That No... Our Little Bench

Chapter 3

The sun peeked in my bedroom window, lighting my hair like a fiery halo. I lifted my head from the pillow, my curly hair tumbling down my back like a waterfall. The sun's vibrant rays sent a glossy, gold sheen all around the room, blending with the falling leaves of Autumn. I roll over looking at my sticky note reminding me that were going rollerskating rank. 

I get up and put on my favorite blue textured tank & skirt set, and a comfy pair of black flats. I'm not a very stylish girl, but I guess I have some style. Going down to the kitchen mom stares at me as I try to get something to eat.

" Dear, you look really pretty today, is there something going on?" She asks as she raises an eyebrow.

" Roller skating field trip..." I say taking a drink of orange juice. I put on my big baggy sweatshirt and my drawstring backpack, I grab an apple and head off for the bus. Sitting in the way back, I looking out the window, as people get on the bus a few boys sit next to me, they seem pretty shy, though. I feel eyes on me, I look over at where the boys sat quietly.  Medium height, stocky build, ashy blond hair that falls in waves over his forehead. The shock of the moment is registering on his face, you can see his struggle to remain emotionless, but his blue eyes show the alarm I've seen so often in prey. He quickly looks away, as another one spoke.

" You're new here right?" he spoke like a low roll of thunder. His words were soft, like a calm sea. I was surprised at a gentle face, deep brown eyes and soft skin, like a little boy. I quickly gather my words and spoke.

" Yes..." I quickly look at the ground embarrassed and looked back out the window. The boys giggle a little and I hear them say 'she's cute.' I rub my hands together as I get a little nervous for some reason. 

" Don't mind them, they're always like that." A soft voice comes from the boys, I look at the blond haired boy as he looks at me with a soft smile. He turns to me and adds "I'm Adam." He holds out his hand out to me, I hesitate but I shake his hand.

" Valentina... pleased to meet you."

" Are you going to the field trip today?" He asks and tilts his head to the side. I nod in agreement.

" I'm too, are you getting something to eat when were there?" He asks in a softer voice, reminding myself if I brought my money, I quickly pat myself down then look in my bag.

" Man! No, I forgot my money. I was going to get some popcorn too." My shoulders fall and I become quiet.

" How about I buy you some?" He asks.

" No, you really don't have to. I can't ask you to do something like that." I shake my head in disagreement.

" Well, your not asking are you, I'm getting you some." He smiles and turns back around punching someone else's arm as they mumble something. The bus pulls up at school, we all get off and go to our regular classes.

" Okay, people lets get in line in an ordinary fashion and get on the bus. If you forget something it's your fault lets go!" The teacher yells after she gets the attendance. We got on the bus and I sit next to Mia. She keeps on talking about how she never been roller skating, though the who entire bus ride there. 

As I entered the building which housed the rink, the warm, nostalgic scent of popcorn hit that part of my brain where dusty, cobwebbed memories live, memories of my own childhood. I made my way past a group of exuberant teenagers at the snack bar until I reached the skating rink. Skinny, hard benches, made for small butts, lined one wall. I took a seat and scanned the rink. My eyes paused to read a sign; white, block letters on a black background warned, "Skate at Your Own Risk."

Two young men swaggered past me, confident, heads held high, eyes focused on their destination. I leaned over, looking down the long row of benches, curious to find out where they were going. Their confidence lagged a bit as they approached a large group of their peers, including several young ladies. All of them exhibited signs of discomfort as the girls crossed their arms over their nubile bodies and the boys tried hard not to stare. I chuckle to myself as I put on my roller skates. Adam comes and takes a seat next to me, placing down two bags of fluffy, air-popped popcorn. 

"Here." He scooches a bag over to me, and he leans his back onto the next bench behind us. 

"Thanks..." I say as I pick up the bag and smell the freshness.

" I didn't know what like what you liked so I have some salt and sugar..." He pulls out four small packages, two sugar, and two salt.

" May I have one salt and one sugar?" He hands me the two I open them and pour both of them in the bag of popcorn, and I shake it around so it goes on every piece. 

" You like it with both?" He asks as he leans back up, I nod and he smiles. " I do too."