by C. A. Kunz
Trying not to smile at her daughter’s witty comments Rachel looked pointedly at her. “I know I go overboard sometimes, but there are truly evil people out there. And you need to be careful. Humor your mother okay. It’s my job to keep you safe. Oh, and I haven’t told you to not pick your nose in public for years now,” she said, finally allowing herself to smile.
“I promise,” Cat whispered in her ear, giving her a big hug and then moved toward the foyer.
“Mom give you the 5th degree?” Taylor asked.
“Yeah, but it’s okay, that’s how she is, you know that,” Cat said reaching for the front door handle.
“Have fun!” Sam yelled from the kitchen. He chuckled as he heard their quick response, “We will!”
Flinging open the door, Cat barely stopped herself from running into Julie who was poised to ring the doorbell. Without a word, she grabbed a hold of Julie’s hand and rushed her to the car.
“Bye Mr. and Mrs. Colvin,” she yelled over her shoulder as a laughing Cat pushed her into the back seat and jumped in after her.
Turning on his dome light, Taylor leaned over the seat and glared at the pair. “I’ll not be in charge of you tonight. I’m only transportation. You screw up and you’ll have the parents to deal with. ‘Cuz when we get there, you’re on your own. Understand?”
“Yeah, we understand. It’s not like we’re two. We can take care of ourselves you know!” Cat replied, rolling her eyes.
Why can’t the parents see that? Then maybe I could get her out of my hair, he thought as he started the car.
Approaching the carnival, the view was truly magical. Bright colorful lights danced against the night sky. Scrambling out of the car Cat and Julie were immediately hit with the delicious smells of kettle corn, roasted peanuts and corndogs. A mixture of noises filled the air. People laughing, screaming, the carnies enticing guests to partake in their games of chance, and the sound of the roller coaster groaning as a car full of people went by. Wonderful chaos, Cat thought.
Leaving Taylor behind, they made their way to the entrance. Spying their other friends, they made a beeline to them. “Oh my gosh! All these years we’ve been going to the carnival, I’ve just now realized that this is where I belong. I feel so at home here,” Amanda said dramatically, putting her hand over her heart and a serious look on her face. The group all rolled their eyes at her.
“Is this your new phase, do you feel you’re a carney now?” Cat asked, putting her arm around her as everyone laughed.
“You guys just don’t understand the complex nature that is me. I’m looking for my true roots. Unlike you all who don’t take the time to find yours,” she replied with a huff.
“I’m only kidding silly. Lighten up. Let’s go have some fun!” Cat turned around and led the way to the ticket counter. Each wearing a wrist band, they joined the sea of people moving through the entrance. It was surprisingly a nice night, with no rain in sight and a cool breeze flowing over them. Cat could feel the pulse of the carnival, almost as if it were a living, breathing entity, whose sole purpose was to delight all who entered.
“We need to go on that one!” Amanda yelled, pointing at the Hurler. Cat and Julie looked at each other and dramatically shook their heads no.
“I’ll go on it with you Amanda!” Matt exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.
“Great! At least someone’s brave enough to go on it with me…Elle, what about you?
“I don’t want to go on it!” Elle whined, moving out of Amanda’s reach. “I’ve got to pee!” she squeaked, pointing away from the group.
“You’re not getting away that easy, missy!” Amanda said grabbing her arm as Matt grabbed the other.
“We’ll meet you at the house of mirrors in about an hour. Let’s go!” she declared, as they frog marched Elle toward the ride.
“We should’ve saved her from them,” Julie remarked, linking arms with Cat.
“She’ll be alright. You know Elle, once she gets on a ride she’s fine and then she’ll go on everything. Let’s go and explore,” Cat said dragging Julie down a row of midway games.
“Wanna play?” Cat asked scanning the midway booths from right to left.
“Now Cat, you know that they’re a waste of time and money. We’ve never won anything anyway.” Hearing the music of the carousel, Julie’s eyes grew wide with excitement. “Ooh, let’s go on the merry-go-round instead!”
