Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I own nothing and am not British.
Chapter 3: Pumped Up Kicks
"You coming Emily Fitch?" Effy calls out over her shoulder; clearly showing no desire to slow down her pace. I snap out of my blonde induced haze and sprint over towards Effy's side.
"Sorry about that. I thought I saw someone I knew." I mumbled. Looking up from my shoes, I notice Effy's ever present 'I know something you don't know' smirk is at work. I huff a little and roll my eyes. So damn infuriating.
"Now that I have your attention. This," she says nodding her head to our general area, "is the games section of the park. We actually have more games spread out but, this is the main area. Usually, you'll rotate games depending on who is working at what time and which day. If you're suddenly needed at a booth, finish your current round and head towards the booth in distress. Also, never ever give anyone a massive teddy bear. You'll lose your job if you do. Besides, all of the games are unwinable anyways. Come along." My short legs could barely keep up with Effy's long, delicate strides but somehow, I managed to keep pace with her.
We arrive at a booth that has a series of neatly lined white bottles with an ever random red bottle thrown into the mix. In front of those bottles stands a blonde girl who clearly has some sort of hyper activity issues. Her blonde hair is separated messily into two pigtails, her fringe has somehow been braided and pinned to the back of her head by two brightly colored bobby pins. Effy walks to the counter, swings her legs over it, and greets the blonde, mismatched girl.
"Panda, this is Emily." she says, nodding towards me, "She's our new games girl and I'm making it your job to teacher her all the secrets of the games. Got it?" Panda vigorously nods her head and with that, Effy disappears.
"Whizzer! I'm Pandora, most people just call me Panda though. I'm useless. Bonkers! So this game is the called the 'Fleeing Dutchman'. It's quite whizzer actually. Five quid buys three rings and if they somehow manage to get a ring onto a red bottle, they win a massive teddy bear. Which is a bad thing." she says quite rapidly. "Bonkers! I'll take you to the next booth, which is run by Tommo. He's my boyfriend and he's well lush. We make monkey almost everyday in the arcade storage closet! Well, Let's go slow poke!" she grabs my hand and steers me towards the next booth called 'Prendre ce Chapeau!'. Behind the counter of that is a massive bloke of African origins who, upon seeing Panda charging towards him, breaks out into a massive grin that can only be rivaled by my dad's very own 'charming' smile.
"Panda! How are you ma cherie? Qui c'est ça petite fille?" he asks in a sweet and smooth French accent. Panda jumps on him, plants a big kiss on him, and turns towards me.
"Tommo, meet Emily. She just started working here. Effy," she stops herself, looks around, and lowers her voice into a whisper before continuing, "told me to tell her my game secrets, which I properly did. So now it's your turn to tell your secrets." Tommo gives her a quick peck on the lips before sending her on her way and focusing his attention on me.
"Hello, I'm Thomas. I run the game 'Prendre ce Chapaeu!', which is one of the most popular games at the park. Come, I will show you my secrets." he says before grabbing and pulling, rather dragging me along after him. Jesus, at this rate I'll lose my arm by the end of the day. He stops us in front of three rotating male mannequins, each with three bowler hats on top of their heads. "Alright. Each person gets the opportunity to throw trois balls at the chapeaux. If they manage to knock one off the chapeaux off, they win a prize. Quite simple yes?"
"Why does everyone keep saying 'if they manage to'? Panda and Effy said the same thing." I ask Thomas. He simply looks at me, chuckles, and begins to explain.
"You see every game here at Wonderland is, how you say, tricked. For example," he pauses and looks around just like his girlfriend did not so long ago. After declaring a clear coast, he reaches up and tugs on one of the mannequin's hats, "In my game, half of the hats are pasted onto the mannequin; making it quite challenging for anyone to win. Panda's game is virtually a defeat guarantee, not even JJ could beat it." he explains quite easily.
"Wow, if JJ couldn't win at these mini games I doubt any of these other idiots could win it." I snort. No wonder Katie could never win a massive teddy bear. It's practically impossible.
"Exactement mon amie. Please follow me, as we have one more booth to show you. Please, feel free to visit me anytime." he says as we squeeze our way past the crowd. We reach an outdoor game, one which is actually considered a classic. Standing next to the hammer and bell tower is a fit looking bloke with short, messy dirty blonde hair, and a devilish smile. "Cook! This is Emily, our newest addition. Please finish her tour and find her a booth to run." Thomas says, giving me a quick pat on the shoulder and a pointed look at Cook, before returning back to his booth.
The so called Cook turns to us, grey eyes hungrily eyeing me up and down. Ugh tosser. "Hey there Red. I'm James Cook. But you can just call me Cook."
