We head out into the hall and part ways, me straight for her car, her to Jace’s room to drag him out. He agreed to go tonight, but I can almost guarantee he isn’t thrilled about it. Fun and Jace don’t exactly mix.
I climb into Sal’s passenger seat, reclining it just to my liking, and wait. When they come through the front door a few minutes later, the scowl on Jace’s face nearly has me laughing out loud. The contrast between his sour mood and Sal’s bright energy is almost too much. They make such an odd pair.
Jace heads straight for the passenger door, yanking it open before stopping short at the sight of me. He grumbles under his breath, shoots Sal a look, and then slams the door shut right in my face.
Okay then, asshole. I smirk a little as he climbs into the backseat.
“Play nice, you two,” Sal says, sliding into the driver's seat. “Any song requests?”
“Nah, whatever’s fine,” Jace says, his voice more a growl than anything.
I shake my head. “You pick. You’re the driver.”
She nods, scrolling through Spotify, and then the loud, moody sounds of Bad Omens fill the car. Fine by me. My music taste shifts with my moods anyway, and tonight I’m wired enough to roll with anything.
The drive is long, and I keep myself busy alternating between texting Theo and scrolling TikTok. I never post anything, though. Despite Sal begging me to do silly dances with her on camera, I’ve never been brave enough.
No thanks.
By the time we arrive, it’s well and dark outside. The night sky is lit up with the bright, buzzing lights of the fair. Neon pinks and greens and electric blues. The place hums with energy, the smells of funnel cake and popcorn thick in the air.
We’re forced to park four blocks away because of how packed it is.
The fair is a yearly ritual, and no matter how old I get, I think it’ll always feel like magic. A place to lose yourself in chaos, ride rickety deathtrap rides, and stuff your face with sugar. A place that reminds me of being younger, being free, before the weight of the world settled onto my shoulders.
We walk, Sal and I in front and Jace trailing behind like our own personal security guard. And honestly, I feel safer with him there. He might scowl at everyone like they personally offended him, but if anyone tried to mess with us, he wouldn’t hesitate to shut it down.
When we reach the gate, Jace pays for all three of our wristbands without a word. I nod my thanks, and he grimaces in response.
Alright, then.
We make our way inside the fair, the chaotic noise swallowing us whole.
“What are we doing first?” I turn toward Sal.
She scans the lights and rides stretching into the night. “Ferris wheel?”
“No way.” I shake my head. “I hate that thing. It’s terrifying.”
“You’re such a drama queen! It’s no less safe than any other ride.”
“Look... I can ride the biggest roller coasters and be fine. But something about the Ferris wheel, all rickety and creaking, keeping you suspended way up there for minutes at a time... I just can't do it.”
She rolls her eyes. “Fine. But at some point, Jace and I are riding it.”
“How about the bumper cars?” Jace grumbles from behind us.
I grin. “I’m down!” Sal nods, excited.
We make our way over, the night air crackling with energy. When we finally climb into our tiny cars and the ride kicks off, I make it my personal mission to smash into Jace’s as many times as possible. Sal and I team up, chasing him into corners while he scowls in his too-small car, his knees practically jammed into his chest.
I’m laughing so hard by the time the ride ends that my sides ache. It feels good. It feels normal.
We bounce from ride to ride for the next hour, the neon lights blurring overhead. Even Jace relaxes a little. I catch him smirking once or twice, which feels like a miracle in itself.
Still, my hand keeps drifting to my pocket. Checking my phone. Waiting for a text that doesn’t come.
Stop it, I tell myself.Don’t spiral. Not tonight.
