30

Chapter Song: Preacher Man- The Driver Era

Nobody was home, which I was thankful for. I heard the padding of our dog's steps against the wood floor. I walked over to greet her and find a treat to give her. After petting her for a few minutes I went downstairs to shower and get ready for tonight.

Our whole group of friends decided to go to the carnival this year surprisingly. I forced Riley to go with me last year, using the excuse that she needed to go out since her boyfriend at the time broke up with her. We saw Liam and the boys, but they were with the lacrosse boys.

Only this year was different. I had Cal. He asked to meet me there since he had to help his brother in the city with something after he had lunch. I agreed immediately since today's events happened I needed some alone time. Although, I would much rather talk to him about it before the carnival than after.

I let the hot water droplets hit my back in a melodic tune thinking about how I was going to tell everyone what happened today. Do I tell Liam I saw her? I didn't know how I was going to explain this to my dad. He's going to freak. Would I even tell him? Should I? I let out a small groan leaning my head against the cool wall. The thing would be so much better if she never showed up. If only she continued to pretend we didn't exist.

All the years spent at swim meets. Wasted on nothing. He was going to be so disappointed. I gave up thousands of dollars, a college career, and a piece of me. I sighed as I turn the faucet off and reached for my towel.

The water was turning cold, which made me realize I had been in there a lot longer than I had planned to be. I needed to get dressed fast if I was going to be on time. I could think about all of this later and have time to process everything, but not now. Now I had to get ready and be a normal teenager.

I decided on denim shorts a loose white tank top high top vans and a leather jacket. It was still a little chilly at night, and I didn't know if Cal was bringing a jacket that I could steal. I braided half of my hair away from my face and let the rest fall into its natural wave. I topped off my look off with a little makeup and headed out the door getting a text from Riley.

where r u??

on my way

hurry before I eat all the cotton candy

you better not

oops

I got there and aimlessly walked around scoping out the attractions. They really went all out this year I had to admit that I was impressed. I found Riley, Tyler, and Liam over by the ring toss games and joined them. How did Ty beat me here?

"How was the meet?" Liam asked throwing another ring.

I looked at Tyler suspiciously he said nothing but just nodded. It seemed like he hadn't told anyone. As surprising as that was I was glad. I always knew Tyler was good at keeping things to himself I just didn't expect him to stay silent for long. Sooner or later one of us would spill. I was just hoping to get the chance before him, but not at this very moment.

"It was good." I responded giving Tyler a slight nod having a silent understanding.

"She's was practically offered a scholarship by Berkeley today," Tyler chimed in.

"No way!" Riley squealed grabbing my hand.

I just nodded and agree with the lie. It's not like I wanted to agree to the lie, especially to my brother and best friend. I just wanted to have fun tonight with everyone and not worry about the life-altering decision I just made earlier today.

Besides, it was also a little odd that no one knew about it? I'm sure someone from the team had to have mentioned it. I knew Kylie still had a thing for him. Not to mention the guilt setting up camp in my stomach from seeing my mother, and still not mentioning it to Liam.

"Oh my god, Kennedy what happened today?" I heard a shriek behind me immediately recognizing the voice behind me. Kylie. Speak of the devil.

"What do you mean Ky?" I gave her a sweet false smile ignoring all the looks of confusion. She looked at me as if she didn't know what was going on, like she walked into the wrong homeroom.

Of course, she knew, she was there. I didn't know why she just didn't text me about it or whatever. Instead, she decided to meet up with Liam and practically told the whole world. This is what I get for trying to keep secrets.

"You just stepped down and walked away," she paused sounding unsure. "And the Berkley coaches were there watching you. You talked to them right? Does that mean you gave up Berkeley or do you think they'll-"

"Ken what happened?" Liam finally interrupted her but his eyes darted between Tyler and I for confirmation. I looked at Tyler for help, but he only shrugged.

"Thanks for the help Ty," I mumbled bracing myself for what I was about to say.

As soon as I was about to admit everything to Liam I got a phone call from Cal asking where we were. Thankfully interrupting the conversation once more being saved by the bell. I stayed on the phone with him turning away from Liam's shocked face to search for Cal. Anything to distract me from the conversation.

I saw him sauntering our way and walked towards him to meet him halfway. He looked good. Dark denim fitted jeans an all-black baseball tee. Simple but wow. I literally jumped into his arms while he caught me spinning me around. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he gave me a quick kiss. Finally something safe.

"Hey, there handsome." I whispered into his lips trying to pretend I didn't just leave Liam's conversation unanswered.

"Hi beautiful," he winked.

He set me down gently and takes my hand as we walk over to everyone else. He lightly tapped with my fingers with a little hum in his throat. He seemed happy about something. Liam looked annoyed but didn't bring up the conversation when we got back. I knew I would have to tell him later when we got home.

We all began to argue what we wanted to do first. I saw Liam still huffing at me knowing he's mad I didn't tell him I gave swim up. For now I just wanted to be present in the moment. Finally Riley had to lay down the law and decided we'll go on rides grab food and play games after. It sounded like a pretty good plan. I was just glad we were all here. Even Kylie.

We went on so many nauseating rides flipping us every which way, twisting and turning our world around till we almost puked. I had to admit it was fun. Cal made me go on a few extra rides allow though I begged not too but he promised me cotton candy so I agreed.

Our final ride and moment of silence was the Ferris wheel. I've hated these things. I hated Ferris wheels with a burning passion. I wasn't afraid of heights, that didn't matter to me. Just the way they swayed back and forth always put me on edge. Nothing ever good came from these things in movies. Anyone on a Ferris wheel when the action happened was definitely in trouble.

"You okay there ninja warrior?" Cal chuckled.

"What oh yeah, I'm fine." I assured him releasing the apparent death grip I had on his leg. He just laughed and pulled me in closer to him.

The only good part about these metal death traps were the view from the top, other than that I would never bother. This evening we had the view of a perfect dusk sky. The sun had already began to set leaving the sky streaked with oranges and deep blues.

"Look at this view," he breathed.

"Oh thank you." I joked tossing my hair over my shoulder trying to distract myself.

"You're okay," he winked and pointed towards the city, "but that is something".

"Yeah it's kind of amazing," I gazed in awe. "Almost as if it weren't real".

"Do you ever forget that there are other people down there living their lives just like we are?" He asked. He might not have meant to ask it to me in particular but perhaps just saying it out loud.

I stared at the lights below us and silently agreed. It was a humbling moment. I think that we all got so caught up in our own lives that we forget there's an entire world around us going through things we might not even dream.

It was in this moment that I wished I could stay here forever with him. Just the two of us and the city lights, alone from the world. Even if it was only for a moment longer. I sighed leaning against his shoulder staring at the world below us.

"Yeah actually. There's this whole world below oblivious to us up here. Almost like they were ants or vice versa," I admitted.

"Yeah," he smiled. "Ants".