The crowd around me erupts into clapping and cheers. Someone bumps into my elbow and I drop the cans of coke on the ground.
Oh shit.
I can’t tear my eyes away even as I watch the blade thicken and transform before my eyes. The sleek sword grows short and crude as it turns into an ax in his hands.
Fuck.
“Hi-eee-ah!” he screams, the ax chops down into the grapefruit and I stare in disbelief as the belt around the man’s head twists up into a turban. His white skin tans darker before my eyes and his little chin sprouts a salt and pepper beard.
I freeze. My throat burns dry and I can’t speak. The food truck disappears and the sand returns. I’m back at the Shura again.
He lifts the ax back up again and yells loudly, “No!” I manage, but it’s too late. I watch as the blade sinks into Thompson’s head, the blood dripping down over his lips as the pink of his brain is exposed to the air.
I force my feet to move, the asphalt reappears under my shoes as I instinctively hurdle myself to the side of a garbage can. The bile rises in my throat and I puke into the can, grasping onto the sides for support. Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I look back over my shoulder at the scene. The fruit ninja truck reappears and on the block is a watermelon cut in two. Not my corporal’s head.
People I’ve never met stare at me and judge, but I don’t care. Fuck people.
“Shit, are you ok? What happened?” Chelsea swoops up beside me.
“Yeah,” I lie. “I’m good, I uh, I guess that roller coaster did more of a number on me than I thought.” I try to sound convincing.
“Really? We should probably get Chris and Lauren and get you back to the hotel then.”
“No!” She steps back and peers up at me. “Sorry, I just don’t want to ruin such a nice day. I’m fine, I really am. I’m just not as young as I used to be, can’t take those crazy rides anymore I guess.” My voice has more conviction now. I almost believe myself. “Plus, I still want to take Lauren on the Ferris wheel. That’s where I want to propose. I swear, I’m fine, ok? Don’t tell her about this, it’ll just get her all worried again.” I plead.
Chelsea bites her lip and searches my face for the truth. “Ok,” she agrees finally. “Let’s go find them. But no more roller coasters!” she chides.
“Cross my heart,” I follow her toward the picnic tables.
I can promise that I won’t go on anymore roller coasters, but how can I promise that this will never happen again?
I can’t.
32
Lauren
“We should probably get back to the hotel,” I look at the sun sliding down in the sky, like a barometer for our energy levels after such a long day.
“Awww, but Mom, I’m not even tired,” Chris yawns as soon as he utters the words. I can’t help but laugh. He hasn’t changed since he was in diapers. Always trying to get one more story or play just one more game before his bedtime.
“Well you might not be, but I am.” I rub my hand over his short, black hair.
Mack doesn’t say anything, he looks distracted. He’s been acting kind of distant all afternoon. Ever since him and my sister went to get food. I know Chelsea wanted to talk to him about something, I just hope she didn’t get under his skin. I know my big sister has the best of intentions and that she’s fiercely protective of Chris and I, but she can come on a little strong.
“What do you think? Are you ready to get going?” I drop my voice and turn to look at Mack. He’s so handsome. The way the sun is bouncing off his blue eyes and highlighting the tiny red hairs in his beard. He looks rugged. Sexy. I might be able to get a second wind when we get back to the hotel room. Even more inspiration to get this show on the road.
“Hmmm,” he slowly shakes free from whatever thoughts are consuming him. “Go? Oh, no, I wanted to go on one more ride before we leave.” He looks over at me and then quickly over to Chelsea.
“Jeez, you’re just as bad as Chris,” I chuckle. Of course he is. Like father like son.
“No, I mean, I want to take you on the Ferris wheel before we go. Just the two of us,” his smile makes the corners of his eyes crinkle. How can I resist anything this man wants?
“Hey, bud,” Chelsea cuts in, “whaddya say you and I head back to our room and watch some tv? I’ll let ya order room service for some ice cream.” She throws her arm around my son and gives him a little squeeze.
“Really? Yeah! Ok.” Chris is easy to keep happy. I’m so happy I have my son back. The boy who is carefree and smiles easily.
“We’ll see you two at breakfast tomorrow,” Chelsea winks at me. At least I think it’s at me. I get the feeling she may have meant it for Mack.