“For me, it was a Gold Star day. I'd identified an enemy, and I'd made a life decision: I might come home tore up from fighting or late from being punished, but I'd never come home crying. So far, I ain't.”

“Yes ma'am," I said, "Anna Celeste's party is Saturday, but I don't need a ride.... No ma'am. It's because Anna Celeste is my Sworn Enemy for Life and I'd rather go face-down in a plate of raw chicken entrails than go to her party. Plus I'm not invited....”

“You what?" Dale yelped, looking like I'd handed him something dead. "You ain't writing during summer vacation, are you? I'm pretty sure that's against the rules.”

“I'm Baptist. So far, Fast or Never is the only speeds I got with forgiving.”

“I never forgive. I like revenge too much.”

“My heart leaped like the cheerleader I will never be.”

“We can't change the past, Soldier. We can only be grateful for the life of a new day, and move on.”