Page 83 of The Black Flamingo

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But “almost” makes it all untrue.

The following day, when we do

the performance and finally kiss,

I’m thinking of what Daisy said—

“It’s just acting”—and I don’t even

remember the touch of his lips on mine.

After the performance,

I notice Kieran is in the audience.

Did he come to see me?

No. He goes over to hug Faith

and Destiny. Who I have forgiven

already, regardless of what grade

we get.

Daisy comes over to me: “Well done!

You were amazing!” she says loudly,

and then she whispers, “So, how did it feel

to kiss Rowan?”

“It’s weird but I, like, didn’t feel anything,”

I say, looking over at Kieran, who is laughing,

with his arm around Destiny’s shoulder.

“Daisy, will you come to a gay club with me

sometime?”

“Of course. I thought you’d never ask.”

She laughs, puts her arm around my waist.

“Once exams are over, obviously.”

I call Granny B

to tell her about my A grade for drama.

She screams, “Well don, darling!

Yuh muss tell yuh fada. I’m guh fi guh get him.”

She shouts his name three times.

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