Penny didn't believe it at first. She heard the stories, and Penny saw the pictures. Now, before Penny's eyes, she stood. Talia is real.
Talia was right behind Penny in line for the Cyclone. Penny turned a few times to face the Ukrainian woman, and every time, she looked identical to the photos Mischa showed everyone. She was talking to a few people behind her. They looked like they were one big family.
Penny was finally next in line for the coaster. Someone tapped on her shoulder. Penny turned her head around. Not only was Talia not fake, but she wanted Penny's attention. "Are you with the choir?" Talia asked.
"I'm not," Penny said. The school was willing to cover the entry of whoever went to the fair to support the choir. The only catch; she'd have to watch the choir perform. She'd also have to pay for the tickets to ride the rides.
"Oh," Talia said. "I noticed you're wearing the uniform."
"We go to the same school," Penny responded.
"I was wondering if I could cut in front of you," Talia requested. "My boyfriend is about to ride. It's our first time meeting. I want to surprise him."
Penny didn't notice Mishca was also in line. The entire choir was in line. Ricky was right in front of her. "Sure," Penny responded.
"Thank you," Talia said. She walked in front of the girl. "I live in Ukraine, but I'm visiting family. I heard the choir was performing tonight at the competition. My Mischa has the most beautiful voice."
That's one way to put it. The past riders of the roller coaster exited, looking shaken. Talia and the chamber choir entered the ride. They all sat down and strapped into the coaster. It wasn't too long after that the coaster began its course. "Hey," a previous rider commented to the carny. "There's something wrong with the cart."
"It's fine," the carny responded. Penny couldn't focus on that. She was still blown away by the fact that Talia was who Mischa said she was. Penny had talked to Talia. Penny couldn't help but laugh hysterically, even though nothing funny happened. She was laughing until she heard a crash. Screams of joy turned into screams of horror.