Keystone High
January 2, 8:01pm

The sound of screaming could be heard all over, but unlike most of the situations she had been in this screaming was for joy. Artemis Crock had been to a carnival once. Her mother had taken Jade and her to one on the North side of Gotham a few weeks before her accident and arrest. Lawrence, her father, even showed up half way through. Artemis still has the bear from which he won by swinging the hammer so it would ring the bell. She had cotton candy and lemonade it was one of the few times her father would allow her junk food, because a Crock never eats unhealthy.

Artemis smiled at the carnie who held the gate for the Music Express as she stepped onto the metal platform to sit in one of the carts. Wally grabbed her hand and led her to a bright yellow cart-he really did have a problem-and went in first so he wouldn't squish her as the ride spun. She connected her side of the seat belt with his and brought the bar down over their laps. Wally's arm snaked around her and she looked up at him with a smile on her face as the ride started to slowly spin.

Wally West has been going to this school festival since he can remember. His mom had always volunteered at the high school; whether it be making lemonade or spinning cotton candy. This year, however, his mother had her own pizza stand; Mary's pizzas are the best pizzas. Even if he could break the sound barrier, Wally West loved spinning, twirling, and swirling rides. He looked to his right as Artemis started to crash into his side. He saw her eyes fill with laughter and innocence; they had done this ride enough times to work out the arrangement that was her hair. He honestly couldn't remember a time in the five months that he's known her where he's seen her, this full of joy. Her arms rose above her head and she yelled out a, whoop, as the conductor told them to scream.

Artemis laughed and grabbed onto Wally's arm as they exited the ride, "I swear that gets better and better every time."

Wally laughed, "I think the conductor guy does the ride longer whenever you are on it."

"Now why would he do that, Wallace Rudolph West?"

"Because, look at you. And I'm going to kill Peggy for screaming my name out like that," he waved to some girl in braids.

"Look at you Wallman! How do all of these girls know you?"

"Obviously it's my good looks and charm."

Artemis looked up at him and laughed, "Baywatch, you have as much charm as Superboy."

The hand that Artemis wasn't clinging to slapped his chest in mock pain, "Oh, you wound me, Arty."

Artemis looked around and realized that they were in the food and other things section of the festival, "Wally where are we going?"

"Right here," He smiled at her as he pointed right ahead of them to a booth that was selling pizzas.

They walked up to the booth and Artemis smiled at a redheaded woman who was putting some money into an apron, "Of course you'd be hungry."

Wally smiled and pulled his arm away from her to hug the redhead and that's when Artemis saw it. The same hair, freckles and bright green eyes, "Mom," he spoke, "this is Artemis," The smile in his eyes spoke words he couldn't out loud.

"Oh," the woman grinned and lifted her apron over her head, "Hi sweetheart!" She came out from behind the booth and hugged the blonde, "I'm Mary, it's so nice to finally meet you!"

"Oh, um…" Artemis smiled shyly, she wasn't really expecting to meet Wally's mom today, "nice to meet you too."

"Mom," Wally whined, "Stop being so embarrassing!"

"Wallace, I was just saying hi. Go get some pizza for you and Artemis from Iris," Mary smiled at Artemis and reached behind the counter for her apron, "Artemis honey," she reached into the pocket and grabbed out a five dollar bill, "Go over to the lemonade stand right there and get you and Wally some drinks from Mrs. Riley she's the one with the dark brown hair. Tell her Marry sent you." Artemis took the money and nodded.

When the archer arrived back at the booth a moment later, Wally was gone, "Uh, Mrs. West, where did Wally go?"

Mary looked at her with amusement, " Didn't I tell you to call me Mary?"

"Sorry," Artemis bit her lip.

Mary smiled, "He just went into the cafeteria; come I'll take you to him," She leaned back for a plate with six slices of pizza stacked, "He probably ate yours."

"Um, I don't think I'll be able to finish all of those…"

Mary laughed, "Oh no, sweetie! Two are for you the others are for him."

"Oh," Artemis laughed, "makes sense."

They arrived in a cafeteria that was filled with many people who occupied circular tables; one table was taken by a mess of red hair. When they neared the table they saw that Mary was indeed right, Wally had eaten his pizza and Artemis's, "Sorry, I tried to wait for you."

"Wally, I was gone for like two minutes."


So wasn't that fun! Who else has ridden the Music Express!? That was like my favorite ride as a kid! My middle school used to have a festival each year that my friends dad would set up, because he owed a carnival ride business! It was awesome!