*SORRY IT HAS BEEN FOREVERRRRRRRRRR SINCE I UPDATED THIS OR ANYTHING AT ALL FOR THAT MATTER. I'VE BEEN BUSY WITH SCHOOL WORK, ORCHESTRA, MARIACHI, FAMILY, MY FLIPPIN' HALLOWEEN COSTUME. PLUS I WAS STUCK AND I COULDN'T THINK FOR THIS NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED, BUT I DID IT! I'M SORRY FOR MAKING YOU ALL WAIT AND I PROMISE I'LL TRY MY BEST TO MAKE SURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, AT LEAST NOT FOR AS LONG AS IT DID. HOPEFULLY I MIGHT BE ABLE TO UPDATE A CHAPTER ON HALLOWEEN OR SOMETHING. OR JUST UPDATE IN GENERAL. ANYWAYS, I'M RAMBLING ON TOO MUCH. PLEASE, FINALLY ENJOY THIS NEW CHAPTER AND I'LL SEE YOU ALL AROUND IN FUTURE UPDATES AND IN MY OTHER STORIES!*

Stay Creepy, My Friends!~

Chapter 7

It was a Friday night. I was getting dressed to hang out with Craig and Kayla tonight. There's this carnival coming and Kayla obliged in buying all of our tickets. I was feeling so excited. I haven't been to a carnival since I was twelve and now I finally get the chance to go to one again!

I pulled on my royal blue cardigan and put my hands on my hips, feeling great about my look. Silky black sundress, black tights, nice royal blue flats and to top things off, royal blue ribbons tied around to the ends of my braids.

You look gorgeous.

"Aw, thanks Sam," I chimed. I adjusted my glasses and looked around the room for my phone. It was lying on my bed and so I grabbed it and checked my messages. Nothing yet. But man, I'm super excited for this! My mother and father were a bit iffy about me going at first but I eventually convinced them. They're still paranoid about me getting kidnapped again. But at least they agreed! And at least they didn't get body guards for me too. They've done that once and those guys do NOT mess around. They go to school with me, go to my orchestra concerts, walk me home and they've even gone as far as standing in the girls' restroom waiting for me while I do my business. I know they're just doing their jobs but damn! I'm just glad I won't have to explain to the other girls and women why two trained, armed men are standing outside of my stall.

"Ao!" I heard my father call, "Kaidan o orite kite kudasai!" I quickly made my way out of my room, taking a handbag along with me and I hurried down the stairs to meet with my father. He was in the living room and sitting on the couch. I walked up to him and asked, "You called?"

"Hai," he said and nodded. He got up and put his hands on my shoulders. In terms of English, he said, "You must promise me you will only go to the carnival and go nowhere else." I nodded to him and smiled. "I promise, Chichi," He smiled back down at me and kissed my forehead. He then told me to keep my cellphone on and for me to reply only to his or my mother's messages and/or calls. If anybody calls or texts me other than them or Craig and Kayla then it's someone I shouldn't interact with. That's understandable. I don't mind the precautions. I get that my mother and father are just looking after me and I won't complain. I don't want to get kidnapped again either.

"Ao!" my mother's voice sounded and I turned to see her coming down the stairs. She smiled at me and said, "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," I said, gratefully. I spent a while putting it together in my head and I'm glad it turned out well!

"Are Craig and Kayla almost here?" she asked. I pulled out my phone from a little handbag and right on cue, Craig sent me a text saying that he was already pulling up to the gates of the estate. I smiled and I felt a rush of joy spread through me. "Craig just sent me a message saying he's already outside," I told my parents. They nodded and I hugged the both of them.

"Be safe, my little rairakku," my mother told me. I nodded and told her, "I love you, Okaasan," and for my father I spoke, "Daisuki, Chichi." They both smiled and I began making my way to the front door. I opened it, looked back at my parents and waved. "Bye-bye!"

The both of them waved back and I turned back around to step out through the front door and close it behind me. I made my way to the gates and opened them only enough for me to slip out. I closed them and quickly walked up to Craig's truck. I opened up the passenger door and jumped in. As soon as I did, Kayla -who sat in the back seat- and Craig both exclaimed, "Wassup?!"

Chuckling, I answered, "Oh, nothing, I'm just pumped for a carnival." I closed the door and buckled up. Craig smiled and said, "Well, then a carnival is where we shall go!!"

"Well, duh, I paid for the damn tickets," Kayla added and Craig stuck his tongue out at her. She did the same and I laughed. Craig started pulling away from the gates and he steered the truck down the street and towards the direction to the carnival. I was already bouncing in my seat! I wonder what kind of games and rides they'll have. Gosh, it's been so long that I bet they'll have newer and amazing things to show and do! I can just feel the stuffed prizes in my hands now! Ah!

