Fall For You (ON HOLD)

(30)

Alex is determined to win something from one of the carnival games. So I stand back and watch as he plays the basketball game. Alex has one minute to get as many successful balls into the hoop as he can. Each one is worth five points, and he needs a minimum of fifteen points to win something from the wall of prizes.

The first few shots Alex misses. Not by much, but it is clear that Alex isn't a sporty guy. I walk over to him, hoping that I can give him the boost of confidence he needs to win the prize he wants so badly.

"You've got this, Alex," I tell him. "You only need to get three in to win something."

Alex blows out a deep breath before he grabs a ball and tries again. Finally, he gets two in before the girl operating the game calls time.

"You can have another turn," I tell Alex catching the disappointed look in his eyes when he doesn't manage to win a prize.

"Is that okay?" He asks the girl.

"Sure, there's no one else waiting," She shrugs her shoulders with a smile.

The balls are released to Alex. I'm impressed as I watch him through the balls as though he's on fire. He passes every single one through the hoop.

"Wow, that is good," The girl praises Alex. Anger washes over me. That's supposed to be my line, sweetheart. "You can choose any prize from the far wall," She tells him as she points to the wall.

"Can I have that one," Alex asks politely. I try to work out which one he's pointing at. I can't tell.

"Of course," The girl says and grabs a soft toy koala from its place between a teddy bear and a soft toy monkey.

The girl hands the koala over to Alex before turning to me. "Did you want to have a go?"

The sun is beginning to set around us, and there's only one thing that would make this day perfect, and it's not me throwing balls into a hoop.

"No," I tell her. "Let's go, Alex," I say and grab his free hand, the one not holding the koala.

"Is there anything else you want to do here?" I ask Alex, hoping that he says no. Unfortunately, we don't have much time left.

"Nope," Alex says. "Is everything okay? You seem like you're in a hurry."

"Everything's fine. I just have one more surprise for you."

"Gemma," Alex says. "You know I don't like surprises."

"Alex, you'll like this one, trust me," I say as I begin to walk towards the Ferris wheel. It's the one ride Alex and I haven't been on yet. I've been deliberately trying to avoid this one until now. I've never been one to be romantic. Hearts, flowers and affection aren't my things, but I know that the top of a Ferris wheel at sunset is the perfect place to romance Alex.

"Last call for the Ferris wheel," The operator says with greying hair and tired eyes.

"We want to go on," I tell him.

"Great," The operator tells us as he opens the safety gate and allows us to enter the ride. We take the steps up to the platform where the empty carriage sits, waiting for us.

The operator waits a few moments, and when he decides that there are no more people coming on the ride, he closes the safety gate.

We're lifted into the air, and Alex and I take the time to enjoy the view around us. The sky is a beautiful mix of orange and pink as the sun sets over the water.

"I lied," Alex says, suddenly snapping my attention over to him.

"What?" I ask.

My head starts to spin, mostly because I can't believe that Alex would lie to me, but also because I can't work out what Alex would have to lie to me about.