February 6th, 2020 -
"ets. Like, who goes to a theme park in the middle of the winter," Callie replies, still bound to your right arm.
You both meander through an old-style archway, before coming upon a gathering of impatient tourists. The chain of visitors wraps around a cylindrical fountain and several frosted topiaries. Judging by the vacationer's stubborn expressions, the collective attitude of regret was highly evident.
Apparently, a lot of people.
It appears that you weren't the only fools who were suckered in by the park's alluring marketing campaign and cheaply priced season passes. However, the common consensus was that it was far too late to turn back now. The only way forward was to fight your way inside the so-called winter wonderland.
"Wow, that's quite the line. I thought we'd have to wait to get in, but I never expected it to be this long," Callie frets.
You join the mob of anxious ticket-holders and get gradually funneled into a small white concession stand. The crowd's movements feel stiff and awkward as you slowly struggle to gain more territory. To relinquish the line's absurd wait time, you engage in some casual banter with Callie.
"I spy something... red," Callie smirks.
Um, is it one of those flags.
"Nope, it's white too," Callie adds.
That guy's shoes?
"Higher."
His... coat?
"No, me, I'm talking about my new scarf," Callie asserts. She throws the velvet scarf around your neck and pulls you closer to her lush lips.
"Ahem," One bystander coughs from behind.
"Uhh, sorry, I forgot that people don't care to see displays of affection in public. My bad." Callie apologizes.
Damn, she's kissing me now. A little over a month ago, she was too scared to even touch my hand. She must be pretty confident that I'm into her, which isn't wrong.
"Speaking of kissing, I told Marie that we ALMOST kissed to try and throw her off the scent. But I think she already knows something is going on between us. Considering how dedicated she is to her matchmaking duties, I imagine that she's pretty proud of herself," Callie speculates.
After the events of the party, Marie expressed an extreme sense of remorse. She departed from the party early to circumvent any further scuffles but felt guilty for abandoning you. She seemed eternally grateful for your heroic services and wanted to make it up to you by trying to improve her wing-girl capabilities.
You also hadn't released any information to the police about your disturbing incident with Marina. You didn't want to break up your friendship with the crew. However, it only felt like you were prolonging the inevitable. You've avoided contact with Marina for a solid month now, and you'd probably never feel comfortable being in the same room with her again. Pearl remains unaware of the events that transpired, but you evade interacting with her as well to hopefully not rock the boat.
You also cleared up any legal issues with the hospital by pleading that your injury was an accidental knife slip. You were housed in the clinic for three weeks, enduring multiple strenuous treatments to cure your abdominal infection. Most patients would undergo therapeutic practices to heal their newfound trauma, but since your testimony was missing an aggressor, the doctors decided to discharge you early.
While you never disclosed any accurate information to Callie or Marie, they probably noticed your reluctance to want to hang out with Marina. They must have thought you got in an argument or an unfavorable exchange with her, nevertheless, they avoided confronting you about it. The friend group was heading in an unfortunate direction, but you couldn't do anything to stop it.
Maybe you could all come together again one day. But for now, it would be best for you to go your separate ways.
As you're reminiscing on troubling memories, Callie pinches your arm to get your attention. She points to a structure located above a pair of checkered spires with an aura of child-like wonder.
"Can we go on that one? It looks super fun! Oooh, wait that one over there is a must," Callie urges.
All her selections seemed pretty enjoyable, but you were confused about which ones you'd go on first and which route you'd take throughout the park. You soon compare the physical rides with their images on that map, analyzing the distance between each attraction. Callie participates with your sight gazing efforts, "Okay, so that yellow and brown one is the Lightning Bolt, and uh, the one over there must be the Red Arrow because it's right next to the gift shop."
With the two of you deeply invested in the 3D drawing, you fail to notice the line's sudden decrease in mass. You eventually reach an exquisitely designed overhang that aids in protecting you from the recent abundance of snow flurries.
You stand with pride after you and Callie construct a remarkable set of directions for your theme park endeavors. Your charted path didn't miss a single thrill ride and included as many food excursions as possible.
With a great sense of accomplishment, you hand the orange-vested employee your ticket. After the worker confirms your credentials and checks your belongings, he finally grants you entry through the rotating gateway.
——————————————————
"Hey uh C, the company wants to hear your opinion on the whole shark crisis." The agent softly inquiries.
"Uggghh, I don't know what to say. We have plenty of time before those bottom feeders come here. Just get someone else to do the speech, I'm busy right now." Marie persuades.
"No, um, they believe in you. You're their beacon of hope in this dark, desolate wasteland." The bumbling agent notifies.
"Dang it, I hate being famous," Marie protests.
"I... I think you should rise to the occasion and, um, inspire the desperate squid populace. You could say something like, The sharks have been stealing our resources and knocking down our civilizations for far too long. We have to come together and stop those mean brutes if we ever want to rebuild our society."
