Quiz time and the classroom is quiet. Only a few sniffles, Brent’s jackhammer foot tapping. The hum of a mower on the other side of the window. I search the page for answers I know right off the bat. It’s not a lengthy scan. I have to pass this quiz. I’m already staring at a... Continue Reading →

"Come on, Lia. This is crazy. Even for you.” She was six or seven steps up ahead when she spun around and tore into me with her harshest glare. I was certain she was crazy. Absolutely crazy. And yet, I couldn’t tell if the buzzing I heard was coming from the streetlight over our heads... Continue Reading →

I manage to get a grasp on the door handle, timing my steps as I run along to keep pace with the car's impatient crawl. I jerk the door open and toss my backpack to the floorboard. With a quick prayer, I leap into the front seat. “Go Robbie, go!” Anna cheers me on, slapping... Continue Reading →

Mom had been seeing Troy for a few weeks when he ruined a fine Saturday afternoon by lugging over all his stuff. He didn’t have much, but it took all his friends and most of the day to haul in his stereo, records, and several cans of beer. They also towed over that junk car... Continue Reading →

Dad told me I’d scared her off. He said that I never should have bought an engagement ring and a house at the same time. It’s a lot to put on a bartender, he thought, saying we should have rented first, just to see how things went. I asked if he meant rent the ring... Continue Reading →

It was a little after eight when I got back to Madison Street. Aunt Glenda had a dinner plate looming in the fridge. Oh joy, tortellini, only with faux meat sauce that threatened to put my stomach through a cheese grater. I slid it into the trash and covered it with a paper towel, grabbed... Continue Reading →

Harrison Potter once told me that his parents had never read the books. He said you could tell them JK Rowling was top shelf cognac and they’d have no reason not to believe you. They’d only seen the movies, the posters, the trend. And they'd felt compelled, for reasons unknown, to name their son, Harry.... Continue Reading →

Burt finished up with the lot, sweeping it clear of trash and leaves, even hosing off the back where someone had spilled a milkshake. As always, he took pride in his job, and paid no mind to the pestering kids and their teasing. He kept his head down and swept, gratified by the clean curbs... Continue Reading →

Ron and I crossed Clay Street near the row of boarded up townhouses. We stayed on the sidewalk, keeping an eye out for busted bottles or glass as we approached the T-Market, bobbing along to the beat from Ron’s boom box. It must have weighed thirty pounds, that radio. Duel cassette and a five-band equalizer... Continue Reading →