Madison sighed in annoyance and glared at Spencer, rolling her eyes and transitioning into a much more ladylike posture, which was fairly difficult with a rather large mode of transport between your legs.

Ashley knew it was about ten minutes farther to the spot, so she decided to fill poor Madison in on the rest of their journey.

“Chill Mads, it’s like two minutes away. Plus, it’s all downhill, and when you get near the bottom, the path veers right, and you can totally cut the corner really fast and then peel out at the bottom…seriously, it is way badass.”

The girls looked at one another, as if a silent debate was at hand. The sun had lowered in the sky, causing the light slipping through the tree’s branches to move, shifting shadows around the path, creating an almost ominous mood. Summer was coming to a close, as was their freedom, the threat of school starting up again looming on the horizon. Spencer noticed it was getting darker, and shifted her body forward, hands perched on the handlebars, her body language informing the group she was ready to move on.

Madison rolled her eyes yet again, and began peddling ahead down the path, knowing full well she would have to wait another hour before she would feel warm water against her auburn skin.

Ashley watched the two girls as they faded down the path, thankful for a moment alone amongst the sun and unseen wildlife. She breathed in deeply, her breath catching, causing a sudden itch to attack her throat, forcing out a few deep coughs.

Deciding the two girls had enough of a head start, she tore off down the path at full speed, her legs pumping wildly, her confidence building that she would not be the last one to reach the clearing. She stood up off the seat, forcing the pedals down hard, as the bike chain’s teeth clasped the metal circle, spinning the wheels faster and faster. She could see Spencer first, then Madison. Both peddling madly, an unspoken race at hand, both girl’s knowing Ashley’s competitive nature, and didn’t want to be the last person to the clearing.

The incline began, as the sharp turn at the bottom of the hill was rapidly approaching. Ashley knew she had little time until she reached the turn, and there was no way in hell she was going to let Madison and Spencer beat her. Losing was not an option. She knew coming in last or second to last would break her down a bit farther. Even something as seemingly trivial as a bike race, had become something more. Everything she did was to prove. Her stomach clenched and her shoulders crouched lower. Glancing up she noticed Spencer and Madison had ceased peddling, and were now coasting the last 100 feet, enjoying the freefall. This shared judgment call was Ashley’s opportunity. Her legs pumped ferociously, her wheels sending tiny twigs and pebbles careening into the underbrush where they would live until wind or water carried them away.