More suns and moons had risen than I could remember. The conversation Darren and I had the other day left things a bit awkward between us, to say the least. I could not stand it any longer, so of course, I had to rant to my partners in crime: Sloane and Joel.

"Ask him to the fair going on Friday night," Sloane advises me over lunch one day. "All that adrenaline rush will be enough to bring you two even closer than before."

"I'm pretty sure it's scientifically proven," Joel says before munching on a forkful of steaming potato with sour cream and butter.

"Which is why this is a perfect time for you to ask Holly Jones, Joel!" I remind him while grinning and bumping his shoulder. "Don't forget about the pact we made earlier this year."

"Haha yes, our mutually assured destruction."

"Speak of the devil and angel," Sloane nods her head towards the balcony that looks over the packed cafeteria.

Sure enough, there stood Darren Banks and Holly Jones themselves, presumably on their way from class to the red cart to buy some overpriced snacks.

"Jeez Joel, get a grip! You look like you've seen a ghost," Sloane says while passing him a napkin.

"Oh.. uh... Yeah, I'm just so nervous. I can't believe it's finally happening," he says shakily while wiping away some sweat off his forehead.

Sloane's not wrong. He does look pretty pale, but I'm almost sure I've never seen anyone act so intensely from a crush.

"Should we ask right now?" I wonder aloud while biting my nails.

"Girl, get a hold of yourself too," Sloane rolls her eyes. "Y'all are wild for crushing on the populars, but that isn't to say that scoring a date with them will be impossible. Just act natural," she says all slow and soothing-like. "Think how far you've already gotten. I can tell they both feel comfortable with you guys."

"I think I ruined that already with my questions," I groan and rub my face with my hands.

"Not even. If anything, you can use that information as blackmail," Sloane smirks.

"Sloane!"

"Haha! I'm totally kidding," she says while cackling obnoxiously. "Anyway, it just means he trusts you! Now both of you quit stalling and get your booties up there. Hurry now!"

Joel and I pass each other a look of "here goes nothing" and stand up together. By now, Darren and Holly had separated. Holly is up on the balcony looking into a compact mirror while Darren heads towards the hallway.

"Let me know how it goes," I smile and pat Joel on the back for encouragement as we reach the top of the stairs.

"Thanks, good luck Wilson," Joel grins and scratches the back of his neck before turning to the balcony.

I take a deep breath as I approach Darren's locker. He shuts it and jumps when he sees me standing there.

"Rain?"

"Hey, Darren! I didn't mean to scare you," I laugh nervously.

"Eh, it's ok. What's up?"

"Listen... I wanted to apologize for pressing you the other day. It wasn't my place to ask you all those questions. I feel awful."

He smiles and stares at me with those soft, gentle blue eyes. He places a hand on my shoulder and says, "Rain, it's ok. I appreciate your apology, but you don't have to feel bad."

He takes off his hand and I feel like I can breathe again. Still, I wish he would have left it longer!

"Honestly, it felt kinda good ranting," he waves a hand through his shiny chestnut hair and pauses. It sounds like he wants to tell me something, but he finally says, "So, thanks for hearing me out."

I smile back. "Well, if you really want to thank me... There's a fair going on this Friday night if you're interested that is. I'm going with a few friends, and I would love it if you could go with us.. with me? I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to, it's totally no pressure at all, I was just saying—"

Darren's melodious chuckle interrupts me midsentence, and that's when I realize I'm rambling. "Rain, I would love to go with you to the fair."

"R-really?" Oh gosh, I'm totally blushing right now, aren't I?

"Yes, really," he chuckles, those gorgeous dimples forming on both sides of his cheeks. "Who wouldn't want to go with a cute gal like you? Anyway, I'll see ya there Friday night. Later Rain!"

I wave as he walks away, feeling like I'm in some sort of trance. Wait, did he just call me cute? Did my ears deceive me? I turn around and fangirl quietly. This week could not get more tubular! Not only do we work together, but Darren and I practically had our first "unofficial date" and now we'll be going to the fair together. Eek! I'm over the moon right now!

I hum happily to myself as I make my way back to the cafeteria. Right before reaching the balcony, however, I see that Joel is still standing next to Holly. I step a little closer to listen. Luckily, I'm still blending into the crowd of students gossiping and eating lunch.

"Oh, that fair! Yeah, I've heard of it," Holly nods while flashing a pearly grin.

