He still had two whole days.
7
Saturday
Marvin couldn’t believe it was already Saturday. What happened to Friday? The week had sped by super fast, out of control.
He walked out through the laundry room into the garage. His shoes were double-knotted. So was his stomach.
His bike was leaning against the side wall. It had been leaning there for almost three weeks. “Don’t you want to try it out?” his father had asked when they first brought it home from the bike shop.
“I’m kind of tired,” Marvin had said.
Now he took hold of the handlebars. “I’m not afraid of you,” he whispered. He slowly rolled the bike backward, between the van and the garbage pail. The pedal banged against his shin as he made his way out of the garage and onto the driveway.
He still hadn’t decided if he would go down Suicide Hill, but he had to go at least as far as Stuart’s house. It was decided that he and Nick would meet at Stuart’s, and then they’d all ride to Suicide Hill together.
Nick and Stuart were the ones who decided this. It seemed to Marvin that he didn’t make any of his own decisions anymore. His life was being decided by others.
His bike helmet dangled off the end of one handlebar. He put it on, but it didn’t seem to fit right. The strap was too tight under his chin, and the helmet seemed way too loose at the top of his head. He hoped he hadn’t put it on backward.
He stared at his giant bicycle. His parents had chosen a bicycle that was a little big for him. “You’ll grow into it,” his father had said. “We don’t want to have to buy another bike in six months.”
He had to lean it way over to try and get his leg over it. It was impossible. As he tried to lift himself onto the seat, the bike almost fell. He just managed to stick his foot out and catch himself.
He tried several more times, hopping on one foot and scraping his leg against the pedal. He couldn’t do it.
How am I supposed to ride down Suicide Hill if I can’t even get on my bike? he wondered.
He thought about all the kids waiting for him at Suicide Hill. Casey and Judy. Clarence and Travis. Nate and all the kids from middle school.
Marvin walked the bike down the driveway and into the street. He edged it next to the curb and then rotated the pedals into position. Then, standing on the curb, he was able to stretch his leg over the top of the bike and just barely touch the pedal on the other side.
He hopped on. The bike wobbled. The tire rubbed against the curb and he almost fell, but he managed to turn the handlebars and straighten out. He pedaled hard. He felt himself gain his balance. He headed toward Stuart’s house.
Now that Marvin was on the bike, it felt almost the same as his old bike. He was just higher off the ground. He didn’t try to shift gears. And he hoped he wouldn’t have to use the brakes.
There was only one corner between his house and Stuart’s. He took it nice and slow, almost too slow. He found it easier to keep his balance when he was going a little faster, but if he went too fast, he might have to use his brakes.
Stuart’s driveway was uphill. It slowed him down enough that he didn’t have to use his brakes. He let the bike roll to a stop, then hopped off. He let it fall beside him.
He knocked on Stuart’s door. As he waited for someone to answer it, he looked back at his bike. He hoped he’d be able to get back on it without too much trouble.
Stuart’s mother opened the door and said, “Hi, Marvin. Come on in. The boys are watching a movie.”
Marvin walked through the kitchen and into the family room. His friends were lying on the floor, staring at the TV. Before he could say anything, Nick said, “Shush! It’s the good part.”
“It’s almost twelve o’clock,” said Marvin. “We have to get going.”
“After the movie,” said Stuart.
Marvin couldn’t believe it. “How long will that be?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” said Stuart.
“Shush!” said Nick.
“Can’t you watch it later?” Marvin asked.