Page 73 of Forever Cursed

Going to a carnival on the Fourth of July probably wasn’t the greatest idea. Everyone and their grandmothers are going to be here today. The traffic to find parking is a headache, but we find a spot in the back so we can park next to one another. Everyone gets out of the car, and Chrissy leaps on my back and kisses my cheek.

“This is going to be so much fun!” she squeals and holds onto me while we start our trek to the front gate.

“Comfy up there?” I ask while peering over my shoulder, happy to see her smiling ear to ear.

“Extremely,” she says in my ear with a seductive edge to her voice.

I run my calloused palms along her smooth legs, which she’s wrapped around my waist.

I tried not to admire her in front of Zack, but my eyes wandered, and when she ran into the foyer at the Waylens’ house, I had to swoop in and hold her in my arms.

She’s wearing light-washed jean shorts and a cropped cream-colored knitted tank top. She left her hair down, and a few loose strands tickle my cheek when she leans over to squish her face against mine. Her skin smells like fresh strawberries, and I’d give anything to have her to myself. To taste her and make her lips swell from kissing me. To have her mouth around my co?—

“Gwen, get off me!” Zack struggles to get Gwen off his back.

“Carry me! Ash hurt his back, and my feet hurt from the café today,” she whines as she clings onto him.

With a fake groan, Zack’s expression melts, and he gives in. “You’re lucky I love you.”

“Yay!” She kisses his cheek repeatedly and messes with his hair.

“Max?” Ash asks with a lifted eyebrow.

“Do not even think about it!” Max raises his voice, making Ash chuckle.

After waiting in line, we have our tickets and gather in a deserted spot near the entrance. As everyone formulates a game plan, I take in the sights and smells.

The sun is starting to drop below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the grounds. The air is sticky and filled with the sweet scent of cotton candy and fried foods. The distant sound of cheerful music from the merry-go-round drifts through the air, along with gleeful screams. The carnival is a kaleidoscope of colors and energy. The Ferris wheel towers over everything, adorned with multicolored lights. Strings of fairy lights illuminate the pathways, and the neon glowing from rides paints the scene in a vibrant palette.

I can’t recall the last time I went to a fair like this. It must have been before Mom left and Dad succumbed to his darkness. Now, I’m with a different kind of family, and my heart swells as I watch them go back and forth with one another.

“We can always separate.” Max butts in between Zack and Chrissy.

“No way!” Chrissy and Gwen say at the same time.

“Family sticks together. Instill that in your brain, older Waylen.” Gwen nudges his arm before hugging him.

“Let’s just start walking. We have a few hours before the fireworks. We can do as much as possible before then,” Ash offers like the leader he is.

“As long as we start moving, I don’t care. I’m beginning to sweat in places I’d rather not admit to.” Zack cringes.

Gwen and Chrissy make a face at Zack, who shrugs.

I snicker before pointing at him. “Let’s go before Zack starts stripping and people start throwing singles at him,” I tease and dodge his attempt at punching me in the arm.

What’s with the Willowses wanting to punch me all the time?

We start down the path, passing a few food and game stands. Chrissy secures herself by my side, squeezing my hand and resting her head on my shoulder while we walk. The air is buzzing with thrills and too much sugar.

Gwen stops the group abruptly when she sees a stuffed raccoon hanging from a tent. She looks at Ash, and with a simple look, he whips out his wallet and offers her money to play the water gun game.

“Max, come play with me!” she calls while patting the stool next to her. “Blondie, you too!”

Chrissy peels herself from my arm, but before she walks away, I wrap my hand around her wrist to stop her. “Here, this one’s on me.” I offer her a five, and she responds by hugging me a little too tightly.

“Thank you!” She kisses my cheek before running toward Gwen.

Ash, Zack, and I watch they go head-to-head against another family on the other side. Max nudges into Gwen to try and ruin her impressive aim. Chrissy is on her knees on the seat, squinting her eyes and squealing as the three of them near the top. When the winner’s bell rings, no one is surprised that Gwen popped her balloon first. She is, after all, a self-proclaimed video game professional.

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