The Swing Chapter Two

1

“Tom, sit by me..I promise I wont bite.” Chalice said it with an evil grin, but it was just a joke. She was sitting on a bench. The snowflakes falling into place on her hair and rosy cheeks from being cold. It was a perfect place to meet after their Christmas dinners, right in a park with tons of hills covered in snow that where great for sledding.2

Tom slid onto the open spot beside her, “So how was your Christmas?” 3

“My parents still think I believe in Santa Claus, that answer your question?” Chalice was a bright nine year old and figured things out quick, she said she was just neglecting the made up fairy tales to keep children occupied. Tom didnt understand what was wrong with believing in Santa Claus, even though he too stopped belieing around the same time. He still missed the excitement he had when he was waiting for some fat man in a red suit to slide down a chimney and give you presents his elves made, but he knew that part of his childhood was forever gone.4

“So how was your Christmas?” She smiled showing her pink rubber bands wrapped around her braces. 5

Tom smiled back; he couldn’t wait for her to ask. “Well, since you asked,” He turned around and reached in his bag. He had been planning on getting her with this since he opened it. He pulled out what looked like a toy gun with small balls inside. 6

“What is that?” Chalice had seen other kids playing with toy guns that looked like it, but could only think of a water gun. Yet how could you use that in the winter and plus what about the balls.  7

“You want to find out?” Tom had an evil grin on his face now. Chalice took his smile as a warning, but knew he wouldn’t do anything to hurt her. Well not to bad she thought as she remembered the time he jumped on her back making her fall to the ground. That quickly ended in some busted up knees.8

“Sure.” Not knowing what was going to happen next but open to the idea of something besides talking.9

“Ok, ready cause here I come. You’re supposed to run.” He gave her a look as to say now would be good. Chalice grew a smile and she jumped off the bench and started running. 10

“Your crazy!” She shouted back at him, but she was having fun, usually all they did was tell jokes or play tag, something new was always a joy, even if it was small. She felt little pokes and realized that the little spheres where more or less like ammo. They took turns, like it was tag. After the “ammo” was out they decided to do some sledding, plus it would have been better if she had something to fight him back with anyway. 11

“Are you looking forward to school?” Chalice looked at him knowing his reply would be something along the lines of no way.12

“Well, no not really because of Mr. Fischer, but it would be nice to get out of the house and see some of my friends I guess.” Tom gave a little shrug and looked at Chalice, “How about you?”13

“I didn’t see that coming, but yeah I’m looking forward to it, schools fun for me.”14

“Well that’s because you always have the cool teachers.”15

Chalice laughed a little and then gave a somewhat straight face, “Yeah your right. Want to walk around, see what’s here?” Chalice could tell Tom was getting bored and so agreed. 16

“This place is neat.” Chalice was looking around at all the slides and the rusting swings, even though they were covered in snow right now didn’t mean they wouldn’t be any fun later. It was a little kids dream place. 17

“Its not far from our houses either and our parents let us come here by ourselves.” Tom said as he bent down to a swing and scraped off the snow.18

“Maybe we can meet here when we want to get together.” Chalice copied Tom and scraped the snow off a swing. Tom jumped up onto his swing and Chalice did too. They started to swing back and forth feeling the cold air blow past their ears. “I’m beginning to freeze, I think I’m going to go home.” She flew in the air as she purposely fell off the swing. “I cant feel my fingers.” 19

“Me neither” He took off one of his mittens and tried to feel his hand swipe across his face. “I’m numb.”20

Chalice started to laugh, “Your fingers are as straight as a ruler.”21

Tom pointed at Chalice’s mittens which were pretty straight as well, “So are yours.”22

“I guess that’s a sign to head for the fireplace.”23

“I agree, do you want to meet here tomorrow?”24

“Sure.” The gray clouds that had been forming began to let a light snowfall. 25

“See you tomorrow then.” They started running home before they couldn’t feel their feet either. 26