“Maybe you should talk to Maria before the big race, Sister Ali.” The ghost in her skateboard, Jeremy Trucks, told Ali (It’s a long story). Ali wrapped her arms around her legs.
“It’s not that simple, Ghost Trucks,” She began to speak. “After I saved her life from the D.C.I., Dane has been pissed at me for saving his own sister’s life for no reason whatsoever. And then I lied about not liking Maria when I really do.” Jeremy chuckled at the thought of Ali having a crush on the girl who keeps on calling her a street rat.
“Well, we’ll see when we get there, Sister Ali.”
i.
The first time I kissed Maria was after the end of my first training session.
“What do you want, street rat?” Maria asked.
“I just wanted to say,” I kissed her lips softly. “Thank you for saving my fall.”
ii.
The second time I kissed Maria was after my talk with Ghost Trucks.
“Who were you talking to?”
“Oh, nobody in particular!” I lied.
“Ok then, street rat. Let’s go race against the Playa Clan.” Maria walked downstairs but not until I held her arm.
“Hey, Mar-Mar.”
“Are you seriously giving me a nickname?”
I kissed her hand before Maria left me alone.
iii.
The third time I kissed Maria was after I saved her life from the D.C.I.
“Thank you, Ali. For, well, saving my life.”
“It was a pleasure,” Maria chuckled. “Hey, what are you laughing about?”
“It’s nothing. I just find you annoyingly cute.”
I hugged Maria before kissing her forehead.
“You’re welcome.”
+ i.
The first time I kissed that damn street rat was after the final race with Playa Clan. And no. I don’t want to speak about it.
“So, that puppy is practically you and Maria’s kid?” Ghost Trucks asked Ali. Ali replied to the ghost of Jeremy Trucks, saying that until they find the puppy’s owner, they’re taking care of it. “Okay then, Sister Ali.” Jeremy disappeared into Ali’s skateboard with no other comment.
“Yeah. Bye to you too, G. Trucks.” Pip, the golden retriever puppy, softly barked at a squirrel as Maria tried (and failed) to get Pip’s attention.
“Damn it, street rat. Took you long enough.”
“Yeah, I know and I’m sorry. I was talking to the ghost of Jeremy Trucks.”
“What.”
“Anyways, let’s go take care of this pup together.” Ali picked up the golden retriever puppy as they walked outside to take the puppy out for a walk.