The smell of cotton candy and popcorn riviated through the air as Amy Peterson walked through the crowded rows of fair goers.
Going out for one last time before school started had been her idea. After being gone all summer she had missed spending time with her small group of friends. From besides her cousin Edward "Evil" Thompson walked with her as they continued pushing past their fellow peers.
Over the last couple of months he hadn't really changed, she realized as she looked him over. The moment they entered through the gates Evil had insisted that he had needed the largest bucket of popcorn that had been available. He could be so gross sometimes as he wiped the back of his hand across this mouth before rubbing it across his jeans.
"You know, Amy this year is going to be the year." She couldn't help but give him a questionable look.
"I'm serious Aimes, I'm done with letting people pick on me. People are going to learn to fear the name Edward Thompson. You mark my words."
High school had never been easy for Ed. People had a tendency to pick on him due to his short stature and for all his unusual likings. Ever since they had been little Ed had been obsessed with everything having to do with occult.
In the sixth grade he had brought a book to school about necromancy and witchcraft. She still didn't know how at that age he had gotten a hold of it but somehow he had managed and the other kids had found it.
The nickname Evil had been born and stuck with him to this day. All the years of being bullied had taken its toll and Amy often found it hard to convince him to go out. He always preferred to stay indoors either reading and watching horror movies.
At least he had started to come out of his shell more when Charlie had moved to town. A smile played on her lips as she thought about him. Charlie Brewster had been a force of good in both her and Ed's lives.
He had first moved to town three years ago with his mother, Judy.
They had moved into 1001 Oak after his parents divorced. He had been shy the first day of school but after a few bullies had cornered Ed, Charlie had come to his rescue. The fact that her cousin and Charlie shared a love for all things horror had brought a bond between them that Amy never would understand. The only times she ever watched horror movies was when Charlie and Ed forced her to. For some reason she never had found the appeal in watching vampires and monsters slaughtering the innocent.
If it hadn't been for Charlie she didn't know what Ed would have done or her for the matter. Being so close to Ed had made her more of a tom boy then a girly girl. The kids at school often left her alone not wanting to be associated with the freaks cousin.
Dating any boy she had thought was out of the question due to her social standing but for reasons she didn't understand Charlie had found something in her. The fact that she wasn't pretty like the other girls had made her self confidence almost completely non existent, but when Charlie looked at her he saw a girl he wanted to be with.
It was a good thing that Ed had approved of Charlie as he was very vocal with his opinions. It had also worked as a plus as Amy didn't know how it would have felt to have another person mixed up into their group. They were three peas in a pod and that's the way it was always going to be.
"If you say so Ed." Something inside of her was dreading the following days that were going to come. Her dreams had continued to get worse and the lack of sleep would no doubt affect her grades. If she didn't do well this year the options for colleges would be slime.
As they neared the end of rows of carnival games her eyes searched the crowd.
"You're sure you didn't tell him I was back?" After being gone on her mother's annual summer vacation she had missed Charlie and had wanted to surprise him. Ed had a bad habit of not being able to keep a secret so she wasn't sure that telling him to get Charlie here had been a good idea.
Ed's eyes rolled as he plopped himself on a metal bench. "Give me some credit Aimes. I told him that I wanted to sneak on some of the rides. He said he would be here. Though you should feel real lucky that I convinced him to show at all. We're missing Fright Night for this."
Fright Night was Ed's and Charlie's favorite television program. Every weekend the famous over dramatic vampire killer Peter Vincent hosted a series of movies that he often starred in. Amy found his acting to be over exaggerated and over acted but Charlie and Ed were obsessed with him.
"Are you saying that Fright Night is more important than spending quality time with me? Of having me pay for the over priced popcorn you're eating?" She couldn't help crossing her arms as she raised her eyebrow.
Edward rose his hands up in self defense.
"Hey, hey. You're the one who is always babysitting. Don't think for one second I don't know about your little savings account."
A retort to his words was on the tip of her tounge before her heart skipped a beat. A large smile found its way into her face as she spotted a boy in a grey jacket heading their way. His steps halted as he took sight of her. A smile matching her own stared at her as he continued to walk briskly over to them.
