The Rule Book

by Sarah Adams

Sometimes life is like a box of chocolates, and sometimes life is like a box of chocolates left out in the sun all day.

Nora’s soft smile as she sits beside me in class frantically writing notes and I draw an invisible heart over and over on the top of her thigh.

no matter what she does or where she goes, in my heart she’ll always be mine. And I hate her for it.

“You weren’t worried, were you?” There’s a teasing spark in her green-gold eyes and I have to turn away, so I don’t kiss it off.

Don’t let her smile fool you, she’s covered in yellow daisies but she’s dangerous as hell.

The bartender sets her drink down and lingers a second, hoping to catch her eye (because I guess he feels like dying tonight).

I am officially done with people today. Except for her.

It’s now that I realize the shape he’s been drawing on my palm is a heart. Over and over again. Just like he used to.

I love you more than you love cereal on ice cream and more than the sun loves to fry your pretty skin.”