“I think you all win,” I said. “Huh?”“I said anyone who beats me, gets me. You all beat me, so…” I left it hanging so they could connect...the dots. Damon and Raul smiled. Lee’s smiled faded a little, but he was still excited.“So, um, how does this work? Do we get, like, a raincheck or something?” Lee asked. I leaned back on Damon’s bed. “We could. But I’m already naked and it seems a shame to waste the wonderful boners I know you all have right now.”They all looked at each other. Silence hung in. In short, we were teenaged chums. This new aspect seemed so perfectly natural that it just fell in with the rest.A few weeks later, my family was donating a few garbage bags full of clothing to the local Goodwill charity. When no one was looking, I surreptitiously wheedled a skirt, a top and some leggings, and delivered them to my buddy. When he looked at me questioningly, I said: “For Erica.”It was another week before we got a chance to use the clothes (Eric said he wanted to “save them”). The vertical blinds covering the sliding glass balcony door looked like they were pulsing to the rhythm of the electronic music thumping through the stereo system. Her skin looked (and felt) like it was glowing. She had never been more fascinated by anything than the sight of her own hand in front of her face in that moment. She looked at each of her friends' faces closely and felt an all-consuming warmth, a joy that she had never experienced before. Everyone was smiling. Laughing. Dancing.. But he would only do so if I find someone competent to take care of the animals. He and I both agreed that you would be a perfect replacement," Mr. Lodge stretched the truth a bit here, don't you think."Are you interested?" He asked her."Am I! You know how much I love animals Mr. Lodge. When can I start?" Betty responded excitedly."That's my girl. I knew that this would cheer you up," chipped in Mr. Lodge. "Mind you, there are a lot of animals," he feigned a hesitant thought."Yes, that is.