Page 26 of Unmasking My Dark Knight

“It’s a joke, Princess…”

“Stop joking! Stealing another person's belongings is no laughing matter,” I said, but sorta laughed regardless. I was still getting used to his humor. At least it was better than screaming my head off.

“Of course not. But honestly, there’s nothing valuable enough for me to take from the lost and found. Not that I'm above it.”

I was still on guard with him. It was hard to tell when he was being sarcastic or serious.

“Don’t tell me you’re a deranged clown who is also a kleptomaniac. I can barely handle the idea of a clown,” I said, as we started walking through the road filled with horror everywhere.

“What do you mean?” he asked with a gasp. “Don’t tell me… you’re a big fan of clowns and are starstruck to be seen with me? I knew it.” I really liked how playful he was. Was this part of his act, or was this really how he was? Either way, at least it was something different. Walking alongside High Jynx could’ve been worse—I could’ve been stuck here with Romeo, arguing and flustered. But with High Jynx, I was somewhat more tolerant of his annoyance... at least for now. We started back from the entrance and began to retrace my steps from the night before.

“Truth be told, I actually hate clowns. They scare me. Obviously.” I pointed at my scraped knees and arms. They were covered by my sweater and jeans, but I think he got the gist.

“Even if said clown helped you after that awful tumble he caused?”

"I'm still deciding, you maniac..." I teased, feeling his eyes on me.

“I deserve some extra points for helping you right now, right?” he said genuinely.

“Maybe,” I shot back. “I have no choice but to trust you. I hate this park, I hate these monsters, and I especially hate that I’m relying on you like some safety blanket to get me around.” I felt completely out of control. “In what reality did I ever expect to be walking around with a clown by my side. A creepy one, no less.”

“I’m not entirely creepy,” he said quickly.

“You totally are… in like a tall, dark, and haunting kinda way…”

“That description makes me sound more handsome than creepy,” he muttered, sounding pleased with himself.

My breathing grew shallow. Handsome? I snorted.

I’d never consider him handsome, not unless I was blind. How could he be? Just because he had large arms and steely blue eyes, it meant nothing. He was officially psychotic.

“Just be quiet, and help me find these rings,” I said, then paused. “Please and thank you,” I added, springing in some manners.

“You’re pretty bossy for a girl with a ‘Do not scare’ necklace on,” he said, sounding amused. “But I’m not offended. Clearly, you're on the verge of some mental breakdown. And lucky for you, one of my park duties includes helping women in distress. Wouldn’t you say you’re in distress?”

Clever man.

“Duh! This cortisol is totally bad for my skin. God forbid I get a pimple over losing the wedding bands I was supposed to take care of for my brother and best friend’s wedding.”

“At least the monsters aren’t chasing you anymore…” he stopped, pointing it out in the distance. “See? And look at that, all the monsters are terrified of you. They’re parting the Red Sea just for you.”

I stared straight ahead. He was right. It was as if we were walking the streets in some invisible bubble. The monsters didn’t even look our way as they ran past us, laughing maniacally with their buzzing chainsaws. I drew closer to High Jynx for a second. I did get nervous when one got a little too close.

“It’s okay. I got you,” he said softly, his arm brushing past my shoulder. He smelled so familiar. Something about him made my insides tingle, and I couldn't decide if it was good or not. It was like drinking champagne; the fine line between feeling buzzed and throwing up was always at a tipping point for me.

“Do you have any other tattoos?” High Jynx asked after a bit of silence.

I pulled at my sleeve; Mami hated when my tattoo was visible. Normally, I did, too; however, when High Jynx pointed it out last night, that’s when I began to pay attention to him, the same way he had with me. I couldn't believe he actually recognized it. It was like he took an interest in me that was attached to my soul.

“No, it’s my only one,” I answered, biting my lip, wondering how much I should open up.

“Once you get one, there’s always an urge to get more ink. Were you too afraid to get more?” he touched the back of his neck. There was a bit of a coy smile on his lips.

I shook my head. “I’m not really afraid of needles if that’s what you’re asking. My mom, she’s kind of particular about what I do with my body…”

High Jynx looked at me like I was the one wearing clown makeup now. “She cares about what you put on your body?”

“That came out wrong. She means well…”