Laney

"I don't really like the quarry," Luke said and immediately regretted it. Laney had suggested it and now she'd think badly of him. Plus Mark and Matt would give him grief for weeks.

Laney turned. "You don't have to come if you don't want to." She said it kindly as Laney always did and she meant it. But Luke knew that he would have to go: for pride, reputation and because he didn't want to miss out on spending time with Laney. He was too unaware to identify these feelings. They were swarming in his mind and his belly but they propelled him into going.

"Aw, is Luke scared?" Mark said, mockingly and rubbed his eyes like a bawling baby.

Matt laughed but at a frown from Laney put his arm around Luke's shoulders and said, "We'll keep away from the edge. No worries," and was rewarded with a bright smile from Laney and his arm being shrugged off by Luke.

"Come on, Luke," Laney said and Luke looked at her encouraging face. "It'll be fine."

*

They were running, playing tag. The boys were all trying to target Laney but she was too quick. Her laughter as she managed to evade their pursuit filled the quarry. She was never tagged, the boys targeting each other on rotation.

"Come on, boys! You're going to have to do better than that!" Laney shouted. "I've not been "It" once yet!"

Mark was panting. "She's too good!" He lurched for Luke who managed to just swerve to avoid his touch.

"Luke, you're on. I got your t-shirt!" Mark lied.

"Did not, Mark! You're lying!" Luke said, keeping his distance.

In defeat, Mark leaned over, hands on his thighs. "I'm knackered. Beaten by a girl. I'll never live this down!"

Matt, sitting on a rock, said, "You're not giving in, are you?"

Mark frowned and said "No!" Then added, "How about we see if we can all get her?"

Luke and Matt looked at each other and grinned.

Laney pretended to look afraid. "Well, that's not fair, is it?" She laughed, "But you still won't catch me," turning to run.

She was right. She was never caught by them that day.

***

366 words

This links to two previous stories I wrote, links below:

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