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Past. Saturday, 09:57

Ally

There was a rattly sensation as the wheels of my skateboard met the brick pavement. A loud machine gun noise was emitted too but I found that comforting. I turned my shoulders and front foot towards the nose of the board as I gave a push with my back foot, though the force wasn't much so I could easily redistribute my weight evenly.

Voices lapped over one another, confident, yet still retaining the tone of privacy so as to not reveal much to the other bystanders. From the kids playing soccer to the couples flirting, interest sparked in their gestures. They were like the sunshine: in flames, ever so active. Mayson Field was full of life.

It was a gift not noticed by many - not consciously, at least.

But a gift, nonetheless.

I heard someone shout my name. "Here!" Not far from where I was were Maddie and Glu, taking shelter from the pricking rays of the sun under the shade of an oak tree, sitting on the rich grass.

Interest sparked in me as well, though I acted like I dreaded seeing Maddie and she did the same. I was about to push again when a frisbee came out of nowhere, shortly followed by a skinny boy with rugged curly hair who carelessly rushed from the rows of trees. My senses sharpened by instinct and luckily, I managed to maneuver my board to prevent running him over.

Turns out they weren't that sharp when the toy mercilessly hit my head. The board slightly wavered as I flinched. God, please don't let that bruise.

"Watch it," I grumbled as I scooted past him and slowed down as I neared Maddie.

She laughed humorlessly. "Do we beat up that guy for you?" Glu, with his now fading blue-purplish bruises, stiffened beside her but said nothing.

I only squinted my eyes in response, picking my board up while massaging my forehead.

"Excuse me," all of a sudden, Maddie waved her hand, "can we get even a simple 'sorry?'" I watched as the kid shuffle uncomfortably, stammering his apology. And he wasn't even a kid, turns out. I'm guessing that we were in the same grade but his youthful features made him look younger than he was. A kind smile broke on Maddie's lips. "Thanks!"

"You guys get along well?" I faced them again.

"Yep, I guess we're getting along just fine." This was Glu. He asked he if could wrap his arm around mine and I allowed him.

Maddie and Glu chatted merrily as we walked, barely even regarding me. We had no idea where to go but we still continued. Yes, we stopped by a few shops and bought a few things but they seemed like dull, insignificant sparks compared to the walk itself. Our minds were unsure about the destination but were certain that a bond was to be formed, and that was enough, I think.

Before, it was just Maddie and me. Then it became me and Glu. In no time, each of us was one of us now, if that made sense.

"You're such a little bean, Glu!" Maddie was filled with delight as he complimented her divine taste in clothing. She pretended to pinch his cheeks.

He uttered a sheepish mini shriek.

Then his phone rang and he hurriedly answered it. He excused himself. "You guys don't have to wait for me, I'll catch up." An assurance.

"A pity, right? What happened to him," I said after being at a safe distance.

"True," Maddie agreed. "I mean, look at him. He's so sweet and I just don't get why they'd rough him up."

Neither of us knew who did Glu wrong. He told us why and how they beat him but not who they were. Honestly, it took a good portion of my will to stop my tongue from running its own course, demanding an answer.

"'Kay, Brett. I'll invite them over." He was alongside us again. "Mhm, bye-bye."

Wait, was he talking to who I thought he was?

"That was?"

"Brett," A pause to analyze my confusion, "Johansson. You know? Soccer player, little bit of a playboy? Uhmm, he wants to invite you over for lunch. Only if you guys want to."

Dumbfounded, Maddie and I stared at each other. I slightly tipped my head to the side to let her choose. In our tiny duo, she was usually the one who made decisions. Also, did I forget to say that she likes that Brett?

It all started because of this classroom presentation back in middle school where she played Donna Sheridan in our own version of Mamma Mia, while he, Sam Carmichael. Since they were pretty much the stars of the play, everyone was quick to ship them. I long suspected that there was something with Maddie and she admitted that she had a crush on him after a few teases. She never confessed to Brett though.

I did like seeing them being teased - especially Maddie's futile attempts in denying as her cheeks were swift to color - but I just didn't get one thing. How the hell did they even get the roles? I mean, Brett sang like a dying goat! Keep it a secret but I discreetly snickered during their duets and even solos.

"Maddie?"

She patted her cheeks before apologetically nodding. "I'm sorry, Glu, but we're kinda busy." Liar.

"We're not!"

"We are."

"Seriously, we're not."

Glu must've noticed the obvious reason for our banter now since he giggled. "Mads," he called in a sing-song voice. "You like him, do you?"

"She does! She does!" I chanted.

Maddie acted scandalized and flicked a hand to her chest. "Oh, you two DID NOT-"

I suddenly felt compelled to claim Glu's hand, of course avoiding the bruised spots. With my skateboard tucked under an arm, I led him forward, running away from Maddie's pretend-angry remarks. We were young, felt electric.

And together, we were giddy with glee to meet a friend who, for a while, ceased to exist in our memories, but is now momentarily the core of it.