The Summer Escape

Chapter 3

Allison was hesitant about returning to The Great Escape the next day. She really wanted to see Max again, but she also didn't. She couldn't cope with the fact that her IQ dropped to about -32 when she was around him, and she wasn't used to falling for boys like that. She had no idea what she would do if she saw him that day, she was unpredictable. Hallie, on the other hand was really looking forward to going to the park that day. She really wanted to go on The Iron Giant, the most humongous ride in the park. Standing even 100 feet away from the ride, you could hear people screaming from the top. It sounded exhilirating, and today would be the day she would ride the ride... Maybe.

Upon arriving at the park, Allison coaxed Hallie into going on yet another baby ride. The ride consisted of sitting in a hot air balloon basket that spun in circles throughout the air, not the absolute worst ride in the park, but far from being the best. The real reason the Allison wanted to go on the ride was that the ride gave her a perfect view of Max, docking swan boat after swan boat, his muscles glistening under the warm sun.

Once they got to the ride, Hallie didn't really mind going on anymore. Operating the ride, was a blonde, tousled-haired boy with the biggest blue eyes she had ever seen. Since when were amusement park workers so CUTE?! His nametag said Connor. Cute name for a cute boy, Hallie thought. She was the type that was quick to take a liking to a boy. As he walked around the ride, checking everyone's safety restraints, Hallie watched as he made a point to ask every rider how they were that day. How sweet! As he walked up to Hallie and Allison, he smiled, making his blue eyes sparkle a little bit brighter than they already were. Making eye contact with Hallie, he asked, "How's your day going, ladies?" "Great," Allison answered, drawing Connor's attention away from Hallie. Typical, Hallie thought. "Well that's great," Connor said as he walked away, glancing quickly back at Hallie. Hallie for once was thankful for her friend's caution about going on larger rides.

Spinning round and round through the air, everytime Hallie and Allison's balloon passed the ride operator's booth, Hallie noticed that Connor was looking at her. She put her arms in the air and leaned her head back, letting the wind rush through her sun-kissed blonde hair. Does he like me? Hallie wondered. Most boys gave Allison the attention, but Hallie could feel Connor's gaze as she floated through the air. Could this be the summer I get a boyfriend?

Hallie hadn't had much luck with boys, most didn't like her carefree, kind of obnoxious attitude or her unmistakeable, loud laugh. Just that school year, she had met a boy named Austin, who was two grades ahead of her, but so nice and adorable. She thought that he had taken a liking to her, too, so on the last day of school she had gotten the courage to give him her phone number. She had gone nuts waiting for him to text her, because he said he would. But she had become heartbroken after it had been two weeks and she hadn't heard a thing from him. All of a sudden, she wasn't thinking about Austin anymore. In fact, Austin was far from her thoughts.

The ride came to a halt, and the girls exited their "balloon basket." As they were walking towards the exit, someone tapped Hallie on her shoulder. Hallie turned around to see Connor standing in front of her, she was gobsmacked. "Hey I go on break in an hour, do you think you could meet me by the carousel? There's something I want to ask you." Cameron said, admiring Hallie's emerald green eyes and the freckles scattered across her nose and under her eyes. Hallie turned to Allison, her cheeks pink. Allison smiled and nodded yes. "Sure," Hallie answered with a cute smirk. This was not what she expected to happen today.

Once Hallie and Allison were out of Connor's sight, they raced all the way to the pavillion area where people ate lunches under shady umbrellas at cute little picnic tables. The girls sat down, and Hallie couldn't contain her excitement anymore. "OMG!" Hallie shreiked, "What just happened?!" "A cute boy just asked you to meet him in an hour," Allison exclaimed, excited for her friend "and I think that you should be thinking about what's going to happen when you meet him at the carousel!" What is going to happen?! Hallie wondered. She was too excited to function properly. This summer is going to be the greatest!

Fifty-five minutes later, Hallie and Allison were waiting in anticipation in front of the park's giant carousel. Hallie was watching the little kids ride up, down, round and around on the decorated horses, when Allison nudged her in the side. "Look!" Allison whispered. Hallie looked up, and walking towards her was Connor, with a cute, sideways smile plastered on his face. Hallie couldn't help but blush. He was really cute. "Hey," Connor said, his eyes were gleaming, "I wanted to ask you if you and your friend wanted to come to a party after work. All of the employees stay and ride the rides, and there's free food. I was wondering if you'd be my... date." He explained shyly, his cheeks turning pink. "Absolutely." Hallie answered, after pretending to contemplate her answer, even though she knew exactly what she would say. "Great." Connor said, excited by Hallie's answer. "I'll meet you ladies back here at seven. The party ends at ten. And, um.. do you think I could have your name?" Hallie giggled, "It's Hallie, and this is my friend Allison." She gestured to Allison. "Nice to meet you Hallie," Connor smiled that cute sideways smile, "You too, Allison. In fact, I think I have a friend that would enjoy meeting you, mind if he comes along?" "Not at all." said Allison coolly, secretly wishing that she could go to the party with Max, or that he'd even be there. The way this summer was going so far, something good was bound to happen, so Allison didn't even have a care.