Page 55 of Counter Bet

It’s a busy night, and plenty of young people are skating or practicing tricks on BMX bikes. I recognize a couple of kids from school who shoot me funny looks at first, most likely wondering why I’m showing my face in this part of town.

Dallas makes the introductions.

It’s easy to be welcomed here. I know I stand out in this crowd, but no one cares. The same can’t be said about my own friends. In the world of popular jocks, you’re either in or out. You’re either a somebody or a nobody.

Here, none of it matters. No one cares who your parents are, what car your drive, or what shoes you wear.

It’s an eye-opener.

The only thing that matters to these kids is to have a good time.

And that’s what I do. In fact, I think it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.

“Ouch!” I’m groaning and laughing at the same time. My skirt lies pooled around my waist, flashing my panties to everyone. “Oh, great! I’m giving you all an eyeful.” I sit back up and pull it down.

Matt grins. “I dig the little heart.”

“Oh, shut up!” I laugh, picking dirt from the bleeding scrape on my knee.

Ben rolls to a stop and kicks the board up into his hand. “Looks sore. I saw you fall a couple of times.”

“She’s doing great!” Dallas says. “She’s learned how to step on, balance, and push off.”

Amused, I scoff. “I still need to work on the balance part.”

Ben unscrews the cap on his water bottle, takes a sip, then crouches down, pouring some over the scrape.

I hiss. “Fuck, Ben!”

“Maybe later.” He winks, screwing the lid back on and tossing the empty bottle into a nearby bin.

Dallas helps me up. “Let’s go again.”

Groaning, I let her pull me along.

“Right, step on.”

“Fine,” I hold on to her shoulders and then squeal and flap my arms like a chicken when she steps out of reach.

“Now, push off.”

“You’re a tyrant, Dallas!” I laugh, placing my foot down on the ground and pushing off.

It doesn’t take long until I’m rolling along the flat ground, still flapping my arms like a bird learning how to fly. “Dallas? How do I stop this thing?”

She’s laughing behind me.

My eyes widen. I’m heading straight for April. “Oh, shit!” I flap my arms some more like that’s going to slow me down. All it does is make a couple kids laugh over by the rails. “April, lookout!”

Too late.

We crash to the ground.

“What the fuck, princess!” she laughs, pushing me off.

I stare up at the tall ceiling. “Where are the pearly gates?”

“You’re not dead,” she chuckles, pushing up on her elbows. Her blonde hair sticks out from under the helmet.

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