"Emily Fitch."
"Ya wanna willy waggle with me during your break, promise you'll want more of the Cookie Monster once you do." he says while suggestively thrusting his hips in my direction.
"Sorry Cookie, but I don't play for your team. I'm part of the 'gay as the window' club. We're actually quite a large club too." I snap at him. He simply let's out a large howl and picks me up in a large hug.
"I like you Red. You and me, we'll make a fine pair. One fit bloke and one quite fit bird, out on the prowl." I laugh and hug him right back. Cook is my favorite person by far, "Alrighty Emilio, this here is the classic test of strength. And quite possibly the cheapest thing in this fookin' place."
"How's this one rigged Cook?"
"M'glad you asked. You see," he says walking behind the bell tower, "We have the resistance bands attached to the weight systems. So whenever the weight is smashed by the hammer, the resistance band will be there to make sure the weight never touches the bell. Effectively making me massive amounts of quid without doing anything." he explains, flashing that signature devilish smirk at me.
"So basically, like, Wonderland Mini Games just rip everyone off." I say quirking my eyebrow.
"Pretty much. But that's okay cause we use these wankers money to go fookin' MENTAL every night. You'll be joining us tonight I presume?" I'm about to shake my head in rejection but cook quickly places his hand in front of my face, "I'm not taking no for answer Emilio. It's either a yes or a fuck yes. Let's go get you a booth." he makes an attempt for my hand but I quickly shove it in my back pocket and just urge him to go on. I actually need this for somethings unlike you.
Shrugging his shoulders, Cook proceeds to guide us towards a booth that had another classic carnie game called 'Pop 'Em!'. Essentially, this is probably one of the only games that wasn't rigged entirely. There were six seats; each with one water pistol aimed at the small hole that made up a clown's mouth. Whoever managed to shoot enough water and pop the balloon, won a small prize. Cook tells me stay put, get familiar with my surroundings while he goes and finds me a money bag and all other carnie essentials. I hop over behind the counter and begin playing another round of 'How Will You Take My Quid?'. So far, I can only come to the conclusion that: a) this game is rigged so that the balloons never pop, b) the water guns start losing their pressure after a certain time limit, or c) the clown mouths actually have a smaller hole within their already present hole.
"Hey Cook?" I yell out, only to find that Cook is already next to me.
"Yes muff muncher?" I slap his arm quickly before sending him a quick glare.
"How is this one bugged? Do the guns lose pressure after a certain time limit, or do the balloons never pop, or what?"
Cook let's out another howl of laughter before answering me, "Oh fookin' hell Red. You is gonna be the death of me mate. This is Wonderland. Rigging games like that costs a fuckload amount of money which Jim and Anthea aren't willing to cough up. I mean, they fire anyone who gives away a massive teddy bear because they're too cheap to buy more. Nah mate, in this game, only one seat has enough pressure to actually pop these suckers. So whoever sits in that seat goes home with a nice little prize."
"Which seat is it?"
"Ah, that Red, is something for me to know and for you to find out." he says winking at me. Cook pulls me in for a quick hug and starts heading back to his own booth, "Oi Red! My willy waggle offer stills stands. Just come find me whenever you want a piece of the Cookie Monster!" I let out a laugh and flip him off, to which he responds with another round of his boisterous laughter. I sigh and begin to wipe the counter with a rag that has probably seen better days until my first round of customers swoop in. I collect each players money, flip the switch that I think turns on the water guns, and begin the game. After five minutes, the balloons in Chairs 1,2,3,5, and 6 look nowhere near popping and suddenly a loud "BANG" is heard from Chair 4. I found you, you rigged bastard.
"Congratulations to Chair 4," I say unenthusiastically, "Here's your prize. Enjoy the rest of your day at Wonderland." the person nods in thanks and walks away along with my fake smile. I slump my shoulders and let out a frustrated sigh. Only three more months of this fuckery.
"That was quite the performance. Although, maybe next time you should try using an actual smile rather than a fake one."
I jump a little, startled by the sudden voice that invaded my moment of self pity, "Fuck off Effy. What exactly do you do here anyways? I mean you certainly know your way around the games, but you don't actually work them do you?"
She simply smirks at me, "I grew up here. I know all the secrets of this place. Besides, I'm what people call a 'manager'." How bloody convenient, a manager who likes to appear and disappear at random moments. "I'm serious though, Emily. Try putting a little bit more emphasis on your commentary. People here like a show. Be lucky it was me who saw you and not my dad. Otherwise you'd be fucked." I roll my eyes and turn around to face her, although it seemed like Effy had other plans seeing as she just disappeared. Again.
