The music was throbbing, pouring through the doors we opened. As we stepped into the huge complex (seemed to us), we were directed to the cash register at the side. We could barely hear the man's question, "How many skaters?"....well, there were seven of us, our family and two of the boys friends. I was clutching a box of Flaked Yogurt Bars, for the kids as a little snack later. The man pointed to it and yelled gruffly, "Their will be no outside food or drinks! Absolutely not!" Steve looked a little chagrined and turned to take them back to the car. No doubt at "twoony" night, they make their money on over-priced drinks and snacks....We made our way to the skate desk and the 13 -year old girl with tight jeans handed over a pair of mismatched brown limpy skates. It has been at least 20 years since I rollar-skated last and looking at those skates, I wondered that they were probably older then I was, since rollar skating was invented far earlier then my tight-jeaned days! Steve got the boys set up, then off we were hand in hand, our legs stiff and ankles wobbly...the perfect couple under the disco ball and lights.
I looked around and realized that we were skating on a basketball court, bamboo floor and nets up ahead. The DJ for the night was a bearded tatooed gentleman, whose persona seemed to lend to the surroundings. Everything seemed worn out, loud, dusty and "chick" oriented. As I seemed to find my former rollar skating rhythm though, I was kind of enjoying it. My boys were skating with varying degrees of wide legged, arms flying or steady persistence. We'd link hands and laugh. They would crash into the wall and laugh. Their frightened friend actually got off the bench and made his tentitive way on the floor. We watched the little girl (about 6) skate like a pro, and a dad at the side dance with his daughter, careful not to endanger both with an errant roll. When the last song came, we couldn't believe that the time had ended and we all survived and even really, really liked it. As we finally rolled into our driveway, I knew we had a family time we'd always remember. Thanks Wheelies for working your wok n' woll wonders!
Hi Bev... This story reminded me of all the times I went roller skating with my boys years ago. At that time, we could get in free on a certain week night just by showing our church bulletin. My boys could skate well. I was the one with stiff legs, slowly making my way around the roller rink, trying to keep up, until I lost my balance and fell. My arm was broken and that was the last time I ever skated. Glad you all made it OK with those rickety old skates. You are making great family memories. Looking forward to your next blog.
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