"Would you like to go together?" Joel says softly. "I heard that a band will be playing a Duran Duran tribute there. I remember you saying you were into them."

"Aww, it's so sweet you remembered that! You're really nice for inviting me," she coos while brushing his hand lightly. "Will your other friends be going too?"

"Yeah, it'll be Rain, Sloane, and me so far, but you and I can separate from them later on if that's more comfortable."

"Oh, you guys are going too?"

Hm? That's a new voice. Yet it sounds familiar...

I peer over a jock's buff shoulder to see Darren join the group.

"You should totally go, Holly!"

"Ah, so it's a big friend group thing," Holly flips her fluffy brown curls.

"Uh— sure, yeah," Joel nods.

"Holly, could you give me a ride there?" Darren asks.

"You know it."

Joel forces a smile, and I can tell he's disappointed. He'd been hoping he could be the one to give Holly a ride in Sloane's fancy limousine. Though, it's probably best she go with Darren since she's not on the best terms with me and Sloane. Especially Sloane.

"Well, then it's set! I'll see ya there, Joel. Thanks for the invite!"

"No prob," Joel sighs as Darren and Holly walk off to class.

He stands there for a few seconds so I decide to approach him.

"Did you just..."

"Ugh yeah, don't even get me started!" He groans and turns around while raising his head dramatically and burying his face in his hands.

"What's up, losers? How'd it go?" Sloane says while she slings her lanky arms around our shoulders. "Y'all left me hangin' back there, so I decided to come up here and see for myself."

"I think I accidentally agreed it was just a friend thing," Joel says awkwardly.

Sloane facepalms herself. "You have to clarify you're on the same page, dummy! You're practically friend-zoning yourself. The girl's probably too shy to think otherwise until you tell her!"

I would hardly call Holly Jones shy, but whatever floats Sloane's boat.

"You have to make a move Friday night, something to make it really obvious," I say. "But nothing too crazy obviously, otherwise you might scare her off."

"It's about the build-up," Sloane explains. "That'll for sure make her fall for you."

I laugh out loud and hug myself.

"What's up with you?" Sloane cocks her head at me.

"Look at us, giving each other advice when none of us have even stepped foot in the dating arena before."

"Now's about damn time I'd say," Joel chuckles. "How'd it go with Darren Banks? Y'know, your Greek god himself?"

I shove him playfully and laugh. "It went alright. I stumbled over my words for a bit but he got the memo. Also... I think he called me cute."

"Woo! That's our girl," Sloane and Joel bump me while cheering loudly. We get a few stares, but we don't care.

"Just wait a few days and he'll be telling everyone about his new bodacious babe," Sloane giggles.

"Haha, I don't know how to feel about that one. But we'll see."

***

Friday night could not have come sooner. Joel picked me up in Sloane's (dad's) limo and we got to the fair at around five. Sloane isn't able to drive yet since she doesn't have a license, and Joel usually gets to Sloane's place by bicycle since his place is a ways away, but not as far as mine.

Lucky for us, Sloane's dad is rarely home. He's usually away on business trips around the globe, staying at fancy hotels, going into private meetings, and doing whatever else fancy businessmen do.

The only people in their mansion are maids and gardeners, but they're usually done tidying up everything by the time Sloane gets home from school.

Joel's grandparents are a sweet old couple. I envy how much they trust him, along with all the freedom they give him. Still, I'm happy he at least has that. He deserves a love like theirs.

My mother is overly protective. She yells a lot, but Joel and Sloane often tell me that's the only way she knows how to show me that she cares. I guess I can see that, but her insults often make me feel only more incompetent and worthless.

It's these outings— these thrills— that remind me who I am, who I can be. I crave that distance to explore who I am. When I'm home, I'm trapped with my darkest fears. Out here, I am free.

"Holy shit, I thought I was gonna die," I laugh while stumbling through the exit.

"I thought I was gonna puke!" Joel yells.

"Oh gross!" I shove him away.

Sloane is also out of breath but stumbling along. "Come on guys, that was awesome!"

"Never put me on one of those things again," Joel points at the spinny ride while furrowing his brows at it.

We'd been forced to stand with our backs to the wall and nothing but a flimsy bar around a chain to grab onto while the ride spun round and round diagonally. It was insanely thrilling, yet absolutely terrifying.

"Loverboy and lover girl at three o'clock," Sloane nods to a turquoise Jeep in the parking lot.

