Cemetery Street

"I don't think it's weird; I'd love it if some chick would ask me out. It takes the pressure off."

"That's because you're you. And I've had a little time to set you straight."

"Who you planning on asking out?" I crossed my fingers that Shannie was going to ask me to the Chester School's dance.

"Same thing with opening a door," Shannie paused waiting for traffic to pass on Bainbridge Street. "If a guy opened a car door for a gal, people would say he's a gentleman. But what would people call him if she opened that same door for him?"

"LOSER!" Count screamed from a passing car.

"Remind me to beat Count with a stick," Shannie sighed as we waited to cross Bainbridge Street.

"What would you say if I asked you to ask me something?"

"Excellent Eggs," Shannie said, her eyes brightening up. "Actually I was going to ask you something."

"Yeah? Like what?"

"Would you like to be one of my pallbearers?"

"Not that again!" We ran through a gap in the traffic.

"A dead girl needs helpers." Shannie answered.

"Planning on killing yourself?"

"Yup."

I stopped and turned to her. "You're serious."

"As serious as a heart attack."

"Did you talk to anyone?"

"Sort of." Shannie rubbed a temple. "It's just the pressure; I can't handle the pressure anymore."

"I can get help. I'll talk to the guidance counselor tomorrow," I said.

"No don't! He won't be able to do anything. I need your help, not the psycho-babble of some smuck."

"What can I do?" I asked.

"Come with me, help me pick a tuxedo for you. I want you to look perfect."

"Shannie," I grabbed her shoulders and gave her a quick shake. "You're talking gibberish. Listen to me, don't do anything stupid! We can get help!"

"I'll get help, but…" she fell into my grasp. "…for now. Just hold me; please hold me." We stood on the sidewalk embracing. My mind spun. After a moment of silence, framed by the desperate, late season cries of crickets and the passing traffic I whispered, "Did you talk to Diane?"

"Of course I did!" She looked into my eyes.

"And?"

"She supports me," Shannie answered.

"Has she flipped her lid?"