"Why don't you do it? What you said sounded pretty inspiring to me." Marie reasons.
"You think so. Oh, I'm sure my mommy would be so proud of me. Thank you so much, Marie," The agent cries.
"Good grief, I'm glad I got that guy out of here. I'm so tired of being in charge. I wish nobody knew my identity. I can barely even sleep at night with so many people counting on me. Ugh, whatever, I should be trying to focus on more pressing matters instead of my interests. Okay, Agent 27, while Agent 26 is off inspiring the masses or doing whatever he does, I want you to find more intel on this supposed man of mystery, Great White." Marie orders.
"Hmm, let me see. So far, there are no records of him in our database," The confident agent affirms. "He's an enigma, with no discernible traits or characteristics."
"I like the sound of this guy. He doesn't leave a shred of information behind. He's like a ghost in the night, a blip in the cosmos. I admire someone who's that dedicated to their job. Forget Fang; this guy sounds like my type," Marie gushes.
"But I'm afraid he's the enemy miss. You know it's against company policy to date an enemy," the stern agent states.
"I know, but a girl can dream."
——————————————————
February 6th, 2020 -
"Oh my goodness, this has to be one of the best days of my life," Callie exclaims, cradling a bright yellow balloon and a slimy the sea slug hat.
You'd arrived at the food court after accompanying Callie on a plethora of stress-inducing coasters. With the ride's multiple high drops and constant sporadic shaking, it's no wonder a familiar feeling of static distress reared its ugly head. The experience's adverse effects could be disguised behind the sensation of stimulation. Even knowing this, you pressed onward, ignoring your fleeting sense of memory. You assumed the answer to right around the corner, and you felt as if you were moments away from unlocking the truth. You still intended to keep your promise with Marie, but you just needed to push forward for a little bit more.
"I know the morning was off to a rocky start, but after experiencing all those fantastic roller coasters, I've really had a good time. Honestly, those fiberglass vehicles felt even more exhilarating on an icy track than a standard one," Callie explains.
Callie was a thrill-seeking monster who'd always try to push the envelope with every new adventure. She held her arms up the entire time on the Ring of Fire and didn't even flinch going down the Mighty Cyclone. However, her daredevil persona didn't extend to her eating habits. She was always heart pressed on finding a particular dish and didn't bother to experiment with different types of cuisine. That's why it was scary to hear the next words to come out of her mouth.
"I'm really in the mood for hot cocoa right now. They must have it here, I just know it. I won't rest until we're both sipping on a nice piping hot cup," Callie declares, with a glint of wonder inhabiting her small dark eyes.
"GET YOUR snow cones here; they're running auut fast, get them while you still can," A vendor sponsors.
Callie notices the salesman's boisterous invitation from a few tables away and approaches his tent with a question, "Hey Mister, do you happen to have any hot co-"
"Ey, you look like that populah squid sista my son's into. What's your name... hold aun, give me a second..." The businessman reasons.
"It's Callie, and it's an honor to meet a fellow fan," Callie properly greets.
"UH... Marie, it was Marie. I don't know who the heck Callie is."
"You don't, well that's unfortuan-"
"Anyway, what was your question, Cary?"
"Do you happen to have any hot cocoa?" Callie pleads.
"Nope, just snow cones and hoodsies, take it aur leave it," The huckster clamors.
"Uh, um."
"What?"
"I mean... you don't have any warm food?" Callie politely asks.
"What do you expect Cassie, we've got an excess auf ice and nothing to do with it," The agitated merchant states.
"Okay, sorry, I didn't know you were struggling to sell it. I'll have one snow cone then. Oh, I wonder what cool flavors you'll have?" Callie queries.
"We don't have blueberry anymore; we aunly have uh... Garlic and Eggnog left." The counterman details.
Gar... lic? Are you sure you don't have anything else? Callie says, frantically searching the shop's limited menu.
"What do I look like a fucking vending machine?"
You step in front of Callie, attempting to prevent the man from ripping her head off. You try to bribe the clerk by sliding a twenty-dollar bill over the countertop. It wasn't the most honorable approach, but you wanted to keep the momentum of the date going by dodging a possible argument.
"Oh, aun second look, there's aune right here," The peddler says, reacting to the exchange of cash.
You smile at Callie, who's now spying on your conversation from a secluded umbrella seat.
The vendor turns around and proceeds to spit on your frozen treat, "It's called fuck auff flavored."
Yep, I should have seen that coming; I pretty much walked right into that one. Still, a middle finger would've been a little more classy, but at the very least, he didn't pee in it.
As you march back to the umbrella, Callie marvels at the frosty creation, "Wow, what flavor is that? Is it french vanilla or birthday cake?"
Trust me; you don't want to know. You chuck the revolting stack of ice into a nearby trash can and plop down next to Callie.
"I'm glad you didn't do anything rash. I'm quite fond of the gentleman archetype," Callie shares.
