Enticement

There was a couple long boarding on Elaine’s street. She didn’t care, the swoosh of wheels on asphalt captured her attention for only a moment before she returned to blankly staring at her Spanish homework. She had books spread around her on the lawn, and she skimmed a page of one, reading and understanding nothing. This is the last time I cram, she thought.

The girl continued flying up and down the street, curving side to side and weaving around obstacles, but the boy stopped and called, “Hey, do you want to try?” “I’ve gotta study she called back.” It was an excuse, but not the real one, she had no desire to interrupt the couple with her clumsiness, and she hated being the odd one out. “Oh, come on, you can study later.” Elaine looked at him, studying he’s smile which ended in dimples and reflected in his brown eyes. “Oh, ok,” she stood up, leaving her scattered books.

The boy’s name was Henry. “Have you ever done this before?” “No, and I’m really bad at stuff like this, so I’ll probably fall.” “It’s easy, you’ll be fine. Stand like this,” he demonstrated. She tried, but wobbled. He steadied her and she grasped Henry’s arms firmly, fearing the fall that would certainly accompany the loosening of her fingers. Eventually she did let go, and though failing perfection, managed to roll down the street.

The girl glided by and watched them, but Elaine could not read her face. She came nearer and Henry said, “Elaine, this is my sister, Mary.” Both girls smiled, but Elaine’s was the broadest—it wasn’t a couple after all.