Cat groaned. “Really Julie, the carousel? Okay, one ride and that’s it.” They each climbed up on a brightly painted animal after showing their wristbands to the ride attendant.
The ride seemed endless, but Cat knew Julie loved it and she didn’t want to ruin her fun. As the carousel began to slow down, Cat shivered, suddenly chilled, as if she had entered a walk-in freezer. Feeling like she was being watched, Cat quickly scanned the crowd. Her gaze fell upon a lone figure. The lights from the cotton candy vendor partially illuminated its face. After a few seconds, she caught another glimpse of the figure. She noticed a clump of curly bright red hairs protruding from the hood of its cloak, framing its pale face. Who wears a cloak? What? Are we like in the 18th century or something? She thought. Though its eyes were not visible, she was sure the person was staring at her. As the ride came to a complete stop, Cat spun around, trying to find the person again, but they were gone. Who was that? Whoever it was they were uber creepy!
“Want to ride again, little ladies?” the ride attendant asked, interrupting Cat’s thoughts.
“No thanks,” Cat replied hurriedly. “Come on Julie, we’ve got lots to do,” she said, pulling Julie off the ride.
“Cat!” Julie whined. “What’s your hurry?”
“Did you see that person in the hooded cloak standing over by the cotton candy?”
“Who wears a cloak to a carnival? Did you by any chance see his little rabbit too?” she asked giggling.
“Never mind,” Cat huffed.
“Hey Cat! Julie! Over here!” Turning, they saw an attractive girl with long strawberry blonde hair pushing through the crowd and grabbing them both in a hug.
“I knew you’d be here! Didn’t I tell you Bonnie? I told you!” Bonnie nodded in agreement.
“Linda! Bonnie! We’ve missed you guys so much, haven’t we Julie? Who else did you come with? And why aren’t you waiting for the carnival to come to Madison? If I knew you were coming we could’ve made plans,” Cat rambled on, hugging both of them back.
“We didn’t know until about an hour ago. My brother’s picking up his girlfriend here. And we just came along for the ride. And there he is. I wish we could hang out with you guys, but let’s do a rain check. I want to know about your new school and everything. Oh no, he has that look,” Linda said, quickly hugging Cat and Julie goodbye as she saw her brother frantically waving at them. “I’ve got to run but you guys call me, ok? Soon! Promise?” Linda groaned at her brother’s shrill whistle at her. “Patience is not one of his strong suits. Please call me! Love you guys!”
“Us too!” Cat and Julie called in unison as they watched their friends from their old school disappear into the crowd.
“What a surprise. I feel bad I haven’t called her since we saw her on the Fourth of July. We really need to keep in touch.”
“Yeah, we do,” Julie agreed.
“Well I guess we’ve still got some time to kill,” Cat said, looking around for more things to do.
“I think we should just go and wait at the house of mirrors until the others meet up with us,” Julie said in a motherly tone.
“Oh Julie, stop being such a grandma. We’re here to have fun! And that’s exactly what we’re going to do!” Cat declared as her gaze fixed on an old fashioned looking gypsy tent. A huge gaudy sign hung on the front:
Madame Nadja
Tarot Card, Crystal Ball and Palm Readings
Past, Present, and Future
“Look Julie! A fortune teller! I’ve always wanted my fortune told. Remember? But my parents never let me! Let’s do it!” she exclaim
ed, barely able to contain her excitement.
“There’s a reason why your parents didn’t want you to do that. It’s a big scam and a lot worse than some of those midway games,” she lectured.
“I’m going to do it. Don’t be such an old lady Julie, and come with me.”
“No, I’ll wait outside for the group. Oh, and by the way I just want to go on record and say, I think this is a silly idea and a waste of time.”
Cat simply laughed. “Suit yourself.”