Charlie Brewster never failed to make her heart sputter every time she saw his handsome face. She was the luckiest girl in the world. Charlie's eyes looked her over as if taking her in for the first time in a long time.
"You cut your hair?" A hand self consciously smoothed over her short brown locks. At the beginning of summer her hair had waist been to her waist. Now it was cropped to her shoulders the perm causing it to remain curly.
"Oh that. Emily accidently got gum stuck in it. Mom had to cut it... Do you like it Charlie?" It always bothered her how shy and innocent her voice sounded.
Eyes looked over her as Charlie's hand rose to finger the pink ribbon she had wrapped around her hair to keep it pushed back. Her eyes followed the movement, her pulse increasing the longer he stared at her.
"It's... different, but you look good in anything Amy." A tinge of pink flushed her cheeks as she stared at him looking shyly away. A handful of popcorn was thrown in their direction as gagging voices sounded.
"Get a room, you two. I forgot how disgusting you guys were."
Charlie's attention turned from her as he lunged over to Ed's direction, a punch being thrown on his arm causing the bucket of popcorn to fall to the ground.
"You're just jealous cause you can"t get a girl." How Charlie hadn't realized by now that Ed wasn't interested in girls she wasn't sure. To her it was painfully obvious.
Evil's face turned to one of anger as he looked at the popcorn and back to Charlie. If she didn't step in there probably would be more punching.
"Ok, you guys cut it out. Is this any way to celebrate our last few days of freedom. Moving to Charlie's side she lifted his arm to put it around her shoulders.
Evil gave her a long look before shaking his head before standing up to walk ahead of them.
Charlie let him walk a few steps ahead of them before holding her tighter as they followed behind.
For being the last night of the fair, Amy couldn't help but notice how packed it was. A few younger children carrying stuffed animals ran past them as they walked with no destination. It was nice to just be able to watch everyone enjoying themselves before school started back up.
They had been walking around for the better part of an hour playing various carnival games and eating candy apples. Charlie had been nice enough to pay for her and Ed even though she knew he didn't have that much spare cash. Most of his money was going towards fixing the mustang he had bought when they turned fifteen. Charlie had promised by the time they graduated it would be restored back to its former glory.
"You guys check this out." The sound of Edward's voice calling them had Amy turning away from the line up they had been waiting in to play at the duck pond. Grabbing Charlie's hand in her own she pulled him to where Ed was standing.
In front of them stood a dark draped tent. Unlike the rest of the booths it gave off a darker feel as she gazed around the dark opening. By the door housed a sign that Amy regarded skeptically.
Madam Zooey's palm reading tea readings. Let your future be told if you dare. Only $5.00.
"You've got to be kidding, Evil. You know that these places are just scams right?" Charlie's voice spoke as she continued looking over the tent.
Ed's eyebrows rose as he spoke to Charlie.
"What's wrong Brewster afraid you'll hear something you won't like?
"Unlike you not everyone wants to throw away money just to hear some crackpot tell them what a fortune cookie can."
"Oh come on live alittle. It's not like anything we actually hear is going to matter anyways. Look you don't even have to pay for me." Bending down Evil pulled at his sneaker removing it before pulling out a handful of dollar bill's.
"You mean I've been paying for your ass all night and you've had cash all along?" Charlie's voice rose as he regarded the wad of money.
"Hey I didn't tell you to buy me anything you just offered and don't you go telling my mom about this either Amy." He gave her a pointed look.
She really did not want to go through with this. She had watched enough horror movies with the guys to know that knowing your future wasn't a good thing. Her palm in Charlie's hand grew sweaty as she thought of all the ways she could get out of this.
"You're in aren't you Amy?" Evil's face turned to hers expectantly. He obviously wanted her to side with him as a tiebreaker.
"I don't know Ed..." Her words were hesitant as Evil's face fell.
"Look I'll go first if you want. What have we got to lose? You'll be the best cousin ever."
She never could say no to Ed. After all she was the reason he was here. If she didn't do this one thing for him she would feel horrible for the rest of the night.
"We don't have to, Amy." Charlie's hand squeezed hers offering her his support.
With a smile on her face she simply shook her head before waving her hand forward. With a huge grin Evil descended through the curtains ahead of them.
There was no line up so the three entered the tent with ease. The inside of the tent was as dark as the entrance. Candles dimly lit up the interior. Amy didn"t understand how this wasn't considered a fire hazard.
