The Educator (dark h.s)

Chapter 38- no masks

"Let's go on the ferris wheel." I gripped aunt Valerie's hand, pulling her towards the tall ride.

Small children were happily waving down to their parents who watched on from below. My parents would always call me out on my immaturity when they didn't find my behaviour appropriate, hence I barely got to act childish and enjoy such entertaining things like the funfair. Fortunately for me, they weren't able to tag along and left me by the presence of my loveable auntie.

"Easy there, sweetie! I'm afraid you're going too fast for your old aunt." She laughed, causing me to give her a wide grin and slow down a bit. A wave of enthusiasm shot through me as we queued up for the line. Luckily the wait wasn't long.

"So are you not scared of being that far off the ground, Gwendolyn?" She pried, giving me a challenging look. She was gesturing to the tall wheel.

"Not at all." I stood tall to prove my point, showing her how unstoppable I was.

Her gaze met mine to scan for any insecurities. When she found none, her head flew back in laughter.

"My brave tiger." I gave a smile of triumph at the new name, hugging her side.

I absolutely loved her company.

Soon enough, it was our turn to get on the ride, my heart pumping excitedly in my chest as we climbed into the car. There was a bolt and we started, I immediately started babbling on how splendid it would be when we get to the top. I was never one to fear heights. In fact, they made me feel bold.

"We're already pretty far off the ground! Look, auntie!" I leant over the side, feeling the butterflies explode in my stomach as the giant wheel took us slowly up, higher and higher.

"Careful, dear. This thing is pretty high, please don't lean so far over." She sat rigid in her seat, her voice a bit shaky as she looked down at the ground.

I moved and gave her a sheepish look. "Are you afraid of heights, auntie?"

She fidgeted uncomfortably under my intense gaze. It was rare for my aunt to show weakness, she had always been such a strong woman.

"Watching my baby get so dangerously close to them does make my heart nearly burst out of my chest, I admit."

"Point taken!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands. She chuckled, pinching my cheek lightly.

"Don't worry though, I play it safe."

"I trust you, doll."

I smiled at her.

"We are at the highest point!" I called, waving down to everyone. There was great activity bellow the ferris wheel, people rushing to get on various rides, have candy flosses and things you do in the funfair. It was marvellous watching everything from above, people looking like small aunts in the distance.

***

My fingers pulled off wisps of white candy floss from the bag auntie had bought me, bringing it up to my mouth, the sugar melting on my tongue. Auntie just left for the loo, claiming she'd be back shortly and commanding me to stay on my spot. I pulled out my small Nintendo out of my pocket, setting the bag of candy floss down on the bench beside me. I carelessly started playing a card game, killing time.

"Gwendoll." A husky voice came off surprisingly soft, cutting my game. I rose my head to see no one. Probably my imagination. I ducked my head back down and was about to continue my game when something long brushed down my cheek.