Most of the Time

Chapter 4

We arrived at six flags anxious for a thrill and me ready for a distraction. Even though according to Lily I should be using this time to get close with Justin, I'm more focused on having fun or at least watching people have it.

David knew a guy, so we all got in for free. We began our adventure by going to Lily's favorite ride which happens to involve water. I can't get my wound dressings wet so I hang back.

"The first and last water ride okay?" Lily assures me then runs in line with the others

I sit at a nearby bench, observing the view of a part of a world I have never seen when I spot Justin walking in my direction.

"I'm not a fan of water rides either" Justin says sitting down next to me. "It's going to take them forever before they get to the front of the line. Let's ditch them."

"You're right" I say getting up "So what should we do first."

"I know the perfect area for you" Justin says with an excited grin

Justin and I walk side by side to the mystery location when we stop in front of a sign that says kid zone.

"I know you're joking" I say laughing uncontrollably

"I know I don't know much about your whole situation yet", he emphasizes, but I'm sure these kid friendly rides are safe right?

"Yea, right" I say unable to put away my smile

"Come on" he says grabbing my hand

We rode all the rides with minimal lines and even less thrill, but I was as happy as I could possibly be. I couldn't help realizing that I couldn't remember Justin ever being this thoughtful in high school. We joked around and teased each other but I was sure he didn't think of me more than a friend. I ignored those thoughts and continued being as happy as ever. I could feel the vibrations of my phone ringing, it's probably Lily. I ignored them; she would want me to.

We ended on the carousel. We both chose horses, going round and round. A smile never left my face. We took a break on a bench. I checked my phone, seeing thirteen missed calls from both Lily and my mom. I quickly text my mom; still alive, I'll be home tonight. Lily can wait.

"You know I've never seen a smile stay on your face for more than like five minutes until today" Justin says

"Really wow" I say as sarcastically as I possibly can. "I only smile for a reason and everyone who doesn't is weird.

"Wow what a good excuse" Justin says equally as sarcastic. "So, are you saying that I make you smile for long periods of time?" "Am I your reason Em." He says leaning closer into my face, trying to spite me.

"No, you said that not me"

"It's okay, you don't have to admit it now. But I will say, because I'm not scared unlike you. I'm honored to be someone that makes you smile." He says somehow smug, confident, and sweet all at the same time.

I put some distance between us saying "We should get back to the group"

I text Lily to see where she is. We find them looking worse than how we left them, all circling a trash can

"Why do yall look so bad?" Justin asks with his southern accent that seemingly comes and goes

"We all threw up" Trevor says

"I thought I was the sick one" I add

"These rides are no joke" David says right before puking out more of his stomach

"I blame the heat" Lily says, "It's 98 degrees!"

"How are you guys still standing" Hannah asks

"We went to a special part of the park" I say smiling at the ground

"Much less harsh" Justin adds with a quick laugh

"At least you guys had fun. We should start heading out. I have to get this little one to bed "Lily says, walking over to me, locking arms. "Tell me everything" she whispers

I didn't want this trip to end, but I knew it had to. I was so tired I could barely stand. I'm not supposed to be walking as much as I have been and now more than ever, I see why. I have avoided home for as long as I could, but my mom needed to see my face and I hers.

I feel asleep in the car and woke up to Lilly kicking my seat to tell me that we made it to my house.

"Do you need a hand?" Justin asks me

"Yea actually" I answer 

He gets out first and lends his hand for me to follow. We lock arms and walk up to the front door.

"This is embarrassing" I admit

"Don't worry, I get it. That's why we went to the special part of the park remember" Justin smirkingly reminds me 

I fumble for my keys and head inside.