The fair extends all the way down the street between two columns of business on either side. Knowing that Holly and Darren would arrive any minute, we decided to kill some time by going on a ride closest to the parking lot.

"Hey Holly, hey Darren, glad you guys made it," Joel and Darren shake hands before Joel walks up beside Holly.

The group exchanges their hellos. Sloane walks ahead so I can go with Darren. I take the chance and walk beside him.

"It's a nice night, isn't it?" I smile. It's nicer because you're here, I don't say.

"It's beautiful, especially with all these colorful lights everywhere," he motions to the stands and amusement rides.

There are bright lights of all colors, flashing on and off alternatively to give the illusion of dancing. My heart skips a beat at the way Darren's eyes reflect them.

"Ooh! Let's go on that one!" Sloane points to some spinning cups.

"Oh great, another spinny ride," Joel mutters nervously. "Ride with me?"

"Sure! I bet we can spin faster than Miss Punk Wannabe over there," Holly smirks.

Oh boy, here we go again. Joel gives me a frightened face. The poor guy, all I can do is give him a silent thumbs up for encouragement.

"Not if we can help it," Darren announces cooly before giving me a wink.

Oh! My heart can barely take it!

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!" I grin and run ahead. The line moves fast. Before we know it, we're giving the worker our tickets and running right in through the gated entrance.

Darren and I find an orange cup with squiggly lines. Next to us are Holly and Joel in a pink polka dot one, and next to them is Sloane riding solo in a purple cup with jagged stripes.

The ride whirrs to start. The atmosphere is filled with friends' laughter and competitive shouting. Darren and I grin like fools while spinning the wheel between us. We gradually start picking up speed, and our surroundings start to blur all around us. We are caught in a hurricane of glee and purposeful daze.

"WOO!" I hear Joel shout in spite of himself.

Sloane and I cheer with him. Soon enough, the whole group is cheering and screaming from how fast we're spinning. By the end of it, no one can agree on who spun the fastest.

"Aye! I love fair games," Joel rubs his hands together sneakily. Turning towards Holly, he brags, "I'm a pretty lucky guy. You wanna try and test your luck against me?"

This catches Holly's attention. "Try? Oh, it's on!"

We watch as Joel and Holly compete in a dime toss. Holly throws her first dime, and it bounces off the rim of a glass cup and slips into the space between the other cups.

"Ooh, so close," Sloane feigns a sad face. "Come on Larson, show that valley girl!"

Darren laughs aloud at her coarseness. "I'd play, but I'm awful at these," he laments.

"Don't worry, so am I," I chuckle. "I probably wouldn't even make it on the board."

"I'd probably smack the worker's face with the dime on accident."

I snort and throw my head back in laughter. "No, I don't believe that, no one can be that bad."

"Oh trust me," he grins. "You're looking right at him. But to be fair, I did that when I was ten years old."

"You're crazy!" I cackle. I get so teary-eyed that I accidentally bump into his shoulder. He doesn't move away, but simply smiles down at me with those insanely charming dimples. I don't move away, either. His shoulder feels so warm next to mine, and I'm almost sure he can feel my warm presence too.

Before we know it, the game is over. The worker is handing Joel a medium-sized pink llama plushie while Sloane whoops.

"Good game," Holly nods while flipping her hair. "I could have won, but I decided to miss a few for you."

"Sure, I believe you," Joel smirks. "Anyway uh, here. This is for you."

Holly lifts her brows in surprise. "Me? But you won."

"And I want you to have it," Joel smiles gently, holding out the llama with both hands. He'd give her the world if he could. I can tell just by the way his eyes sparkle softly looking at her.

"Aw gee, you're too sweet, really." Holly tilts her head and pouts her glossy lips. She takes the plushie and holds it out under the rainbow lightbulbs. "I'll name you Watermelon, after my favorite fruit!"

"Aww," I murmur.

"Pffft!" Sloane spits out a jeering laugh behind me. "What kinda name is that?"

"Ah you get used to it," Darren laughs.

We go on a couple more rides after that. To Joel's misfortune, most are spinny rides. I think wanting to look brave in front of Holly gives him the strength not to puke. The spaceship ride is one of the most intense spinners. It feels like there's a ton of bricks on top of you that are so heavy you can barely lift your head. After that, we fly over to the amusement fair on swinging chairs. I feel free as a bird on it watching all the people shrink as we go higher and higher. All the fair lights blur by, and I lean my head back to watch the stars. On the Viking ship, Sloane and I clutch either side of Joel's arms while screaming our heads off. I swear it feels like we could fall off any moment. Joel laughs like a madman while he gets his revenge listening to our whole group cry. After racing down a rainbow slide while sitting on rugs, we make it just in time for the Duran Duran concert.

