Rhenna

Twenty-Six

          This is stupid.

I couldn't turn right around.

My bumper car had something defiantly wrong with it. No matter how many times Conn tried to tell me otherwise.

It was a jerky slow machine.

"Your going the wrong way!" Conn called after me. I glanced back only to see him halfway across the court.

Since Conn and Dan were both tall and weighed more their bumper car's moved even slower than mine.
It was sort of hilarious and embarrassing watching Conn drive across the court.

Both his knee's came up over the dash.

Sort of how an adult looks when they're trying to ride their 3yr olds tricycle bike.

"Your too slow". I shouted back.

As if to help the machine go faster, Conn bent forwards and started jerking the bumper car.

So embarrassing.

I ducked my head and returned to my task at hand. I was searching for Dan. Somehow he had managed to elude me this entire time. All I wanted was payback.

That old man deserved a big hit especially after what he had pulled.

Before I even got the hang of this bumper toy Dan purposely smashed into me. Twice!

I spotted him among a group of young tweens. His head was rocked back and I could see, even from here, that he was laughing.

He's just full of energy today isnt he?

I yanked my wheel in his direction. It took me hardly anytime before I reached him.
With my jaw set, I put petal to the metal (best I could with my foot). My cart jerked and careened forwards.

With a mental roar I collided my bumper up against the side of his car. His entire body jerked forwards from the impact. If it wasnt for the smile on his face I probably wouldve felt a little guilty.

"Nice hit". He appraised.

Despite myself I couldnt stop a small grin from showing. "Thanks".

The moment lasted merely two seconds before a force smashed into the back of my car. My body was almost thrown over the hood, but I caught myself just in time.

I snapped my head around and glared at the asshole responsible. Of course it was Conn.

A sheepish smile spread across his face. "Msorry". He paused, "Your entire flank was left wide open. I couldnt help it".

"Your dead".

Conn's eyes lit with excitement. "You gotta catch me first". He reeled off to the side then gunned it.

He is so not getting away with that slow piece of junk.

I cranked my wheel and started after him.

-------------

I was almost certain that Conn's bumper car wouldnt work for the next kid who got in it.. I had left some considerable damage to the machine, and Conn. He was still complaining about his knee. The one I happened to smash "accidentally" because it was hanging out so far.

Serves him right.

Your bound to get injured when, let's say, your an adult using a child's toy.

"I think you broke it". Conn whined. He lifted the pack of ice, Dan had gotten from the food court, off his knee. A bruise was just starting to form.

I scoffed at him. "Its not broken if you can still move it".
"How do you know?"
"Because", I snapped. I really didnt want to get into detail about this. "I just do".

Conn angled his head so that he could peer at something just beyond me. A bit curious I followed his gaze.

A man in his middle twenties was watching us from the other side of the court. Actually, I realised, he was staring at Conn.
"He wont stop that". Conn murmered. If I knew any better it sounded like he was annoyed.

"I betcha twenty that he's checking you out". I mused.

The tension in Conn's forehead instantly vanished. His face lit up with content curiosity. "You think so?"

I peaked at the guy again. He was a bit of a punk. His hair was long and frayed and blue. A leather jacket adorned his top half. He honestly was pretty hot.

"You should get his number". I said.

"Fuck no".

I raised my eyes to Dan who was grinning widely behind Conn. He pointed to Conn and mouthed "chicken".
A tug of laughter hit me hard. It took all I had just to stay composed. Although, I let a smile pass.

"Come on". I urged. "He's definitely into you".

"Dunno". Was Conns quiet response.

I let out a long exhale. This was so not like Conn. He was an extrovert, always bashful and ready for a conversation.

"You scared?"

He scowled. "No".

"Than what is it?"

He just shrugged.

"Fine", I started, "I'll just go over there and get it for myself".

I made a show of turning around. Conn jumped to his feet. "Hell no!" He shoved past me and sped walked over towards the guy.

I plopped down against the wall. I looked up at Dan and arched my brows in a questionable way. "What was that about?"

"Conn doesnt do well with heartbreaks". Dan explained softly, "Most of the guys he dated in the past took advantage of his gentle nature. They mistook his kindness for ignorance. They used him."
Dan spoke with such sadness and affection towards his son. "I think he's scared to try again".

That was something I could relate too.

I think, in that moment, I felt a little less agitated by Conn.

About twenty minutes later Conn returned. All the negative energy he was carrying before was no longer there. He was smiling. There was a skip in his step. When he reached us he held up a slip of paper and waved it purposefully close to my face. "There. You happy now?"
I gave a nonchalant shrug. "You got a number, so what".

But I was happy.

Not that I'd ever admit that to this childish weirdo.

"Come on". Conn motioned towards the exit. "Let's go. I've got a date to plan".

And with that said we left.