I heard Craig start, "Jeez, you look as excited as me when I-."

"Stare at Xavier's sweet body?!" Kayla interrupted smugly.

"NO!" Craig exclaimed, "Don't you go there!!"

"But I went there!"

"Well, gurl, you about to out there," -he pointed out the windshield- "on the grill of this truck of you don't zip yourself up!"

"I bet you wish you could zip your pants up after some fun with Xavier," I sniggered.

"NO! God, dammit not you tooooooo!!!" Craig whined. Kayla and I laughed and high-fived each other as Craig grumbled at us.

Throughout the entire drive to the carnival, the three of us were cracking jokes and chatting about what games we'll play and rides we'll go on. Twenty minutes into the drive, as soon as I saw colorful lights in the distance, I nearly bumped my head against the roof as I bounced with joy. I put my hands up against the passenger's window and stared out at the large and spectacular carnival. I'm sure my eyes lit up like I was a little kid again. I smiled widely and stared in awe as I could see the rides that flashed with colors that just begged 'Ride me, you'll have fun!'. I can already tell I'll be enjoying myself. And having Craig and Kayla along will make this an even greater time.

"They have so many more things!" I remarked and Kayla said, "Yeah, and the food isn't just hot-dogs and cotton candy anymore. I tell ya, they have so many delicious foods that it's ridiculous!"

"And the rides?!" Craig added, "O-ho-ho man! If you think that a drop tower is insane, wait until you try out this roller coaster called 'The F-Bomb'!"

"F-bomb?" I asked.

"Yeah! Because you're going to be dropping those all over the place when you're on the coaster!" Craig cackled. I chuckled and shook my head. A few minutes of finding a parking space -which took a while considering how packed it was- and after that we all practically raced towards the carnival entrance. The sound of music and laughter and screams of joy and excitement filled the air. I looked around and took in every detail of the game booths, food stands and, of course, the lovely, grand rides. People of all ages strolled or ran around the place: little kids, the elderly, teenagers like us, couples, mothers and fathers leading around baby-occupied strollers.

I immediately went running off on my own and Craig and Kayla had to run after me. I might as well have been a dog without a leash. I walked around and took my own little tour, with a bounce in my steps. After a few minutes, Craig and Kayla managed to keep me still for a few moments, and we all discussed on what to do first.

"Let's go on one of the rides!" Craig suggested excitedly.

Kayla said, "I haven't eaten since this morning so can we grab a quick bite to eat?"

"I want to play some games and maybe win some prizes!" I said.

"Okay, let's 'rock, paper, scissors' this!" Craig exclaimed. Almost immediately we all held our hands out and chanted the 'rock, paper, scissors' chant. Of course, just to our luck, all of us got one of each option, so really there was no real winner. After that, Kayla had said, "Why don't we do what Ao wants to do? She hasn't been here in a long time and I think its fair that we let her enjoy what she wants."

"Yeah, I don't mind that," Craig agreed and I smiled at the both of them.

"Thank you!" I told them and grabbed the both of them by their wrists and led them to wherever my heart desired.

All of us played different games: ring toss, dart throwing, toy fishing, mini basketball. I was having fun and so were Craig and Kayla. Three of us won a few prizes and we were pretty happy about them. Craig had gotten a stuffed duck, Kayla had a fancy pig with a top hat and monocle and I won a white rabbit with, of course, a baby blue bow. We even went stupid for a minute and played with our animals and giving them silly voices. Though Craig just kept quacking.

"Can we stop to eat for a bit?" Kayla asked and we all obliged. I was pretty hungry myself. We all found a snack place that was decorated to look like an old 80s diner. Kayla and I sat down while Craig went to go order for us. As we were sitting, Kayla had asked, "So how is your duet going? I heard your recital is two weeks from now."

"Oh the duet?" I said, "It's great. Craig and I just need about three or four more lines to practice and that's it. We'll have learned the entire thing and we'll practice it together until the recital."

"That's great," Kayla said with a smile, "Damn, I wish I could play an instrument. All I could ever do is shake a maraca, and I'm pretty sure I'd fail at that too." She giggled and I couldn't help but smile. The sudden sound of a jingle sounded and Kayla dug around into her jeans pocket to fish out her cell phone. "One sec," she told me as she raised a finger and got out of her seat to take her conversation somewhere more private. I watched her leave for a more secluded area and she began talking on the phone as she put it to her ear. I looked away and spotted Craig waiting by the counter where people ordered food. He saw me and gave me a little wave and I did the same. I sat at the table, with my stuffed white rabbit in my hands, and I let out a sigh of content. I was really enjoying my time at the carnival. There's still so much to do and see. I heard there was going to be a circus act thirty minutes from now. I'm thinking Craig, Kayla and I can go to see that. I've never actually witnessed a real circus event, I've only seen that kind of stuff in movies and pictures. I know the generic circus acts involve an over-the-top ringmaster, flexible acrobats, quirky clowns, fearless tiger/lion tamers, a magician and his enchanting assistant and that one elephant that every circus has to have. I'd love to see all of that for real.

