The Boxers Daughter

Cotton Candy and Clowns

"Two tickets, please." Blair said to the man inside the ticket booth. 

The lights were bright, and the music was booming. Screams from the roller coasters and other rides echoed throughout the plot of land the whole thing was sitting on. I always loved coming here as a little girl with Pop and Ma. When I got older, though, I started coming with Blair. And then Cason joined us when we started dating. 

The carnival foods filled my senses, sending them into sugary overload. 

I inhaled deeply as we walked through the main gate, the person standing there gave us a stamp on our hands when we showed them our tickets. 

"Where to first?" I asked Blair. 

She looped her arm through mine and pulled me to the right of the gate. "Actually, there's someone here to see you."

I looked ahead and all I saw was groups of people, talking and laughing.

But then I saw Cason, standing next to a game booth that was giving out large teddy bears for prizes. He wasn't facing our way yet, so I stopped walking. 

I turned to Blair and glared. My body wanted to run up to him and hug him, but I made myself pause for a second. It's not too late. We can still leave, and I don't have to get him involved until I know what's actually happening. Coming here with Blair was bad enough.

I mean, how the hell am I supposed to explain why I've been avoiding him?!

"What the fuck, Blair?" I growled, wishing I could strangle her. But that would cause a scene.

"He calls me everyday to ask about you. He's worried, Asp. What you're doing isn't fair." 

I looked back to him and my shoulders slumped. He looked sad. His injuries looked healed for the most part, I could tell he hadn't stopped going to the gym. He looked tired, but... ready. For what, I didn't know. I didn't miss the shadow of worry covering his features. 

How could I keep this up if I at least didn't explain myself? I should've guessed he and Blair would've pulled something like this!

The lights on the booth turned his honey blonde hair into a muted green color. And I bit my lip.

"I shouldn't have come. You don't understand, Blair. You both are in danger if you're seen with me. You are one thing, but I can't protect you both by myself." I said under my breath, looking over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching us. 

With the giant crowds of people, and the loud sounds all around, it would be almost impossible to tell. 

She put a hand on her hip and stared me down. "I don't 'understand'," she used air quotations with her fingers. "Because you won't explain anything to me. If you don't want to tell me what's going on, then I will pretend there is nothing going on. We go to this fair every year, Aspen. And I am not gonna let your paranoia of your families business get in the way of our tradition!" She exclaimed. 

I swallowed. Blair got... emotional, when things changed too fast. She wasn't in control of the situation, and it made her feel helpless. I can relate to her.

"B-"

"Cason!" She called out. 

"No!" I hissed, reaching out to clamp my hand over her mouth.

But Cason had heard her, and he turned towards us. I dropped my hand and tried to act natural. 

When he saw me his face looked caught between relief, and weariness. He walked over to us, looking me over like he hasn't seen me in forever. Which he kinda hasn't.