Chasing Shadows

13 Carnival

A L E C

Ella shrieked with joy as the carnival ride spun us around. She covered her face, pushing it into my shoulder. I wrapped an arm around her. The wind whipped around my face. I pressed my lips into her hair.

The ride ground to a stop. We stumbled off, arms around each other. Reagan stood waiting near the exit for us. She frowned as I kissed Ella's temple. She handed Ella her purse and me my wallet.

"You should have ridden too," Ella said.

"I get motion sickness," Reagan said. "The sound of your screams was enough of a thrill for me."

I took Ella by the hand and steered our group toward the concession stands. Ella didn't go in for deep-fried food, but I was starving and longed for some chili cheese fries. Reagan, at least, would share them with me. I left the girls to find a table among the throngs of carnival-goers, while I got us a large plate of fries.

They'd found a spot, recently vacated if the discarded bottles and plates were any indication, beneath a tree. The shade was a wonderful respite from the afternoon sun.

Sweat coated my back and I was grateful when Ella handed me a water bottle. It was ice cold and I drank deep.

"What's next?" Ella asked. "A game? Maybe head to the beach? Rent some bikes?"

Fourth of July in our town had no lack of things to do. Even with the heat, we'd been out for a few hours enjoying the festivities around town. We'd already stuffed ourselves with fudge and saltwater taffy, gone swimming, and ridden all the carnival rides. We still had hours to wait before the fireworks started.

"I may head home for a bit," Reagan said.

"You already tired, old bones?" I joked, but she didn't laugh in response.

"I just want to enjoy the AC for a little," she explained. "Let you two have some alone time."

She stared at me when she said it. Fourth of July was always a special day for us. The fudge, taffy, and carnival were our traditions. I rode all the rides and she cheered me on from the side. She won me goldfish with the games. We sat under the night sky and watched the fireworks. Bringing Ella may have been a mistake, though it didn't feel that way to me. Annoyance bloomed in my chest. Reagan had been polite and cordial, but she didn't throw herself into the festivities. Things shouldn't have changed that much just because I brought a girlfriend.

"We have plenty of 'alone' time," Ella said. "Stay. Please?"

Reagan shook her head. "Enjoy the day. I'll be back for fireworks, I promise." She stood and gave us each a quick hug goodbye. She left without helping to eat any of the fries.

After Reagan left, we decided to rent a tandem bike. Ella sighed as she fastened her helmet.

"You ok?" I asked, knocking on the plastic shell around her head.

"Do you think I'm chasing Reagan away? I want her to feel welcome with us, but she's just..." she sighed again. "She's nice, but I'm worried she doesn't like me."

I leaned in, giving Ella a little peck on the lips. "You're perfect. And Reagan does like you. It's just, the whole divorce thing." Ella knew about Reagan's parents, though Reagan and I were sparing with the details. "She wants a distraction, but when she's out with us, she's still thinking about it constantly."

Ella nodded. "Of course." She took hold of the backset of handlebars on the bike, kicking back the kickstand. "I didn't think of that. Maybe I should do a girls' day with her? Would she like to go hiking and maybe see a movie? Or maybe a spa day?"