Out of Time (Book 1)

Funfairs and Futures

1937

Stretching languidly, Betty sat up in bed and glanced out of the window, the sun already bright in the sky. It was Saturday and, for once, she really didn't feel like hitting the books. Climbing out of bed, she put on her robe and slippers, adjusted the headscarf that had slipped in the night, refastening a couple of her pincurls, and made her way to the kitchen. She could hear Steve in the bathroom and called out to him.

"Morning Stevie, d'ya want me to make some pancakes?"

"Mmmhmmmm" garbled Steve, through the door.

"OK, comin' right up!"

Turning the wireless up loud, she danced about, cracking eggs, pouring milk, and beating the batter. She put the bacon on to fry, nice and crispy just like Steve liked it, and flipped the pancakes into a dish, covering them with a cloth to stay warm. Singing out loud to Sing Sing Sing with a Swing by Benny Goodman, she was lifting a piece of bacon out of the pan with some tongs when she felt a pair of hands gently jabbing themselves into her ribs. Screeching in surprise she whirled around, tongs held up in defence, and almost headbutted the broad chest of Bucky, who had slipped in as she gave her breakfast concerto. Blue eyes sparkling with merriment, he grabbed the piece of bacon from the tongs, dropped an insolent kiss on her cheek and then popped the bacon in his mouth, deftly avoiding a swipe from Betty's tongs.

"Mornin' Bets." He laughed. "Bacon's great"

"Damnit, Bucky!!" she exclaimed, hand on her chest in an effort to calm her thumping heart. "You punk! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" she tried to hit him with the tongs again, but he easily jumped back.

"Lookin' good there, Doll." He winked, indicating her robe and headscarf, still chuckling.

Trying to brave it out, she put on her best haughty voice. "Well, I wasn't exactly expectin' the world to come visitin' at...eight in the mornin'! What are you doin' here at this time?"

"Nothin'," he shrugged, "just bored. I finished my book, so I thought I'd come and hang out."

"What were you readin'? Any good?"

"The Hobbit. It's a journey for sure.  I like the world that Tolkien builds.  I'll lend it to you when I've finished, if you want?"

"That'd be great Buck, thanks!  If you're bored you can dish up breakfast. Don't put syrup on Steve's though."

"I know, I know, he likes to pour it himself like a big boy."

Betty laughed despite herself and went back into her room to get changed. It was the fastest brush-out she'd ever done on her hair, and she was grateful that it decided to behave this morning. She was definitely not going to think about the butterflies she got when Bucky kissed her cheek. Nope. She was not going there. God, Betty, don't be such a freak she admonished herself, but she still made sure that she put some makeup on.

When she got out of her room, Steve was already sat at the table stuffing his face with pancakes.

"These are really good Bets, thanks" He mumbled around a mouthful. "What's your plans for the day? Studyin'?"

Betty shook her head and shrugged. "I really should, but for once I'm just not in the mood." Both guys looked at her in surprise.

"What?!" They said together.

"I've got an idea." Steve announced. "It's been a long time since Betty's felt this rebellious, we should grab it whilst the iron's hot. Let's kidnap her and head to Coney Island. We can take the bikes."