THE FAIRGROUNDS OF FATE

The atmosphere was beautiful. The buttery smell of popcorn filled my nostrils. The multicolored lights sparkled, and the screams of laughter from kids was heard. This was my chance to finally put my plan into action and what better place than the fair!

“Welcome all to the fair, but be aware if you dare, true desires may be seen but not in the way that you seek!” A tall man in a suit yelled to us as he walked around.

I wonder what he meant. I walked around the fair looking for Jake. We’ve been dating for a few weeks now and yet, we’ve never kissed, and tonight, I plan to change that.

“Yo, Sienna!” a voice called, and I turned to see Jake approaching. His raven curls bounced as his golden-brown eyes shimmered in the fluorescent streetlights.

“Hey! I waited forever for you!” I pouted as he engulfed me in a hug. His minty scent intoxicated me.

“I’m sorry, I got held up.” he responded sheepishly avoiding my gaze. “What do you want to do first?”

“Since you were late, you owe me a prize.” I responded glancing at the game booths.

“Well, let’s go!” Jake replied dragging me in the direction of a ball toss game. Honestly, I didn’t care at first, but deep down I was excited to see him win me a prize. I glanced at the prizes, and I saw a cute stuffed bear with a pink bow. So simple yet so eye catching. It was always a dream of mine to have one won for me, I blame those romantic Lifetime movies. I lingered on it for a while and before I knew it, he won a prize! Unfortunately, it wasn’t what I hoped for. Jake pushed something into my hand but all I felt was hard plastic as I looked at a barbie doll in between my fingers.

“You’re welcome!” Jake responded, pleased.

“Thanks, I love it.” I replied as I clutched the barbie doll in my hand. Sure, it was cute, like any typical doll. The blond hair, blue eyes, perfect facial features, well-proportioned figure. She was every girls dream and every teenagers nightmare. Truthfully, I had nothing against the doll but come on! Even though I was disappointed, I tried to make my move. “As a thank you here’s your —,"

“Let’s go on a roller coaster next!” He cut me off as he dragged me to the next destination.

Little did we know, we were being watched.

Time went by and my plans kept being ruined. Jake kept interrupting me constantly and not only that, his phone kept going off every few minutes, but I just ignored it. Why is this so hard? I groaned as I walked alongside him. His phone chimed again, and I noticed his face change when he saw the screen.

“Hey Sienna, I’ll be right back.” Jake said as he rushed off to answer his phone.

Well, that was rude. I walked around trying to conjure up a plan. I must make this work before the end of the night. Not watching where I was going, I bumped into someone I didn’t want to see.

“Hey loser, watch where you’re going,” Daniel glared.

“I’m not a loser you jerk, and you bumped into me on purpose!” I replied annoyed.

“Whatever,” Daniel replied as he brushed past me.

What is his problem? I swear boys are just stupid. I waited around for my boyfriend, but Jake never returned. I called his phone, but it went to voicemail. I glanced at everyone having fun. I refuse to let my night be ruined. I looked around and saw the Ferris wheel. Maybe I can spot Jake from above! I dashed to get in line quickly. When my turn came, I was stopped.

“No partner, no ride, rules are rules.” The operator said.

“Since when? I know people that ride stuff like this alone!” I retorted.

“Look kid, there’s a long line either find someone or get lost,” he said annoyed.

“I’ll ride with you if it makes you shut up.” Daniel said appearing out of nowhere.

“What? Oh hell—“ I started but was cut off as I was pushed into the contraption and strapped in.

“Enjoy the ride love birds.” The operator chuckled as he started the ride ignoring my protests.

At least I can look around for Jake.

“Hey Sienna--” Daniel started, and I gasped.

“Wow, you know my name?” I snorted.

“I remember it, I chose not to use it.” Daniel smirked.

“Whatever, I can’t wait for this ride to be over, so we can go our separate ways.” I replied as I continued to look around.

“Damn, do you really hate me that bad?” Daniel asked.

“Dude, I should be asking you that, first we were friends and then you started ignoring me and bullying me for no reason.” I explained.

“Yeah, because you kept talking about your precious Jake.” He replied.

“Excuse me for thinking you were my friend.” I scoffed

“Exactly, I don’t want you to think of me as that,” his voice raised. “Do you know how annoying it is to hear the girl I like gush about some other dude especially when that guy isn’t worth her time?” he fumed.

I sat there stunned. Did he just say he likes me? I stared at Daniel, surprised. The ride jerked, and I clung to him. Suddenly, it stopped moving altogether.

“Attention passengers, we are having some technical difficulties, please sit tight as we try to resolve this issue.” The announcement said.

I relaxed after that speech, forgetting that I was clinging to my enemy.

“Comfy?” he asked amused, and I pulled away quickly, cheeks flushed. I refuse to let him see me act so helpless. I glanced at Daniel and noticed a familiar bear in his hands.

“I didn’t know you liked bears,” I chuckled.

“I don’t, the bear was for you, I noticed you looking at it earlier.” He spoke.

My heart jumped in my chest. What is happening?

“But why?” I asked.

“I wanted to talk to you,” he started “Then I saw you with him.” he said.

Daniel came closer, “I took this chance to talk to you,” He whispered. “I deserve to be with you, not Jake.” he finished.

My heart pounded as we sat in silence.

“Listen, I like Jake, we have been dating for a while now,” I spoke.

“Does he really like you, Sienna?” Daniel started, “why isn’t he here right now?”

His words made my stomach churn. Even I didn’t know where he ran off too.

“I never really hated you before, I was just hurt that you liked someone else.” He tilted my head to meet his gaze “I’d do anything to be with you,” he whispered as he leaned in slowly. The distance between us slowly closed as I began to lean towards him too. Our lips touched and the teddy bear was long forgotten.

I guess my wish did come true.

Claudia Bloodman is a new and learning writer with hopes of finding herself. She enjoys anime and video games in her free time when she isn’t writing and spending time with her loved ones. Learning each day, Claudia continues to expand her writing knowledge in Creative writing at Full Sail University, with the hopes of truly unlocking her passion.