First Kiss

First Kiss

"C'mon, don't be a chicken," chided Scott in a whisper. "It's your birthday and you get to choose."

Scott was Billy's best friend. "Spin the bottle? I'm not sure ..."

"All the kids are playing it. Besides, if you're lucky it will land on Yo – lan –da." He exaggerated the freckled red-head's name, knowing that Billy had a crush on her.

Billy felt the warmth crawl up his cheeks.

"Hey, I don't like her like that!" he protested.

"Like what?" Scott grinned at him.

"Like ...." Billy let the words trail off. "That," he finally mumbled.

"Look, this will be easy. We go upstairs, I distract your Mom and then give you a sign. You grab a bottle and we meet down here."

Billy was still unsure.

"I've already told everyone that you're going to do it," Scott said.

"Oh, jeez." Billy's face turned even more crimson, if that was possible.

"Cluck, cluck, cluck."

"Stop that. Okay, let's go," he said reluctantly.

At the top of the stairs, Scott called, "Mrs. Abernathy. Do you have a band-aid?" He knew this would get her attention.

"Scott? Are you all right?"

"Yes, ma'am, it's just a scratch and I don't to get blood on your furniture," he called while giving Billy a sign.

Billy looked around, finally spying a bottle. Grabbing it, he fled back down the stairs.

When Scott joined a few minutes later, it was the moment of truth. All the kids gathered in a circle and Billy produced the bottle.

"Hey, that's not a bottle. That's a shaker," Julie Ann said.

"It'll do. Billy, you go first," Scott whispered.

Billy spun the shaker and pepper spewed in the air. Everyone began sneezing, their eyes watering, amidst shouts and laughter.

Yolanda came over to where Billy was sitting dejectedly. "It's okay, Billy. You tried," she said sympathetically as she leaned over and gave Billy his first kiss. Smiling, she said, "Happy Birthday."


Notes:
An entry for the 11/30/11 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: bottle, sign, pepper

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 300


Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken