Theme parks are probably the very quintessence of fun and amusement; the ideal breakaway from a bustling world. It was early January and the spirit of the New Year was still lingering. Another year meant another tour and that meant a ton of fun but also a great amount of hard work- and unfortunately, time spent away from loved ones. It is for these reasons that Mikey and Gerard decided to make a break for it and head for the fairgrounds.
Some kind of festival was being held. Mikey couldn t remember the last time he had attended a festival purely for the fun of it. Up till now they, being a band, had been the source of entertainment and seldom had the privilege of simply enjoying the various activities.
Mikey and Gerard had just parked the car and was cleverly disguised by wearing hoodies and sunglasses.
Shit, it s kinda cold, hey? Mikey remarked as he slammed the door and shoved his hands into his pockets.
You wanted to come, so deal with it, Gerard replied as he locked the doors with the remote control.
Without further conversation, they made their way into the crowd. There were lots of children, people stuffing their faces with candy floss or hotdogs. Colorful tents were pitched to form a large square on the grassy plane. The two guys just sauntered about, along with the oblivious people as they enjoyed what was left of the Christmas holidays. The whole place had a type of old innocence to it and it was a pleasant break from the sometimes gruff word that went with bands like theirs.
Mikey swerved unexpectedly and Gerard halted to try and figure out where he had gone. Gerard found him standing in front of a teddy bear stall, neck craned as he took in the rows and rows of stuffed toys on the makeshift shelves.
Whatchadoo in, Bro? Gerard went to stand next to his brother, trying to see what had caught his brother s attention. I m looking for something for Alicia, he answered without taking his eyes off the shelves.
Gerard rolled his eyes: ever since Mikey had gotten engaged he was like a lovesick teenager. He seldom went home without buying Alicia something that she didn t really need. That one over there, Mikey pointed at a large, velvety brown bear with a red heart clutched in it s paws. Gerard waited patiently while his brother paid the woman and watched with amusement as Mikey continued walking with a vice grip around the bear s neck.
They sauntered about until some of the stalls were already packed up, ready to go home.
Mikey turned around to face Gerard, You figure we should head back? Gerard chuckled mischievously, You know, it s really hard to take you seriously while you are holding a teddy bear. Brings back memories Mikey s cheeks colored a bit, It s for Alicia, he scoffed indignantly.
Yeah, you said that, Gerard laughed. Mikey eyes caught something to the left and Gerard followed his gaze. There was a woman looking at them. She was standing in the doorway of a lone red and beige striped tent. She was quite wrinkled, but had raven black curly hair that was kept out of her face by a brightly colored scarf that was wrapped around her head. She was dressed eccentrically, and numerous bronze bangles decorated her wrists. But what bothered Gerard most was the look etched on her face. Her features were pulled up in a knowing smile and she wore an air of smugness around her. Gerard read the sign above the door of the tent: Madam Khoara. Fortune Teller it said in lavish, cursive letters.
Can I help you boys with something? she asked. Her deep voice matched her looks exactly.
Uh, no thanks. We were just browsing, Gerard found himself saying.
Aren t you interested in what your future holds? I d much prefer finding out myself, Gerard pulled at Mikey s sleeve, urging him onward. To his surprise Mikey didn t move.
Gee, why don t- I can believe you, Mikey, Gerard said, Let s head back, okay? Oh, come on. What s there at home that interests you that much all of a sudden. Gerard sighed irritably, Jeez, Mikes Well, I m going in, Mikey said arrogantly. He turned and approached the woman- her smile only become wider. She waved him inside and put her hands on the curtains on either side of the doorway, giving Gerard another deliberate smile.
Oh, God Gerard breathed. Crossing his arms resentfully, he entered the tent when the woman stepped aside.
Once inside, Gerard found himself surrounded by strange charts and drawings. There was some type of essence burning in a corner which filled the dimly-lit room with a rich, sweet scent. The only furnishings however were three chairs and a low table covered by a thick drapery. Mikey already occupied one seat.
The woman moved in behind the table and sat down with a dramatic movement of her arms. Gerard pulled out a seat and sat down sulkily. Alright. So, what do you want to know? she asked. She was shuffling a pack of cards in her hands.
Mikey looked at Gerard for help, but when he offered none Mikey shrugged, I dunno. We ve never really uh. Would you like a Tarot card reading? Crystal globe? Tea leaves? she offered.
I don t drink tea, Gerard answered, Only coffee. The woman grinned and continued shuffling. After a few seconds, she placed three cards on the table in front of Mikey. The turned the first one over and revealed some strange symbols on a blue background. You will experience a great adventure soon, she nodded to herself as if she had been expecting it. She turned the next card. You will loose someone dear to you but you ll get them back. And lastly, she turned the final card. It was a strange shade of red and adorned with silver markings. You are in love. She met Mikey s eyes and grinned sweetly.
Mikey looked fascinated; Gerard merely scoffed, This is bullshit, Mikey. I could have told you all that! Oh, the woman seemed taken aback, You want something else? Yeah, Gerard seemed determined to prove his point, Show us something cool! Something magical! He said with flamboyant gestures, his words drenched in sarcasm.
The woman laughed, leaning back in her chair, Some things she muttered to herself. Alright then. Close your eyes. Mikey closed his eyes obediently; Gerard let out a defeated sigh and closed his as well. I want you to think back. As far back as you can remember Gerard snuck a peek.
It s important that you keep your eyes closed, please, she insisted.
Now, think about what you have done with your lives thus far her voice lulled on until Gerard felt himself grow slack and weary. He suddenly felt very cold. Very, very cold. He could feel wind rummaging his hair and he felt himself shiver. After a while of being lost in his thoughts, he noted that the voice had stopped. He reopened his eyes and felt his heart jolt at what he saw. Mikey was still sitting next to him with his eyes closed in a daze. He touched Mikey s shoulder apprehensively.
Mikey opened his eyes and his expression changed abruptly into a look of shock and amazement. Gerard? Where the fuck are we? They were sitting on a grassy field that vaguely resembled the fairgrounds. There was nobody else in sight. In fact, there was absolutely nothing in sight. There were a few bluish hills in the distance and the field sloped as if to accommodate a valley to the left. It was well into dusk and the sun had already disappeared. Mikey sprung upright and did a three-sixty. The said scenery was wrapped right around them. God in heaven he heard Gerard choke as h surveyed the environment. What the hell happened? Where are we? Mikey shook his head impassively. Dude we re so screwed