Project X: Bike, Interrupted

Closing the car door with one hand, Alexx balanced the sack of groceries on the trunk of the car as her keys dangled between her fingers.

Down the sidewalk, a little boy pedaled slowly down the sidewalk. It looked like he was just getting the hang of riding as he stopped near the driveway.

“Hi.” The boy called out innocently, with a sloppy wave, then pedaled a few inches closer. He had sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes that followed hers as she looked down the sidewalk. “Who are you looking for?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be with someone?” Just then heavy, frantic footsteps pounded against the sidewalk—answering her question. A slender looking woman came into view, sporting the same blonde hair as the little boy.

She gave a quick greeting, and bent down to look her son in the eye. “Robbie, I thought I told you to ride only in the driveway, not clear down the street.”

“Sorry mommy.” Robbie muttered, looking around her and grasping the rubber handles of his bike.

“We’ll talk about this later.” The woman stood and brushed off. “I hope he wasn’t bugging you.”

“Not at all. I was just bringing some groceries into the house.”  Alexx gestured to the house behind her, and then extended her free hand. “I’m Alexx Craig.”

“Marie.” The woman shook her hand in greeting. “This is my son Robbie. I also have a daughter, Sadie.”

“You forgot daddy.” Robbie interrupted, pulling at her shirt.

And my husband, Michael. They’re at home cooking dinner, so we should probably think about getting back. We were just out riding bikes and trying to get some energy out—I turned my back for a few minutes and he was gone.”

“Tell you what . . . you can come visit me any time you want. Just make sure that you ask your mommy or daddy first.” Turning to Robbie, Alexx winked.

Robbie nodded fervently, as he focused on spinning the peddles on his bike.

“Thanks.”  Marie thanked her, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Ready?”

“Yeah!” Exclaiming, Robbie turned his bike around. “What’s daddy making?”

“I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to see, won’t we?”  Marie turned back. “Say goodbye to Alexx.”

“Byyyee Alexx!”  Robbie called excitedly, and then started pedaling slowly, as Marie waved and they both disappeared down the sidewalk.

“Bye.” Alexx waved back, with a grin. “It was nice meeting both of you!”