look on the verge of
 
 crashing.
 
 Okay, That’s Bad
 
 Even totally glazed, I know
 
 Dad will be asking to share
 
 what’s left of my stash,
 
 which makes me angry. Pissed.
 
 Relieved. Some deep down straight
 
 part of me wants to shake the monster.
 
 Maybe I can if I quit right now.
 
 I’ll worry about it later. Right
 
 now I’m worried about Leigh,
 
 whose eyes are wide with emotion—
 
 a strange mix of hate, love, and apathy.
 
 If Mom is smart, she won’t let Dad
 
 inside. But ever the hostess, Mom
 
 would be hard-pressed to dismiss
 
 even a troll and his fairy
 
 without first offering refreshments.
 
 As they all start toward the door,
 
 Leigh’s body language changes
 
 from curious to volatile. Every
 
 inch of her tenses like a cheetah,
 
 ready to pounce. Heather notices,
 
 goes over to Leigh, strokes her hair,
 
 kisses her lightly on the mouth.
 
 Don’t take the offensive.
 
 Don’t give away your power.
 
 Except for the Kiss Thing
 
 My respect for Heather