Page 18

“Me too.”

And the ride takes off.

FOUR

“Damn girl you got a set of lungs on you, don’t you?” Charlie says to me as we step off the third ride we went on.

My throat was hoarse, but I was having the most fun I’ve had in ages. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much, and I didn’t care if people in the next state could hear me screaming.

It was now night time.

The darkened sky was prominent and made all the lights stand out.

“THIRTY MINUTES” A voice calls out over a speaker system or intercom or something.

It was 7:30.

I wanted to see everything. But, I knew that I would have to wait for the full experience next year. Which, unsettled me to my core.

“Rave?” Willow calls out to me as we all form a circle.

“Yeah?”

“You staying?” she asks.

I had a lot of fun today with everyone. They have welcomed me in and made me feel like a friend to them. I needed to just tell her the truth.

“Can I talk to you for a quick second? Privately?” I ask.

She steps away from Justin immediately and grabs my arm to walk away.

“What’s wrong?”

We walk over to the restroom area and I wring my hands in nervousness.

“Look. You are really cool Willow.” I start.

She just nods her head as I continue.

“I feel so shitty for lying to you, but I thought if I told you the truth, it might change your mind on asking me out.”

She just stays quiet.

“You’re seventeen.” she says.

My mouth drops open a little as I feel shock that she guessed it.

“What?” I ask.

“I figured girl. It’s no problem at all. Up until this morning, we were strangers.”

“Oh okay.” I say, because I don’t know what else to say to that.

“I really wish you could stay for the carnival, it’s an experience you can’t miss.”

I nod sadly. “Me too, but next year, I will be more than ready.”

She smiles. “I freaking hope so!”