The Skating Rink

It was nearing the end of the school year, and everyone was excited about the field trip that was going to take place later in the week. Everyone except for L. She didn’t know how to roller skate and going to the roller rink with every kid in her class was not the funnest thing she could think of. She could have just skipped it, but she didn’t want to be left out. She told a couple of her friends that she didn’t know how to roller skate, they told her it would be ok. They would help her out. This made L feel much better about the whole thing.

On the morning of, her mom gave her 20 dollars, for food or a snack, since they were going to be there most of the afternoon. When they arrived at the rink, all the kids lined up, eager to get their skates. When it was L’s turn, she told the guy behind the counter what size she needed. She traded in her tennis shoes for a pair of ugly brown shoes with rollers on the bottom. They were way heavier then she thought they would be. She found a bench and was rushing to put them on, because all her friends were out on the rink all ready.

She waved at one, but they didn’t see her. She held onto the rail and ventured out on the hard floor. She did well, keeping her balance, but wouldn’t let go of that bar. Luckily it went all the way around. She worked and worked and made it half way. Not one time did one of her friends come to help or just hang out. Everyone past her with great ease and assurance. How could she be the only one that did not know how to skate? She made it all the way around and went to sit down. This was going to be a long afternoon.

One of the girls that she wasn’t friends with came over and started talking to her. L thought this was nice, finally, someone noticed that she was sitting by herself. They talked for a few minutes and L told the girl that she had some money for food and drinks if she would like to join her. The girl said yes. Then she told her to go find a table and she would be back with some food. L agreed and went to sit at a table in the food court. The girl had been gone for several minutes, but there was a line. L didn’t really take notice and was watching everyone have fun going round and round.

When L finally realized the girl hadn’t returned she started looking for her. She wasn’t in line anymore, so where could she be? Then she noticed that she was sitting with some people, at a table clear on the other side of the food court. L was confused. Did she forget about her? Did she just get suckered out of 20 bucks? L was very shy and did not want to confront the girl in front of everyone. She took off her skates and walked over to where the teachers were sitting. She told her teacher what had happened. Expecting her to get up and go get her money from her, all she said was, “I’ll handle it.” That was good for L, so she walked away and went and traded in her skates for her tennis shoes. All she could do now was watch the clock.

All afternoon, everyone had fun. Everyone laughed and played. L sat in loneliness. She should have stayed home after all.