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There were a lot of things Cody wasn’t allowed to do because of his dad. Nothing was outright forbidden, but everyone knew Davy Jones, and Cody by proxy. Most of the time it didn’t matter, hanging out with friends being an acceptable use of time. However, it did matter when Cody wanted to do anything physical, including skateboarding. With birthday and holiday money combined Cody had saved up enough to get a basic board to practice on. The only hitch in the plan? The store owner wouldn’t sell it to him, saying it was out of stock despite the clear boxes on the shelf. The same thing happened with every other store owner who sold skateboards in Mayview, which was only one other place.
That left Cody with the need to find someone with a disregard for authority and skateboard knowledge. Luckily Maxwell Puckett was right there, and more than willing to help Cody, if for nothing else than to get a break from the Activity Club. With an empty afternoon the two set off for the skatepark. Like many things in Mayview it had been bought by Davy Jones and promptly ignored. Unlike those other lots the lack of maintenance didn’t matter to those that used it. Graffiti didn’t change how steep or smooth a ramp was.
“You ready to learn some sweet moves?” Max asked.
“Yeah!” Cody replied, the smile on his face real.
A couple seconds later that smile was against the pavement, skateboard innocently rolling away. Max stood unhelpfully to the side, trying not to laugh. He at least had the decency to tip his cap down to slightly hide the smile. In his other hand was a bundle of protective gear that Cody hadn’t noticed earlier. Without a word he grabbed them, strapping on the helmet and knee pads, more ready to take on the skateboarding challenge. This time Max showed him the proper positioning and best way to kick off.
Now that he knew what to do the basics were easy, dhampir athleticism helping. For once he could zone out slightly, forgetting about all the messes that awaited him at home. He’d apparently zoned out too much, as Max’s yell brought him out. The skateboard was about to fall down a ramp. Not bad in of itself, but something Max hadn’t taught Cody how to deal with. Instead of something reasonable Cody’s response was to do a backflip, landing perfectly at the top of the ramp as the board flew down the incline. Momentum propelled it up the other side and back down, oscillating gently.
“What was that?” Max’s mouth and eyes were wide open in disbelief.
“I panicked!” Cody wasn’t quite sure why he panicked, it was a simple situation to deal with, but he panicked.
“Who backflips when they panic!”
“Me apparently!”
The two boys stood across from each other, neither wanting to break the stunned silence. Finally Max turned to grab his board before one of the teens got any ideas. He placed it back up by the ramp, giving Cody another chance. Not zoning out made the ramp trivial. By the time the sun set and the vampires started to come out Cody had the basics down, and even a trick or two. And an agreement with Mr. Puckett combined with the power of the internet meant his own skateboard would be arriving in four to seven days.
“Thanks for all that,” Cody said.
“Of course. I’m always up for more people to know how cool skateboarding is.” Max’s face wore a genuine, albeit small, smile.
“Not just that. For teaching me even though my dad seemed to have scared everyone else into submission.”
“No offense,” Max meant full offense, “Your dad has a huge ego. Doesn’t matter what he thinks of me, he’s gonna be rude no matter what.”
“That’s him in a nutshell.”
“Plus,” Max added, “I got to see a real smile from you.”
“What do you mean?” The fake smile was back on, worry coursing through Cody’s veins.
“That.” Max poked Cody’s cheek and the edge of the fake smile.
Cody didn’t know how to reply to that. Most people couldn’t see through the facade he put up, and Max had only been in town for a couple of months. Then again, Max seemed to draw every mystery towards him, unconsciously tearing their secrets from those that held them. If anyone would figure it out, it would be him. Cautiously Cody let the smile down. As much as he loved Jeff, it was nice to trust someone with the more complicated aspects of his life.
“The order’s in!” Mr. Puckett yelled through the door, “Make sure to sext your friend Max.”
“That doesn’t mean what you think it means!” Max yelled back, giving Cody one last grin before heading back inside.