Best make the most of this round, I suppose. I gather around my latest pack of customers, collect their money, and begin the game.
"And they're off! Chair 1 seems to have taken the lead with a balloon that seems to be massively growing in size. But wait! It seems like Chair 3 and 5 have made a rather large come back from their slight late start. It looks like its gonna be a tie between 1 and 3. What's this? Chair 4 managed to take advantage of Chair 1 and 3's sudden slow place and has successfully managed to pop their balloon. Congratulations to Chair 4! Please come pick up your prize at the window!" I'm feeling supremely pumped from the sudden adrenaline rush until the woman in Chair 4 turns to me.
"What window?" I let out a sigh and quickly blush.
"There is none. Here you go ma'am. Enjoy the rest of your day at Wonderland." I say, quickly handing over a small, stuffed, pink dog. She takes it and quickly walks away. I let my head hang in embarrassment until I hear an indistinct chuckle. My head snaps up and I instantly flash back to all those years ago. Blue. The same blue eyes from that day, staring back at me with such curiosity and humor. So beautiful. Okay be cool. I snap back into reality, still keeping eye contact with the angelic blonde, and begin making my way back to the microphone stand in my booth. That is until I slip and stumble over my own two feet. Another chuckle, except this time, it's followed by a glittering smile and two very happy blue eyes. Smooth Emily. Real smooth. Oh shit, shes coming this way.
The gorgeous blonde hops off of her counter and begins making her way over to my booth. I take this time to give her a very thorough and very much needed look seeing as I haven't seen her in well over four years. Her then short hair has grown past her shoulder, making her look like a damn supermodel as she walks toward me. Slightly tanned legs that go on for miles are confidently showcased by what appear to be the tiniest pair of shorts ever created. I rake my eyes towards her upper body and nearly start drooling; the nicest pair of tits I have ever seen are covered in a well worn Games shirt-which has been tied on the side-to reveal an equally tanned and toned stomach. My line of sight suddenly lands on her well lush lips, then head up her straight nose, and finally they rest upon her eyes. Oh god her eyes. They're still the beautiful ice blue from years prior and instead of showing pity or sympathy, they show a mixture of knowing, humor, joy, and desire. Shit. way to come off as a perv Emily.
"That was quite a performance there. You really seemed to be into it." she says as she climbs over my counter, landing next me with her hand extended, "Naomi."
I quickly clear my throat and shake her hand, relishing in the feeling of her soft skin touching mine. Fucking finally. "Emily. Emily Fitch. I guess I must be quite the entertainer seeing as you're the second person to have said that to me today."
She flashes me a quick smirk, almost identical to Effy's, "I'm sure. But unlike Effy, I actually meant it." I smirk back. Two could play at this game.
"Cheeky. But how exactly did you know it was Effy who said it and not Thomas?"
"It's quite simple really. No one else can do sarcasm like me unless they're related to me. Which, somewhat fortunately for her, Effy is. Besides, I noticed her walking away from your booth before the start of you're second round."
I quirk my eyebrow, "You and Effy are related? How? You guys look nothing alike." I take a few seconds to really look at her and notice the identical smirks. "Wait, are you guys sisters or something?"
"We're 'or something'. My mum is went to college with Anthea. We've known the Stonems since before I was born. Just don't tell Effy that, she hates it when I tell about our rebellious toddler years." she responds. She stretches her hands behind her back and hops over the counter once more. "Well, I better let you get back to work. Don't want Jim firing another pretty face after her first day. I'll catch you later, yeah?" she says walking backwards towards her booth.
"Yeah definitely! See ya around Naomi!" I say waving at her. She smiles and waves back to me, instantly sending my heart into rapid rate mode. I think summer just got a whole lot better.
"I am so bloody exhausted! Why did I ever let you convince me into working here? What kind of friend are you Freddie?" I moan into Freddie's shoulder as he is currently giving me a piggy back ride to the parking lot. I feel a laugh rumble throughout his chest, giving me a slight facial massage.
"I didn't convince you to do anything Ems. You were just the idiot tosser who took a stoner's advice." he responds. In return, I bite his left shoulder. "Ouch! That hurt. Right off you go." He proceeds to drop me from his back and we continue walking towards a group of other workers in Wonderland's parking garage. Once we reach the group, it seems like there are discussions about what the gang should do tonight. Cook was all for going out, yet again, while Thomas, Panda, and JJ were against it.
"So what's it gonna be Freds? You gonna join the musketeers or go back home with your tail tucked in between your arse?" Cook pointedly asks Freddie.
