Freerunner by David Trifunov

Author:David Trifunov
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lorimer
Published: 2018-01-28T16:00:00+00:00

12

Ninja Trickery

I had to go to the mall. It wasn’t to steal, either. I had never stolen anything before the headphones. And I was never going to again. But being banned from the mall made me see it as the most exciting place in Ottawa. It was the forbidden fortress inside the walled city. It didn’t help that Parker and her friends invited me. They were going to shop and then walk around the ByWard Market.

I was stuck. The mall security had banned me for one year. They had my picture in the security office and everything. But hanging out with Parker was too tempting.

I came up with a plan. I told Parker I had to study until five o’clock.

“On a Saturday night?” she asked.

“Yeah, my mom is really strict about that. I do homework every day until five. But then I’m free. I could meet you after.”

It wasn’t a lie. My mom was strict about homework. She just wasn’t that strict about weekends.

“I’m going to meet Parker and some friends tonight,” I told my mom. “Maybe we’ll grab a BeaverTail or something. She is shopping for something first.”

“She? Ooh! Parker is a girl! You got any money?”

I couldn’t help smiling at my mom. She knew my weak spots.

“A few bucks,” I answered.

She handed me twenty more and her cell phone. “Be home at a decent hour. Say ‘hi’ to Parker for me!”

“Thanks, Mom.”

I grabbed my shoes and coat and headed out the door before she started making kissy faces. Parker and I had planned to meet at six. But by the time I got there, Parker was nowhere to be found.

I texted her: Hey, it’s Tricky. You here? Parker: Wow! You have a phone. Congratulations! Me: Mom’s phone. I’m at the BeaverTails place. Parker: Great. We are nearly finished. Meet us at Run ‘n’ Racket. I’m trying on shoes. You can help me pick.

My guts started churning. I didn’t want to sneak into the mall. I was sure I’d get caught and Parker would see it all happen. But I didn’t want to stay outside. She might think something was wrong with me.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my baseball cap. I zipped up my jacket so the collar covered most of my mouth. I caught a glimpse of my reflection. There was no way anyone could recognize me. I kind of looked like a ninja.

Still, I was breaking a promise and I hated myself for it.

Just for a minute. Then we are gone, I thought.

I crossed the market and headed into the mall through the same entrance where Coach first nabbed me. Dozens — probably hundreds — of people were coming and going.

“Okay, I got this,” I said to myself.

I had to stop right away. Two security guards stood talking to each other outside a coffee shop. I ducked behind a group of kids with baseball caps walking slowly past them. They were wearing “Confederation HS Basketball” jackets. I was just another player, although definitely the shortest one.

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