He Tried To Smile, But It Was

He Gives Me A Kiss That Barely Touches My Lips – It Means Nothing Or Everything. After He’s Gone, I Think, Happy Birthday To Me. Jack Says, ‘that Was The Guy?’ ‘that Was Him.’ Jake Shakes His Head. ‘what?’ ‘he’s Not For You,’ He Says. I Say, ‘how Do You Know?’ But What I Mean Is, How Do You Know? ‘he’s Like Ashley Wilkes,’ He Says. ‘any One Of These Guys Is Rhett-ier Than He Is.’ Again, I Ask My Benignly Inflected, ‘how Do You Know?’ ‘how Do I Know?’ He Says, Tackling Me Into A Bear Hug. ‘how Do I Know? I Know, That’s How I Know.

Finally, I Asked How You Got A Boy To Like You Back. She Said, 'just Be Yourself,' As Though I Had Any Idea Who That Might Be.

Before College, I Hadn't Voluntarily Read Anything That Might Be Called Literature; I Didn't Think I'd Understand It; I Never Seemed To Understand My English Teacher's Interpretations Of What We Read.

You Have To Shrink Yourself To Fit Into This Little Life With Him.

You Don't Need A Reason To Forgive... If You Want To Go On With Someone, That Is What You Do.