The Skateboard Show

Midge, Jake and Booker-T walked along he sidewalk going home from the carnival.

“The mirrors were funny,” laughed Booker-T. “You looked really tall and skinny, Jake.”

“Midge and you looked funny with those little short legs,” said Jake. “That was fun. I wanted to ride the roller coaster.”

“Me too,” sighed, Midge. “Why don't the humans want us to ride them?”

“I don't know Midge,” said Jake. “I guess they just think of us as pets.”

“Hey Jake,” said Booker-T. “What is going on over there near the skateboard field?”

“I don't know,” said Jake. “Lets go see what they are doing.”

They walked over to see what was happening. There were many people sitting on the ground around the skateboard ramp. A young man dressed in blue jeans and a bright red shirt climbed the stairs to the top of the ramp. In his hand he had a microphone.

“Good morning everyone,” said the young man. “It is so good to see you all here today. I am Josh Williams and I hope you are ready to see our skateboarding demonstrations. Anyone interested in signing up to learn, please see Janet at the table to your left.”

Midge, Jake and Booker-T found a spot under a tree and sat down.

“First up will be Jenny Simpson” said Josh. “She is a junior at Marshall High School. Welcome Jenny. It's all yours. Show the people what you like to do.”

The people clapped as Jenny climbed the stairs to the top of the ramp. She waved to the people and set her skateboard on top of the ramp. She placed a foot on the skateboard and started down the ramp. At the bottom, she started up the other side and twisted to flip the skateboard around and back toward the other side. She raced up and down doing twists and flips and ended her demo at the top where she started.

“Thank you for that great demo, Jenny,” said Josh. “Lets continue now with Bradley Martin who attends Baxter Junior High School. Bradley is in the eighth grade and competes in skateboarding competitions with other junior high school students. Come on up Bradley.”

“Thank you,” said Bradley as he got into position with his skateboard.

Several more young skateboarders did their demos for the people.

“They really are good,” said Midge.

“They sure are,” agreed Booker-T.

“I want to try it again,” said Midge.

“Midge, you can't do that,” said Jake.

“Sure I can,” smiled Midge.

“Don't you remember you fell off the board when you tried it,” said Jake.

“I remember,” said Midge. “But I only tried it once. I need practice like they do.”

“Sure,” said Jake rolling his eyes.

“I hope you all are enjoying our demonstrations,” said Josh as he stood at the top of the ramp. “Again, anyone interested can check with Janet to fill out the application to join us and take the lessons. We are going to take a 10 minute break and we will be right back with four more young skateboarders.”

Midge walked away toward the ramp.

Suddenly Jake didn't see her. “Where is Midge?” asked Jake.

“I don't know,” said Booker-T looking around the park area. “She was just here.”

“Oh no,” said Jake. “Look up there.”

Midge was standing at the top of the ramp with someone's skateboard in her mouth. She set the skateboard down in front of herself.

“Midge!” screamed Jake. “No!”

Midge jumped on the board and down the ramp it sped. The skateboard got to the bottom and started up the other side. The people were laughing and cheering as Midge rode the skateboard. About half way up the other side, the skateboard flipped and Midge came tumbling down to the bottom of the ramp. People were clapping and laughing as Midge jumped up and ran off the ramp as she hurried to where Jake and Booker-T sat.

“I tried,” said Midge.

“And they were all laughing at you,” said Jake.

“It's okay,” said Midge. “Some were cheering. I just need lessons.”

“Midge, lets go home,” said Jake shaking his head.

The three hurried along the sidewalk to Jake's home.