Two hoursbefore the big party Amanda flips her book shut sets it on the kitchen table are you two hungry Nah I say slouched into the armpit of the couch one of my legs across Cricket’s knees Cricket opens one eye then the other her head resting against the back of the couch I’m good she murmurs Okay then Amanda stretches her arms above her head then bends at her waist like a hinge slaps the floor with her palms I’m going running she disappears into her bedroom and I am glad she is gone I want to be with Cricket process what happened not have Amanda run interference
Cricket closes her eyes Amanda springs out of her bedroom her running shoes have soles so thick she looks like Herman Munster Hey I say and I am uncomfortable talking with her since she saw me acting so weird Hey she says stand
