Chasing Dreams

Chapter 16

Zachary
"Hey cousin," we exchanged hugs with each other before making our way to the living room.

I was meeting my cousins after a year. They all have changed. Chase being the older, has started to grow beard. Arthur has glasses on his face and Brooke has grown taller.

"Can so many changes happen in a year?" I think to myself.

My mum brings in coffee while hugging them. "Hey there sweeties, how are you? How was the flight?" she bombards them with her questions.

"The flight was good and we all are fine Aunt." Chase replies on behalf of them all. Mom seemed very happy to have them over. She loves guests and prepares the best hospitality for anyone coming at our place.

We chatted for a while before deciding to play monopoly after dinner. At around 3.00 am, we all decided to get some sleep as we had to drive early to the carnival.

We all woke up late on Saturday. It was Hello late nights and Goodbye Morning kind of situation at my house right now. Not that I was complaining.

Brunch was light as we had planned to have proper mean at the carnival. "Guys, come one, let's get moving. It's already a long ride ahead." my brother kept on honking.

After speeding at 100 km and overtaking some trucks on the way, we finally made it after an hour an half. The parking lot was packed with cars which indicates that it's crowded inside.

"Finally!" my brother yelled out in frustration when he spotted a parking space next to a Land cruiser. We stand in the queue for 15 minutes to grab our tickets before entering.

"Thank Allah, the weather is decent today." I say to myself.

"Guys, let's go and have something, I am starving," Arthur says groaning.

It was already 3.30pm. We decided to go for a SpongeBob Pizza and Twinkling Shakes. Chase added the hot dogs and hot wings as well. We looked around for a booth which we found near the big tree and enjoyed a delicious meal.

The names of the food sounded funny, but they were mouth-watering dishes. Twinkling shakes had bomb sugars which made a twinkling sound once they are in your mouth.

"I am going to the water park," my brother and Chase said after finishing their meal.

"I'll join you guys," Arthur chimes in.

"My friend Ashley is here as well somewhere, so I am going to tag along with her," Brooke says slurring on her shake. Which leaves me alone.

I don't want to go to water park as I have not even brought my swim suit. So, I decide to stay at the rides.

"Zach, what about you? Are you joining us?" Chase asks.

"No, I will be here at the rides," I say dismissively.

Everyone started to scatter on their own area and I decided to roam for a while. As I was at the last stop of the food counter, I heard a familiar sound.

"Hi, can I please have your Extra chocolatey, double marshmallow hot chocolate please?"

I turn around to see none other than Ray in her maroon sweatshirt and jet-black jeans at the counter. I smiled before saying, "Make that two please."

She jerked before turning around. She was surprised to see me, but soon her expression changed and she gave me a warm smile.

"Hey Zach," she said warmly.

"Hey Ray, how are you?" I ask her back.

"I am good, how are you?" she smiles back.

"There you guys go," the guy said handing us over mugs of extra chocolatey, double marshmallow hot chocolate.