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The Futon
Nelson Gary
 End of Part III (Parts I, II, and III in previous issues):
Noelle slapped both her hands on her knees as hard as she could, then in a
streak of white light they were at her temples deep into her jet black bangs
that she began to pull at while her chest bobbed up and down like it was a
pump for her eyes that flowed with generous tears. It was the most
gratified I had been all night. When she started in again about what a
horrible person she was for giving me the idea that I should leave the
university, I saw a difference in emotional honesty than what I had seen
when she was apologizing earlier. Out of breath, Noelle coughed as she dug
through her purse for something to wipe her eyes with and told me that I
must have thought she was the worst person in the world. No, I don’t. I
just think you’re a kid with a problem. A dope problem.
Beginning of Part IV:
I don’t want to have any more problems. I don’t want to make my problems
everyone else’s. Anyone else’s, even yours. Believe or not, especially
yours! Not now. Not ever again. Well, good night, professor. Before I
could even open my mouth, Noelle had opened my car door and slammed it in my
face.
I watched her struggle with the keys to open her car door. She threw
herself back into the driver seat and slammed the door shut. Maybe harder
than she had slammed my door. I couldn’t tell by the sound of it. The
crack of thunder overhead was so loud.
When Noelle turned the key in the
ignition, her car didn’t start. She tried again. But it was no use. The
engine wasn’t turning over. Noelle clenched her fists and beat them against
the steering wheel. If her battery died, I had no cables, but I was willing
to call AAA. I got out of my car and walked over to hers. I tapped on the
window with my fingertips.
With her head...»» |
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