I like French fries," I say. I like French fries? I sound like a slow child in a made-for-TV movie.

And if I'm not forgiven, then at least I'm understood.

One day she told me that they'd decided that my gender was divvied into two neat piles-Men and Guys. Basically, all the saints of the world: Men. The jerks, the players, the wet T-shirt contest aficionados? They were Guys.

Everyone has hardship in their life. Everyone has pain.

I don't really care. I shouldn't have to care. I shouldn't have to work this hard. I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard.

Willem holds my wrist for a long moment, looking at that birthmark. Then he lifts it to his mouth. And though his lips are soft and his kiss is gentle, it feels like a knife jamming into the electrical socket. It feels like the moment when I go live

Bribes are the glue that's kept teenagers and parents connected for generations