slightly annoying ones), partying with great-looking new friends, and expending a few brain cells with the monster.

She Cut Me Loose

Two weeks before Back-to-School, gave me her credit Didn't matter much.

card and a ride to Summer had dissolved.

the mall, her way of New clothes and a few apologizing without new tunes just might saying she was sorry improve my "sour for trashing my summer.

outlook," as she so lovingly termed it.

Jake wanted to come along, but I told him I'd crawl into bed I usually despise trying and stay there rather on clothes but, finally than haul my little free, I meant to make it brother around the an all-day affair, shop mall. He went fishing every store, including with Scott instead.

Victoria's Secret. Guess who I ran into there?

The Reno High Varsity Cheerleaders, all buying new undies and bras to I waved to Trent's sister, shape those tight tanks Robyn, then pretended and sweaters (football to browse, watching them weather in Reno is an yak a hundred words a exceptionally mixed bag).

minute, and I knew my suspicions were accurate.

Those goody-goody girls, flipping perfect cartwheels and pert little ponytails, most definitely accelerated their metabolisms. The only question was: how?

I Pondered That

while I picked out my own underwear.

As I handed the saleslady Mom's credit card, someone tapped my shoulder.

Hey, Bree. Can I see your panties.

Chase! I tried to think of a witty comeback, managing mostly to look like a stuttering fool.

"Uh-oh, uh-old or new?"

Either, or. Better yet, both.

What's up? Where you been?

Like he'd been looking for me since Wild Waters.

Like I'd been avoiding him.

You haven't been avoiding me, have you?

Why would I? What he might lack in looks, he more than made up for in fringe benefits.

I explained about the tattoo.

You really wanna p.i.s.s her off, try a piercing. Want to see mine?

I couldn't find studs in his ears, lips, or tongue. Which pretty much left one place.

"Didn't it hurt?"

Like a mother. But it feels awesome now.

He guided my hand just south of his zipper.

Kristina recoiled.

Bree-well, Bree was Bree, to Chase's great pleasure.

Hee hee. So want to take a little ride? Got my truck outside.

I started to protest.

I had some serious shopping ahead.

And Bree or no Bree, I wasn't about to do Chase Wagner.

No strings. I just want to get to know you better.

Where had I heard a similar tale?

I was about to give him a definite no when he sweetened the offer.

I've got a little toot, if you're so inclined.