Evangeline Lawrence has a secret. A big secret. One involving her birthday, the player, August Griffin, who's (almost) like a brother to her, and a kiss the night before he ran away. No one else knows about it, aside from August, of course, and Evan...
"And time is up! You win, young lady. Pick any prize bellow 50 points."
"Thank you!" I tell the man at the Balloon & Dart station. "I want the pink panda bear please."
He takes it down and hands it to me. I toss it to August, who looks at it like it's the most amazing, beautiful gem in the world.
"I told you I could get it for you."
"That you did," he replies, still studying the plushie.
"Now you have to get me that narwhal." He chuckles and slaps a few buck down on the counter.
"Wish me luck." I laugh and give him a peck on the cheek.
"You're going to need it."
"Hey! Have more faith in my dart skills, Ann."
"What dart skill?" He makes a face, but can't retort because the man announces the timer has started.
August becomes so intensely fixed on the game that he doesn't notice me studying him. I take in his face and try to lock it down in my memory lest this ever ends. My heart aches at that thought, but I keep it in my head. I love August with everything I have, but I know him well enough to understand that he isn't always stable. If I had to change anything about him, that would be it. But maybe the fact that he could leave makes every second with him a treasure. Maybe part of me likes the uncertainty of us because it keeps me loving him like the world will end.
"Got it!" He plops the narwhal into my surprised hands. I must have spaced out.
"Did you bribe the guy?" I ask suspiciously.
"No."
"Then how? These games are rigged so that you can't get the best prizes."
"Well, obviously this means that the narwhal is not the best prize."
"Don't offend Mr. Narwhal."
"It's a male?" I nod. "If I had know that, I wouldn't have gotten you it."
"Are you worried I'll cheat with Mr. Narwhal? Because if you're not, you should be." He gasps as I kiss my narwhal, but the whole thing is ruined because I can't stop laughing.
"Now you have to give me one."
"Catch me first, Augie." I take off running. About a minute later a strong pair of arms wrap themselves around me. I giggle and laugh and try hopelessly to tear myself away. He doesn't let go and eventually I give up fighting.
"Now can I have that kiss?"
"Nope. No more kisses today," I chirp.
"I don't like this rule."
"Too bad."
"Why no more kisses for Augie?" he pouts like a toddler.
"Because Augie cheated on Ann with his pink panda bear."
"He did?"
"Yes, he did."
"Are you sure you aren't drunk?"
"I'm not drunk, idiot." I lightly punch his arm. "I'm just happy. You know, it's the thing you should be more often."
"I am happy, I just want my kiss."
"You're not going to get it, so deal."
"I don't want to deal."
"Well-oh my God! Yes!" I start squealing, hitting his arm, and jumping up and down. People all around are staring at me.
"What is it this time?"
"Look, look, look, look!"
"At what?!"
"Ben and Tristan, dummy!"
"What about them?"
"They're holding hands! It must be going well."
"You're crazy, but I still love you."
"You better."
...
The sun has just set and the first stars cover the darkening sky. Lights from carnival rides and booths are reflected by the water. Fireflies zoom around the tall grasses littering the edge of the beach. All around us, the air hums with music.
"Please?"
"I can't dance."
"You're an actor, of course you can dance. You just don't want to because I can't."
"You have to agree that my point is valid. The last time we danced, you ended up spraining your ankle."
"Oh, please. I was thirteen and needed a date to some stupid school event. And, if I remember correctly, you danced with me only once and spent the rest of the time flirting with other girls."
"Were you jealous?"
"You were my date."
"And the other girl wished I was their date."
"We're getting off topic."
"Fine, we can dance," he relents. "But you have to let me take the lead and instruct you."
"As long as you dance at least two songs with me. I want to break our old record."
"Okay, okay. Lets start. Place your arms around my neck. No! Not like you are strangling me. That's better."
He starts to teach me a dance, complaining good-naturally the whole time about my lack of skill. It's not really anything that's ever existed, but more of a combination of a slow dance, waltz, tango, and salsa. He spins me and twirls me and laughs. I'm pretty sure it looks very strange to anyone watching, especially because it isn't in time to the music whatsoever, but to me, it's the most amazing thing in the world.
In fairy tales there is often talk of magic. Cinderella got a carriage from a pumpkin. Belle changed her beast into a prince. Snow White talked to animals. But, to be honest, those authors didn't have a clue what they were talking about. Magic isn't from a wand, it isn't changing someone, and it isn't going to make you talk to wildlife. Magic is this. Magic is love. Magic is us.
...
"Stay with me, August." I murmur. It's past midnight and I'm collapsed on my bed. August is by the door.
"Don't you think your parents won't-"
"Do you really want to sleep in the same room as Ben? He snores."
"So do you."
"Not as loudly as Ben. Besides, I want you to stay."
"Fine." That took less pleading than expected. He walks back to my queen-sized bed and pulls the cover over us both. I sigh and cuddle into his bare chest.
"Night, August."
"Goodnight, my queen." He kisses my hair and wraps his arms around me. I want this every night.
"I love you."
"I love you, too," he replies, and I know that whatever happens tomorrow morning, I'll be ready to greet it with an open heart.
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