Played.

21: "Don't Apologize."

I stepped into the hanging carriage, as it rocked slightly, and scooted over in the seat. Marcus sat down next to me, while the ride conductor shut the door behind him.

"I'm so excited." I squeezed his arm, leaning my head on it, as the ride started.

"I can tell." He laughed.

"The Ferris Wheel has always been my favorite."

"Why? It's so slow."

"I don't know, I guess that's what I like about it, it's relaxing." I sighed, closing my eyes. "That, and the fact my Grandpa used to take me on it all the time when we came to the fair."

"We used to go on it over and over, and never get bored, because each time he'd tell a different story, and I'd just sit and listen to him for ages, wishing I was the person in the story. Eventually, I'd fall asleep, and he'd carry me off. When I woke up, I'd be at home, in my bed. I thought it was magic." I smiled, reminiscing on the memories.

"Then one day, when I came home from Pre-School, my parents sat me down. They told me my Grandpa went on a trip, and he wouldn't be back for a while. I was so happy for him, he had gone on an adventure, just like in all the stories he told me. I begged my parents to let me go with him. They cried. I remember being confused, and asking them why they were crying, were they not happy for him? They didn't say anything, they just hugged me."

"Years later, in Elementary School, I found out that my Grandpa didn't go on a trip at all, that my parents had lied to me. I was so mad at them. I refused to talk to them. How could they lie to me? How could they hurt me like that? There was no trip, my Grandpa had died." A tear escaped my eye. I quickly wiped it up with my hand, as another one fell.

"I cried for weeks, and I didn't want to talk to anyone, especially not my parents. Finally, I came to my senses. When I looked back, I realised how stupid I was being. It wasn't their fault. They were only trying to protect me." Another tear broke free. I went to wipe it, but Marcus beat me to it.

His hand gently stroked my moist cheek, wiping away all the falling tears. He brought his other hand up, and used both of them to cup my face. He didn't say anything, he simply kissed my forehead, and held me close.

                                                                 ****

"I'm sorry about getting all emotional on you before." I looked at the ground, swinging Marcus and I's hands, which were laced together, as we walked.

"Don't apologize."

"I bet I looked like such an ass, crying on the Ferris Wheel." I laughed, hiding my face with the bear, who I've decided to name Charlie, after my Grandpa, sappy, I know.

"No you didn't."

"Don't lie to me, Bieber." I hit him in the leg with our hands.

"I'm not!" He chuckled. "You looked cute."

"Yeah, with red eyes and runny make up? Try again."

"Fine. You looked disgusting. Honestly, I just wanted to throw you off the top, and laugh as you fell, watching as your body hit the floor, becoming a mangled mess on the ground."

"Why didn't you?" I could tell he was trying hard not to laugh.

"Because, you're too heavy."

"Really?" I raised my eyebrows, stopping and looking at him.

"Really." He charged at me, picking me up by my thighs. "God, you're so heavy." He swung me around.

"Shut up!" I hit him with Charlie, wrapping my legs around his waist.

"Ow. Bitch."

"Carry me home." I demanded, laying my head on his shoulder.

When we arrived at my house, he stopped on the porch, letting go of my legs and returning me to my feet in front of him. My arms remained around his neck.

"Thank you for today." I whispered against his shoulder.

"You're welcome, babe." He hugged me, stroking my hair. "I'm sorry about how Justin spoke to you on Saturday, by the way." He said, sincerity in his voice.

"Don't worry about it."

"No, he was horrible to you. He's not always like that."

"Still not over the 'bad break up' thing?"

"I don't know. He must not be."

"Whatever, it's okay." I pulled back from him.

"Are you sure?" He held onto my hands.

"Yes."

"Okay." He leaned forward, kissing my forehead. "Have a good night."

He let go of my hands and walked off the porch, into the darkness of the night.