Page 147 of One More Kiss

Tori

“AND WHERE DOYOU THINK you’re going, Tori?” my mom questioned as I threw on my tight jean pants with the white and baby blue striped belly shirt. The sleeves of the shirt ended at my elbows. It wasn’t the best look, but I honestly had no other option. There were way too many people in the house and sometimes I waited a while to have my clothes washed.

I opened up the dollar store eye shadow and started rubbing the color all over my lids. I never learned how to properly wear makeup. Sometimes I’d look too white, or I’d have lines where the base and powder didn’t match the complexion of my face. It was terrible but no one ever pointed it out, so I had no idea. Funny, I got teased for so much, yet not for the way I wore my makeup. I honestly thought makeup was the only thing that made me look somewhat presentable and it hid most of my acne.

“I’m preparing to go with Clarissa to the fair. Did you not want me to go?” I turned toward the bedroom door where my mom stood and waited for her answer. She didn’t seem upset and assured me with her next words.

“I’m not mad. Just wasn’t sure where you were going gettin’ all dolled up. I forgot the fair was this weekend. I don’t have any extra money to give you,” she said, her eyebrows drawn down as if worried that she couldn’t provide me with money for the fair.

I knew that of course. And the last thing I wanted was for her to feel bad about not being able to give me money to have fun. She was amazing and so was my dad. They worked hard and tried their damnest to put food on the table. So, what if they couldn’t pay for a stupid ass fair. But my young heart wanted to be there so bad with my friend.

“I know. Clarissa’s mom gave her extra so she’s going to pay for our entire trip. Is that okay?” I asked, closing the eye shadow, and glancing a final time in the mirror. The brown always made my lips so dark compared to my skin as if I were a vampire who should only be out at night.

“It’s okay. Are you staying at her house then, cause if not I don’t want you out late?”

“Yeah, I’m probably just gonna stay there,” I answered, giving myself one last once-over before going up to my mom, hugging her and promising to be good.

Clarissa was already waiting outside for me as she walked over. “Hey, hooch. Took long enough. I thought I’d be out here forever waitin’ on your slow ass.”

I grinned, “Nah. Just talking to my mom and getting ready.”

We were both excited that the fair was in walking distance from our homes. She looped her arm through mine and led the way down the street to the next street over where patrons were already putting together the food courts and setting up the rides under the large white tent. I was giddy as I knew that in a few hours the fair would begin its first night and continue for the rest of the weekend. I couldn’t wait to ride the Pharaoh’s boat because it was my favorite of all rides.

“Wanna go get a sno-ball before the fair starts?” Clarissa asked, already leading the way.

She didn’t usually take no for an answer and that was alright with me. She knew I loved sno-balls especially the coconut flavored ones. The walk didn’t take long. The sno-ball stand was on the street right across from where the fair was being set up. We ordered fairly quickly, walked to the baseball field and ate our flavored ice as we watched everyone running around and getting ready for tonight.

“What do you plan on doing once the fair’s set up?” I asked before taking another bite.

Clarissa glanced sideways at the tents, pointed, and answered, “I’m thinking about staying under the big tent over there. You know how I love to dance to some Zydeco music. It would be fun. And you never know, I might find a partner who is equal to me with their dancing skills.”

I chuckled knowing how much Clarissa loved to work the dance floor. I, on the other hand sucked at dancing and she knew that too.

“Since you’ll be dancing, I’ll go hit up some rides and meet you under the tent when I’m done. It shouldn’t take long to poop me out.”

“Sounds like a plan,” she said, her excitement evident as she grinned wide and bounced her leg as if she couldn’t stay still. We sat there watching the crew set everything up until our sno-balls were gone.

“Ready to go? I was told the tents won’t open until seven pm tonight,” Clarissa mentioned, getting up and tossing her used cup into the trash nearby.

I followed suit and answered, “Yeah. We could hang out at your place until it opens.”

“Goody. I have a new band I want to let you listen to. I’m pretty sure you’ll love ‘em.”

I grinned and fell into step next to Clarissa while we talked about the band, she was so excited about introducing to me. I enjoyed country music, but my new favorite was rock. Evanescence was the number one go-to band of all time. Now, Amy Lee definitely had the vocals that were out of this world.

Clarissa and I sat on her duvet for the entire time, snacking while listening to Deuce of Hearts. I enjoyed the music, and quickly learned the lyrics as we tried belting them out in the small room. No one was home, so there weren’t any complaints. It was times like this that made me happy. I didn’t have negative thoughts. The only thing that ran through my mind was how much I enjoyed the company with my BFF.

We were having so much fun that seven pm hit faster than we expected. Before we knew it, Clarissa and I were on the road walking back to where the tents were being set up. We were both giddy and couldn’t contain our excitement. A block away I could see my favorite ride, The Pharaoh. The boat swung from one end to the next. It wasn’t overly scary, but the adrenaline rushed when I rode it.

We stepped up to the ticket booth, paid our fair and headed toward the largest tent, the one where all the music blared. Clarissa was already shaking her hips as if she couldn’t contain the fact that she wanted to dance so bad. Once inside, Clarissa found some family members and mentioned she’d hang out with them until I got back from enjoying the rides, and then we parted ways.

The rides lit up the night with the many lights that decorated the area. Everywhere I turned, there were people walking by talking, smiling, and having a good time. I was alone, but I didn’t feel like I needed anyone to have fun. My main concern was getting in the line to my favorite ride. I felt that once I rode it a few times I could get some cotton candy and then meet up with Clarissa.

I followed the path to the ride not really paying attention to where I was going. My eyes were all over the place taking in everything. I wanted to remember this night for a long time because who knew when I’d be able to attend another fair like this. A smile graced my face as I saw the Pharaoh right in front of me. It was shaped like a boat. On both ends there was a Pharaoh head and, in the middle, there were numerous seats where everyone could sit and enjoy the ride while it sliced through the air. My favorite spot was right in front of the heads because that’s where the highest point was.

My steps quickened hoping the line wasn’t too long. As soon as I crossed over to get in line, someone blocked my view. I looked up and noticed right away that it was another person I liked. We didn’t talk much because she was in college and had her own life, but when we did, we hit it off. She was beautiful with short brown hair and brown eyes. The thing that stood out the most was her height, towering over me and most people.

“Hey. Where are you off too so quickly?” Samantha asked, grinning like a big kid herself.

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