Carnival I.M

1

The English night was supposed to be warm, but my father was right by saying that it was never really too warm in England. That was three years ago he told me that, and it was the same each time. There was an extactic spark inside me at my parent's remarriage - but I did miss my American friends and teachers. Now, I was completely and utterly alone. But, of course that'd change within a week and a half, but for the moment it was still not dull. It was just there.

The man behind the candy counter took my money in exchange for a packet of popping candy that I'd share to myself, and I offered him a small smile before I turned around and stared at all the bright lights that surrounded me. Screams echoed from the crazy rollercoasters and gigantic, robotic arms with compartments threw people around, and they screamed like mad with giant grins on their faces.

None of those had caught my eye, though. They were only fun if a friend was there with you. But, the giant ferris wheel in the center of it all looked quite promising. I put my packet of popping candy in my left jean pocket, and took my last carnival ticket out from my right jean pocket. The other four tickets were spent on games and puzzles etc.

I lined up behind the crowded line and waited my turn ahead, completely lost in my thoughts.

It was at this point that I had regretted on insisting that my parents go have a romantic dinner whilst I come to a carnival on my own. I wished they'd come with me - that I hadn't insited I come alone. More teenagers than small children appeared at the carnival and it was only common knowledge that teenagers liked to judge other teenagers - and I got a lot of very disgusted looks for reasons that were quite unknown to me. Even the group of teenagers in front of me were looking behind their shoulders, whispering to each other - all because I was alone. I wouldn't have minded being alone, but it was the judgemental looks that got to me the most. Luckily, I was brought up not to mind what others thought of me. My parents always repeated it to me - even when they were apart. But no matter how many times they said it, it still didn't change things.

"You're up, miss," a husk voice broke me from my thoughts, and I looked up at the slightly chubby man who was controlling those who went on the ferris wheel. "Are you a single?"

I blinked. "A what?"

"A single. Are you going alone on this ride?"

"I believe I am, sir," I replied, not at all referring to the ferris wheel.

The music was loud up close to the ferris wheel, but I still heard everything clearly. There was a huge line up behind me, also. I looked back over at the middle-aged man who was scanning the crowded line.

"Any singles?" His voice bellowed, carrying over the music and loud chatter that came from the teenagers. His voice, from what I could tell, sounded like he'd rather be anywhere else then having to deal with a hundred teenagers. "Any singles? Is there anyone alone? Any individuals?" he sighed in annoyance and turned back to me. "Sorry, but I can't allow you on if there aren't any other singles, and since you're alone..."

"What?" I practically shouted. I wasn't only annoyed by the fact that I had come here alone only to receive ugly looks, but I was annoyed that I had waited in that line, received even more ugly looks, only to be told that I could no longer go on the ferris wheel. "Can't I just go on alone? I'm completely OK with -"

"Look behind ya', darl, there are hundreds of others that wanna go on the ride. One less is one more. Sorry to waste your time."

I stared up at the man in disbelief. It was completely absurd that he couldn't handle just one more teenager going on the ride - it was his job! I opened my mouth to speak, but a sad voice beat me to it.

"I'll go with her."

The man and I both looked away from each other at the same time and came face to face with a boy who looked about my age with very, very blonde hair. His eyes were so gray, and from what I was witnessing, a storm was happening inside them. He was an upset boy.