Here comes the sun

Brick was rather proud of himself.

Yes, somehow, he'd gotten Lily out of school when she went to the bathroom before lunch. They'd planned it as well as a bank heist. No one had caught on yet....

They's sneaked off on their bikes to the best parking lot around, so they could catch the solar eclipse.

He'd gotten the official sun glasses back in early August at the library program with Gordy (who was kind enough to give him his pair since he'd be busy at school and back then Brick wanted the paper sunglasses for Rosie, but she was history now.)

He and Lily had their own adventure at Adventureland. Actually, he was too tired to tell his grandma about it, but while they were waiting for the epic roller-coaster ride, some high school boys tried to light Lily's beautiful blond locks on fire, out of boredom, no less.

Brick got those two thrown out of the amusement park for life. He was so mad, yet Lily was so proud of him. Yes, they got some free stuff, like a hat and a T-shirt and ice cream. It had been a splendid day of feats, and this would be another one.

He'd packed some snacks and soda pop so they would be ready for their journey, to the old K-Mart parking lot which was at one of the highest altitudes in town, overlooking the University .

Honestly, he wouldn't want to be anywhere else on this spectacular day, but with Lily.

She was a trooper. Definitely, no ordinary girl.

He thought of her as a fighter now. Even his equal. Still, she was special. She read books. She liked science and knew lots about math.

Yeah, she could even help him with middle school studies.

And..she liked to dance during fireworks. She could run fast. There was a zest in her smile. He couldn't really explain it, but it felt the purest when he was with her.

He sighed with happiness as they got ready for the big event.

He knew she would write about it in her journal, and Brick couldn't wait to read about it.