(And now, on to the field trip.)

So, the children filed from the bus. Most of them shoved their hands deep into their pockets. But, kids will be kids and when on field trips, there’s always that group of children who will not be on their best behavior in spite of parents and teachers warnings of bodily harm and severe punishment.

And there they were. Grinning mischieviously. The ringleader, we shall call him Skyler, for the purpose of anonymity. His bright red hair gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight; blue eyes twinkling as if diamonds had been embedded gently in his devlishly sweet face.

Jacob, dark skinned and fair haired, had no clue he should know better by now than to stand on Skyler’s right; was there again, on Skyler’s right. Tanner, of Orient origins and wannabe ringleader, stood closely on Skyler’s left.

The gorgeous purple and blue striped bloom, pleading sadly up to the boys in a voice that was oh so hard to resist. “Pick me up.”

It was heart wrenching as a crying puppy.