Author's Note: Given the number of angsty, tragic stories for this movie, I thought I'd write something a little more...cheerful? Anyway, enjoy! :)
Fly Enjoys a Cheeseburger
"You know what I could go for right now?" Fly asked. "A double cheeseburger."
The boy realized just how hungry he was, thinking about the beef patty sandwich, dressed in lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, and onion. The simple arrangement, just how he liked it. Come to think of it, he hadn't had one in a while. All the more reason to get one.
Chuck, who was standing nearby, shut off the camcorder. "So does this mean we're done?" There was a hint of complaint and hopeful relief in his voice.
"Lemme see the video!" Fly grabbed the camera out of his cousin's hands and opened the small screen extension. "You made sure I'm on-center, right?"
Chuck rolled his eyes. "Of course."
"And no thumb in the way?"
"No, Fly."
Fly watched the playback, a huge grin crossing his face. "Wow, nice! That was a smooth landing! Oh, oh! Did you see that kickflip, Chuck? Just perfect!"
"I was standing right there. I saw everything," Chuck said dryly.
Fly closed the camera and handed it back. He stepped on the end of his skateboard, causing the other end to go up. "Sweet! Now let's go get some burgers. Race you there!"
"Wait!" Chuck said. "I still need to get my roller blades on!"
But Fly was already halfway across the park, leaning and making sharp turns on his board. Chuck huffed through his nose, then shrugged. He knew where to go. He'd just meet him there.
Soon both the cousins were at the local burger place just several blocks from Fly's neighborhood. The tall, thinner boy ordered his usual: the number two with a side of fries and a chocolate shake. Chuck thought he'd try the patty melt, also with fries and a cola. The boys sat down at a booth. Fly was reveling in his video, analyzing every second of it.
"That's a full turn!" He gushed. "Chuck, I just landed a 180 pop shove-it!"
"That's nice," Chuck replied absently. The list of ingredients on the ketchup packet was more interesting than the foreign skate terms Fly was spouting.
"This is legendary!" Fly continued. "You think I could become a pro skater?"
Chuck shrugged, still not removing his eyes from the ketchup packet. "Who's to know?"
"Oh, man!" Fly felt higher than air. Today was a particularly good day for his skating, and his perfect run was immortalized on film. Maybe, he could potentially give the likes of Tony Hawk a run for their money.
His dreams of a skate career were put on hold as soon as the server showed up with their food. The savory salty smells filled Fly's nostrils, his mouth watering.
All right! Fly picked up the sandwich with both hands and sunk his teeth into the soft bun. He chewed, relishing the juicy beef, crispy lettuce, the sweetness of the tomatoes and ketchup, and the tanginess of the pickles and mustard. All individual flavors sung in beautiful harmony for his taste buds.
Mm-MM! He swallowed and took a sip of his milkshake, the chocolaty dessert washing down the burger.
"Now this is a tasty burger!" Fly declared.
"Fly." Chuck pointed a finger at his own chin. "You got a little ketchup dripping."
"Oh, thanks." Fly wiped it clean off with his napkin. "How's the patty melt?"
"Pretty good," Chuck said. "I admit, this is leagues better than most fast food I've been to."
"Right?" Fly dipped a French fry in ketchup and took a nibble off the tip. "This is the best place in town, hands down!"
The bespectacled cousin took another bite out of his sandwich. "I'm inclined to agree with the sentiment."
"So I've been thinking," Fly said, giving a pause.
"What?" prompted Chuck.
The gleam in Fly's eyes spelled trouble. "I'm gonna see if I can land a 360. Let's go back to the park after this!"
Chuck rested his cheek on his fist, a tired look on his face. He didn't think he could be his cousin's cameraman for much longer.