There's a good amount of people jamming out, but it's not nearly as packed as the mosh pits at Skull Banger. Holly is the first to break into dance, and we all watch as she moves with ease. Of course, Joel is the most smitten by her performance. She pulls him in by the hands, and he glances back at us bewildered. Sloane and I cheer for them as he starts dancing with her. Darren and I are bobbing our heads until he pulls me by the hands too and gives me a twirl. I can hardly contain my happiness so I start laughing.

Out of nowhere, I trip over the air or a shoelace— I'm not sure— but Darren catches me right in time. I suddenly realize that I'm leaning right on his chest, with my hands near his shoulders and his hands holding my elbows.

I feel the heat rush to my cheeks and glance up in a daze. That's when I see him staring down at me. He doesn't look panicked at all, in fact, quite the opposite. He's smiling gently, his hooded aquamarine eyes sparkling under the stars and luminescent concert lights. He holds me gingerly yet securely, and all I can feel in this moment is his heartbeat on mine, his protection. I never want to let go.

"Are you ok, Rain?" he asks softly.

"I— yeah, yes sorry," I say nervously while stepping out of his embrace.

"Don't be." He side-eyes me curiously before turning his head back to the stage.

Gosh, I think my heart might leave my chest.

"Guys, I'm going to the bathroom real quick. Be right back," Joel announces before disappearing into the crowd.

"Hey, wanna go to the funhouse? I heard they have a sick mirror maze there," I tell Darren while leaning next to him. I have no idea where this courage just came from, but the next thing I know, we're running off alone into the labyrinth of our own reflections.

"Whoa!"

I laugh out loud as Darren almost mistakes a mirror for an opening.

"Are you ok?" I giggle, feeling lightheaded from all the running.

"I think so," he says after faking a scared face.

"Catch me if you can!" I shout while laughing. I trace the walls with my hand and feel in front of me to avoid stumbling.

"Hey now, you're a sneaky one! I thought this was a—" he laughs while taking a step back from a mirror, "—team effort!"

"Nah, whoever said that? Certainly not me— owe!" I bump my head hard into my own reflection and groan.

"Rain! Did you hurt yourself?" Darren's worried voice echoes from somewhere behind me.

"Where are you?" I turn around while rubbing my head. Everything's still spinning, and all I can see are about a dozen copies of me from warped angles.

"I'm right here," he says in a hushed tone. His soothing voice comes from right in front of me.

I'm about to look up when I feel something warm press against my forehead.

"Does that feel better?" He says gently before leaning his head away to look down at me.

"Maybe.. one more wouldn't hurt."

Darren leans in again and kisses my forehead softly. He catches my wanting gaze when he leans away, and I rest my hand on his shoulder to bring him closer. Tracing his fingers slowly on my cheek, he tilts my face up to meet with his before pressing his lips against mine.

My heart skips a beat. We're utterly alone in a room full of mirrors, and Darren Banks is kissing me. His warm touch pulls me in like a powerful magnet until I can no longer help myself. I crave more of him, so I drop my arms around his shoulders and lean in for another kiss. He leans his body forward and pins me between him and the mirror.

He's so close I can practically hear his heart racing against mine. Darren presses his hand on my hip and I blush, feeling a wave of warmth ripple through my body. He presses his lips on mine more intensely this time, and I kiss him back like there's no tomorrow. I press my body against him while his lips explore my neck, wanting to close the distance between us as much as possible. I never dreamt that kissing him would feel this feverish.

Suddenly, his hand travels under my shirt. He glides it up to my waist and nearly reaches over my bra until I push him away.

"Wait," I whisper between gasps. Everything was so good, why did it stop?

"Yeah?" He keeps me trapped between him and the mirror, but his hands are off me now and up in the air.

"Slow down... I'm not ready for that yet," I say embarrassedly. I can't stop the thoughts racing through my head. Crap, will he hate me now? What if he never wants to make out with me again?

"Rain, it's ok," he assures me gently. "We don't have to go any farther than you want to."