"How are you enjoying things, Sam?" I asked him, though I'm sure it looked like I was only talking to myself.

Things are fine.

"Awe, why do you say that," I asked, leaning my head on my hand.

Well, I can't experience this carnival physically. But I am enjoying how much fun you're having. I'm glad you're happy. Things are all bubbly in your head.

I giggled and looked at all of the bright lights of the carnival around me. "Hey," I started, "maybe someday you will get to experience things physically."

Ao, I am not a flesh and blood body. I'm just... Well, I don't know what I am.

"Still, maybe someday."

Yeah..

Once Sam stopped talking, Craig came back with a tray of food. "I'm back," he announced. I smiled and he sat down and began passing me my own order. Kayla finally came back looking eager to eat. She plopped down in her seat and immediately went for her drink. "Oh sweet mother Mary," she sighed after she took a sip of her soda, "I am starving!"

"I second that," I remarked and sipped my own drink. Craig picked up the pizza he ordered and spoke with his flamboyant accent, "Choo, choo, next stop my thighs!" The three of us laughed and we began eating our food. We joked around, talked about school, asked each other silly things like what the secret to the universe is. Just things that we normally do. This all led up to the three of us talking about our celebrity "baes". I swear Craig was just all sorts of red.

"Oh my gosh, I swear I will come to the point in my life where I will give my all to marry Sebastian Stan," he was saying, "That Romanian piece of sweet perfection."

"Well, since we're going foreign up in here," Kayla started, "let's not forget to give acknowledgement to my adorable Andrew Garfield. Oh, my perfect little Brit."

"I don't know about you guys," I said, "but my heart belongs to a team of sexy men who love swimming more than they love breathing. And God damn those muscles."

"Are you referencing anime again," Kayla asked.

I put on a quirky smile and said, "Maaaayyyybe."

Craig and Kayla laughed and I smiled at the both of them. Craig sighed and said, "Ah, but alas, none of us will ever be able to marry perfection."

"Oh I know I won't be able to marry perfection," I said, "At least my babies aren't real, which gives you guys the bigger middle finger, because deep inside there's that part of you that's sitting in a corner with a tin foil hat on your head and rocking back and forth while saying 'It can still happen'."

"It's scary how accurate you are," Craig remarked and the three of us burst out laughing again.

"Though still," he said, "it would be nice to at least get a sweet perfect piece of-."

"Hey," someone said and we all turned to see-.

"XAVIER?!?!?" Craig exclaimed and literally fell out of his seat. Kayla and I smiled at the dirty blonde haired boy and I greeted, "Hey, Xavier! What brings you here?"

"Kayla invited me," he answered. Almost immediately, Craig shot up to his feet and sent a wicked death glare at Kayla. "What the fuck, Kay-Kay?" Craig hissed.

Kayla smiled mischievously, "What? I thought you would've been happy to see him. Aren't you?"

"No!" Craig exclaimed.

Xavier mumbled, "Well, fuck you too.."

Craig ignored Xavier's comment and said, "Why would you invite him and not tell me? Why would you do this to me? I thought you were my cousin!"

"Oh honey, I'm your cousin, not your mama," Kayla said and then coolly took a sip of her drink.

Craig frowned and sat back down in his seat. Xavier stayed standing and I looked at Craig. "Ahem," I stifled to get his attention. Craig looked at me, then up at Xavier, sighed and then scooted over to let Xavier have a seat. He sat down and I pushed my plate of food to him. "You can have some of mine, I don't mind sharing," I told him.

"Thanks," he said and picked a piece of food away. I turned my attention to Craig and it was obvious he wasn't very comfortable. He had his head turned away from Xavier, with his eyes narrowed and his cheeks flushed pink. I smiled sympathetically and let him be. I really want Craig to enjoy this time so I hope he doesn't let his stubborn feelings hold him back. I looked at Kayla and she looked at me. She and I shared glances and we both knew we were on the same page. Smiling to each other, we both silently agreed to do whatever it takes to get Craig to settle down and finally get somewhere with Xavier. Craig will hate us for it but when it comes time he finally gets his man he will love us until the end of time!

