The trees blow around in the night. The black night is upon us, and the whispers of the stars hide our secrets.I've spent the whole day with Jeremy. I don't know his back story despite hanging out, and he doesn't know mine. His life is his own."Do you like libraries," Jeremy asks?I already know Jeremy knows I love books. But, escaping into a world beyond our own is the best feeling in the world. Leaving my life behind to follow characters on their journey is the only way I know how to breathe."I love reading. I'm a bit of a romance novel fan and an avid comic book reader."Jeremy goes into his bag and pulls out old Batman comics. He hands them to me.

Bullying feels like a dance between two people. The dance-off is between the bully and the victim. It's hard to see the other people around us if we are bullied.When Kelly taunts me, her gang of defenders encourages the fight. Alexa and Tia would be nothing without Kelly. What would Kelly be like without them? I sometimes wonder what would happen if it really were just Kelly and I, alone one on one. The world would turn in my favor and shift towards my needs.That would sure be the day. But it is not today. Not today by any means.My parents don't know about Jeremy. They don't know that I've kissed a boy. If mom knew it would be in the family scrapbook by now, among my other milestones. Or on some embarrassing Instagram post.My mind thinks back to Jeremy and the simple kiss we shared. Did it mean anything to him? To me? I am not sure what we are, but it's a good feeling for now.His story haunts me. How can a mother become violent and snap at the

Egg yolk and flour mix in clumps all over me. This is how an unmixed pancake must feel. I don't know how I am going to scrape all this off. Good thing I left my backpack in my locker. The school is closed. I'll have to get my phone later. And I think my keys are in there too. Perfect, just perfect.I wish I had been with Jeremy at the zoo. We could have been swimming with the dolphins by now. The base of the big tree has one spot left, one spot left where they didn't paint all over it. I don't know how Kelly and her posse managed to get away with graffiti in broad daylight. She probably started the fire in the church and somehow framed Jeremy for it. Maybe I should visit the ruins of the Vineyard Church and do some digging for the truth myself.I cry under the base of the tree. The snot of the egg yolk and flour dust make me cough. I can barely see through either substance.A loud car muffler stops a few meters away from the big tree. I wonder if people have pai

The doorknob turns, and Mr. Davis walks in. He looks the same as he did all those months ago at the pool."Jeremy, how was your day? My boss almost fired me. But I tell you, I've just about had it at that bank."Mr. Davis doesn't notice me as he takes his trench coat off and hangs it on a hook. His large black shoes leave scuff marks on the floor."Dad, this is Lily."Mr. Davis turns around, and a bright smile finds his face."Oh, well, excuse my manners. I remember you, Lily. You're that girl from the swimming pool. Sorry again that I didn't realize those girls were bullying you."Jeremy turns to me like I'm supposed to report my bullying shenanigans to him."It's no big deal. I'll deal with them in due time," I say."Kids these days, they don't even have the guts to bully face to face. They do it through computers and cameras. Well, if those mean girls ever bother you again, you let me know," Mr. Davis says."What happ

Romance novels are the best medicine for the soul. I never knew I could be in my version of romance. But, this time, it's not a character in a book; it's me having a relationship with another person.Jeremy breaks from our kiss and leads me to the car. The drive back is filled with handholding and Jeremy kissing the back of my hand several times. We don't say much to each other. Instead, we giggle and brush each other's hands together accidentally.Mr. Davis is asleep in front of the tv when we get home. Jeremy puts a large comforter over his father. His glasses are still on his face. I slide them off, fold them down, and put them on a side table.Jeremy carries my duffle bag into the guest bedroom. So, this is my home now for a while. I'll have to buy more clothes for myself later. Glad I have money from tutoring all those grade school kids.I'm sure my mother will come to her senses and invite me home. A part of me hopes that's true. But I can't know fo