𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒕

Chapter 2

Lise sat in the passenger's side of her father's car as he drove. It was sunny outside; the sky growing darker and darker as time passed. Lise's father was about to drop her off to the festival. Although he worried about her safety, she had let her attend the carnival with her friends, and Malik. Though, he didn't like that guy Malik. He said he was a good-for-nothing and his older brothers were as well. Lise's father didn't like the dangerous lifestyle Malik's brothers were living and was afraid Malik would put it on Lise.

Meanwhile, in Lise's head, she could not keep calm, as she was very excited to go on the rides with her friends and finally see EZ Tee. How Juan would have so much fun riding children's rides and how Jazzy and her would laugh and scream on their favourite ride, 'The Twister'.

"Make sure to always stick with your friend, Jazzy, okay? No wandering off by yourself." Lise's father warned.

"Yeah, I know."

"No talking to strangers," James said, with a serious look on his face.

"Yeah, I know."

"No going off to somewhere you shouldn't be, alright?"

"Dad, I know. I won't wander off or talk to strangers."

"Okay, Lise. Make sure to call me every half hour." James said parking, arriving at the fair. 

"Love you," he said, kissing Lise on the cheek. "Stay safe." 

"See you later!"

Lise hopped out the car as James drove away, going to work, Lise assumed. She stood at the entrance of the fair, staring at the rides with lights on them, shining bright in contrast to the sky that was growing darker as people walked in and out of the large park, where the fair was held.

She awaited for Jazzy and Juan's arrival right outside the park. Kids were holding ice cream cones and parents smiled as they held hands with their children. Jazzy wished for that. When Uncle Manny was here, she would do fun things with him, such as going to the basketball court or going to a fair like this one. Now, she didn't have any family to spend time with. Jazzy just wished she could spend more time with her dad.

Jazzy spotted out of the group of people heading to the park was Malik. She wondered why out of him and her friends he had to come first.

"Ay!" Malik greeted, walking towards the girl, with one of his hands raised in the air, waiting for her to give him a high five.

Lise stared at him, crossing her arms.

"Okay, no high five."

"Yep."

They stood in silence. For some reason Lise didn't want to talk to Malik. She didn't feel like it. Maybe it was weird for her to see him outside the basketball court and school. Malik awkwardly played with his hands and decided to speak. 

"So, um-"

"Hey, girl!" Jazzy called out, approaching Lise and Malik. She wore her hair in a straightened, slick ponytail. Her Nikes were admired by Lise, who wanted one of those for herself. Once, Jazzy offered Lise shoes she could borrow, but she refused because she knew Jazzy loved her sneakers and didn't want to take them away from her.

"Hi, Jazzy!" Lise chirped as they hugged. 

"I'm so excited!" Jazzy jumped. "Where's Juan?"

"He's not here yet." Malik responded, checking his watch on his wrist.

"Well he better hurry up. He's late." Jazzy complained.

"Well, you're late, too," Malik rolled his eyes. "Who are you to talk?"