Chapter 9
Ally
We’ve left the lake and are now headed back home. Cali’s hand has been intertwined with mine since we left, and I couldn’t be happier. Today has been a roller coaster of events and emotions, but it feels like it could possibly be ending on a high note.
“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” Cali asks.
I look over at him and drink in the sight of him.
His air dried hair is a sexy mess on top of his head and when he looks at me, it almost looks like his blue eyes are twinkling.
A full sleeve of tattoos are wrapped around his arm.
He must catch me staring, because he flexes one of them at me and I can’t help but laugh as I roll my eyes.
“I don’t have any plans, but I definitely do not want to head back to my house yet,” I say silently.
I try to remember everything from this morning, but my mind is now going blank.
I remember getting up, I remember my father grabbing me and yelling, but that’s it.
What the fuck, have I had an aneurysm or something. Why are my memories missing?
“Ally, did you hear me?” I look back at Cali, his facial features worried.
“Uh, no, I’m sorry. What did you say?” I squeeze his hand for reassurance, encouraging him to carry on.
“I said, let’s go to the fair in town. Are you down?”
“Everyone from school will probably be there,” I say, nervously.
Cali brings my hand into his lap, encouraging me to scoot into the middle next to him. I slide next to him, laying my head on his shoulder.
“Baby, I promise no one is going to mess with you. If they do, I’ll knock their teeth down their throat.”
I can tell he means it from the seriousness in his tone and I love him even more for it.
“Okay, fine. Let's go!”
“Woohoo!” Cali shouts like a little kid who just won first place in something.
He turns the music up, blasting ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ through the speakers. I throw my head back, laughing as he stomps his foot on the gas.
“Let tonight be a night to remember!” Cali shouts.
Bright lights shine everywhere when we approach the fair field. Cali parks, then pulls me across the passenger seat to his door, sliding me out into his waiting arms. Grabbing my hand, he walks with me to the front gate. He pays for our armbands and we enter the ride area.
“Where shall we go first?” Cali asks, excitedly, jumping on the balls of his feet.
I look around, trying to decide. The huge roller coaster catches my eye. The name ‘Death Roll’ is placed on a sign next to it.
“Oh, that one! Please?” I ask, facing him to give him puppy dog eyes.
“Hell yeah! Let’s go!”
Cali drags me behind him and lucky enough we’re second in line.
The worker buckles us in, double checking to make sure we’re secure, and then the ride starts.
It’s so fast, taking us high into the air, rolling us around as it's in the process of a loop.
Cali is laughing next to me, but all I can do is scream.
My belly feels like its flipping up and down repeatedly.
After what feels like a lifetime, the ride eventually slows down and comes to a complete stop. Cali and I are unbuckled fairly quickly and we hop out.
“That was so fun!” Cali says, still slightly laughing.
“Yeah, I think I left my soul back on the ride,” I joke.
He throws his arm over my shoulder, “What’s next?”
“Whatever you want,” I smile up at him and he smiles back.
We end up trying every ride at least once. Cali grabs us a couple of corn dogs and a cotton candy to share. We snack as we continue to walk, looking at all the different carny games. The dart game comes into view and the worker immediately focuses his attention on Cali.
“Come on big shot! Step right up and see if you got the balls to win your girlfriend a prize!” He eggs Cali on.
“I don’t think so,” Cali says, trying to ignore him and walk away.
“Oh, I guess you don’t have the muscles to even pop one single balloon for your girl? That’s okay, hey sweetie! I got a son about your age. I’m sure he’d love to win you a prize,” the worker winks.
I can’t help but giggle as Cali stops in his tracks.
“What did you just say?” He asks, turning to look at the man.
The worker smirks and we both know he casted and hooked his prey exactly as he planned.
“Just that my son could win her a prize, since you can’t.”
The worker shrugs his shoulders, picking up some darts and twirling them.
“Give me five,” Cali demands, throwing down a twenty dollar bill.
Cali ends up popping all five balloons. I’m smiling so big now, my cheeks are hurting. The worker offers Cali his hand to shake, “Good job! You sure showed me,” he grins at Cali, one of his front teeth missing. “What prize can I get ya? Anything you want.”
“Well, pick your favorite,” Cali says, nodding his head toward the wall of stuffed animals.
I gaze at the items until I see a giant, bright purple bear hanging on the side. I gasp.
“That one!” I say, pointing excitedly toward the stuffed animal.
The worker grabs the bear and hands it over to me! Cali thanks the man and we begin walking again. Cali stops to play a basketball game and I suddenly really have to use the bathroom.
“I need to use the restroom,” I whisper to Cali.
“Here, I’ll stop and come with you,” he says, about to put the basketball down.
“No, you stay and play. I’ll only be five minutes. Ten tops,” I say, pressing a kiss to his cheeks. He nods, leaning in for a kiss on the lips and I comply.