excerpt from “Burning 4 Rose”

Colin: Oh, hey Rose... Hey, Do you like Skittles?

{digs through disorganized backback, pulls out dirty Kit Kat wrappers, wipes chocolatey stains on jeans}

Rose: Thanks. But I'm late for Bio... {eyes looking down at shoes, plays with long brown hair - does not make eye contact and says:}

I do like Skittles though.

Colin: Cool... {stops digging through backpack. emits minor burp. wipes forehead. checks shoes. looks behind him. slings backback over shoulders. says "hey" to friend walking by. looks at Rose with intrigue}

Yeah. {dramatic pause followed by next period warning bell}

Me too. {eyes try to dig into the soul of Rose, who finally peers up}

I mean I really, really like them, too.