Page 3 of A Little Twist

Glancing up, I study her pretty face. “You have a really good voice.”

She smiles, full lips parting over straight white teeth, and a pinpoint dimple is at the corner of her mouth. “Thanks. I love to sing.”

“What was that song?”

“‘I Have a Dream.’ It’s from the Broadway musicalMamma Mia.” She tilts her head, taking her hand from mine. “Technically, it’s an Abba song, but I love Broadway best.”

“Have you ever been?”

She shakes her head. “Maybe one day I’ll go. I’d love to seePhantomorWicked… I wish I’d gotten to seeWest Side Story, but it’s gone now.”

Nodding, I’m not sure how to respond. I’ve never known anybody who knew so much about Broadway shows. “Why are you living with your aunt?” Her brow furrows, and I quickly explain. “I was just wondering what happened to your parents.”

“Oh.” Her voice goes quiet again. “My mom couldn’t take care of us anymore, so Aunt Carol asked if I wanted to come stay with her.”

“Us?”

“My little sister Jemima and me.”

Again, I’m not sure what to say. I’ve never known anybody who didn’t live with their parents. “I’m sorry.”

Her chin lifts, and she smiles. “It’s okay. Some people aren’t cut out to be parents, I guess. That’s what Carol said. As much as they try, they can’t get it together. Or keep it together.” She adds the last part under her breath. “Doesn’t mean she doesn’t love me. Or even that she doesn’t like me.”

My brow furrows, and I can’t tell if she’s pretending not to care or if she’s really okay with her situation.

“I can’t imagine anyone not liking you.”

She bends her leg, putting her foot on the log and resting her cheek on the top of her knee. Her eyes meet mine, and her smile is back. “You’re nice. Your dad’s the sheriff, right?”

“And his dad before him.”

Her small nose turns up at the end. “You’re starting tenth grade?” I nod, and she lifts her head. “I’m only in eighth, but maybe we can be friends.”

I don’t say anything, but my eyes drift to her full lips. I’ve never kissed a girl before, and I’m having all kinds of thoughts about things I’ve never done. I’ve never been on a date, never held a girl’s hand, never seen a girl naked in real life… until now.

“Don’t you want to be friends?” Her voice is defiant, and I sit up straighter.

“Uh, sure… I guess.”Do I?

She stands up quickly, practically jogging in the direction of the forest, and I jump up fast to follow her.

“Where are you going?” I hop over rocks and sticks wishing I had my shoes.

She stops and turns so abruptly, we bump into each other, and I grab her arms to keep us both from falling.

Lifting her arms out of my grip, she shakes her head. “I guess you think you’re too good to be my friend. I guess you’re too awesome to hang out with a middle schooler who doesn’t even have a mom.”

“I don’t think any of that!” My reply is loud, and I blurt what I was thinking. “I think you’re really pretty, and I was thinking how I might like to kiss you.”

Her eyes blink wider, then her mouth closes as her brow lowers. “You spied on me naked, and now you want to kiss me? Are you trying to cop a feel?”

Am I?

Maybe a little.

“No! I like talking to you. And listening to you sing, too.”

She studies me a moment longer, her breath coming in quick pants from running. Before I can think, she steps forward and presses her full lips to mine in a closed-mouth kiss.

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