No. Harsh Truth Was Better

Derek Caught My Arm Again As I Started To Move--at This Rate, It Was Going To Be As Sore As My Injured One. "dog," He Said, Jerking His Chin Toward The Fenced Yard. "it Was Inside Earlier." Expecting To See A Doberman Slavering At The Fence, I Followed His Gaze To A Little Puff Of White Fur, The Kind Of Dog Women Stick In Their Purses. It Wasn't Even Barking, Just Staring At Us, Dancing In Place. "oh, My God! It's A Killer Pomeranian." I Glanced Up At Derek. "it's A Tough Call, But I Think You Can Take Him.

There Was No Closing My Eyes And Sliding Back Into That Blissful Dream Of Normal. This Was My Normal Now.

To Distract Myself From Thoughts Of My Father, I Decided To Check Out The Dead Body.

Ooh, Big Day In Town For Our Park Warden,” I Said. “they’re Even Making You Wear The Uniform. Hayley’s Mom Will Be Happy. She Thinks You Look Hot In It.” Dad Turned As Red As His Hair. Mom’s Laugh Floated Out From Her Studio. “maya Delaney. Leave Your Father Alone.

What's The Woman Doing There?" He Asked. "covering A Scratch On The Hood. She Was Cheaper Than A New Paint Job." He Flipped Through A Few More Pages Of Barely Dressed Women And Classic Cars. "nick Used To Have Magazines Like This When We Were Kids. But Without The Cars." He Rotated A Photo Sideways. "or The Bathing Suits.