Chapter 30: Prepare to Die

Ringing in my ears like the hum of a thousand bees pollinating in summer. Ringing from my teeth clenching as tight as they will go. The grinding of my teeth has worn down my back wisdom teeth. Without my braces in the way and a fresh new clean smile...All I do is clench. I think about everything from the Lending Library carrying many stories to the books I donated to its collection. The very collection I once donated The History of Pirates too.

I would travel the sea and let my bullies walk the plank if I were Anne Bonnie. But instead, I clench my jaw at the very thing creating my panic and terror.

Kelly's picture stares at me through the pages of my old yearbook. Her middle school photo had braces, but hers were invisible. People didn't dare call her names even then. If any girl said anything about that, she'd give you a horsey with your bra strap so powerful that your back would have whip marks until freshman year.

Anne Bonnie would have pul