"Hey, Xavier," I called to him. The blonde turned and I said, "There's going to be a circus starting in a few minutes. Would you like to come see it with us?"

"All right," he answered. I smiled and took one last sip of my soda before getting up to throw it away. I picked up my white rabbit and handbag and stood around waiting for the other three to get up. Kayla threw out her food, as did Craig and, Xavier was nice enough to throw away my own food for me. Leading the way, I walked towards the direction of the circus while everyone was following behind. We past by a few game booths and rides before finally coming up upon the circus tent. The four of us walked inside and I gaped at how large the interior looked. People lined the bleachers and it seems the show hadn't started yet since everyone conversed as they waited. The four of us walked a few steps up the bleachers until we came upon a space all of us could take. Kayla and I took our seats and I looked at Craig to see him contemplating his seat. He sighed and took a seat in between Kayla and Xavier. I smiled, knowing he didn't want to be in that spot. But he has to deal with it. Looking at it now, knowing Kayla, she'll try something on Craig at some point. And right on cue, she fake sneezed and bumped into Craig, making him bump into Xavier. He clung onto the blonde boy and Xavier barely seemed to move an inch.

"Oops," Kayla said, "sorry, little cousin." I could just see the faint smile of deviousness on her face. Craig looked up at Xavier and the blonde boy raised an eyebrow at him. Craig chuckled nervously and pushed himself away. He dusted off Xavier's shoulder and then abruptly turned to Kayla. Then he flicked her on the forehead. She winced and put both hands on the spot he had hit. She frowned and returned the same hit to him and they began having a little fight. Xavier and I just watched as they flicked or slapped at each other and threw insults. Finally, after a few good seconds of their bantering, a loud booming voice spoke and they both jolted to a stop. The tent grew quiet as everyone listened to the man on the speakers overhead.

"Ladies and gentleman," the man announced, "Boys and girls! Welcome all to the seventh annual Sunrise Carnival! We hope you enjoy the rides, food and fun! And we especially hope you enjoy Cirque D'émerveillement's first ever showcase here at your lovely carnival!" Suddenly the lights turned off only to have spotlights swirl around inside the tent. Everyone was looking around and wondering what would happen. "Now," the man continued, "we will take you through a journey of magic and wonder. You will all experience a time unlike any other and you will bear witness to such things that you thought only dreams could hold. Welcome to a world of fantasy and beauty and even madness! Welcome to...Cirque D'émerveillement!!!"

The lights blazed on and the sounds of cheering erupted as acrobats came flipping and dancing through another opening of the circus tent. I smiled and stared in awe as they moved so gracefully and lined up into a formation in the ring. Clowns came scurrying in next and there was even a little dog that trotted with one man and it wore a fluffy collar and a pointy clown hat. All the little kids aw'd and giggled at the pooch and I did too. Many more amazing actors came in with their own special entrance for their roll. Afterwards, the ringmaster came walking in with his arms raised. He came to the center of the ring and bowed, only for his hat to fall off. He reached down to get it and a sprout of water came gushing out and it hit his face. He flailed around a bit before turning to one clown and frowning. The clown shrugged and everyone laughed. The ringmaster shook his head and finally picked up his hat and once he did, the clowns threw confetti into the air and then more confetti shot up into the air by some machines that were placed by the sides of the ring. Along with the confetti, doves came flying out on cue and everyone clapped. I was already eager to see what would happen and I was literally on the edge of my seat. I took a glance at Kayla, Craig and Xavier and I could see they were enthralled by everything too. Turning back to the circus ring, I smiled and watched as the first act was about to begin.

...

"That was awesome!" I exclaimed as we walked out of the circus tent. Craig, Kayla and Xavier followed behind me and they were all equally satisfied with the performance. The show had ended but it was definitely worth seeing. There were so many things! Acrobats flipped around in the air on harnesses and one woman even did that tight rope trick and she made it! A magician was there and he did so many tricks and his assistant showed up in the audience with a cloud of confetti which shocked everyone. The clowns were hilarious and that little dog was just amazing. A lion tamer was there to perform with her lion partner Rex. And there WAS an elephant! I called it! Totally called it! It was just amazing! Everything was absolutely amazing! This was the first time I've ever gone to a circus and I loved it.

"Hey check it out," Craig said and we all turned to see him pointing to a sign. I walked up to it and read aloud, "'Come one, come all to see the phenomenal and extraordinary Madame Drabardi, Cirque D'emerviellement's one of a kind fortune teller and psychic'."

"Sounds fun," Kayla said.

Craig started, "Sounds like a load of bull-."

