Playground Romance

 Chapter One

A small brunette head could be viewed from a distance, bobbing and weaving it’s way through the tall grass of an abandoned field just on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The eight year old was locked into a heated game of hide-and-seek with a blonde about her height hidden somewhere in the weeds. She tried to keep her steps as light as possible, her feet careful to avoid any twigs or dried leaves as she delicately traversed the hard California soil.

“Spencer!” She called out finally in frustration, never liking to play a game that she wasn’t winning. “I give up!”

Silencer was her response and the girl felt a bit of fear grip her tiny heart, realizing all at once just how scary this place could be at sunset when you were on your own, “Come on Spence, I’m serious!”

A small finger tapped Ashley’s left shoulder a moment later, but when she looked in that direction there was no one there. Stifled giggling caught the girl’s ear and she spun around to the right, folding her arms in annoyance at the grinning girl before her, “So not funny.”

“You’re just mad because you couldn’t find me.” Countered the girl, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.

“Am not.” The brunette replied grudgingly, scuffing the dirt slightly with her shoe, “It doesn’t matter anyways, we need to leave soon before your Mom comes looking for us.”

Spencer glanced at the Velcro watch on her wrist before nodding, “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

The two girls began the hike back towards Spencer’s home, whose backyard bordered the large empty lot where they often spent most of their time. The blonde’s mother hated them going off by themselves like that, but disobeying Paula’s wishes was somewhat of a hobby for Ashley. If the woman told her not to do something, there was a 90% chance of it getting done. After all, Paula only prohibited the things that were the most fun.

“Hey, Aiden’s having a birthday party tomorrow, he wanted me to tell you you’re invited.” Ashley spoke, recalling the dark haired boys invitation. Spencer grimaced slightly, thin brows pressing together.

“I know, Glen told me about it. I don’t really like Aiden though… He’s kind of creepy.” The girl complained, hands finding her jean pockets as they neared the border of her backyard where the wilderness suddenly transformed into manicured lawn.