Chapter 2
Isaac
In all the amusement parks Isaac had visited, there was something homey that stood out about this particular one. Off the beaten path, Isaac wondered how he ever found it to begin with. Surrounded by a thick forest, off a back road, Misfit Park sat like it was the end of the world.
It boasted of high-end performances, unique rides, and a one-of-a-kind experience. Just walking through the entranceway made Isaac fall in love with the atmosphere. Large brick pillars and wrought iron fencing with designs and letters drew his attention first as if he were walking back in time.
His obsession was a weird one, and after traveling all over, Isaac finally got to see the last one in existence. Alternatively, it could be the last one visible to the public; who knew if there were others in private collections?
Isaac didn't mind. He got to add to his own personal collection of photos. This park took the cake, though. It was so unique. A mix of an old-time carny circus and street carnival all rolled into one. Complete with fair food and rollercoasters. The experience was exactly as promised.
There was a diverse range of entertainment available for everyone to enjoy.
Staying nearby afforded Isaac the ability to come back easily for the night event. A fear attraction. It was the complete opposite of Isaac’s obsession with the brightly colored features of the carousel, or merry-go-round. But the idea of exploring the entire park called to Isaac.
He really hoped to see the carousel in action at night as well. The bright lights, catchy music, and aroma of fair food created an exciting atmosphere. He couldn’t wait to experience it all.
If only Isaac had someone to share said experience with him.
His last boyfriend hadn’t understood why Isaac took every vacation to cart off to another amusement park or museum to fancy a go at the carousels. Nor had his previous girlfriend understood why he collected—hoarded—nearly every item that used the name carousel, carnival, or ferris wheel.
Isaac must have been a dragon in another life.
With his entire quirky collection, it had been a wonderful idea to turn his photography into a small side business.
He also learned to knit and crochet using his various yarns, which were all named after carnival themes.
Quite frankly, his storage unit was full to the brim after moving out of a four-wall house and into a movable home on wheels.
His RV, while spacious, couldn’t hold all his knickknacks that he just had.
to. have. Period. He had tried getting rid of some items before and nearly broke down in a panic attack.
So, his collection grew and grew; funded by selling copies of his photography. His originals stayed safely locked away.
Isaac was crazy, and he knew it. There was no way around it.
What kind of man, person, had an obsession with carousels?
There was just something about them, though. He loved the brightly colored unicorns. The unique forms of wildlife, from deer, frogs, lions, giraffes, elephants, and so many more. He even knew of a hippocampus. It was so beautiful.
Yet he secretly loved the standard wavy-mane horses the best. Nearly every photograph he took of the unique seats sold. This included works on canvas, postcards, and even standard eight-by-ten prints. So, he couldn’t have been the only weirdo who loved pretty things.
Isaac waited in line patiently for his chance to ride his last carousel.
That just made him sad. The ride would definitely be bittersweet if it were the last carnival to house a carousel he had visited.
What would he do then? Would he start over?
Even if his photography and graphic design work funded his expeditions, that didn’t mean they were cheap by any manner of speaking.
Although Germany had been a fun place to visit, he wouldn't mind going back some day.
What if he found his person in life and they wanted to travel with him? That would be awesome. It would be a dream come true if he ever found someone.
Isaac always rode the rides before taking photographs.
At the beginning of his adventure, he had felt weird asking if he could stay over or come in early to take photographs.
He didn’t want some random passersby in his photos.
Most places welcomed him and his camera and the extra exposure they received from his work. Which was a win-win for Isaac.
Sitting in the booth, Isaac waited for the ride to start.
Yes, for as much as he loved the rides and the seats, he always chose the booth first. It was his way of watching the ride as it went around and around.
He usually chose his favorite seat within the first few seconds of waiting in line, but there was something therapeutic for him about sitting in a booth and watching.
The music began to play as the ride moved. Up and down the seats went. This one had mainly horses, with four other different animals: a lion, a wolf, a unicorn, and a bear. The wolf was a unique seat; not many carousels had predators.
Isaac could already envision taking a night shot of the wolf seat with the big top tent in the background.
It would be gorgeous with the lights bouncing off its fur full of shades of gray.
The unicorn would sparkle best in the daylight, but Isaac wondered if the lights would complement the colorful mane.
Horses of different colors drew his eye. Cream, tan, brown, and white. The one that stood out the most was black with a gray mane curved in a way as if the horse were jumping.
The seat went up and down in tune to the rhythm, calling Isaac to ride it next. He planned on it too, yet his stomach growled. First he'd take care of sustenance, then he'd be back.
As the ride came to a stop, Isaac wound his way through the seats to the black horse, the next round of riders already boarding in a hurry.
“I'll be back,” he whispered as he touched its hindquarters. The tail was the same gray as the mane, shaded and solid, not a fake tail like so many others.
Isaac made his way through the crowded pathways, if they could be called that. There were concrete and brick walk areas but just as many trodden grass edges. Which was strange to see grass; wouldn't it become mud when it rained? How did they keep it so neat?
Passing a couple of gawking police officers, Isaac shook his head to rid himself of errant thoughts of them looking suspicious. They were police officers; why would they be acting suspicious?
A chill went down Isaac's spine. A sense of awareness swept over him as if someone had walked over his grave.
Or that's what his grandmother used to tell him all the time.
He missed that woman. She was a unique person, always shaking herbs at him as he walked in the door or telling him to look out for the unknown.
Isaac had even spied her conversing with his dead grandfather a few times over the years before her passing. After the first two times, he adjusted, seeing it was just her way. What did he expect from a woman who had grown up in the Old Quarter of New Orleans?
Maybe that was why Isaac adored the quirky antiquities? It was in his blood, the call of the unusual, whether he listened or not.
The aroma of baking yeast made his mouth water. Fresh-baked pretzels were first on his menu. Although he planned to try a bit of everything while he was here, starting with the pretzels.
“Ahhhem,” a voice cleared behind him. Isaac turned just before he ordered. His reflection was the first thing he noticed in mirrored sunglasses, and a Mohawk of dreadlocks was the second. “Hi,” the man said, and Isaac felt a tremor run down his spine. “Can I offer you a pretzel and coffee?”
Isaac's mouth opened, but no sound came out as he gestured slowly to himself, eyes widening in shock. Why weren't any of his body functions working?
The man smirked, and Isaac wished he could see the man's eyes. “Yea, you.”
Isaac wanted to smack himself when all he did was nod. He had more finesse than that, didn't he?