Importance of Skateboarding

Belle's initial outing with Bruce, when they went skateboarding together, is one of the only times in the entire novel when Belle simply enjoys a leisure activity (46-53). While Belle will eventually go sledding with her family in France, even that vacation has a number of businesslike motives, such as restoring her and Bruce's relationship. Bruce's interest in skateboarding represents his carefree nature and sense of humor -- factors that initially made him attractive to Belle.