Thursday - 10/7
FAIRGROUNDS
Salem Fairgrounds had been set up with games, rides and vendors for Fall Fest. Among others, Allie and Manny had just gotten there. After exchanging some money for tickets, they walked around.
MANNY: Whoa! This looks awesome!
ALLIE: Yeah, it should be fun! Sydney and her friend went last year, and they had a great time!
MANNY: Cool. What do you wanna try first?
ALLIE: I don’t know, really. It all looks so cool! What about you?
MANNY: Well, that sign says there’s games down that way.
Manny pointed to a long row of games.
ALLIE: Cool. Let’s go!
The girls walked down the aisle. They stopped at a skee ball station.
ALLIE: This looks fun.
MANNY: Totally! Let’s do it!
Each took turns throwing balls. They were doing well, until one of Allie’s balls ricocheted off a cup and rolled backwards.
ALLIE: Oops.
Allie ran after the ball, but found that it had already been picked up by Charlie, who had been at a nearby game. He gently tossed her the ball. Manny followed close behind.
ALLIE: Thanks.
CHARLIE: No problem. You ladies enjoying the festival so far?
ALLIE: So far. We only just got here.
MANNY: You look really familiar. Do we have a class together or something?
CHARLIE: World History.
MANNY: Right, that’s what I thought.
CHARLIE: But, where are my manners? I’m Charlie Dale.
MANNY: Manny Morales. This is my bff, Allie.
ALLIE: Hey.
Charlie shook their hands.
CHARLIE: Nice to meet you both, properly. I hope you both enjoy your evening.
ALLIE: Thanks. You too.
Charlie politely nodded, and watched as the girls left. They finished their game, and a bunch of tickets came out of the machine.
ALLIE: Manny, you won!
MANNY: We won, chica. We both played.
ALLIE: Yeah, but you threw the winning ball.
MANNY: We’re a team. So, we’ll split the tickets, okay?
ALLIE: Sure, that sounds good.
Manny looked over her shoulder for a moment.
ALLIE: Everything okay?
MANNY: Yeah, totally.
ALLIE: Well, clearly it’s not. Come on, Mandella, it’s me. We tell each other everything. What’s going on?
Manny sighed.
MANNY: I don’t know about that Charlie guy.
ALLIE: What do you mean?
MANNY: Not sure how to describe it, really. He kinda gives me a bad feeling.
ALLIE: He seems okay to me. A little awkward, maybe, but not bad.
Manny shrugged.
MANNY: Maybe I’m just being paranoid.
ALLIE: Hey, if you really are getting a bad feeling about him, I trust you.
MANNY: Honestly, chica, I don’t know what it is. Something just felt off.
She shook her head.
MANNY: Anyway, we’re here to have fun, so let’s not waste any more time thinking about him.
ALLIE: Sounds good. But, you have a class with him, so if he still gives you a bad feeling…
MANNY: I’ll let you know.
ALLIE: Good. Now, like you said, let’s have fun.
Sydney and Silver were just getting off of the bumper cars.
SILVER: That was awesome!
SYDNEY: I know, right? So much fun!
SILVER: Do you wanna get some food? From what I remember, the pizza they had last year was really good. At least, the first time around.
She chuckled slightly.
SYDNEY: Sure, food sounds good.
They made their way to the food stalls, and on the way ran into Johnny and Meadow West.
WEST: Hey guys.
SILVER: Hi, Meadow.
SYDNEY: How long have you guys been here?
JOHNNY: A little while. I left to pick Meadow here up shortly after Mom left with you guys.
SYDNEY: Gotcha.
SILVER: We just came from some of the rides.
WEST: That’s cool, we are on our way there.
SYDNEY: Awesome!
JOHNNY: Well, you two have fun.
SILVER: You too.
Sydney and Silver walked towards the food, while Johnny and West walked towards the rides.
JOHNNY: They seem to be back to being glued to each other’s side.
WEST: Yeah, it’s good to see. I thought it might be kind of awkward for them at first, but they look like they’re in a good place.
JOHNNY: Yeah. I’m guessing your sister still has feelings for mine?
WEST: Not sure, really. I know she did at the beginning of the summer, but she hasn’t mentioned it lately. Then again, I’ve been living in the dorms, so it’s not like I see her everyday anymore.
JOHNNY: Very true.
WEST: Now, let’s see some of these rides.
JOHNNY: This way, m’lady.
A little while later, Joey, Alanis, Maddox and Peyton arrived.
PEYTON: Whoa! This is awesome!
ALANIS: Yeah, when Salem has an event, they go all out. Just wait until the Halloween party at the hospital later this month.
PEYTON: That sounds exciting! So, where should we start?
JOEY: Wherever you guys want to. There’s food, there’s games, there’s rides, all kinds of stuff.
ALANIS: Do you think they have that hayride this year?
JOEY: Man, I hope so! That was so cool last year!
MADDOX: Sounds awesome! Let’s do it!
They exchanged money for tickets, then got in line for the hayride. Allie and Manny were in line just in front of them.
MADDOX: Hey guys.
ALLIE: Hey, Mads, Joey. Alanis!
Allie and Alanis hugged.
ALANIS: Hey, kid. How are you?
ALLIE: I’m good. I love college so far!
ALANIS: That’s good! We should find some time to hang out and catch up soon.
ALLIE: I’d love that!
JOEY: How’re you doing, Manny?
MANNY: Good thanks.
They introduced Peyton to the two younger girls, and were soon joined by Johnny and West.
JOHNNY: Surprised to see you in line for this, Allie.
Allie shrugged.
ALLIE: I thought I’d give it a shot.
WEST: Us, too. It sounds fun.
The tractor and cart pulled up, and people began getting off. Among them were Sydney and Silver.
SYDNEY: That was so cool!
SILVER: I know! I loved it!
ALLIE: Hey, Syd.
SYDNEY: Hi.
WEST: How was the ride?
SILVER: It was awesome! You guys are gonna have a great time!
JOEY: It sounds great! Come on, guys. Let’s get our seats.
The group climbed up onto the cart and found hay bales to sit on. After everyone got on, the tractor started up, and the ride began.