“Here,” said Valeria, trying to contain her laughter. She held out her hands and helped Chloe get on the board. “Let’s see if you’re goofy or regular.”
Chloe stepped on the board. “Whoa!” she said. “It really rolls.”
“Don’t worry,” said Valeria. “I’ve got you. So, if you were going that way,” Valeria pointed, “which foot would you lead with?”
Chloe shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Okay,” said Valeria. “We’ll try it this way. Lie down on the ground.”
Chloe did.
“Now get up,” Valeria instructed.
Chloe got up, using her left foot first.
“You’re goofy-footed,” said Valeria, “like me. That means you will want your left foot forward on your board.”
Valeria stepped on her board to show Chloe. “Let’s just ride around the parking lot,” said Valeria.
Chloe started to move, but she was standing too tall and lost her balance.
“Scrunch down like this,” said Valeria, showing her. “The lower your center of gravity, the steadier you’ll feel.”
Chloe caught on fast. In the next hour, she had learned how to foot brake and turn.
“I think we can try the small hill by our houses tomorrow,” Mateo said.
“Really?” said Chloe. “Are you sure?”
Mateo nodded.
Valeria thought for a moment. Riding on the flats was one thing, but downhill, that was something else. Valeria brushed the feeling aside. “Yeah,” she said. “Let’s do it. Hey, do you guys live by each other?”
“Chloe lives two streets up,” said Mateo.
“652 Sugarbush Lane,” said Chloe.
Chapter Five
CHLOE’S PLACE
“I guess this is it,” Valeria said, looking up at the huge house. The style was similar to Mateo’s — but Chloe’s was about five times bigger. Before she could knock, Chloe came to the door. Mateo was already there.
“Hey,” she said. “I’m almost ready.”
A woman stood on the rug waiting for an introduction.
“Mother,” Chloe said. “This is Valeria.”
“Hello, I’m Mrs. Platter,” Chloe’s mom said. “Nice to meet you, Valeria. I hope you and Mateo will keep Chloe safe. I’m not sure longboarding is the right sport for her. Do either of you play tennis?”
“Mother!” said Chloe. “We have to go!”
“How about a snack?” Mrs. Platter asked.
“No, thank you,” said Valeria. “I have to catch the 5:40 bus.”
Mrs. Platter look confused. “Chloe said you lived close by.”
“Mateo lives close —” Chloe looked at Valeria. “Where do you live?” she asked.
“The trailer park by Highway Nine,” said Valeria. She wasn’t sure how the Platters would take that. Sometimes people looked at her differently after they found out where she lived.
“The one across from the gardening shop?” Mrs. Platter asked.
Valeria nodded.
Mrs. Platter smiled. “I know just where that is. Okay, well, have fun — and please be careful with Chloe. She’s the only daughter I’ve got!”
“Don’t worry,” said Mateo. “Valeria is the best teacher.”
“And besides,” said Valeria, “Chloe has plenty of safety gear!”
“Oh, that reminds me,” said Mrs. Platter, “Chloe, you need your hockey mask. I think it’s in the garage. Wait here. I’ll get it.”
“Mother!” said Chloe.