Dark blood ruby curtains created a sense of mystery adding to the feelings that the sign outside was trying to elude to. This place was meant to scare those who had decided to enter its midst.
In the middle of the small tent at a small circular sat an elderly woman smoking a cigarette. Her clothing reminded Amy of what a gypsy would wear. Silver and gold brackets covered both wrists and clanked when the woman moved her hands over a crystal ball.
"I've been expecting you children. Come and let Madame Zooey tell you your future." Looking at Charlie's face in the darkness she saw that he was supporting a smirk.
Evil looked like a kid in a candy shop as he looked over the woman before plopping in the chair. When he was seated the woman snuffed out her cigarette on an ashtray nearby.
"Cash upfront, no expectations. All of you." The woman's hand stretched out expectantly. Dropping her hand Charlie stepped forward giving the woman a ten as Evil threw the wad of dollar bills on the table. The woman gave him a pointed look as she smoothed them out before grabbing Evils hand. Her fingers traced a few lines.
"Madame Zooey sees all. Yes I see in a past life you were a hard worker. You spent many years on a ranch. You lived long and prosperous before passing peacefully. "
Amy couldn't see how that was possible. Evil had never worked once in his entire life and she found it far fetched that he had been a hard worker in the past.
"Your present Madame Zooey also sees. I sense that you are very unhappy. You desire change yet lack the means to. Somewhere inside of you lurks a spirit begging to be cut loose." Her fingers kneaded Evil's palm before placing it on the crystal ball.
"Your future is clouded however. In your attempts to discover change you will do actions that are shrouded by selfishness. You only desire to further yourself. If you act on these impulses you will fail."
Madame Zooey's hand dropped from Evil's as she sat back in her chair.
Evil looked back between the woman to Charlie and Amy. "That's it? What a total shame!"
Madame Zooey's expression remained passive as she addressed Evil.
"Just because you do not like what you hear does not mean that I have not done what you have paid for. You and your friends may leave but you will not be refunded."
Evil gave her a nasty look before pushing her chair back rather roughly. Charlie motioned for her to go first but she motioned for him to be next. Evil moved to stand huffing under his breath what a bitch the woman was as he took Charlie's place beside Amy.
When Charlie took Evil's vacated seat the woman gave him a once over before grabbing his own hand. Trailing her finger tips over his hand Amy saw Madame Zooey's eyebrow quirk up.
"Your past shows the waves of the sea. You worked on a fishing boat in your youth. I can feel the pulling of waves crashing against me. I sense that your parishing was from an accident. I also see a child's cries. You most likely drowned saving the child I hear."
"Your present I sense that an adventure is soon in your reach. You are a young man whose knowledge will come in hand. Though those you love may seem reliable they have their doubts about you. I can also tell you are very weak minded"
Like she had done with Evil Madame Zooey moved his hand to the ball. Her lips pursed as she looked into it.
"Your future is tainted by a dark cloud. You have stolen something that does not belong to you. The dark one will do anything to take it back. Events that unfold may seem impossible to overcome but you will survive. Your current companions will not be ones that you will carry with you in future endeavors. I see new allies marching beside you."
Charlie looked disturbed by her words and shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"You've got to be kidding me. You call me selfish and give me nothing and you give Charles a story that belongs on an episode of the Twilight Zone? This is crap." Evil's voice raised as he chuckled darkly.
The woman gave him a glaring look.
"Madame Zooey no longer gives you welcome. Leave my presence and do not return evil one!"
Amy couldn't help but wince at the woman's words. She had been right. This had been a bad idea.
"Bitch." Evil turned walking out of the tent in a huff. The woman watched as he retreated before glancing at Charlie.
"Go with your friend and watch him closely. He is not what he appears to be. He will bring you nothing but trouble." As Charlie moved to get up Amy moved to follow him.
Glancing between the woman and her Charlie spoke. "Why don't you see what she has to say Amy I paid for you already anyways. Don't let Evil spoil anything. I'll be right outside."
She really did not want to stay with this creepy woman by herself but the encouraging look on his face made her nod as she looked down at the ground. With a kiss in her cheek he was off leaving her in awkward silence. She had never been good at conversing with strangers and found this to be out of her comfort zone.