"Shut up and let's go," she said and dragged Craig towards the line to see Madame Drabardi. Xavier and I shared glances, shrugged, and followed after them. We got in line to see the Madame, which wasn't as long as we expected it to be. After a few minutes of waiting and moving up, we finally got to meet her. She had her own little tent just for her and the four of us entered. Immediately, the smell of incense brushed my nose and I relaxed on the spot.

Ahead of us was a lady dressed in a elegant robe with jewels and bracelets as her accessories. She looked old but still young. She lifted her head up from a table she was seated at and smiled. "Hello, children," she greeted. She had an accent but it was still easy to understand her. "Please, have a seat and make yourself comfortable," she said nicely, and waved her hands to the other seats at the table. Kayla and I gladly took our seats while the boys were standing around and shifting their feet.

"Don't be shy," the woman said to them, "Sit with the beautiful ladies. It'd be very insulting to them if you didn't." Craig and Xavier sighed and sat down with us. The woman smiled and raised her hands gracefully. "Welcome. My name is Madame Drabardi. How may I aid you into foreseeing your futures and understanding your inner desires?"

Kayla raised her hand and asked, "May I go first?"

Madame Drabardi nodded and held out her hand so Kayla could hold it. The woman closed her eyes as Kayla sat there and a few moments later she opened them and said, "Your ambition is strong and fiery. You're definitely not one to stray away from your goals. I see good things in your future. A promotion to team captain of your cheerleading squad. And of course, that first place award at regionals too."

"What?! No way! I've been wanting to be captain for months! And I really want to win regionals!" Kayla exclaimed happily. The Madame nodded and Kayla let go of her hand. "Thank you," she said to the Madame.

"You are welcome," the woman said, "Anyone else?"

I looked at the boys and they didn't seem too interested in this. So I decided to raise my hand and say, "I would like to go."

Madame Drabardi smiled at me and gestured for me to take her hand. I did and she held on firmly. I relaxed, letting the incense calm me down and I waited patiently for the Madame to open her eyes and reveal something about myself I hadn't realized before. To my excitement, she opened her eyes and said, "Your dreams to become a musician are strong, my girl. Even without me to foresee this, it is clear that you will achieve that dream. I can already hear the pieces you will make and all of the people that applaud you. You are loved."

I smiled and could feel warmth on my cheeks. The Madame continued with, "I also see...a boy. Your desires hold a boy, no, a man, in blue." My smile faltered and I contemplated what she had told me. "You wish to see him, do you not? He is a mysterious one. He borders on dangerous nearly, but only when he's with you. Your desires to see him are stronger than you know, my dear. It's heartwarming."

I smiled again. I knew she was talking about Jack, that strange man. I thought about the time I took him out to eat and how I fed him all of his food with so much caution, and that time where he said I was his favorite color. When thinking about this, I must've made it obvious that I was blushing because Craig remarked, "Aw, I knew you had a crush..!"

I chuckled and turned back to the Madame. "Thank you," I told her. She nodded but then raised her hand. "Wait, there is something else," she said, and she closed her eyes again. I waited again, though wondering what else she has to tell me about myself. Then, Madame Drabardi opened her eyes, though this time she had a look of confusion and concern in them. "I sense," she started, "...another...mind. There is another soul in you. Another being. And...his energy is strong.."

My smile went away as I began to panic. She was talking about Sam. Crap, she was talking about Sam..! None of my friends know and if they found out like this then who knows how they'll take it. They wouldn't believe me. They wouldn't. And I can't show them Sam exists either. That would scare them or they might call authorities on me.

Whilst thinking about this, a sharp pain suddenly ruptured through my head and I winced. I shut my eyes tightly yet saw images. They played out as if they were memories. I saw men with guns, shouting through fear and anger. Whole towns that rioted and glared with angered faces. These people were screaming and glaring at me. People spit at me. Stones were thrown at me. Holy water was splashed on me. They tied me up on a stake and set me aflame. I screamed and screamed and screamed in agony and pleaded to be set free but no one would help. They all only stared with disgusted faces. The flames filled my mind until I could almost feel the intense heat on my skin. I couldn't take it anymore. I can't see this.

I opened my eyes with a short gasp and gulped down my nervousness. Panting softly, I looked at Madame Drabardi only to see she had a concerned and yet almost horrified expression. She looked down at our hands and then slowly let go of mine. I let my hand fall into my lap along with the other one and kept my eyes on her. She pursed her lips and said, "There is a lot more to you than I thought..."

What did she mean by that?

I hadn't noticed that it had gone silent. Thankfully enough, Kayla interrupted it by saying, "So, Madame! Why don't you hold hands with my cousin Craig here?" She patted Craig on the shoulder and said deviously, "Let's hear his most inner desires."

