The Walter Boys Assistant

Chapter 12: The Bike Ride

You forgot how old Kiley's bike is. This poor thing has seen better days and you can't believe she rides this to her jobs everyday.

"You really don't mind me borrowing it?" You ask as she wheels it out of the garage alongside you.

"Of course not. My dad said that he can drive me to work today and will swing by and pick it up this afternoon." She smiles at you out of sincerity. Sometimes, you wonder what you've done to get such a wonderful best friend.

"I'll make sure to take extra good care of it." You promise, ensuring you have a good hold of the bike so it doesn't fall.

You and Kiley stand in the middle of the driveway, looking back to find Alex shaking Kiley's father's hand. You know he's thanking him for allowing him to stay the night, once again. He always wants to ensure he is respectful to those that are generous. Especially his friend's parents.

"You're sure you're okay?" Kiley asks, touching your arm as a gentle breeze rustles the trees, making you inhale the fresh air and take in the warmth of the sun.

"Yes. I'll be fine." You reassure her, giving her a light hug before climbing onto the bike and adjust, one foot on the pavement with the other on the pedal. "I'll call you later, Kiles."

"Ready to go?" Alex breaks up the conversation as he comes riding up on his own bike, turning so his wheel points toward you as he pulls to a stop. Your attention returns to Kiley, finding her smiling at you and gesturing with her hand to go with him. She was the most supportive friend in the world. You find yourself internally saying, 'I owe her one' as you start pedaling with Alex a few paces ahead.

~~~~~

Just ten minutes into the ride, you are almost halfway through town. The most unfortunate part of the Walter's living on a ranch was that it was further out from town and Kiley lived on the opposite end of main street. So, it takes a good while to ride a bike out.

"God, I'm out of shape." You grumble miserably, beads of sweat building atop your scalp and seeping down strands of your hair that are fraying loose from the ponytail you rushed on before leaving the house. It has been quite a while since you've ridden a bike, and while working with animals keeps your muscles active, it certainly does not exercise them the same as riding a bike.

"Come on, slowpoke!" Alex jeers, still a good feet ahead of you.

The bike creaks with the additional work you apply to pedaling, your muscles seeming to burn at the extra labor. You grunt, raising off the seat to gain extra weight on your pedaling and close the gap between you and Alex who is chuckling, taking a glance at you as he swivels in place. By this point, you've pulled out the hair tie out of frustration; it wasn't holding anything by this point.

"Are you out of breath?" He asks as you force as much air into your lungs that your body will accept before releasing it through a deep, elongated sigh.

"I haven't... Ridden a bike... In years." You gasp in between every few words. You can feel the sunlight seeping into your skin and urging further heat throughout your body along with the adrenaline. It's miserable, to say the least.

"Just take your focus off the pain. Think about something else." Alex offers a solution to your struggles and you can't help but allow a smile on your face. After all, most others would mock someone for struggling on a bike ride like this. Whereas Alex, well, he just encourages you. Continues to help you as you want to quit and walk.

"Like what?" You play along with his recommendation. What did you have to lose at this point? Besides more air in your lungs, that is.

"Like... this!" Alex answers and you scream as he turns his bike hard in your path. You jerk your handlebar to the left as far as you can without pulling the bike out from under you, tapping his bike with your back tire. You begin to topple but immediately readjust and keep yourself upright, pedaling quicker to get ahead. The sound of Alex roaring with laughter is heard clearly from behind.