Don't worry; I hear blue jays have quite the affinity for garlic.
"Get these damn birds auff me," The frazzled shopkeeper cries.
Callie stares intently at your dazed pupils with a slight smile creeping up the side of her cheek. You're caught off guard by her sudden display of teeth and eye play, wondering what dubious scheme she's up to now.
"You're too cute," Callie gleefully remarks.
Look who's talking.
A wave of passion accompanies Callie's eternal amber gaze. Her eyelashes ripple in a sensual rhythmic motion, and her irises shine as brightly as a lighthouse hitting the oceanfront. It was a magnificent blend of charcoal and ivory surrounded by a pool of golden delight, a memorable summer gift that could melt any cold winter day.
Your salacious gaze is so rudely interrupted by one of Callie's many adorning fans. The tyke sports a floppy-eared hat and handles a collection of boardwalk prizes between his wristband covered arms. He begs for the pop star's autograph, all the while downing a swig of blue raspberry from his limited edition collector's cup. Callie hastily scribbles her elegant signature on the miniature character pad, seeking to return to your sights.
"I can't believe I got Marie's autograph. All my friends will be so impressed," The youngster triumphs.
"I'm Callie sweetie, Marie's my dance partner. We're pretty different from one another, she has boring old white hair, and I have silky smooth black hair...
You don't remember my slogan: Cats for life?" Callie recounts.
The boy still retains a bewildered expression as Callie continues to explain her role to him.
"Ugh... I'm the one who lost the great splatfest," Callie begrudgingly admits.
"Oh, I remember now. Marie creamed you!" The fellow elucidates, with a level of vigor.
"Is losing all I'm remembered for?" Callie laments.
"Well, whatever, a mascot's a mascot."
"Mascot?"
"Yeah, I've been trying to get all of their names on this steno pad. I think yours is sandwiched right between Captain Jack and Ricky the Flying Space Monkey." The youngin responds.
'Uh, I'm not actually part of the park, I'm here to enjoy all of the awesome rides, like you."
"I don't know. You sure that isn't a mask."
"Mask... I uh... MASK. This makeup took me two hours, you little-
And... she finally broke. It looks like Callie's kindness and compassion isn't always eternal. Still, it took her a good number of jabs before she demonstrated any foul behavior. Most people don't have the patience to tolerate that level of mistreatment, so I give her props for lasting this far.
"Ugh, fine, I give up, I give up, I'm Marie."
"Yaaay, I knew it. I'm going to show this autograph to my older brother. Bye, Marie, stay fresh." The naive lad cheers.
"Yeah... stay... fresh," Callie mutters defeatedly.
So much for not being rash. If I'm correct, that was the quintessential irritated lady archetype.
"No, that was the I spent a lot of time on my appearance, and I deserve some credit archetype."
More like the child abuser archetype.
"Hmph, that boy was no gentleman. I definitely would not date him."
He's just a kid. Come on; he doesn't know any better.
"Oh no, I can already hear the Boston accent, Callie says, covering her ears in a scared motion. "What do you think was in that slushie? pant* Garlic?"
What the hell is she talking about? Now she's just acting paranoid. I better get those birds to come around If ever want to gaze into those diamond eyes of hers.
"Look, I'm just upset is all. I'm not as popular or a well-liked as Marie. I love her to death, but I do feel a little jealous of her from time to time. She manages her own clothing line, controls our social media presence, and even appears as a special guest for some of the most popular tournaments around. And what do I do, I just shovel snow all day and go on dumb theme park rides. Yeah, that sounds really mature." Callie discloses as she releases the pry of her coveted balloon and tilts down her cap.
Jeez, she must have taken that hard considering the amount of idol training she crammed into her schedule last week. Callie is always taking advantage of any free time she has to improve upon her dancing and singing skills. There was even a couple of times when you were waiting on line that she would pull off a sequence of complex movements and carefully timed spins. The grimace displayed on her profile encapsulated that intense feeling of failure. It was almost as if a few ill-fated comments had entirely negated all her hard work and training.
• You toss your arm around her petite shoulders and scooch your body closer to hers.
You catch the thin stringed balloon mid-flight and proceed to flick the edge of Callie's hat upwards. While you gather your thoughts, you spot a small tear rolling down her cheek.
Listen... does Marie like roller coasters.
"Nope, apparently, she's too cool for that too."
Well, can Marie ride the Phoenix with her eyes fully open?
"I don't think... so."
Can Marie conquer the dreaded Astro Valley on a full plate of sea worms?
"Um... no"
Can Marie devour a whole bag of Swedish fish in thirty seconds?
"No"
Can Marie beat anyone in a staring contest?
"No, no."
Can Marie win me over?
"NO NO, she can't do that."
Can Marie-
"NOOOOOO"
Then I rest my case.
"Huff, puff* What were we talking about again? Huff, puff," Callie says, stepping down from the top of the table.
Nothing that you don't already know.