WHO: Eva Marple and Alice March WHEN: October 31, 1997. Recess. WHERE: Timberline Academy SUMMARY: Two young friends share a rebellious moment. WARNINGS: Irresponsible use of fire.
“Show me another one.”
Well, when Alice March gave a command like that, you listened. Especially when she was playing with just you, no other friends around, and she didn’t even seem like she needed anyone else.
Eva looked around, making sure nobody else was too close to their secluded corner of the blacktop, before returning her attention to the small object in her little hands.
“You have to go like this, see, on the stripe.” She felt very wise as she showed her friend what to do.
Fire burned brightly in the young girls’ eyes as they watched the flame jump along the length of the matchstick. When it had nearly reached her fingers, Eva blew hard.
“See, you have to blow it out. Otherwise it’ll burn you. It’ll hurt.” The eagerness in her voice didn’t seem to match with the warning she was giving. “Do you want to try?”
Alice nodded, holding her hands out for the matchbook.
Together, the two girls struck match after match, watching them burn.
The bell rang, signalling the end of recess.
“Can I keep it?”
Eva bit her bottom lip. Of course she wanted to do what Alice asked -- only, what if her mom noticed the matchbook was missing? She didn’t want to get in trouble…
“Pleeeaaase?” Alice added, looking at Eva with puppy-dog eyes.
“Well, okay.” Eva gave in, as they’d both known she would. Anyway, there were only a few matches left. “Don’t forget,” she said, trying to regain control of the situation through her role as the experienced one, “You need to blow it out before it hurts you.”
The two friends shared a secret smile as Alice slipped the matchbook into her pocket.