Huh? That wasn't what I expected, but it was definitely all I needed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thanks for understanding," I smile back sheepishly.

"Let's try to find the exit, Joel and the others are probably wondering where we are," Darren suggests while stretching out his hand for me to grasp.

"I could probably use a snack if I'm being honest," I say before taking his hand.

"Me too, I heard they have really good churros next to the shooting range."

He holds my hand gently as he leads us carefully through the maze, walking in front to make sure I don't hurt myself again. I smile behind him, smitten by his protective charm.

Darren suddenly stops in his tracks.

"Darren?"

"Shhh..." He holds a finger up to his mouth and motions to a mirror with his eyes.

Reflected in it are a punk blonde and a preppy brunette, giggling and wandering through the maze.

"Ack!" One of them cries out immediately after a thump.

"Hey ditz, how many more times are you going to make out with your own reflection?" Sloane snorts when Holly bumps into a mirror.

"Aww," I pout sweetly and nudge Darren. "They're finally learning to get along!"

"Yea those two certainly used to be enemies," he whispers back and smiles at their unexpected display of friendship.

"Shut up blondie, you're just jealous." Holly retorts as she tosses her cloudlike brown curls over her shoulder.

"Oh, you wanna bet?" Sloane whirls around. "Look, I'm not the one wearing this ridiculous poofy-sleeved plastic sweater," she says while scrunching up the aforementioned poofy sleeves.

"Harsh! I'm not the one wearing these... terribly unfashionable fishnets. Not to mention skimpy," Holly scoffs, hooking a finger underneath the top hem of Sloane's fishnet leggings that pokes over her short nylon skirt.

"Aww, you think you know fashion. How cute."

"Bite me."

Sloane cups Holly's face. Their faces are suddenly obscured, overlapped by each other as they grasp one another's clothes, hair, face, and anything they can get a hold on.

Holly leans her back against a mirror and gasps before pulling Sloane in for a heated kiss. Sloane clutches her waist and neck with the other while Holly guides her hand around Sloane's behind.

My eyes widen and I pull an equally shocked Darren aside.

"Wow..." Darren whispers. "Well, that explains why they always fought."

"We have to go, now," I plead. All I can think about right now is Joel. He doesn't know. This whole time...

"We'll search for another exit," Darren says.

***

"There you guys are! I've been looking everywhere," Joel grins wide upon seeing us outside. He's holding two long churros wrapped in napkins.

I rub my arms and shiver. I can't tell if I'm nervous or cold, but it might be both.

"Where'd everyone run off to?" Joel asks.

"We just came out of the mirror maze. Sloane and Holly were in there too," Darren reports.

Crap, Darren doesn't know that Joel likes Holly! It should've been obvious with the way he's been pursuing her, but even smart guys can miss those cues I suppose.

"Y-yeah, they should be out soon though," I lie. "Anyway, you got churros?"

"Oh, yep." Joel looks down hopefully at one of the churros and smiles. "You think Holly likes churros?"

"I— uh um," I stammer, fiddling with my hands. Ugh, what do I do with my hands?

"Rain? Are you ok?" Joel says with genuine concern. "Now it looks like you're the one who's seen a ghost."

"Hey, everything's ok," Darren puts his arm around my shoulder and pulls me close. "Are you cold? I could lend you my sweater if you want."

Joel lifts an eyebrow suggestively, probably figuring out how close Darren and I are now, and nods his approval.

"Hey, guys! Hope we didn't keep you out too long," Sloane waves and runs over with Holly skipping next to her.

"That mirror maze is no joke. I couldn't seem to find my way out," Holly glances at Sloane quickly before looking away.

"Aww, well I'm glad to see you two finally getting along," Joel singsongs while smiling at Sloane.

I stare at Sloane. She looks down and crosses her arms before forcing back a smile. She struggles to meet his eyes.

"She's not all that bad, I guess," Holly shrugs dismissively before walking closer to Joel. "Ooh! You got churros! I knew something smelled good."

Joel blushes when she holds his arm to get a sniff. "It's a good thing I got churros. I got this one exclusively for you."

His eyes sparkle as he hands Holly her churro. Holly smiles back at him, but it's different. She looks at him the same appreciative way I or Sloane would look at Joel. I can tell there will be nothing more between them.

I glance at Sloane quickly. She's standing awkwardly behind everyone, rubbing her shoulders as she averts her gaze from the group. My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach knowing the truth.