✔ SLAPSHOT ✖ irwin au

forty.

k a r r i s

✖

Living in Southern California definitely had its perks.

The weather was normally impeccable, and for the days when the sun wasn't shining, the chill was nothing short of unbearable. There was always something to do in this palm-tree world I lived in, and even when you've exhausted every landmark, hiking trail, and restaurant out here, it became less about the places and more about the people— the crazy, wild, unique people that inhabit this one-of-a-kind place. And that afternoon on the Percival Shores Pier stood to that notion— especially when I had Ashton right next to me.

The pier was bustling with locals and tourists alike who were indulging themselves with what Percival Shores had to offer. Posters of With Confidence were plastered on every window front, while fans strolled the vicinity wearing the band's merchandise. It only added to my excitement and I couldn't wait till sunset when one of my favorite bands would take the stage.

"We've got a few hours before the show," Ashton noted, glancing over at the large stage on the pier. "Are you down to go on some rides?"

"Like, those rides?" I nervously looked at the several theme park rides that surrounded us. A ferris wheel, a rollercoaster, one that spun its riders upside down were just a few apparatuses that entertained thrill seekers.

"Don't tell me your scared," Ashton smirked.

"I'm down for the ferris wheel," I eagerly suggested.

"Not a chance, babydoll," a mischievous grin creeped onto Ashton's face.

My own face fell into smooth, unamused lines, "no, Ash."

The dimpled hockey captain quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me through the horde of people on the pier. My feet scrambled around as I tried to keep up with Ashton, and not melt into a puddle because I liked the way my hand fit with his.

"This one is my favorite," Ashton announced as he slowed down his pace in front of a large set of swings that swung in circles several feet above the ground.

I scanned the ride, appropriately named 'The Stomach Scrambler', and felt everything within me turn into jello. I looked over at Ashton who only grinned excitedly, while I shook my head chaotically.

"Oh come on, you'll be fine!" He insisted.

"I'm gonna die," I squealed, shaking my head in nervousness.

"How about this: we go on the ride, and if you survive, which I'm sure you will, I'll buy you some frozen yogurt," Ashton negotiated.

I darted my eyes from Ashton, to the terrifying ride looming before me, and then back to Ashton. He pouted and laced his fingers together, and when the sun rays hit his hazel eyes with a radiating sparkle, I knew I was in deep trouble. So, I shut my eyes and attempted to not think about the many ways the ride could malfunction and kill me.

"Fine," I groaned. "I'll do it."

"You won't regret this," Ashton declared.

"Oh, it seems like I already have," I chuckled anxiously.

Ashton rolled his eyes, and proceeded to walk to the ticketing booth. He marched right up to the window where a very bored-looking boy sat. Ashton bought two ride vouchers, handing the worker cash, and before I could utter a word pulled me to the back of the line. We stood behind a group of people who looked to be our age-- one with incredibly bright red hair. The girl's long locks were a distraction of my fear, but only for a quick moment, because when my ears picked up on the shrieks wavering in the air, my eyes looked up at the monstrous ride I was about to embark on.