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Chapter One
Kendra (Keni)
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The carnival is alivetonight, the weather is perfect, and the rides are up and running.The music is pumping, and whistles blow loudly from the games.
POP!
I jump back and turn to face the Carni-guy, who’s laughing at my reaction as he replaces the dart-stricken balloon.
“Asshole,” I throw my middle finger up and continue down the grass path, looking for the kiddy ride section where I’m supposed to meet the family.
“Keni!”I turn to the left and see my parents leaning against the gate, watching alongside Jacob as Dani yells from the ladybug she is sitting in holding DJ.I smile, wave back, and walk over.
“Happy Birthday, DJ!”I call out, resting my arms against the railing.Dani points in my direction, and as he notices I’ve arrived, he begins to wave.This kid is so freaking spoiled it’s ridiculous.Between being the first grandkid, and the first boy, he gets everything and anything he wants.My father was honored.They decided to name David Jacob after him.He’s like the son they never had.They love spoiling him, and since they live right across the street, they get to see him daily.
I step to my left to give Mom, Dad, and Jacob a kiss on the cheek, “Hi, where’s Nicki and Diesel?”They shrug, knowing she is always late for everything.When the ride ends, Dani and DJ come around the cheap metal fencing, and DJ takes off running with his hands up in the air, right into my arms, as I lift and squeeze.
“Hey Buddy, is today your special day?”I blow kisses on his chubby cheeks.His hair is a chestnut brown, just like his mommy’s, and with the sun shining on his eyes, I notice a tint of green.He’s going to be a lady killer when he gets older, for sure.
He wiggles down and takes my hand, pulling me toward the fun house across the way.
“Dani, is it okay?”I look back over my shoulder for permission.She nods, “He’s been there three times already!Try and keep up,” she laughs, taking a deep breath, and I’m sure she appreciates the break.
“DJ, you hold my hand and help me get through, okay?”He glances up and nods his head, “mm-kay.”His eyes glare mischievously back at me.
When we reach the top of the third step, he lets go of my hand and takes off running.I watch as he makes it through the shaking shack, following as quickly as I can.His head bobs between the punching bags as the floor shifts from underneath.
“DJ!”I push the last bag aside and hear giggles from the next room.This kid is quick, or I am out of shape?My anxiety begins to spread throughout my body, and I have sweat forming along my hairline.
There are mirrors everywhere.All I see is my reflection.I turn right then left again, only to bump into one and turn to find another.I place my hand out and touch the mirror to help guide myself when I see the little bugger.“DJ, Aunt Keni needs help,” I tell him, hoping he’ll help me out of this hellhole.I have hated these mazes ever since I was a little kid.
It’s all Nicki’s fault; she used to get me lost on purpose.I especially hate the corn mazes around Halloween and Thanksgiving because of her.That bitch.
DJ yells back, “NO!”the pitter patter of his feet along the metal grounds get further away.After taking a few deep breaths, I finally make it through and find myself at the slide exit.Thank God.