I could see the blush coming across his face and he stood up from his chair. "Nope," he exclaimed and literally walked out of the tent. Kayla turned to Xavier and he just raised his hands up and left too. She sighed and shrugged. "Oh well... Come on, Ao. Let's make sure they don't run off." Kayla stood up from her seat and said to Madame Drabardi, "Thank you for making time for us. You're awesome!" She waved to the woman and started walking out. I got up too and followed after her when I heard the Madame call, "My girl?"

I turned to her, feeling dread for a reason I didn't know why. She looked me in the eyes intently and, with a cautious voice, said, "Be careful."

I nodded hesitantly and waved good-bye to her. I exited it the tent and other people passed me by to enter it. As I walked with Kayla, Craig and Xavier, I felt worried. Madame Drabardi had sensed Sam. She's the real deal if she could have done that. I'm just glad she hadn't said anything more about it. And I'm still a bit shaken by what I had seen. What had I seen? It was like a memory but I don't ever remember that happening. If it happened, I would definitely remember. It was so...brutal. Why would those people do that to me? For what reason did they have to hurt me and burn me?

"Ao?" I heard Craig call me. I snapped out of my thoughts and looked at him. "Kayla and I are going to the restrooms and Xavier's in line buying a water bottle. Do you need to use the restroom too? If not you should stick with Xavier."

I stared at him for a while and glanced over at Xavier. I gulped and said, "I'll stick with him."

"Okay, we'll be back," Craig said and walked towards the restrooms. I made my way to Xavier and stood by him as he waited. "Do you want anything?" he suddenly asked me. I looked up at him and shook my head. "Thank you, though," I said and he nodded. I looked around the area as we both waited.

"Ao, are you okay?" Xavier asked.

"Yeah, why do you ask?" I said.

"You're choking your rabbit," he pointed out and I looked down at my hands to see I was tightly hugging my stuffed toy. I loosened my hold and chuckled dryly. "It's just so darn fluffy, ya know?" I giggled. He hesitated to turn but he ended up doing so anyways. Sighing, I hung my head and mumbled to myself under my breath, "Just calm down, Blue. You're fine. You probably saw all of that stuff from a movie and forgot about it. There's nothing to worry about. Just have fun with the gang and enjoy your time back at the carnival again. Don't let this get to you."

I felt so paranoid for some reason. I want someone to calm me down. I was hoping Sam would say something but he wasn't uttering anything. I really need him right now. But I guess he's just as shaken as I am. We feel the same things. I feel bad because I'm putting him through this. He can't feel emotions on his own. I have to be the one who feels all of these things in order for him to feel it. If he's not feeling what I'm feeling then he just sounds emotionless.

I sighed again and kept looking around my surroundings. I saw children run around with their parents in tow. Couples giggling and smiling wide. Groups of friends goofing off and shouting with excitement. Crowds of people bustled and various conversations mixed in with more. All of this made a joyful atmosphere. My lips were on the verge of forming into a smile when I saw one person who stood out from the rest.

They wore all black: black leather jacket, black pants, combat boots and a black baseball cap with a white patch in the front. They stood still in the middle of bustling crowds. They looked around the area until they turned my way. Our eyes immediately met and I felt chills run down my spine. I clutched my white rabbit tighter and I gulped down my uneasiness. I could only see one eye peaking under the cap, while the other was covered with something black. The strange person kept our gaze together and I was begging for it to break. I clutched my white rabbit tighter and I gulped down my uneasiness. Finally, they turned away and walked away in between two game booths. Until they were out of sight, I could breathe normally. Warmth came back to my body and I was relieved. "Who was that?" I mumbled. I thought Sam would answer but he still said nothing.

Despite that I was relieved that the strange person was gone, I was curious. Like the noisy, idiot I was, I started going after that person. "Stay right there, Xavier," I ordered him without turning back and I could hear his questions and protests. I ignored them and slipped through crowds of people and ran in between the space the person walked into. I had no idea why I was even doing this but I had some feeling that I had to see them. Like how I had to see Jack and BB. There's something about them all that I have to know and see.

I ran into the area behind all of the game booths and I saw the strange person walking far ahead. I ran faster, jumping over wires and boxes from the booths. My flats weren't very supportive of my running but I ignored it. I nearly tripped over my own feet during this. Up ahead, the figure turned a corner to the left and I groaned.

Reaching the corner, I turned it and then slowed down to a casual walk. I checked the area which wasn't very well lit. I could barely see where I was putting my feet. Gradually as I walked, I started to hear the sound of a shaking spray can and then spraying. I stopped in my tracks to listen more closely. Then I began tiptoeing to keep from making more noise and went further into the dimness. After a few moments, I saw an outline of a figure. They were crouched down and using a can of spray paint on the wall. I watched them in silence, trying to figure out what they were painting. The figure shook the can again and then went back to spraying. They sprayed one last time before finishing and popping the top back on. They backed up and looked at what they painted. My eyes finally completely adjusted and I saw a symbol that I've never seen before.

