not a taste of Kristina.
 
 First I’ve Got To
 
 Get out the front door without
 
 someone stopping me. One excuse
 
 comes easily to mind. I locate
 
 my keys and the money Dad gave
 
 me and don’t even stop to brush
 
 my teeth or hair. [Ugly picture!]
 
 I hear everyone in the kitchen.
 
 Perfect. “I’ll be right back,” I call,
 
 stowing the excuse for later.
 
 I go straight for my car, jam
 
 the key into the ignition, and as
 
 I back out, I notice Mom at
 
 the door, hands on hips. Her lips
 
 are moving, but I wave and keep
 
 going. Within a quarter mile
 
 my cell rings. Caller ID says it’s
 
 Mom, and I consider letting
 
 it go to voice mail. Better not.
 
 “Hi, Mom. Yes, I know I was rude.
 
 Yes, I’m grateful Leigh volunteered
 
 to get up with Hunter. Yes, I know
 
 we’ve got lots to do today. Yes, I
 
 understand how important tomorrow
 
 is. Where am I going?” [Thought
 
 she’d never ask!] “I woke up
 
 majorly on the rag and out of
 
 tampons. Had to get some ASAP.”
 
 She mentions the obvious—