The Skater Girl

After school, the skatepark swelters. Tyler nails tricks while Sarah lingers in the shade, bored out of her mind, soda sweating in her hand. She does this every day—stuck watching her boyfriend show off. Dressed in a skimpy attempt at skater-girl style, skin slick, she needs attention and air-conditioning. More guys roll up, greet Tyler. Sarah’s eyes roll. Now they’ll never leave. One of them is a girl she doesn’t know. Jenny spots Sarah, holds her stare, then skates over, leaving the pack behind. Introductions happen; Sarah asks about school. “Nah, dropped out the day after I turned eighteen,” Jenny grins. Sarah laughs wistfully. They size each other up. “Why so alone?” Jenny asks. Sarah feels pinned, nervous under that look. “Waiting for Tyler,” she mumbles. Jenny glances at the boys, sees Tyler oblivious, then offers a pool at her place. Sarah stares at this cool stranger and feels a sudden thrill. “Sure.” They bail together. Jenny’s house is sleek, pricey. “Nice,” Sarah blurts. Jenny shrugs about her dad’s money, already peeling off clothes. Sarah panics—no suit, no nerve. Jenny laughs. Who needs fabric when the sun’s this cruel? She steps in and strips Sarah bare, calm and steady. Nervous but game, Sarah lets the girl undress her. Hand in hand, they hit the water. Laughter, splashes, the tension thickens. Jenny’s easy vibe erases Sarah’s doubt. Closer, hotter. Jenny’s eyes don’t leave her. Sarah can’t hide how keyed up she feels. “Wonder if Tyler even knows I’m gone,” she says. Jenny drifts closer. “Forget him,” she whispers, fingers on Sarah’s collarbone. Mouths hover, then crush together. They stumble up to the bedroom, hungry for skin against skin. This skater girl is about to shake Sarah apart.