"Come child. Madame Zooey swears no harm will come to you in her domain." Stepping hesitantly forward she approached the table staring at the glass ball. To her it didn't look like anything but a sphere. There was really no possible way that this woman would be able to tell her future. The sooner she sat down the faster she would be able to leave.
Blue eyes searched her own as she sat across from the stranger. Catching her by surprise the woman lept forward grabbing Amy's hand and pulling her so she was practically leaning over the table.
"You are a very old soul aren't you? It has been awhile since I have found one like you. You have not been revesseled in a very long time though. Why is that?"
Amy's heart jackhammered in her chest as she stared at the woman open mouthed.
"Madame Zooey finds it unusual for you to be a non believer." The women's grip tightened as her fingernails followed a line on Amy's hand that ended and started again.
"Your last demise was quite horrible wasn't it? I can feel the heat of a thousand flames licking at my skin as I gaze upon you. Why you choose to wait this long to be reborn I find quit piculular."
"You should know the seductress was curtain that you suffered for what you did to her. She took joy in watching you burn."
Amy wasn't sure if the woman was talking to Amy or herself. Looking towards the exit she started to rise out of her seat.
"I'm not sure this was a good idea I should go." Nails dug into her palm pulling her back down. Eyes looked behind Amy over her shoulder as if looking at something.
"I see it now. The dark one calls for you. That is why you choose this time and place. Even now his grip on your soul carries like a plague. You are sister to the fates."
"I have no idea what you are talking about. Please I just want to go." She was starting to get really freaked out.
"You must believe Madame Zooey in your eyes I can see you are more aware of what I speak about then you let on."
"Be warned the dark one will not let you go again so easily. There will not be any care that you are but a child this time. Your heart calls out even now, somehow you have started a chain of events that affect not just you. The part of you that is locked is well aware of what it has done and stares at me and smiles."
Amy felt like she was going to throw up. This woman was a psycho and she was trapped with her. Maybe Charlie and Evil would come back for her when they realized she had been in here way too long.
Madame Zooey's long red nail bite down on the pad of Amy's thumb breaking the skin causing a whimper of pain to come from her throat. The woman then proceeded to hold her hand on the globe. Blue eyes glazed over as the women holding her hostage leaned closer.
"You have caused a chain reaction but I do see away for you to sever the link. You must not feed from the demon. The moment your essence is linked to his you will be lost. Many pathways I see your future twist. In some Madame Zooey was not here to warn you. Take comfort in the fact the Dark One has not been made aware of your presence. The green blooded one did not betray your secret. He lied to the master to protect you."
At the mention of green blood the image of the nightmare she had previously flashed in her head. How the woman knew about the flames and the green blood was unnerving. Amy's could feel the blood draining from her face.
A smile graced the woman's features as if she had read her mind.
"You do know of what I speak don't you? I wish there was more I could do for you child I really do. You must understand that I have told you more than what will be forgiven when the Dark One finds out about my headings and he will. The circle may keep us cloaked but we are dealing with an ancient beast. No matter how charming the Dark One may seem the beast is stronger. You and I are no match for its knowledge and power. Take care sweet Amy Peterson and know the next time we meet it will be my funeral pier." The woman's hand dropped Amy's releasing her.
Acting as if she hadn't just been engaging in conversation with her the woman grabbed another smoke holding it over the candle flame to light it before taking a large puff.
Slowly rising to her feet Amy walked silently out the direction of the exit barely paying attention to her surroundings. By the main tent flap Charlie and Evil stood arguing about something she had no desire to pay attention to as her thoughts processed what she heard.
When the two caught sight of her Charlie came to her side holding out a roll of cotton candy.
"Hear anything interesting Aimes?" Evil regarded her as she hesitantly grabbed the cotton candy from Charlie.
If she told anyone what the woman had just told her they would think that she was insane. This would be a secret that she would have to carry herself. Besides it wasn't like the woman actually knew what she was talking about. Giving her friends a smile she just shrugged.
"Just the same crap as you guys." The two didn't second guess her answer as she looked arms with Evil pulling him away from the tent.
A thought popped into her head as she walked under the flashing lights of the ferris wheel. She hadn't told the woman her name.