Chasing Normal

“First of all I want to admit that it was all my fault,” said Chip in a remorseful tone. “And I know that I will probably go to jail for this. I never meant for anything serious to happen. It was just another project. You know, something to do—to add a little excitement to things. Luke and I do it all the time. He’s in the clear on this one, though. I take full responsibility for everything. They’re probably going to put me away for a long time.”

“What the heck are you talking about?” asked B.A. finally breaking in.

“Look,” said Chip as she reached into her gym bag and took out the little doll that she had fashioned in Coach Todd’s image. She laid it gently on the kitchen table. There was a straight pin sticking through one side of the doll’s lower abdomen. B.A. just stared at it for a moment.

“So you stabbed her,” whispered B.A. trying to stay serious.

“It was an accident,” wailed Chip. “I would never do something like that intentionally. I should have never messed with such dark and potent powers.”

“Maybe it was a suicide attempt,” said B.A. reaching slowly for the pin.

“Don’t touch it!” hollered Chip. “If you take it out she could get a collapsed lung or something. It could make things worse. I learned that in health class.”

“Her lungs don’t go quite that far down,” said B.A. trying to stay in control. It was all she could do not to laugh or make a joke, but Chip seemed so serious, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to make light of her.

“Tell you what. My mom will be home in a few minutes. Why don’t we ask her for an opinion? She’s a nurse and she might even know how Coach Todd is doing. They probably took her to the hospital where she works, because it’s the closet one to Reston. If it looks bad for you, then the three of us can plan your getaway.”

“You’re making fun of me and this is a serious matter,” said Chip leaning back and crossing her arms. “We’re talking jail here. I don’t know if I’m equipped for jail. I hear the food is awful.”