𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

We'll Make It Traditon

I take one of Sherry's hands whilst Leon takes the other, both of us share a warm smile over the top of her head whilst she skips between us, excitement as clear as the stars shining above us. All around us the Halloween Fair is in full swing, with childish screams echoing in the night, the vibrant lights from stalls and rides shine, and the scents of fresh dough and sweet treats tempt my tummy into growling. Sherry's blonde brows furrow as she looks to me, then we both giggle as Leon huffs a laugh and quickly pays for our tickets.

"Everyone's dressed up! Isn't this so cool!" She exclaims, pointing to the numerous kids wearing Halloween outfits. Leon and I notice Sherry's wavering smile, neither of us know much about what her parents did for her aside from ignoring her and prioritising their work, so with a quick nod towards a stall selling Halloween accessories Leon parts from us as I lead Sherry to a doughnut stand.

We buy some cinnamon sugar coated doughnuts and hand in hand once more we go to find Leon, but he ends up finding us first, holding a bag with something black poking out of the top. He grins, crouching down as he passes the bag to a confused looking Sherry. "Here kiddo, I think you're going to need this if you're going to really get into the spirit." Leon murmurs, blue eyes darting to mine in hope as we watch Sherry pull out an awesome looking witch's hat. She gasps, clutching it to her chest before she bursts forwards, wrapping her arms around Leon as he regains balance and wraps an arm around her.

"Thank you so much, Leon. It's the best!" She excitedly says, then with Leon's help she gets the hat on and does a pose for us as I giggle and compliment her. Leon stands, holding out a hand for her to take again whilst I adjust my coat and look around at the variety of things we can do. I pass out the earlier doughnuts as we eat, then I dust the crumbs off of Sherry's coat.

"So, my spooky sweethearts," I say, "what's first?"

Sherry looks around, then points to a haunted hayride, she looks to us in confirmation, silently asking for permission. Leon nods, already leading the way as his breath puffs in the air. "I'll race you!" He chuckles, tugging Sherry as she giggles and runs to follow, at last second Leon slows, letting Sherry pass him as she cheers. I grin, shaking my head ruefully until I catch up.

As we wait in line screams and scary noises can be heard. Leon's once confident face turns to hesitation as he looks down at Sherry. He kneels, "Are you sure you're not going to get scared? We can try something else first if you want?"

Sherry shakes her head, squaring her shoulders in defence as she raises her chin. "I'm not scared of anything "

I nod, my hand pressing her back comfortingly as Leon smiles. "Seems like you've got a challenge on your hands." I tease to Leon. He huffs a laugh, taking my hand and kissing the back of it as he hums in agreement. As we wait Leon checks on Sherry, always making conversation or hovering his hand on her shoulder. Leon never expected to be a father figure so soon, but there's no denying that he's doing an excellent job of it.

When it's our turn to board the hayride, Leon lifts Sherry and pulls a strange face when a creepy clown gets too close. I laugh, wrapping an arm around Sherry's shoulders as Leon sits her other side, shielding her in as his fingers tickle my neck. I swallow back the slightest fear as the tractor starts and we're pulled through a dark trail, filled with fog and eerie sounds. Actors dressed as horror figures jump out, scaring us all as Sherry squeals and hides her face in my side, followed by giggles and snorts. Leon and I share a look in the dark, unable to comprehend how brave she is.

At a particularly scary part, a man with a chainsaw comes running out of the woods towards us, making us all jump. "Fuck!" Leon shouts, flinching as I yelp and hold Sherry close. My heart pounds as the man grunts and leaves us alone to go for the tractor behind us. I start laughing, but Leon's pale and clinging to Sherry's hand as if seeking comforting from her. My heart warms, and by time we're back at the beginning I'm feeling calm again. Leon picks Sherry up, holding her as she wraps her arms around his neck, letting the small act of affection pass. "You doing okay?"

"Yup. Can we play a game now, please?" Sherry asks.

We head to the game booths, where Sherry plays a game of 'hook a duck' and 'pin the mouth on the ghost' before Leon points out a shooting game. We all venture to it, and Sherry has a few failed attempts, seemingly desperate to win a plushie, until both Leon and I pay for a go at the same time. We stare at each other as Sherry 'ooohs' at us, hands rubbing together in anticipation of our competition.

"Don't cry if you're dignity is lost, handsome." I playfully say as I begin shooting. I hit four out of five, and win a small bag of sweets which I immediately give to Sherry. However Leon- the ex police officer- shoots every single target perfectly, as well as the bonus one. Cheers erupt from observers as a woman grabs a massive Halloween cat plushie, smiling as she gives it to Leon. He wastes no time passing it to Sherry, but she shakes her head and grabs the gun again, silently asking to try once more.

With furrowed brows we let her, and this time she manages to win a prize of her own. Leon and I cheer her on, grinning as she waves the bat plushie around and jumps. "That's my girl!" Leon coos, grabbing the massive plushie as we thank the stall owner and move on. We venture around the fair some more, playing more games as we cheer for each other and tease Leon. We go on some rides and take some funny, spooky themed photos in a photo booth (with Sherry between us and on Leon's lap). The evening passes in a blur of laughter and thrilled screams, it's only when Sherry starts rubbing at her eyes and yawning that Leon and I know it's time to wrap things up.

"One last snack then we'll call it a night, okay?" Leon softly says as Sherry nods eagerly. We stop at a churro stand and grab a selection of flavours before setting on a nearby bench, with all our prizes and purchases spread out on the table. I sip on a hot chocolate I ordered whilst Leon and Sherry sit opposite me, both looking like replicas of each other the way they gnaw into their treats and let the sauce smear all over their faces. I stifle a laugh, only grabbing my phone and snapping a photo as they look at each other with confusion. I pass them both napkins, and listen as Sherry begins rambling on about the fun day she's had and how much she's loved it.

Leon and I listen with burning hearts, both of us happy and glad that the little girl we took in is finally happy and living a childhood she deserves. Leon helps Sherry wipe her face, then together we grab the goods and begin heading to the exit, but Sherry lags, so Leon scoops her up, holding her in his arms as she yawns and lets her head begin to fall onto his shoulder. I smile as Leon links his fingers with mine, squeezing as he smiles at me.

"Can we come back next year?" Sherry sleepily mumbles, looking to me as I raise my brows and nod.

"Of course, we'll make it tradition." I reply, knowing that this time next year we'll only be happier- and together.