“You are sure we won’t accidentally maim ourselves? This seems like the kind of thing that requires adult supervision.” I look down at the box, reading the instructions for the millionth time.

“You forget I am an adult… my birthday was last week.” Grabbing the box from me, she smiles. “I’ve watched my sister do it before. It’s no big deal. Just don’t think about it too much.”

“Okay… but we’re doing it at the same time, right?”

“What, do you think I’m going to chicken out?”

“No, I’m worried I am going to chicken out.”

“Okay then, together.”

“Together.” I smile, and try not to think about what we are about to do.

“Remember, prom is in one week. We want to look fabulous. We’ll show those guys what they’re missing.”

I watched her smear the hot wax on my leg, then her own. We both grab the ends, and get ready to pull it off. I hold out my left hand. She grabs it, and starts counting down.

“3… 2… 1…”

“To the death!!” I chime in.

We yank.