She could tell that the parade was over, as the dispersing crowd began filtering back up the street, coming back from the parade route. Mr. And Mrs. Feldon passed behind her, and she returned their nod politely. Then Ross came rushing up the street, holding his shirt like a basket. He spotted her, and veered over to where she sat. He sat down on the curb beside her, and dumped the contents of his improvised basket onto the green verge between them. It was a great parade, Maggie, he puffed, still catching his breath. Too bad you couldn't come. He looked at the candy and nodded. I got candy for both of us. Even steven. No kidding? She sat up with brighter spirits. Sure. It's my fault you got grounded. Well sort of. He had lured her away from her chores on Saturday, after all. They split up the candy 50/50 each taking a turn at picking what they wanted. It was mostly unbranded bulk stuff, but there were a few bite sized candy bars, which got picked rather quickly. They were in the midst the divvying up process when they became aware of someone standing in front of them. Brian McMartin stood just off the curb in the street, at their feet. He sneered down at them, with a smug smile on his face. Giving your girl friend some candy, Ross? he taunted. Shut up, Brian. Ross growled. Why don't you kiss her? Brian gibed. Just go away! Maggie urged, shaking her head in disgust. Brain took a step closer, looming threateningly over Ross. Who's going to make me? Ross jumped to his feet, spilling his candy on the curb. But Brian gave him a little shove before he had steadied himself, and he fell over in a sprawl. Ross scrambled to his feet again, but not before Maggie was standing in front of Brian, fists clenched and ready to fight. Oh, so your girl friend does your fighting for you, huh? Brain cackled. Before Ross could shove Maggie aside Mr. Walton stepped out of the front door and began to fiddle with the garden hose. He casually looked over to the kids. Morning Ross. Brian. How was the parade? Brian suddenly needed to check his shoe laces and muttered some inaudible reply as Mr. Walton lined the sprinkler up so that it would reach the garden under the bay window as well as most of the lawn. When he looked up again Brian was gone, wandering off down the street. He looked up at the clear sky. Fine day, isn't it?

 
~jon
My Blog - Mad Utopia Writing in a new era.