Pulling back the thick red, velvet curtains, Cat entered the tent. The inside was dimly lit and very warm. She could barely make out a table and chairs sitting in the middle of the space. The outside noise, she noticed, had faded away. “Come in my child,” a voice sounded from the back of the tent. She watched as a petite woman made her way to the table and sat down. “Have a seat across from me dear.” Pulling out the chair the lady pointed to, Cat sat down. On the table was a deck of large ornate cards. The first card had strange drawings on it. Cat had seen Tarot cards in Amanda’s mom’s shop before, so she knew what she was looking at. The only other item on the table was the largest crystal ball she had ever seen.
She really looks the part, Cat thought while looking at the woman opposite her. Tied around her head was a brightly colored scarf. Large gold hoop earrings swung back and forth on her earlobes as if a breeze was blowing through them. A knitted black shawl rested on her shoulders over a white blouse. Looking at her face, Cat was surprised she looked so young. But she’s not that young. Now where did that idea come from? Cat wondered.
“You were expecting someone ancient?” Madame Nadja chuckled. “You’re right child. I’m not as young as I look.” How did she read my mind? Julie’s wrong, this is gonna be great.
“Now, what kind of reading would you like me dear?” “I don’t know. You decide,” Cat replied with a shrug. “Tarot first it is then.” Shuffling the deck, Madame Nadja placed the cards in front of Cat, fanning them out. “Now, pick 3 cards. I do my readings a little different from others. The first card you pick is your past. The second is your present. And the third is your future. Cat hesitantly ran her hand across the deck of cards and drew her first one. “Okay let’s see,” Madame Nadja said, focusing on the card. “Ah yes, a great tragedy happened in your past, but wait I sense you’ve no knowledge of this…odd. Obviously you are happy now…well let’s move on. Cat scanned the deck of cards, carefully planning her next draw. Turning the second card over, “Oh my, child you must be careful of those you meet. Your friends are your true allies, but others are hiding truth from you. I see others that…well let’s look at the third one.” Drawing the third card, Cat turned it over and watched as Madame Nadja’s eyes grew wide. Cat squinted trying to see the card. She saw a person in a full suit of armor riding a horse, whose face resembled a skull. Moving closer she saw the word DEATH at the bottom of the card. Looking from side to side Madame Nadja cleared her throat. Avoiding Cat’s stare she put the cards back in the deck. “Well, I see a bright future for you, yes a real bright future. I’m sorry sweetie, but I seem to have developed a headache. Eyestrain you know. I hope you’ re happy with your reading and have a wonderful night at the carnival.” And with that, much to Cat’s surprise, Madame Nadja stood abruptly and hurried out of the tent. What was that all about? I think she was lying to me. She looked scared. She did, I know she did, Cat thought to herself.
“Cat, you in there?” Julie whispered, her face poking through the tent’s opening. “Is that woman alright? She left in a hurry, muttering something about the cards are never wrong. You okay Cat?” Cat rose from her chair and forced a smile.
“Of course I’m alright, she had a headache and I guess she went in search of aspirin. Migraine I think she said. You were right Julie, as usual. Are you sure you’re only 15? You seem to have the wisdom of an old person.”
Julie started laughing. “Cat if I had a dollar for every time you’ve said that, I’d be rich,” she replied grabbing ahold of Cat’s hand, pulling her outside the tent.
“I still don’t see them anywhere”, Julie said looking around for the others.
“Well I know what I’m in the mood for,” Cat said, eyeing the huge ferris wheel. “Why don’t we go on that?”
“Okay,” Julie replied with a sigh.
The line for the ferris wheel was at a crawl. Cat stood silent, mulling over what Madame Nadja had said. I know I saw the death card. And I know it’s definitely not a good sign, like she told me it was. Cat felt Julie staring. “What?” she asked.
“Are you still hung up on wasting five bucks on that reading? Come on Cat, it’s not the end of the world!” she joked.
If only you knew Julie. “No I wasn’t thinking about that,” she replied. “I was just thinking how we need to spend more time with Linda.”
“Oh, I agree. Maybe we should plan something for next weekend then?” Julie asked smiling. Cat nodded, glad that she succeeded in changing the subject.