An O with an X crossed over it.

I stared feeling uneasy. That symbol didn't feel right. Something about it felt off.

I was too busy staring at the symbol that I hadn't noticed the figure had turned around. I heard the can clatter to the ground and that snapped me out of my trance. I gasped once I looked at them, and they stood there, staring at me. We were locked into a gaze again and I could feel my body shaking. Then, to make things worse, they raised their hands and popped their knuckles. My eyes widened and I was in time to move aside as the figure lunged forward and swung a punch. The air whistled as their fist moved past me. I screamed and nearly stumbled onto my back. The figure looked up at me and sure enough it was the person I was following.

Bright blue glittered as I stared into their one eye that was revealed. I could see the glare and dangerousness in that eye and I ran for it. I ran back the way I came, the sound of the figure's quick footfall behind me and getting louder and louder, letting me know they were gaining on me. I quickly turned the corner and then ran in between two game booths. I made it onto the regular path of the carnival and just kept running through crowds of people yet again. As I ran, I turned back and saw the figure still running after me. I squealed and ran faster, my chest burning and feet aching from poor support from my flats.

I looked around for the restrooms Craig and Kayla went to and I hoped to see Xavier still waiting for me like I told him to. Unfortunately, I didn't see him or Craig and Kayla and I cursed under my breath. I ran through more crowds of people, nearly tackling them down on the way. I quickly went into a large crowd of people, but this time the people started leading me off somewhere. I tried getting out of it so I could keep running but before I knew it I was in line for a ferris wheel. I looked around and saw the strange person again. They spotted me and started storming up to me. Panicking, I slipped past people, earning some angered 'Hey's in the process. Without any thought I ran past the front of the line and hopped into a carriage just as soon as other people got off of it. Thankfully, the man in charge of opening the carriages didn't question me and he shut the door. I kept my eyes outside and to both my relief and dread, that strange person wasn't outside anymore. I sighed and relaxed in my seat. Despite all of the noise outside and the whirring of the machine, it was quiet in my carriage. I hugged my white rabbit tightly and closed my eyes. "What the hell is going on?" I asked myself.

It was relaxing in the carriage as it rocked back and forth as the Ferris wheel moved. It was completely peaceful in here. Well, for as long as it had lasted..

The carriage jerked and I screamed as I was thrown out of my seat. I hit my head against the floor and groaned as I sat up on my knees. I heard the sound of metal groaning and I turned to see that same person from before on the outside of carriage. I gasped as they impossibly tore off the door and threw it down. My eyes widen and I back up against the wall of the carriage. The person jumped in and it was in this moment that I figured out that this person was a girl. The feminine figure was prominent. She stood over me and glared. I was trembling from fear. "What do you want from me?" I asked in a small, quivering voice. She didn't give me an answer as she raised a gloved fist. She threw a punch and I ducked my head to the side and her fist hit the spot behind me. I heard a loud crash and I turned my head to see a gaping hole where she punched. She pulled her fist out of the hole and I took this time to slip under her. The carriage rocked which made my crawling sloppy and I almost fell out of the opening where the door used to be. I looked back up at the girl as she turned and threw another punch, which ruptured the carriage and I was thrown to the side. I tried crawling to the other side but my hand slipped and I fell out of the opening. Closing my eyes tight, I screamed, "Sam!!!"

Ao!!!

I suddenly felt someone grab my wrist and I jerked to a stop. Looking down, I shrieked and I could see people pointing up at me and freaking out. I looked back up and saw the girl holding onto my wrist. I was shocked but much more relieved. Thank god I won't end up getting mushed into the Ferris wheel.

As I looked up at her, I glanced at her arm and noticed something gleaming under her sleeve and past her glove. What is that? Before I could guess, she pulled me up and threw me back into the carriage. I tumbled across the floor and hit a wall. I looked back up at the girl just as she was about to grab for me again. But, to my surprise, she was suddenly sent back by an invisible force and she fell out of the opening. I screamed and covered my mouth. After a few moments, the carriage stopped rocking so violently and it was just me and Sam. I careful crawled towards the opening and peeked out to see where the girl went. "Is she dead?"

No.

Sam had answered. Sure enough, there she was, on the top of another carriage, staring up at me past that baseball cap of hers. We locked into an intense gaze once again, before she jumped off of the carriage, landed on the ground, and ran off. I backed away from the opening of the carriage and shuddered. In a shaky voice, I said, "Thank you, Sam."

