4
The two of them stood precariously on the edge of the bridge, silhouetted by the moon. A long, darkly decorated circus train rushed along beneath them, stirring up the cold air and raising goosebumps on his arms. The train was coming to an end; its caboose was coming into sight. There was no time to dwell on what they were about to do. He knew it was the only way to save Danny--
"Tucker, jump!" the girl shouted, excitement and fear in her voice mingling.
"I can't, Sam, it's too fast...and the landing's really going to hurt—" he mumbled, looking at the hard, ridged tops of the train's cars, but she grabbed his sweaty hand and held it tight. There would be no escape from her determination. And for a split second he understood why Danny admired and liked her so. She was strong and daring. She was no wimp of a girl, brave in all situations. He had no more time to think about his sudden epiphany. His hand was grasped tighter, if it was possible.
"One, two, THREE!"
He was half-dragged by the hand as he fell from the bridge, a moment slower than her, and just in time his head was forced down by her hand so he wouldn't be decapitated by the bridge. He collapsed in a heap on the roof of the car. Sitting up slowly, making sure there were no more bridges ahead, he rubbed his sore ankle and forearms. It was good they were both wearing boots—he looked over and saw that her purple leggings were ripped at the knee, and it was bleeding and bruised. She must have landed wrong from his added pull. He started to ask if she was okay, but she jumped up and motioned at him to get up. Tucker almost gasped at her immunity to pain, but got up, knowing he was better off than her in terms of health problems.
"We're jumping again," she said, her purple eyes shining like polished jewels in the moonlight. "We'll take a running start. You're okay, right?" Her breathing was a little fast from the thrill, but nothing like Tucker's hyperventilation.
Tucker nodded solemnly. He knew her daring was enough for at least the both of them, and his mind was empty of fear or thought as they ran and leaped over the gaps, one after another. His breathing slowed down as if he was in a dream. He didn't feel the cold forward wind on his face or feel the movement of the speeding train pass beneath his feet, only her strong hand in his, guiding his leaps and runs.
