Vacant

Chapter One

          “Come on, you can do it! I spent my entire months allowance on this last run. You’re a natural at this, so go show those big boys whose boss,” Jesse spoke, motivating me to do well, and then winning my run so he could win some piles of bills.

            I stared at him, his fierce and determined azure eyes digging into my own. If I didn’t win my run, I think Jesse would forget about it, even though he only gets ten dollars a month. The sun was beating heavily on my plain black hoodie, and I could feel sweat run down the side of my face. My neon green and rugged up helmet was always placed on my head, unless I wasn’t in the public eye. I’ve always had my stainless steel aviator sun glasses on, and my faded blue ripped jeans were almost worn away. Money was tight in my family, so I took my brothers old pair of black and yellow skate shoes, while he bought a new pair of pure, alabaster shoes with silver designs around the border of the shoe.

            He was staring at me, I could feel and see it at the corner of my eye. He knew my secret, my brother. He swore that he would never tell anyone. The only people who knew about it were my brother Shane and my best friend Jesse. No one else in the skateboard world knew, and I planned to keep it that way, for now. But he was the number one skateboarder in my city who competed for different competitions and diverse trophies. His very own custom made skateboard was the classic rugged black sparkle on the top, and a unique design on the bottom which read “Ninja” in a red graffiti font. That was his nickname, “The Ninja” because of his swift moves on the terrain park, and how Shane was so quiet while riding the rails flawlessly. Every boarder envied him, except for me, of course. I wanted to be my own skateboarder, have my own nickname, and have everyone else envy me. But it would take some time, and for now my brother kept me under his wing.

            Now it was my turn to show everyone what I was made of. I was one of the best skateboarders of my age group, and if I landed the greatest tricks, not only would I win Jesse a load of cash, but I would be known for what I’ve done. So there was Shane, white shoes, plain white T- shirt, ripped and faded sky blue jeans and a jet black helmet. He was waiting, skateboard in hand. Patiently he tore glances at me and to his friends. I turned to Jesse and took off my sun glasses eyeing him with confidence. “Don’t you worry I’ll be fine. Just keep your hands out for cash being pilled onto them,” I said. Jesse cranked a smile, while we did our little handshake. I took my skateboard and rolled up to the graffiti sprayed half pipe ramp. I could sense Shane’s eyes on me, waiting for my first trick. Everyone was quiet; the only thing you could hear was my competition rolling up behind me. “Don’t hurt yourself,” the voice called. It was Kyle, the best skater in our age group, besides me. I decided to ignore him, I didn’t need negative comments right when I was about to start, or so I thought. “We’re flipping a coin, so it’s fair,” Kyle said. I just looked at him, his hazel eyes mean and not welcoming.

            “Fine,” I simply replied. Kyle tossed a coin up in the air as he shouted; “Heads!” before I even had the chance to call an answer out. We both looked down and sure enough it was heads. I eyed him, as he grinned at me and rolled down the ramp. He thought he was so cool doing all of those fancy tricks. I really hope he falls and messes up his routine. As Kyle finished, he walked right past me without another word, the signs of a bad run. Although his run was flawless he struggled to obtain every move and landing correctly. That’s where he earned his nickname, “The Perfectionist”.

            I took a moment to look down at Shane, who was just standing there, but he nodded his head in agreement that it was my turn to go. As I rode down the ramp, I was in full concentration and I knew that I had to ace my run. And before I knew it, my run was flawless and I knew I was going to win. I obtained the confidence Kyle never had, so I hope that I will win this competition.

            I heard the whole crowed clapping and shouting my name. Disappointed faces walked toward Jesse, shoving money into his face, with a big smile. I walked toward Shane, who put his arm around me and whispered,

            “I knew you could do it.”