Riding on in the Dark

Night fell while they were still on the beach eating Turkish Delight.

Belle and I don't normally eat Turkish Delight, said Marie. But we can't let you eat it all, with your sore tooth.

No worries, said Sweezus, who was busy with his iPhone and not really listening.

What are you up to? said Belle et Bonne.

Downloading an app, said Sweezus. It's called Pump Up Pilates.

That'll keep you warm, said Marie. And you'll need it. It's too dark to go on. We'll have to sleep on the beach.

I bet he's forgotten his sleeping bag, said Belle et Bonne.

Well, he's not sharing ours, said Marie. Remember last year? He got chocolate all over everything.

The girls unrolled their sleeping bags and got in.

Sweezus looked up.

Hey! You girls have got sleeping bags. Did you bring one for me?

No, said Marie. We forgot about you.

What am I meant to do? asked Sweezus.

Pilates, said Marie. Or you could ride on in the dark.

Or you could ride back, said Belle et Bonne. Right back to Immanuel College. There was a purple sheet hanging out the front near the fence. You could get that.

You mean steal it? said Sweezus.

It wouldn't exactly be stealing, said Belle et Bonne.

No it wouldn't, said Marie. Not exactly.

They giggled and snuggled down into their bags.

Sweezus picked up his bicycle.

You girls may be sorry, he said as he pedalled away. I don't have a light on this bike.