the door Just as I was about to exit I saw my classmate April She stood wide with her hands on her hips blocking my way What’s the rush Josie April singsonged a sneer on her lips April was a dancer too and ever since she’d found out that I was auditioning for Karnival she’d been treating me like her rival The way I saw it there was room for both of us Weren’t we all Tropivillagers Getting ready for my dance audition Good luck at yours I said With one fast dart I sidestepped her and raced outside The fresh breeze cooled my face and the afternoon sun tickled 5
my skin I smiled All of Tropiville rumbled with rhythm and I fell right into step with it I walked over a sidewalk grate blowing warm subway air and marveled at the familiar jostle of the arriving train My long lanky strides gobbled up two whole blocks before I heard the unmistakable tuc tac tuc tac rhythm of double Dutch ropes Some girls were jumping in a church parking lot I could practically taste the excitement of being between the ropes Can I get a jump I asked Hop in said the girl standing closest to me Squee I shouted as I jumped in 6
