Chapter 24

Before we knew it, it was lunchtime. We roamed around the park for a while before we found a pizza place where the food was actually decently priced. We ordered two pizzas for the five of us, soda for James, Michael and I, iced tea for Tessa, and water for Steve. After eating and discussing which had been our favorite ride so far, we all agreed that it would be best to wait for a little before getting on another ride. 

After roaming around the park I spotted the train ride in the distance. It brought back many memories from my happier childhood. On the rare chance that we would go to a park, we would always ride the train after eating. 

Without meaning to, my pace slowed so that I fell behind everyone a little as I got lost in the memories. It only took a few seconds before James was wrapping an arm around my shoulders and bringing me back to the present. I looked up into his worried eyes and gave him a heartfelt smile to show him that I was alright. He smiled back and almost all of his concerns dissipated. 

“What’s up?” he asked. I looked to the train that we were now much closer to and he followed my gaze before looking back at me. 

“When I was a kid, before my mom died, we would always ride the train after eating. It was kind of our little tradition. That’s all.” He nodded but didn’t say anything as his eyes settled on the train again. 

“Did you want to ride it?” 

I gasped looking at him again. “C-could we?” 

His smile grew and he nodded. “Of course.” 

With his arm still around me, he led us up to the front and brought the group to the train. We were able to get on as soon as we stepped in the line. James dropped his arm as he stepped onto the cart and then motioned for me to get on. I did so and instead of wrapping his arm around me again, he grabbed my hand. This caused me to realize that I was shaking, but James rubbed his thumb across the back of my hand to try and calm me down a little. 

Finally, with a loud whistle, the train was pulling out and starting to make its way across the tracks. We passed an area of the park completely made of forest. It was almost like you weren’t even in the park anymore. We even saw a cute little family of ducks. By the time the ride was over James was wiping tears off of my cheeks. I had to assure everyone that I was okay several times. 

After that, we decided that we should be okay to get on some more rides. Ride after ride we enjoyed ourselves as much as possible, but when we came to the tallest roller coaster that had a straight drop down, Steve absolutely refused to get on. He wouldn’t even get close to the line’s entrance. The others teased him about it, but Tessa and I quickly scolded them and the rest of us got in line. 

The more rides we rode, the darker it got and then suddenly, all at once, lights all over the park were turning on. It made a beautiful sight that left me breathless. 

“Now that the lights are on it’s time to hit the Ferris Wheel!” Tessa declared. 

The guys grumbled but followed her as she lead us to it anyway. Before any of us had the chance to react Tessa was dragging James onto the next cart. Michael and Steve decided to get on together, but before I had the chance to turn away and sit on a bench the attendant was rushing me into a cart. 

I couldn't help but sigh as I made my way to the top. It was never fun riding a Ferris Wheel by yourself. In fact, it was very lonely. As the wheel kept turning and I made my way back up I couldn’t help but stare at the empty space next to me. Maybe someday that seat would be filled and when we reached the top together we could share a kiss. One of the cliche kisses where you feel like fireworks are going off. 

The ride was over quickly and we made our way over to the games. James gave me twenty dollars to play whatever games I wanted and we all split up. I ran over to the skee ball booth immediately. I loved skee ball so much, but I wasn’t very good at it. I played at least ten games of it before moving on. 

I hadn’t won a single thing. I tried my hand at several of the other games but it was no use, I was bad at all of them. No stuffed bear for me. When I ran out of money I headed back to our meeting place only to find out that I was the first one done. It had to have been five minutes of me scrolling on my phone before James was walking up to me with his hands behind his back. 

“Did you win anything?” 

I laughed and shook my head, actually a little sad. “No, I’m really bad at these kinds of games. What about you?” 

He nodded and presented the most adorable pink and white bear. It had a light purple bow and the cutest brown nose. “For you.”

He handed the bear to me and I was too shocked to say no. I hugged the bear to my chest and then threw my arms around James. “Thank you!” 

He laughed returning the hug. “You’re welcome.” 

Pulling back, I held the bear out in front of me trying to come up with a name. “I’m gonna name you Yuki.” 

James and I chatted about random things as the others came back one by one. Once everyone came back we all decided that it was getting late and we should go home. 

We finally made it back home and we all said our goodbyes to Michael and Steve. Not long after I headed to bed, snuggling with my precious Yuki.