Surviving Lakewood

Chapter 1: Last Friday Night

Outdated. Run-Down. That pretty much sums up the Orbit Roller Rink, the place I was currently spending my Friday night. The once brightly painted purple and pink walls were now faded and chipping. The rink floor was older than I was and dimly lit. The only light source being the many led party lights hanging up above that were continuously flashing a wide range of colors and patterns. A slew of songs from the 80s and 90s were the only music the rinks dingy speakers had to offer.

This place was in no way perfect or anywhere close to it but I think that's why I liked it. There was a history here which gave it character. It was nice to take a break from modern life here in Lakewood and enjoy a nice visit into the past.

I'd been skating with Noah for a while now and most of the time was spent discussing the pros and cons of the crazy amount of horror movie sequels coming out this year. His love for scary movies was something we had in common. He knew way more facts and behind the scene details than I did but I still always put up a good fight in our debates.

We held hands, cruising around the rink time and time again. I was having such a nice night with Noah, one I wanted to remember for a long time so I slowly guide him over to the rinks sidewall. He gives me a confused look, not sure why we stopped skating.

"Let's take a picture." I say pulling my phone from my front pocket and hold it up in the air.

We lean our heads in close to each other and smile wide. I snap a few photos, insuring there will be a least one good one and drop my phone back down. I scroll through and send out the best picture into our group chat  along with a heart emoji.

Noah's phone buzzes and he removes it from his back pocket. He smiles when he sees the photo.

"Aww, that's a good one." He says and saves the image to his phone.

A new message dings in the chat followed by more rapid dings.

Brooke: You guys are so cute it makes me sick 😘
Audrey: The couple that skates together, stays together
Will: Couple of the year
Brooke: Wish you were here Will!!
Alex: Yeah Will, we miss you!
Brooke: When are you getting here?
Will: Sorry, I won't be coming. I'm still at school practicing.
Brooke: Boooooo 😑
Will: Maybe next time?
Audrey: Hey! Why's no one missing me?

Noah quickly types a response and I laugh a little when I see what he's said.

Noah: I miss you Audrey! ❤️❤️❤️
Audrey: Shut up Noah
Brooke: Will, are you at least meeting us at my house after?

"I'm gonna go get us some drinks." Noah says, giving me a quick peck on the cheek and skates his way over to one of the rinks exits.

I continue to make my way around the rink gliding peacefully. As I curve around a corner I notice a little girl up ahead, who had both of her hands attached at the rinks wall, too afraid to let go. She reminded me of myself when I younger and I smile.

I used to be the worst at any type of skating and it took years before I could make it more than 5 minutes without falling on my face. The little girl was slowly inching her way along the wall and a group of her friends were calling out to her from the middle of the rink trying to persuade her to just let go and join them. She took a deep breath and looked as if she was ready to release her tight grip and venture out into the unknown.