Chapter 16

Vera woke the next morning with butterflies in her stomach. Under most circumstances, she would take this to be a bad sign, that she was overly anxious about something and wouldn't have the appetite to eat anything for fear that she wouldn't be able to keep it down.

In this particular instance, however, the butterflies were a symptom of excitement and anticipation. It was Friday at last, and the night would be filled with fun and games. Vera felt like a child on Christmas eve, eagerly awaiting the coming of the morn for presents and treats, and she couldn't help but smile to herself as she began her day. Time always went by slower in the meantime when one had something to look forward to, but Vera assured herself that the wait would be worth it in the end.

After getting off work later in the evening, Vera made a quick stop back home to change out of her work clothes and into something a little more comfortable and casual, as slacks and nice shoes didn't really seem appropriate for the occasion. The bruises on her legs could still be seen but were fading at a decent rate, looking a little less purpleish-blue than they had been the day before. Likewise, the marks on her throat were still visible, but had already begun to turn a greenish-yellow color that didn't nearly stand out so much as they had previously, and Vera figured she could get away with wearing longer shorts and a t-shirt. It wasn't like she was an attention-grabber anyways. If anything, she wouldn't be out in full daylight either, and the encroaching darkness of the night would surely help obscure her bruises, even in the artificial light of the fair.

Digging through her purse, Vera stuffed several bills into her pockets with her ID and her house keys, and making her way downstairs to the kitchen, left a brief note on the table to her aunt and uncle that she would be out late with her friends. She had already told them previously that she was going to the fair that night, but figured it wouldn't hurt to leave a reminder. Considering the poor state they probably thought her in, doing so might make them feel a little better she told herself. How exactly she didn't know, but it was the thought that counted, right?

Without further ado, Vera slipped on her shoes and locked the front door behind her, humming to herself as she made her way in the direction of the park.


Vera recognized the signs of the fair before she reached the front of the park. From a distance, the sounds of laughter and carnival music rose up over the trees, accompanied by the smell of grilled food and sweets. Nostalgic feelings of childish wonderment and joy ran back through her body as the park came into view, lit up and colorful like a Christmas tree and exactly as Vera imagined it would be once the sun began its steady descent. The stringed lights being put up the day before now acted as guides, enticing one to follow them farther into the park where the official entrance to the fair was stationed.

Still smiling to herself, Vera jogged over towards the Paul Bunyan statue, slowing as she neared its base when she recognized Greta and James chatting amicably with another young man and woman. James was the first to take notice of her as she came to a halt and greeted her with a smile and a wave as he looked up from his companions. "Hey, Vera! Glad you could make it."

The conversation taking place around him ceased as the rest of the group turned their attention towards Vera, Greta happy as always and the other two looking expectantly at her.

The girl stood a couple inches taller than Vera and had light skin that was framed by long dark brown hair that ran down her back like a scarf. Behind dark-rimmed glasses shone bright green eyes and looking at her Vera couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. The girl looked like she could be a model, fashionably dressed even in casual clothes with perfect features and skin. Even with professional work paired with stylish clothes and accessories Vera wouldn't be able to look so good if she tried, she lamented to herself. The young man beside her was of mixed-Asian decent with tanned skin more like Greta's, and while he wasn't much taller than the beautiful girl to his left, his slim build carried a note of athleticism beneath the button-down he wore.

"Vera, this is Ana Marie and Nick," Greta introduced the two eagerly. "They're our classmates from university. Guys," she turned to the couple, "this is Vera; we met at the library." Any sort of extra introduction was left out, leaving Vera assuming – hoping – that the new acquaintances already knew who she was to an extent, or at the very least that she would be coming.

"Hi. It's nice to meet you guys," Vera smiled at the two new faces before her and gave them a small wave, feeling somewhat awkward about what she should say and do with her arms as she quickly fell back on her old habit of being quiet around new people. Hopefully it would disappear as the evening wore on.

"Hey Vera, nice to meet you," Nick stepped forward and outstretched his hand in friendly greeting, making her feel a little less awkward as it gave her something to do without standing there like a board. She returned the young man's handshake and looked at the girl beside him as she drew back. Ana Marie didn't offer a handshake of her own but gave Vera a reserved smile and nod of acknowledgement.

"Sorry, she's a bit shy," Nick smiled again at Vera as he put an arm around Ana Marie's shoulder and hugged her to his side. A rosy-dusting of color appeared on the girl's cheeks as she mumbled something quickly but incoherently to Nick whose only response was to laugh lightly. Clearly, he had made her feel embarrassed.

"It – it's okay, I'm shy too," Vera stepped in, feeling the need to speak out and hoping to let Ana Marie know that she wasn't offended in any way and that she understood. "Sometimes I just need a little time to warm up to people." Her words caught Ana Marie's attention and the blush in her cheeks faded a bit as she let out a quiet apology. Vera returned it with a light smile to show everything was fine before Greta threw an arm around her neck and James's and drew them together towards her, nearly causing them both to stumble forward.

"Alright you guys, it's Friday and classes are out for the summer. We are not going to stand around here being all shy and awkward with each other all night; give it an hour and we'll all be one big, weird happy family. So let's get this thing started and show everyone out there how we do summer fun around here!"