No problem. I'm just glad you're okay. Are you hurt at all?

"No," I replied, "just a little shaken."

After a few minutes, everyone else on the Ferris wheel was taken off, including me and the attendant asked if I was okay. I had nodded to him and started walking away from everyone that gathered around. As I was walking, I heard someone call my name and I turned to see Craig. Following behind him was Kayla and Xavier, looking just as worried. Feeling exhausted and scared, I ran towards them and Craig immediately brought me into a hug. I clung onto his shirt and I began tearing up after finally realizing what I just went through. Craig just held me tightly as he ran his hands through my sweat damp hair. "You're okay," he told me, though his voice shook. I shook my head and just dug my face deeper into his shirt. Anxiety coursed through me and the left over adrenaline left me shaking.

"We're going to take you home," Kayla stated and I didn't protest. I just wanted to see my parents again and be anywhere but in public right now. This night didn't go so well as I thought it would. Mumbling to Craig, I said, "I'm sorry we can't get to ride the F-Bomb."

He chuckled and leaned his head on mine. "That's okay. Right now, you're more important than some carnival ride," he said and I smiled. Kayla, Craig and Xavier stuck with me until we were finally able to go home without carnival attendants and security asking questions. Craig, Kayla and I all loaded into the truck and Craig drove to my house as quick as he could. Xavier had first arrived in his own car so he drove in that and followed us. My anxiety decreased a bit during the drive as I watched the buildings, cars and streets whizz by until we came to the fields I grew to recognize. Along the ride, I couldn't help but just anticipate that girl to show up somewhere along the rode and we'd just pass her by like a scene in a horror movie and then the next thing I know she'll be crashing in through the back window and come back to strangle me dead. This only made me feel worse, of course, and I just shut myself up and closed my eyes. I'll feel better once I'm home.

...

The truck pulled up to the gates and Craig got out to open them instead of me having to do it. He came back and cruised into the semi-circle driveway then stopped and shut the truck off. Xavier came up afterwards and did the same with his car. Craig got down and came around to my side and opened the door for me. I unbuckled and jumped out and he closed the door behind me. Kayla got out of the truck next and the both of them lead me to my front door. Xavier came up to us after a few moments as Craig rang the doorbell and we all waited before the door opened and my mother came in view. She smiled at first but once she noticed our exasperated and shaken faces, especially mine, that smile faded to her frowning in concern.

"What's wrong?" she asked. I looked up at Craig and he nodded, silently telling me to explain what happened. I wondered if I could even choke out the details at all. I looked up at my mother and opened my mouth to begin talking.

After I had explained everything, from the girl, to the graffiti she had made and then to the Ferris wheel incident, my mother's concerned frown had gone to one of horror and she pulled me in for a hug. "I knew you shouldn't have gone without the guards," she whispered to me, but she was kind about it, almost scared. I couldn't disagree with her. But then again, I lead myself into that trouble. I had followed that girl willingly and now she might still be after me. She knows what I look like and I'm sure she could possibly find me again. Why did she attack me though? What did I do? All I did was see her tag a wall with that weird symbol..! That couldn't be a good enough reason to nearly break a Ferris wheel carriage apart and try to kill me..! She must've been some crazy, mental criminal. Either way, she was trouble and I knew that the moment our eyes locked. But if I knew then why did I follow her? Why am I still curious about her even now? Jeez, Sam was right, I do have a thing for strange people..

"Your father went out to get groceries," my mother told me, "But once he gets back you will tell him everything and he and I will discuss what to do. Until then, you'll stay here with me."

"Okaasan?" I started, "I was wondering... Could my friends stay here for a while with me? I didn't want this night to be ruined and I was hoping we could still salvage it with some movies and such."

"If they're okay with that," she replied. I turned to Craig, Kayla and Xavier and Kayla answered, "I'll stay."

"Me too," Craig added.

Xavier shrugged and said, "I don't feel like going home just yet."

I smiled at them all and turned back to my mother. She nodded and said, "Okay, then. You all can hang around in the entertainment room down the hall. Don't stay up too late."

I nodded and immediately, Kayla exclaimed, "I'll make snacks!" And then she ran off towards the kitchen.

"I'll pick movies!" Craig said and ran towards the entertainment room. I looked at Xavier and he shifted his eyes back and forth. "I'll...set stuff up...?" He mumbled and then he awkwardly walked towards the entertainment room too. Not just a few seconds later, I heard Craig scream in surprise. I chuckled and walked to the kitchen to go help Kayla. I felt much more happier now. The carnival was fun while it lasted but I think this is much preferable. Just a night watching movies and pigging out on snacks with my best friends. I couldn't ask for anything better.