next installment up! I rather liked this one, actually... this shot takes place when the duo is about 3-4 years old.
THEME: #19 ~ Bow Down
The first time he sees her, she's digging in her front yard. She is so absorbed that she doesn't notice him.
"Hey," he calls, wheeling his tricycle closer. "Whatcha doing?"
She stops work, her round eyes giving him a quick once-over, and bellows a response. "'M digging to China and you can't help!"
He takes in her dirty hands and overalls and her disheveled hair. He decides that he doesn't like her and she's just a silly girl. "I don't care about your old hole," he scowls. "And that's impossible, anyway."
He pedals away, ignoring her defiant response.
The first time they're officially introduced, he remembers her. His mother nudges him forward and her eyes narrow in recognition.
"This is Ramona," Mrs. Kemp says. "Say hello, Howie."
He doesn't particularly want to, but his mother's nails dig into his shoulder warningly. "Hello, Ramona."
She lifts her chin and frowns. "I don't like him, Mama," she pronounces with a huff.
He's not as surprised as their gasping parents.
The first time they have a playdate, it doesn't go well.
"Bow down!" she shrieks, waving a twig about.
"No." He's realized that his calm unnerves her more than anything and that amuses him.
"I'm the queen and you're my servant! Now bow down!"
He glares. "I'm going home. This is dumb."
The twig goes sailing past his ear as he walks away as quickly as possible.
The first time he apologizes…
"What?" she sniffs, scrubbing at her tears.
He shuffles awkwardly. "I'm sorry I called your old queen game dumb." He sighs. "We can play. But I get to be a knight."
She snuffles and gives him that familiar once-over. "Fine," she agrees. "But you still have to do what I say!"
…is by no means the last time.
please review! I'm sure a lot of you out there also appreciate the Howie and Ramona friendship!