Tainted

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

I wandered around starstruck, as I stared at all of the alien things surrounding me. Women in bright skimpy outfits with huge feathers on their heads danced around me to the foreign music blasting from large speakers. Stalls were lined along either side of me, forming a long passageway to walk through. Everything was lit up by beautiful bright lanterns, strung up and hanging above each stall. At the end of the passageway I could see a small fairground, a Ferris wheel and some other roller coasters projecting a bright light down onto the festival. Sounds of kids laughing and people chatting filled my ears, making me smile involuntarily. The smell of hot dogs and burgers swept through, urging me to crane my neck to try and find the source of the heavenly smell.

"What do you think?" Romero's voice broke me out of my trance. I'd almost forgotten he was there.

"Wow, it's.. beautiful. I've never seen anything like this.. I'm speechless." I spoke quietly and hesitant, the words coming out slow and almost distant, distracted.

His broad shoulders relaxed at that, and he smiled down at me, his goofy grin making me blush lightly.

"I'm so glad. I wasn't sure if you'd like it. Like I don't really know what you like to do, well yet, and I wanted to make this night special and I thought of this yet-" I cut off his rambling my placing my finger to his lips and laughing.

"I love it. It's perfect." I said and removed my finger, him now smiling broadly, eyes sparkling in the bright lights.

"Do you want to get something to eat? The food here is amazing and there's so much to choose from." He asked. He always spoke so animated, like his face would light up and he was always using his hands while talking just to emphasise his point. It was hard to look away while he was speaking, he was so captivating.

"I'd love to. I'm starving." I complained, still grinning.

We walked along the food stalls until I finally chose a hot dog with onions. Romero insisted on paying for it, even though I tried everything so he wouldn't.

We walked further down the passage while we ate, us both basking in the happy atmosphere. My smile soon dropped and my so did my heart when I laid eyes on the one person I didn't want to see. I hadn't been aware I had stopped dead in my tracks until I saw Romero turn around, concern filling his features.

"Maisie? Is everything okay?" He asked me, looking me over to check.

I stared over his shoulder at the tall lean figure in the distance. He was dressed in his usual black jeans yet now he had on a blue T-shirt with matching vans. It was different, but I liked it. His tattoos were visible yet they weren't threatening, and neither were his stretchers. His face lit up suddenly, a smile gracing his features. I followed his gaze to the only person I'd ever hated. Chelsea. Anger soon bubbled inside of me and I clenched my fist. I was about to storm over there when a hand stopped me. I looked at it rested on my shoulder and reality flooded in. I closed my eyes and mentally slapped myself as I turned to Romero.

"Sorry. I.. um.. I'm sorry about that." I laughed nervously, no clue as to how I could excuse my rude behaviour.

"Don't worry. As long as your okay now?" He smiled, yet it didn't reach his eyes. I don't think I've ever felt more guilty.

I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his torso, burying my head into his chest.

"I'm fine. Thank you." I mumbled into his T-shirt.

"Okay, so what shall we do now then?" He queried.

"How about the Ferris wheel?" I suggested, not ready for any amusements or roller coasters just yet.

He nodded in agreement and we made our way to the amusement. I just hoped we wouldn't run into the dreaded couple, because I wasn't up for a fight today.