Simon had lost his enthusiasm for Alvin's ideas. He was concerned he'd made a fool of himself in front of Jeanette. As they walked back towards their house his mind worried what she must think of him. Of course she was his best friend so she wouldn't hold it against him but it still disturbed him. He looked up and saw Jillian talking to another boy. Another boy dressed in leather and sitting on a motorbike.

"I'll be there cheering for you Duke."

"So that's it," Alvin exclaimed. "Jillian's into motorcycle guys."

"Alvin! I don't like motorcycles," Simon reminded him.

"But you do like Jillian don't you?" Simon hesitated.

"Well…"

"Trust me. The way to win her heart is on two wheels." Simon was not wholly convinced by this but he didn't argue as they went home. Winning Jillian was costing him more than he expected. Since this morning he'd made himself unwelcome in the library and got Jeanette embarrassed on his behalf. And he was still no nearer getting Jillian to like him. He reasoned that at this point he pretty much had to continue… otherwise it would all be in vain.

By the afternoon Alvin had somehow rummaged up a bike for him to ride. Simon started it up and was suddenly travelling what felt like a hundred miles an hour round the garden. As he almost mowed down Theodore he prayed he'd survive long enough to apologise to Jeanette. While most of his mind froze in terror, a small still rational part pointed out he'd been ignoring her recently and she was his best friend.

Dave came running out as Simon crashed. After seeing his son was OK he tried to work out what was going on.

"This is so unlike you! Is something wrong?" Simon reassured him everything was fine. Alvin kept quiet until Dave was out of earshot but then Simon turned on him. After that experience he never wanted to get on a bike again. However Alvin had already entered him into a competition.

"Forget it!" Simon stated with finality.

"Jillian's presenting the winner's trophy." Simon sighed.

"Where's my bike?"

He couldn't give up now, he recited as he practiced in a deserted lane. To give up now meant he'd looked a fool for nothing. It was admitting he couldn't win a girl. If he had a fault it was one of pride.

By the end of the day he was reasonably confident riding the bike up and down but he knew he wouldn't be good enough to win a competition. Unless he made a few slight adjustments. Alvin and Theodore helped him sneak the bike back to their garage before he went in and phoned Jeanette.

"Hi Jeanette."

"Oh, Simon. Hi."

"Listen Jeanette, I need a favour."

"Sure Simon."

"Can you come over this evening?"

"This evening? Uh… yeah."

"And bring that stuff from your science project last year."

"The rocket? Why?" Simon sighed.

"I have to adjust a motorbike so I can win a race tomorrow." There was a long pause.

"Is this to do with that girl?" Jeanette spoke quietly and he wondered who else might be listening her end.

"Uh… yeah." There was a longer pause.

"OK."

"Great! See you later." He hung up and ran to tell Dave she was coming over. Then he sat outside to wait for her. He smiled as he saw her pulling a trolley full of stuff down the road.

"Thanks Jeanette." She smiled shyly and followed him into the garage.

"What's that smell?" he asked. She looked confused then suddenly jumped.

"Oh! The petrol's spilt!" He shook his head but smiled as she began unloading everything.

They worked together several hours making plans and adjustments to the motorbike. Simon relaxed talking to her. He hadn't realised how uptight he'd become, worrying over Jillian. At least he could always be himself with Jeanette. It was a surprise when Dave yelled out that it was way past their bedtime.

"Oh! I really have to get home."

"Yeah. I should try and get a good night." They stood awkwardly, Simon suddenly remembering what he was doing tomorrow. He'd begun to think of the bike as another project.

"Would it be alright…" Jeanette began then stopped.

"Yes?"

"Could I watch you race? Just to see how the bike does." She added quickly. He smiled.

"I'd really like that." She smiled too and with a little wave made her way out. He watched her go and felt happier knowing there'd be at least one friendly face there tomorrow.