"Not tonight Cook, everyone's had a rough day today." Freddie says sliding over and placing an arm around Effy. They've apparently been together since Freddie first got hired here as he was starting college. Cook huffs and turns towards me, eyebrows raised.
"What's it gonna be Emilio?"
I let out a sigh and look Cook straight in the eye, "Maybe next time Cook. It's been a long day; all I wanna do is go home and have a nice bath"
"Pussies, the lot of ya." It's right at that moment in which Naomi chooses to walk into our conversation, looking quite a bit flustered and slightly winded. She's bloody adorable. "Naomikins! Looks like it's just you and me tonight babes. We finally gonna willy waggle or what? I can most definitely make you feel more than alright." Cook asks her with thrusting hips. Naomi finishes lighting her fag and takes a long drag before turning towards Cook.
"You couldn't make me feel alright if you stapled your tongue to my clit and stood on a cement mixer." Cook's face drops for a fraction of a sentence and he starts howling with laughter. Soon enough, almost everyone else is holding their stomach with laughter; I couldn't help but to feel a sense of pride for my Naomi at that moment. Woah there Emily. Your Naomi? She may not even be gay, idiot.
"They all come for it at some point. Alright pussies, I'll be at Keith's if any of yous decide to come out." he says before walking over towards one of the motorcycles. We all wave goodbye and soon enough, he's gone.
"Thank god. I thought he'd never leave." I blurt out, before slapping my hand to my mouth. "I said that out loud didn't I?" I look around and almost everybody is looking at me, trying to stop the chuckles from escaping their mouths. I could do nothing except blush.
"Freddie, Emily we have to go. I forgot to stop at my pharmacy during lunch and unfortunately we have to leave now if we want to make it before it closes." JJ says. Freddie nods and gives Effy a quick kiss on the lips before walking over to JJ.
"Actually JJ, I'm taking the train back home. I have to make a few stops before I head back home today. I'll see you tomorrow though. Bye guys!" They all shout their goodbyes and I quickly race towards the bus station; just in time for the bus to the railway station. I board the bus, find a seat near the back of the bus, and pull out my headphones. I close my eyes and lean my head against the window, relishing at the feeling of cool glass on my flushed face. Suddenly, I get the feeling of someone sitting next to me. I lift my head off the glass and turn, with my eyes still closed, to the seat next to me. When I open them, I'm met with Naomi's bright blue eyes once more.
"What? Were you gonna yell at me to get out of the seat or something?" she says with a playful smirk. I stick my tongue out at her.
"I mean you did kinda just sit on my friend Bob over there. How rude of you Naomi." Emily Fitch, loser extraordinaire.
She snorts at me, "Wow, how old are you again? Five?"
"Hardy har har. No I'm twenty. Just turned last week. How about you?"
"You're such a baby! I turn twenty one in August. Thanks for making me feel old Emily."
"Never a problem Naomi." we fall into a comfortable silence and I let out a sigh. Place my head back against the window, getting lost in Skrillex's surprisingly soothing remixes. Eventually, the bus comes to a stop at the Waterloo line railway station, causing Naomi and I to dismount the bus. We walk along side each other, my fingers just twitching due to their lack of contact with Naomi's. It's not until our arses our firmly seated on the tube line en route to London, does she break our comfortable silence.
"How was your first day then Ems? Met anyone?" she asks, looking a bit bashful. Adorable I tell you. I dislodge my right headphone to show that I'm actually listening to her and plus, I didn't want to be rude.
"Um, it was quite good. Met loads of people like JJ, Thomas and Panda, Effy, and this one guy, shit he runs rides. He's just like Cook except he dresses in a whole bunch of neon colours?" I notice she's biting that beautiful bottom lip and brow furrowed in concentration. Suddenly her face lights up beautifully and she snaps her fingers.
"You met Chris! Yeah he's, for the lack of a better word, Cook's partner in crime. Good thing he has his girlfriend, Jal-she's the one who recorded music for some of the rides-to keep his arse in line." she snorts. "But please continue. What else did you learn today?" she urges.
"Right. Well. I learned that Freddie and Effy have been together for almost four years; JJ doubles as the engineer sometimes when this guy, um what's his name, I dunno the other Engineer guy doesn't show up. Anyways, then at the cafe, this girl Cassie, who looks like she ironically, hasn't eaten in days, works there and she went to college with Chris." I practically blurt out. I look at Naomi who has an amused smirk planted on her lips, as usual. "And then there is the ever infamous Naomi. No one seems to know much about her. Or well maybe they do, they just don't want to tell me. She's apparently real chummy with the owners of the park and seems to be quite beautiful." Way to go in for the kill. Not gay, stupid!