Vera couldn't remember the last time she had had so much fun. Gone were her worries and fears of the past few days as she had entered the glowing entrance to the fair, immersing herself within the cheerful warmth of its occupants and assured amusement.

Together the group spent their first hours alternating between game stalls, the boys trying to make a big competition out of as many as possible. While Vera and Greta found their luck in the ring tosses and darts, Ana Marie proved herself fairly capable in the shooting games. In the meantime, Nicholas and James showed off their athletic prowess in the milk bottle toss and shooting hoops to the point that the attendant finally sent them away for lack of losing and never-ending enthusiasm, much to their dismay. After this the group stopped for food, stuffing themselves with hot dogs and cotton candy and whatever other unhealthy delicacies the fair supplied.

Wandering around as they ate, Vera felt more relaxed among the group than before. She was warming up well to Ana Marie and Nicholas and fortunately them to her the more they interacted as the evening continued. The group had decided early on that they would hit the fun house and some of the other rides after eating and would attempt to get a spot on the Ferris wheel around closing time when the fireworks were set to go off. Naturally, they would have to plan their timing just right as this was the most popular time for people to ride it to get a good view, but everyone agreed it would be worth the effort and had no complaints.

As nightfall finished settling in, the fair seemed to breathe new life into its attendees. The smell of food and sweets permeated the air around the game stalls, and the colored and flashing lights seemed to glow that much brighter as though to put fair-goers into a trance. More people trickled into the space of the fairgrounds, having rid themselves of their day jobs and school, and the music from the rides that had previously echoed through the air was nearly drowned out by the chatter of several hundred voices and screams.

Vera wiped the perspiration from her brow as the group managed to settle in at a cramped picnic table by one of the food stalls. The night air was warm, even without the sun, and the growing number of bodies beginning to pile together did nothing to help cool things down either. The group had paused temporarily to grab drinks and some snacks of popcorn and cotton candy before continuing on with their merriment. No one cared or judged what the others ate; it was all unhealthy, and that only seemed appropriate.

"I think we should go on the Zipper first," Nick spoke up after taking another swig of his drink, looking at each of the girls before shooting a mischievous grin with raised eyebrows at James.

"I like the sound of that," James returned the look with a nod as he took a drink himself.

As if on cue Ana Marie scoffed.

"Aw, hell no!" Greta responded from next to her while Vera bit back a laugh, nearly choking on her popcorn.

It had become apparent over time that together, the boys were an effective team at getting the girls worked up. Had they not been friends, Vera might have been a bit annoyed by it, but the banter that always ensued was always entertaining to watch and fun to be a part of.

"You guys are going to make yourselves sick on that thing right after eating," Ana Marie took the bait but smiled.

"Come on babe, it'll be fun. I bet you we could get the car to flip if we try hard enough," was Nick's unconvincing argument back as he made to grab for her, causing the girl to let out a laugh and flinch away towards Greta and Vera.

"Yeah, no thank you," Greta shot back at him and throwing her arms around Ana Marie as if to protect her.

"Vera? Come on, back us up here," James turned to Vera, pleading.

Vera laughed and shook her head. "Sorry James, that's going to be a hard pass. You boys can keep each other company if you want. I'd like to hold onto the contents of my stomach for a bit longer – if you don't mind."

James' expression was that of mock hurt, as though offended by her words. "How audacious! To think you girls would be so heartless, to send your men off into the world alone!"

Nick gasped out dramatically, placing a hand on James shoulder as if to offer comfort. "Come brother, let us leave these women to their hatefulness and boring selves."

"Indeed, 'twould do us no good to stand here and remain exposed to their displeasure of our fun. Let us away quickly, that we might have more fun before they dash our hopes further!" James agreed, and together both boys threw their remaining food and drinks in the trash and arm in arm, made a beeline for the ride.

"Worry not, for I swear we shall return!" Nick called out over his shoulder to the girls who sat shaking their heads.

"My god, your boyfriend," Greta teased Ana Marie once to two were out of sight.

"Yeah, and your brother," added Vera, earning an eye roll from Greta. "Are they always like this?"

"Since I've known him," both Greta and Ana Marie replied in stereo before looking at one another and laughing.

"They're totally gonna get sick on that thing," Ana Marie noted, palming her forehead. "We should probably watch to make sure they're okay," Vera agreed.

"Yeah," Greta sighed, "they'll probably be alright, but I'm sure it'll be amusing to see them when they get off."

"Assuming they aren't throwing up everywhere," Vera pointed out. Smirking as she stood, she pushed herself up from the bench with the other girls to discard their trash before moving to get a better view of where Nick and James were waiting in line for the ride. The three girls laughed and waved as the boys got into their car, taking note of its particular colors and design so as to distinguish it from the rest. Just looking at the ride before it even moved made Vera's stomach twist uncomfortably at the thought of being on it.

As the last car was loaded with its occupants, the ride gave a slight creaking sound before moving upwards with a lurch, already causing a few audible sounds of delight from its riders as the cars began to swing. Within seconds the ride was in full motion, rotating and drastically swinging its riders without restraint that brought about a collection of screams and laughs. Now and then, the girls could even make out James and Nick laughing or yelling out something incoherent from their small enclosure, causing all three girls to laugh in response and comment on the torturous-looking experience of their friends.

Laughing alongside her friends Vera felt complete, and at that point in time, everything was perfect.

And then it wasn't.