1yulSVC

Katie Bickell
fore, Mr. Nyson had lectured about how almost everything is created from
the burning of interstellar gases, everything: stardust. Besides, the whole
bible freak routine, it was silly, ludicrous. Science, fact, logic, and
proof—that was what it was all about, not that she’d ever say anything
like that to Shannon and Lacey.
Patty kicked sand over the cigarette butt Shannon flicked to the
ground. “I know. It sucks,” she said, “It’s just all that stuff with your brother.
She’s overprotective.”
Whatever, Lacey mouthed, making an L with her index finger and
thumb. The girls left the playground, hands stuffed into the pockets of
their hoodies, capped bottles hiding in their sleeves.
The April night air was crisp but the Sour Puss made Patty feel warm,
alive, euphoric. Stars shone in the cloudless sky and she imagined them
shining brighter just for her, recognizing her as one of their own. Starlight
poured in through her eyes, setting off billions of particles so she radiated
with the same glittery brilliance. Patty stretched out her arms.
“Check out PP,” Lacey giggled.
“Huh”
Behind her Shannon and Lacey walked arm in arm, identical
smirks between curtains of straight blonde hair.
“PP,” Lacey shrieked. “Pervy Pat!”
Shannon laughed until she squirmed, clasping her crotch. “I’m gonna
pee!” She tottered behind a thin tree and dropped her jeans.
A screen door squeaked as they heard a man’s voice shout. “Hey! What
are you doing”
“Oh my God!” Lacey squealed. When they felt they’d run far enough,
the girls collapsed on the grass of a corner lot, laughing hysterically. Lacey
lay on her back and pulled her knees to her chest with her hands, ripping
a loud fart.
“Oh, no!” Shannon said, pulling wet denim from her leg. “I peed on
myself!”
More laughter.
“Here,” Patty took off her sweater and handed it to her, generously,
benevolently. “Tie this around so you don’t get cold.”
The sweater was almost too big for Shannon to tie the arms around
her nonexistent hips. “Are you sure” The way she cooed reminded Patty
of the time Kyle carried Shannon’s desk to the gym for her during midterms.
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