The Look Of Love

Chapter 19: Real Talk

Mary did not, in fact, pass out on Monster Plunge. However, she did scoot closer to Bobby. Screaming for dear life, she hung onto him the whole way down (with eyes closed). Thinking the ride was over, she released her grip of his person, and shifted a little away. Then the darn ride went back up again. She literally felt as if she may hurl.

Needing to be closer, this time Bobby shifted towards her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her, in a cocoon of warmth and security.  Poor Mary continued to keep her eyes closed. As the ride dropped again, she said a silent prayer. 

Finally, it's over! She could not get off fast enough. Her feet high-tailed it to the nearest open bench, and rested her head face down on her knees. She was trying to catch her breath and not be sick. Bobby quickly followed suit. He sat down. Using gentle fingers, he started to massage her neck. With concern in his voice, he asked "Are you alright?"

Her small, weak voice responded "I think I will be. It was a stupid decision, I had, to go on that ride. But I wanted to do it because I knew you'd like it." She finally sat up when she said this. Her eyes caught his.

Angling himself toward Mary's body, Bobby studied her with affection and concern. He placed a piece of her silky, windswept hair behind her ear.  In a compassionate voice he told her "I don't think it was stupid, but I do think it may not have been the wisest decision." He rubbed a finger up and down her arm, causing goosebumps. "And don't worry about me, I'm having fun just being here with you."

Which was true. This has been the best time he's had on a date, yet. Talking with Mary, and getting to know her better, is the greatest. He could talk to her for hours and never get bored. He feels like he can tell her anything and not be judged. She's unlike anyone he's ever known. So to him it didn't matter what they did, as long as they were together. 

Giving him a weak smile, she stated "I think I would like to stay on the ground for now." Which inspired them to walk around a bit. Holding hands they passed all sorts of entertaining games. There is everything from throwing darts at balloons and ring toss, to cranes and squirt gun target shooting. On their stroll they came upon the shave ice shop, Nice Ice.

"You feel up for an ice?" Bobby asked. He scrutinized her face for signs of discomfort and sickness. 

Mary knew the ice would help her minimize the anxiety she still felt, from the ride. With a cheerful expression, she blurted out "Oh for sure!"

They headed that way. He held the door open for her, as they entered the colorful, Hawaiian themed shop. A line of customers waited inside. Which is actually perfect, because it gave them time to study the ice menu. There are so many flavors! Each one sounded better than the next. It is truly a difficult task to choose just one.

Once their turn came up, Mary ordered a combination of piña colada and banana. She also had a scoop of vanilla ice cream added to it, for an extra ounce of pizazz. Bobby decided to go with a combination of raspberry and lemonade. He did not get anything extra because he feared it would dilute the taste.

After paying they took their ices outside. Mary scooped a generous amount onto her spoon and ate it. She paused and held her head. Bobby noticed this and started to worry, until she proclaimed "Yikes! Brain freeze." They both laughed. This is when he recommended they go sit on the beach. A satisfied Mary agreed. So they wandered in that direction.

The beach could not have been more peaceful and beautiful. They found a secluded spot, not too far away from the surf or the lights of the boardwalk.  With knees touching and sweet treats in hand, they started an important conversation.