I woke up late.

Like really late.

It's about 2 in the afternoon so I quickly took a shower and changed my clothes. I rushed down the stairs and skipped the last few steps. When I arrived in the living room, Dave was there. I looked around if there was anyone else.

"I'm the only one here, sweet cheeks," he said, flipping through the channels with a bag of chips beside him.

"Where are the others?" I asked.

"Probably in their rooms," he answers with a shrug. I stood there for a whole minute then left.

I went to the kitchen and fixed myself some food. After eating, I decided to explore the house a bit.

But I have to ask permission first.

"Hey, Dave," I called, walking into the living room.

"Yeah?" He looks at me then back to the screen.

"Mind if I explore your place?" I asked.

"Sure. Go ahead," he said, still focused on the television.

"Thanks," I said and left, but then went back again.

"Um, how about the-"

"Explore the whole neighborhood if you want. Do whatever you like," he said and shooed me away. I thanked him again and rushed to my room. I quickly put on my sneakers and shoved my phone and a bit of money into my pocket. Then I ran out of the house.

* * * * *

I walked around the alone. It was quiet. Too quiet for an average neighborhood. I guess every family here went on vacation.

Following the sidewalk, I passed by a few houses, which were a lot nicer than mine. They looked modern and simple, which was the complete opposite of own home.

I looked around, happy that this place had a lot of nature than other subdivisions. You don't get to see a bunch of trees lined up beside the road that much from where I come from.

As I continued my midday stroll, I happened to see a park just nearby. I sprinted, but with caution, as I pass a few more houses and the street. Then I arrived.

The park was quiet. Dead silence. I could only hear birds, the rustling of the leave, and the wind blowing by. Other than that, everything was silent. I headed to the swings and sat there, looking around. It feels weird to be in a park without people, but it's quite nice.

I walked around the park more, taking in everything I see. This place is like an abandoned neighborhood, I thought.

The park was really huge. I wouldn't have known if I didn't walk to the other side, where the skate park is. I searched for any humans, but it looks like there's nobody here.

Suddenly, I heard the rolling of wheels.

I turned and headed towards the sound. When I reached it, I saw him.

Riding down the skate pipe was Luke. He did a few stunts, which were mostly spins and flips with style. I watched him in awe. I wish I can skate like that, I thought.

When Luke came to a full stop, I ran to him as he got off his board.

"Luke!" I called, trying to get his attention. He jumped when he saw me. It was like he saw a ghost.

"Hey..." he greeted, wiping his face with a towel.

"Hey," I smiled.

"How...do you...do...it?" he asks while gasping for air.

"Do what?" I looked at him, confused.

He drinks his water and runs his free hand through his messy hair. "How do you always find me?" he asks.

"I dunno," I shrug. "I just follow my feet to wherever it leads me."

"Wow."

"Yeah," I said, chuckling to myself.

"So, um, how long have you been skating?" I asked.

"Ever since I was twelve," he answered, rummaging through his bag.

"You were really awesome," I admitted, still amazed of how he rode down those skate pipes.

"Thanks," he says, changing his shirt. I immediately looked away, embarrassed for some reason. Well, this is awkward, I thought. I looked down to the ground, kicking a few stones to entertain myself.

"Hey." My head immediately shot up when I heard his voice.

"Yes?" I stared at him.

"Wanna learn how to skateboard?" he offered and I smiled.

"Sure."

* * * * *

About 20 minutes has passed and I don't think I'm making any progress.

"C'mon, Tay," Luke cheers. "You can do it."

"I-I don't think I c-can..." I stuttered. I stared at the skateboard below me. My legs were shaking.

"Don't be scared," he says.

"I'm not scared!" I corrected. "I'm just really nervous."

"Then don't be." I took a deep breath and looked at the board once again.

"I-I can't," I admitted.

"You can't or you won't?" Luke had his arms crossed and was staring at me.

"Demonstrate it one last time please." He sighed. I stepped off the skateboard and he got on it.

"It's like this," he began. "First, get the right foot position. Your front foot should be placed behind the bolts on the board, pointing slightly towards the front, and your back foot should be perched on the tail of your board. You should get used to the position before you do the kickflip. Get comfortable, and keep your shoulders in line with your board.

Second, try to ollie as high as you can. It'll give you more time to complete the kickflip. Third, use your front foot to flick the board. While you're in the air, slide your front foot towards the front heel-side edge of the board. Make sure you're kicking your leg outwards and upwards. Don't kick too hard either, and be sure to jump high enough."

Fourth, catch the skateboard with your back foot then your front. Once the board has fully rotated in the air, catch it with your back foot and slam it to the ground, and your front foot should follow suit. Keep your eyes on the board and your feet as you jump. Keep your shoulders in level to keep your balance and bend your knees as you land."

After explaining everything, he simply does the kickflip in one try.

"Now you try," he says, sliding me the board.

Remembering everything he told me, I applied it, but it didn't go so well.

"It's ok. Nobody gets it right in their first try. Just keep on practicing." I nodded and tried again. I failed, again, but still continued. For the next 30 minutes, I kept on trying to perfect the trick. I almost did a few times, but when I land I always fall off.

"You okay?" Luke asks, giving me his hand. I take it and he pulls me up.

"Yeah," I said, brushing off the dust.

"You still wanna practice?"

"I ain't leaving until I get it right even just once."

Luke smiled. "You've got some determination there."

An hour has passed and I almost got it. I just need to keep my balance. I continued and Luke just watched me, making sure that I don't get critically hurt.

"Ugh..." I groan and fall onto the ground.

"Giving up?" Luke looks at me.

"I think I will for today," I said, getting up. "My butt's tired of crashing to the ground."

"Aw, what happened to that determination you got earlier?"

I shrugged. "I guess it dissappeared."

"And I thought you ain't leaving until you get it right," he says, crossing his arms.

"I changed my mind."

"Oh, really? Maybe you're just chicken." I faced him.

"What did you just say?" I glared at him.

"You're just too scared to do it, or maybe you can't at all," he smirks. "Weak."

I felt like exploding.

"Shut up!" I shouted. "I can do it! I ain't some weakling!" I clenched my fists to my sides. I was shaking.

"Really?" he raises an eyebrow. "Prove it."

Without thinking twice, I immediately got back on the board. I glared at Luke and he just rolled his eyes.

"Are you gonna do it or not?"

"Of course, I will!" Right after I said those words, I tried to do the kickflip.

And I did it.

"Oh my gosh..." I whispered, shocked of what had happened. "Oh my gosh!" Then I started screaming. "I did it! I really did it!" I looked up to Luke and jumped on him.

"I did it! I did it!" I repeated those words as I hugged him tightly.

Luke laughs. "Congrats!" he says, hugging me too. After a few more seconds of my victorious moment, I suddenly realized what I was doing. I quickly broke out of the hug and Luke puts me back on the ground.

"Thanks..." I softly said.

"No probs," Luke replies.

Then there was silence.

"Um, it's getting late," I mentioned, breaking the awkward atmosphere. Luke agrees as he looks up the sky.

"Let's head back," I said and began walking away.

Away from the park.

Away from what's behind me.

Away from Luke.

Hey everyone!!! I'm back!!!

Well, this chapter really sucks, but it's all I can update. I'm continuing the book! Yehey! :D

So yeah. To those who waited so much for this, thank you very much for still being there. Your patience really means a lot. Thank you very much! :)

More chapters coming soon. I hope.