Naomi seems paralyzed, speechless surprisingly. It takes her a few minutes to finally stop opening and closing her mouth like a gaping fish before she respond, "Jesus. That's quite a lot for your first day. No wonder you're moaning about being bloody exhausted. Anyways, which one of these is your stop?" she asks while rubbing her hands across her lean legs. Gulp. Stay strong Emily, you can do this. I'm about to respond to her until we're interrupted by the announcement of the next station. Our next stop is: East Putney
"Actually this is where I hop off and change trains. I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?" I ask her as I go to stand by the doors. She smiles at me and waves. I couldn't help but to wave back. Another 25 minutes later, and I've finally made onto my new street. Christ that commute was horrible. I walk up to our house and walk right in through the front door into the smells of artichoke soup. Bollocky Wanke Shit, that stuff is.
"Emily? Is that you?" shouts a muffled voice. I follow it out to the back conservatory and find my mum and dad cuddled into one another, a glass of wine sitting between the two.
"Yeah. Sorry about just disappearing this morning mum, but I got myself a job today." I say leaning on to the door frame.
"That's great love. Where at exactly?" my dad asks.
"Over at Wonderland. Freddie and this other guy, JJ work there and they said it was always hiring so, I went and got a job."
"Well I hope things work out sweetheart. Oh, by the way, please call your cousin. She's been blowing up my mobile nonstop all day." my mum says, effectively dismissing me. I trudge up the stairs, make way to my room, and throw myself onto the bed; dialing Celia in the process.
"Finally! Where on earth have you been? I've been worried sick! Not one phone call or text message saying how much you need me! What is this fuckery?" Celia groans into my receiver. I let out a giggle, "It's not funny Emily. I needed to talk to you when I got home but your mobile wasn't working and your mum said you'd be out for a while."
"Sorry. Always being so over dramatic Celia; you could give Katie a run for her money."
"I did learn from the best." she says interrupting me.
"Anyways, I was over at Wonderland today. Got myself a job and actually made quite a decent group of friends. What did you need to talk to me about?"
"That's great Emsy! Well, I actually was calling to see if had any copies of you're Hamlet essay. But it's okay, I called Katie and she sent me the number of same guy who did hers when she was in college."
I let out a frustrated sigh, "Celia, why do you this? It's your last fucking week of college for Christ's sake."
"Oh fuck off Emily. I got into St. Andrews. There's no way in fucking hell that I'm actually bothering with college now. I can't be arsed to do anything."
"Whatever you say Celia. Listen, I'm off to bed. Ill text you tomorrow during my break, yeah? Love you."
"Love you too bitch." I end the call and the moment my head falls against the pillow, my body shuts down, sending me into a deep slumber.
On the opposite side of London, near Soho, was Naomi Campbell herself. She had, once again, found herself in this situation: headed towards the same bar, to see the same person, for the second night in a row. Although she was headed to meet him yet again, her mind was racing back and forward through the days event. Starting with the very new and very attractive, fiery redhead. Naomi couldn't believe how in such a short amount of time, this gorgeous creature had wedged herself permanently into her group of friends. It's quite scary really considering that no less than three days ago, JJ had stated that their little group felt empty; incomplete perhaps. Her surroundings manage to pierce through her over analyzing brain and she turns into the pub on her left hand side. She scans her surroundings until she finally locates him.
"Hey." she says as she slides into the seat across from him. His ever present smirk planted on his face. "Why two days in a row? Isn't she going to notice something is up?" Naomi asks, feeling a bit on the edge with the thought of finally being caught.
"She's actually back in Bath for the week. Her mum is in the hospital. She won't be back until Saturday night." he says rather smugly, "Let's get out of here." he stands up and confidently reaches for her hand. Naomi hesitates and catches the flash of his silver wedding band. It sits there, almost mocking her. Get your shit together Naomi. She grabs his hand and let's herself be lead out of the pub, in the direction of where ever he's parked his car now.
They reach his flat in five minutes flat; almost immediately after they walk through the entryway, he begins attacking her neck. The usual adrenaline rush is still there, except this time, as he begins to carry her to his bedroom, her final thought isn't about how long it will take her to get dressed once he finishes. No, this time, her final thoughts are simply two words: Emily Fitch.
A/N: YAY! Finally, Naomi Campbell appears! That was Chapter 3; Feel free to leave a review and a massive thank you to all those who have favorited/followed this story. Oh! And for those of you interested in a quick recommendation: Breaking Points by Crevette is brilliant. Go check it out. See ya next weekend!
Chapter song: Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People.
