HAUNTINGLY | 18+

38 | Clown

After an hour-long drive, we arrive at the carnival. "Finally," Hunter states as he peers out of the window. Scar manages to find an open parking spot and parks his car. He switches off the engine, and we all step out of the car.

Taking in the sights, I catch fleeting glimpses of the carnival's vibrant lights behind the tall trees. Hunter casually drapes his arm over my shoulder, while Scar joins me on the other side. As we make our way towards the entrance, a flutter of excitement starts to fill me.

I soaked in the vibrant atmosphere as we walked deeper into the carnival. Colorful lights painted every corner with a radiant glow. A symphony of scents, ranging from corn dogs to popcorn, danced in the air as we strolled past various food stands.

The carnival boasted an assortment of small rides and game booths, each offering a chance to win prizes. A massive Ferris wheel proudly stood at the center, towering above the rest.

Yet, my attention was drawn to a maze positioned at the far end. Walking closer, I noticed a queue of people eagerly waiting to enter.

I turned my gaze toward Scar, an eager plea in my eyes. "Can we go in there, please?" I asked.

He regarded me, then his gaze flickered toward the maze with a hint of uncertainty. "Pretty please?" I added, employing my best puppy-dog eyes.

With a reluctant sigh, he relented. "Alright, but I swear if a clown pops up in front of me I'm punching them. I don't give a fuck who's underneath that costume, I'm swinging" he declared.

I chuckle. "I never knew you were afraid of clowns," I remark.

He shrugs, attempting nonchalance. "I'm not afraid of them. I just find them annoying," he insists.

"Sure, you keep telling yourself that," I retort with a teasing grin.

We finally arrive at the maze and join the line. There are about ten people ahead of us. As I glance at the group in front, I notice a couple. The guy has his arm wrapped around her, as he whispers something into her ear, which sends her into fits of laughter.

I can't believe I allowed myself to entertain the idea that Xavier would actually follow through with this date. Of course, he would cancel—why wouldn't he?

A humorless laugh escapes my lips. He didn't even have the decency to inform me that the date was canceled, he simply left the house without a single word.

"What's so funny?" Hunter asks.

"My freaking life," I mutter as I cross my arms.

Hunter gently lifts my chin, guiding my gaze to meet his. "Forget about him. We're here to have fun," he says with a reassuring smile.

I grin in response. "You're right. Screw him."

"That's the spirit," he says as he chuckles.

The worker at the entrance ushers the group ahead of us into the maze. As we move forward, we pause just before entering. I glance at Hunter and Scar with bubbling excitement. "It's almost our turn," I exclaim with enthusiasm.

Scar's eyes slightly darken. "I don't like this one bit," he mutters.

I chuckle, raising an eyebrow at him. "Well, if you're scared, you can always hold my hand," I tease.

He shoots me a skeptical look. "This is definitely the last carnival trip for you," he declares.

Without giving me a chance to reply, the worker lifts the rope at the maze entrance. "You guys can head in now," he announces.

I can't help but let out a small squeal as I take the lead, entering the maze. Inside, it's dimly lit, with a pulsating red light casting eerie shadows. I instinctively raise my hands in front of me, carefully feeling my way through the twists and turns of the maze.