“You and me,” she says, “we're two sides of the same coin. Gender's a box you turn inside out, tear up, and sew a gown out of.” She says most people are bored and hateful because they can't fuck with the box. They think prison's protection. They take what they're served and think they like it, but deep down they want to be something else, and they'll kill anyone sewing gowns they're afraid to wear.”

“Cool isn't for sale at the bondage store. You make it up yourself, pull it outta your asshole, your own unique brand that starts when you're born, and when you die, it's gone.”

“I learned in high school, if I hold up an effigy, a mask, or a lie, that mask will get all the love, not me.”

“....And b-t-w, if anyone asks you what's in the box, I'd say 'feminine supplies.'"The box was large and heavy, and there was a distinct clanging sound as I carried it. "As in tampons?""Keely's not going to ask questions. Ali's busy with the twins, and everyone else around here is male. Tampons scare the bejeezus out of them, my dad included, but if the person who asks is a Were, they'd smell a lie. Hence, feminine supplies.""Because we're females, and they're our supplies?" I guessed. "No. Because weapons are feminine." Lake gave me an insulted look. "Why do you think I named my gun Matilda?”

“I thank her for starting that rumor in my brain that I was lovable. I thank her for her one-woman cult of blood, cum, spit, and razors that called me exquisite and shunned all the winners, cheerleaders, cops, and clear-skinned Hollywood movie stars.”

“They really are something else together.""Something else? That's the nice way of saying they're bat shit crazy.""Hey! You listen here, woman.""You can listen to my foot up your ass if you call me woman again. And you can take that to court.”

“Now that I know you're okay, what bothers me most is your irresponsibility. I have no idea what's gotten into you."I do, she wanted to say. He's around six-two, heavily tattooed and fucks like a god.”