Blow Pops

Samantha had to wait at the park outside her elementary school. School ended early and her parents always had trouble getting out of work early. She set her backpack on the ground beside her, before hopping onto the swing. It was where she always waited, so they'd know where she'd be.

"Hi," Samantha was startled by the high pitched voice from beside her.

"Hi," she turned to see a boy. He was about 8 years old, the same age as her. She eyed him suspiciously, having been sure no one was on the swings when she got there. He had a friendly smile on his face and was sucking on a lollipop.

"I'm Luke," he said, taking the lollipop out of his mouth to talk.

"Samantha," she said.

"Would you like a blow pop?" he reached into his pocket and pulled out a wrapped lollipop.

"A blow pop? What's that?" Samantha asked. He held it out towards her and she took it.

"It's a lollipop with gum on the inside," he replied, "My mom always buys them for me."

"Are you waiting for her here?" Samantha asked as she stared at the lollipop.

"Every day," he said with a big smile.

"How come I haven't seen you before then?" Samantha frowned.

"I don't know. Most people don't seem to notice me, so I'm alone a lot," Luke started to swing with his head drooped down.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Just say something if you see me then," Samantha smiled.

"Samantha!" she heard her mother call out to her. "I came as soon as I could," she assured Samantha as she walked up to her. "Come on honey, let's go," she picked up Samantha's backpack.

"Mom, this is Luke," Samantha introduced him.

"Who is Luke?" she looked around, but no one was there.

"What do you mean, he's right there," Samantha turned to the swing beside her. It was empty. And even though she had saw it swinging a moment ago, it was completely still. On the seat was an empty blow pop wrapper.

"I guess he left already," her mother tried to rationalize. "Let's go," she took hold of Samantha's hand, after she hopped off the swing.

Before getting into the car she glanced back at the swing. Luke was there, waving at her, with a blow pop in his mouth. She waved back at him before getting in the car. Her mom started the car and drove off. "Hey mom?" Samantha looked up at her.

"Yes?" her mother glanced at her.

"Can we go get blow pops?" Samantha asked with a smile.