Listen To Your Heart ~ Book One.

Carousel

"Race you too it!" (Claudia says. As she runs towards it laughing.)

(She beats me there. I go to climb on a horse, but she grabs my arm and pulls me into a bench seat, as the Carousel automatically begins moving, music playing. Claudia snuggles close to me, we're the only two on the ride. The ride ends a while later. I turn towards Claudia.)

"Claudia, why did you start that game, in my bathroom with me?"

"It... may have started out as a game...but..."

"But what?"

"Nothing. It was just a game."

"Oh. Well, I like the smell of your perfume by the way. Lavender, is it?"

(Claudia nods her head yes, and wipes at her eyes.)

"I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?"

"No. No. You're right...it's Lavender."

"Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing! I mean... I don't know you well enough to tell you, I mean."

"Well, you've seen me naked. Does that count?"

(Smiles and blushes.)

"So, what's wrong?"

"I've...worn this perfume for two months now. Finneas hasn't noticed or made any comment about it once. You notice right away... why?"

"Well, you were standing very close to me."

"I've been close to Finneas too! I mean, my God... we live together for fucks sake. How the fuck can he not notice?"

"I don't know. He is quite popular and busy...I guess."

"Why did you try to take my shorts off?"

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have. Guess I got a bit... caught up in the game."

"Not because... you wanted them off?"

"Claudia. I came out here to help Billie. You and your boyfriend's problems? I don't know both sides of the story. You said yourself, we don't know one another that well."

"You said that you didn't believe in lying to someone. So why aren't you answering my question truthfully?"

"You're right, I'm sorry. I figured being you saw my cock, I wanted to see your ass. You have a nice ass by the way. Now answer my question for me. Why did you start the game?"

"I... wanted to hurry you up.... the plane was waiting for us. Billie needed help...and..."

"You could've pounded on the door and told me to hurry it up, but instead you came into the bathroom...why?"

"I thought...you'd still be in the shower... and you wouldn't have heard me pounding."

"Hmmm...is that the truth?"

"No. I noticed you checking out my ass. So, I thought maybe...you could give me attention, like you did Billie. I... miss that from Finneas."

(Claudia wipes tears from her eyes.)

"I'm sorry, Claudia."

"Do you...want to kiss me?"

"I'm...tempted too...but we can't."

"Because I have a boyfriend?"

"That...and also because of who you look like. Every time I'd kiss you, I'd be thinking of Billie. I'm sorry."

"No. I should be apologizing to you. Finneas is usually a great guy towards me. It's just sometimes I really miss not having him too myself...you know? And when I do, he comes and goes. It's hi and bye stuff."

"That kind of sucks."

"Part of being with someone famous. That's how it would be for you and Billie. It's not easy. So, you need to decide whether you're gonna try to work things out or not."

"Doesn't matter. She doesn't want to see me again."

"Give her time. She'll come around."

"You sure about that? What if she doesn't? I came here to help her, not push her away."