Wish
Melina Gerosa Bellows

Excerpt

Year: 1974 * Age: 8 * Idol: Catwoman weekdays and Cher weekends

Favorite Song: "Me & Bobby McGee" (Janis Joplin)

Prized Possession: purple three-speed Schwinn, with lime green sparkle banana seat and matching streamers

Best Shoes: red Dr. School's

    You only get so many chances in life to make a wish. First stars, birthday candles, and, like right now, when my mom drives over the train tracks and I hold my breath, cross my fingers, and life my feet in the air—all at the same time.

    When my mom says, "Watch your brother," what she really means is "Stop your brother." That's easier said than done and I'm always the one who has to do it because he never leaves me alone. Bobby does bad things all the time and never gets in trouble. See, we're twins, but I was born first because I cut in line. I think I was so fast and pushy Bobby got stuck coming out of my mom's stomand, so people call him slow. Bobby's like a black jellybean. Either you love them, or you just want to spit them out.