Beatriz made school slightly uncomfortable for me. Boys kept stopping over during lunch and asking me on dates. She sat across from me with a beaming smile and a counter to every excuse I could offer.
During a pause between boys, I growled at Beatriz. “What are you offering them? Money?”
She waved away my scowl with a laugh. “No way. I said you’re easy.”
“Beatriz!” I hissed.
“Oh, calm down. I needed to give them a fast motivation.” She dragged a fry through a mound of ketchup and plopped it in her mouth. “You’re the only one that’s accepted your fate. I haven’t. I’ll risk our friendship until the end just for a chance to have you around long enough to apologize.”
I rubbed my head at her brusque attitude unwilling to yell at her. At least, my mom left me alone at night. “Let’s make a deal,” I offered not wanting this to continue. She harrumphed.
“You talk Tommy into coming home this Saturday to be your date, and I’ll agree to come with. A double date.”
Her mouth dropped down. “Tommy?”
I hid my smirk behind a hand. “Yep and you can pick my date,” I swore. She’d be too busy worrying about Tommy to think about me if we actually did go.
“Deal,” she said the word with the tone of a dare.
Beatriz stayed close-mouthed about the identity of my date and our destination. On the off chance she forgot about it, I didn’t bring it up either. I should have known better.
Friday after school, Brad and Tommy waited for us parked outside the school. A light rain obliterated all traces of winter’s snow. The visual reminder of the passing time stung my eyes. The image of Morik waiting outside leaning against his motorcycle haunted me for a moment and I wrapped my arms around myself as I followed Beatriz to the car.
Brad held open the front door for me, his presence not unexpected. I didn’t imagine he liked the idea of his sister going anywhere with Tommy without him. Tommy, looking very uncomfortable, held the back door for Beatriz.
“So, what are we doing, Bea?” Brad asked once we all sat in the car.
She grinned at him. “Roller skating.”
Both of the guys groaned. I couldn’t ever remember roller skating and didn’t think the date would end well for me.
Ten minutes later, Brad parked outside a nearly deserted roller rink. I wanted to ask Beatriz who we were meeting, but Brad hung back holding the door open for us. No windows lit the inside. Multi colored lights flashed in time with the music.
Beatriz led the way to a long counter that guarded several racks of skates. The man leaning against the counter asked what kind of skates we wanted.
Beatriz asked for her size in a speed skate. I looked at the rink. A worker sped around the loop. I definitely didn’t plan on any speed this time around and asked for a regular skate. She laughed, but Brad elbowed her. Tommy grabbed his skates and went off to sit beside Beatriz to lace up.
“Have you done this before?” Brad asked leading me to a separate area away from Beatriz and Tommy.
I shook my head and stuffed my foot into a skate. Another new experience. The prospect didn’t thrill me as much as it probably should have.
“Don’t worry,” he assured me. “Beatriz used to beg me to bring her here all the time. With enough time and practice, you’ll catch on.”
I nodded and tried standing. Brad, already laced, stood with me to offer his arm. I pin-wheeled my arms numerous times as we made our way to the glossy polished wood floor. Beatriz hovered in front of Tommy encouraging his movements while effortlessly gliding backward.
Brad wrapped his hand around mine, gripping it firmly to support me. Beatriz’s diabolical plan flashed clearly.
“So what did Beatriz say to get you here?” I asked as we inched our way along.
Brad grinned. “That you wanted a double date with me and Tommy. I wasn’t too thrilled about the idea of Beatriz and Tommy, but if they’re in eyesight, it’s not so bad.” He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
I couldn’t speak. Beatriz would sacrifice her brother like that? My eyes darted to her smiling face. She caught my look and gave me a sad smile.
“I’m dying.” I said flatly. Brad laughed thinking I referred to my pathetic attempts at skating. “Beatriz isn’t accepting it. I wanted this date because I hoped Tommy would distract her from it. In a good way.”
He spun in front of me stopping us both, his expression serious.
“She’s the first real friend I’ve ever had and I don’t want her to dwell on this. I didn’t think she’d pull you into it.”
“She pulls me into everything,” he said with quiet affection. “What do you have?”
Bad luck. “It doesn’t matter. What does matter is the time left. She’s going to need you and,” I looked toward Tommy who now held her hand, “Tommy too I think.”
“When?”