bentley greer. d5. fin.

B E N T L E Y.

The symphony of skateboard wheels bouncing off an uneven sidewalk, like a percussion section in the grand orchestra of life. A friendly hand extending towards you, offering up one end of a pair of headphones, the music blaring from it calling for your feet to tap along to its irresistible beat. A polaroid selfie, where the thumb, in all its photogenic glory, partially obscures the lens, but the joy on the face remains undeniable.

In the margins of life's notes, I'm the one leaving colorful doodles that seem to dance with the turn of every page. With rose-colored glasses perched ever so delicately on the tip of my nose, I view the world through a lens of optimism, even when it seems shrouded in shades of gray. And there's that perpetual blush adorning my cheeks, often accompanied by a pair of dimples that deepens with every grin that stretches across my lips.

The Greer household was a place where monochrome dreams and rigid expectations reigned supreme, at least until I made my vibrant entrance. Everything about me seemed to defy the mold set by my siblings. My dark brown hair and that goofy grin that could pierce through even the darkest of clouds stood in stark contrast to the golden blonde locks of my older sister and brother. Their faces perpetually etched with furrowed brows and intense focus, as if they were born with a roadmap to success in hand. But conformity never quite suited me. The path my siblings had paved for me was one that I constantly found myself straying from, often wandering off the trail to chase after metaphorical fields of flowers where I could dance with abandon.

One of my most cherished talents is my innate ability to laugh in the face of life's challenges. Instead of succumbing to the pressure of trying to compete with my sister's never-ending list of achievements, I transform those moments into opportunities for humor. I've always known that life is far too short to be bogged down by the weight of others' expectations, and so I brandish laughter like a secret weapon against the looming threat of comparison, which feels as common in my household as the morning sun. My goofy personality and knack for bringing smiles to people's faces became my calling card, my legacy within the Greer family, always just enough to keep me sailing through life.

Skateboarding, for me, is more than just a pastime; it's a way of life. It's the half-pipes and meandering streets where I find my truest self, liberated from the shackles of striving to meet anyone else's expectations. Each flip of my board and every exhilarating descent down a steep hill unleashes a surge of freedom that transcends the boundaries imposed by familial obligations. It's my escape from the four walls of a home that seem like an incessant reminder of the standards I can never quite reach. As the wind ruffles my hair and leaves tears of exhilaration on my cheeks, I find solace in the fact that they never seem to question the joy of the rose-colored boy when he flashes a radiant smile your way.

My skateboard isn't just a piece of wood on four wheels; it's a trusty companion that's been with me through thick and thin. The board isn't just a means to navigate the streets; it's my canvas for self-expression compared to my sister’s pen and my brother’s textbooks. With each meticulously executed trick and every gravity-defying leap, I'm not just performing a stunt; I'm painting strokes of exhilaration on the canvas of my life. Skateboarding is not only a source of freedom but also a form of art that allows me to be myself unapologetically.

In a world that often measures success by traditional standards, I've come to realize that my path, though unconventional, is just as valid as anyone else's. While my sister and brother may have their golden achievements and trophies, I've come to treasure the irreplaceable moments of joy and camaraderie that skateboarding has gifted me. It's about the wind in my hair as I glide down a steep hill and the laughter of friends as we pull off gravity-defying tricks together.

Though I often find solace in laughter and the carefree persona I wear like a badge of honor, there are moments when I can't help but ponder the expectations that have been set for me. The fear of always being seen as second best, especially in my family's eyes, is a haunting specter that sometimes creeps into the corners of my mind. Yet, I refuse to let it dominate my thoughts or dictate the course of my life. Instead, I choose to focus on the vibrant, rollercoaster of a journey that I'm on, where happiness is the currency I cherish most.