Slowly moving up the line, Cat noticed Julie starting to fidget. “Cat, I’m sorry but I’ve got to pull an Elle. I can’t hold it. I’ll hurry, I promise. If our turn comes, get on. I know how much you like this ride.” As cat was about to reply, “no buts. Get on, if I don’t get back in time okay.”
“I’ll go on with her if you don’t make it back,” a soft voice said behind them. They turned and saw Hannah smiling widely.
“That settles it. I don’t feel so bad going now. Thanks Hannah, see you in a little bit,” Julie said scurrying off.
“I really don’t think Julie likes rides, or heights for that matter. She was just going on with me because she knows I like this one. To be honest, I think Julie would rather be home studying or in a library, than here,” Cat explained.
“Where are the others? Is Matt here?” Hannah asked shyly.
“They went on the serious rides dragging Elle with them,” Cat replied.
Hearing people whisper behind them, Cat turned and noticed everyone in line looking to the right. Following their line of vision, she saw Isaac and his group walking through the crowd, the sea of people parting, making way for them. “Ugh, why is everyone so in awe of him? It’s ridiculous. He’s such an ass! Why can’t anyone see that? Sorry Hannah I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”
“It’s okay. I feel the same way most of the time,” she replied. Turning back around, Cat realized they were next in line and moved forward. The man with the name tag that read Frank yelled, “Next!” They showed their bracelets and Cat climbed into the car first.
“You’re not going on with her!” Isaac growled, dragging a struggling Hannah away from the ride.
“Why don’t you let her decide for herself Isaac? Stop bullying her!” Cat’s eyes blazed with anger. Isaac stopped and turned. A gasp went up from the crowd standing around them.
“Okay, hurry up! I don’t care who rides but you’re holding up the line. So either stay in or get out,” Frank said looking pointedly at Cat and Isaac.
Out of the corner of her eye, Cat saw Ryan jump up on the platform, show his bracelet and plop down on the seat beside her. Frank pulled the bar down and the wheel moved forward to allow the next passengers to get on. Cat watched Hannah push away from Isaac and storm off. He looked up and glared at her and then turned abruptly heading after his sister.
“Your friend doesn’t like me much,” Cat stated crossing her arms over her chest to ward off a sudden chill.
“Don’t feel bad, he doesn’t like most people,” Ryan replied turning to look at her. Cat stared straight ahead. He leaned back and watched as she ignored him.
What the hell am I doing? I hate heights! He thought to himself as the ride began to move higher.
“Are you okay?” she asked with concern, noticing him fidgeting nervously.
“Yeah,” Ryan uttered quickly, trying not to look down.
Damn, now she thinks I’m weird! Alright, get a hold of yourself Beckford, you’re not…that…high up, he thought trying to calm himself. He look
ed at Cat and a warm feeling came over him. His fear began to subside. There’s something about this girl that just draws me in. She passes by me at school without even a glance. But for some reason I’m always aware of when she’s around. I mean I know her schedule already, isn’t that a little creepy? He laughed to himself. Cat looked over and saw a goofy smile plastered on his face and wondered what he was thinking about. Ryan quickly turned away, realizing she caught him staring at her. Looking over the edge and noticing how high up they were, he immediately stared straight down and moaned, clutching the lap bar tightly.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked trying to make eye contact with him.
“Yeah, yeah, sure, I’m fine. Really,” he murmured loosening his grip. An awkward silence fell between them.
Cat felt Ryan staring again and turned to look at him. Feeling embarrassed that he had been caught gazing he dodged her glance and looked straight ahead. Realizing the ride stopped, he jumped from the seat and took off into the crowd without a backward glance.
Well that was odd. Why was he staring at me? I bet that’s why he was fidgeting. He was regretting getting on the ride with me. I know he doesn’t like me because every time I pass him in the hallway he acts like I’m invisible. Sighing, Cat caught sight of Julie waving to her. Walking toward her, Cat noticed Isaac leaning against the counter of the midway game behind Julie. His cold stare watching her as a cat does with a mouse. She stopped herself from sticking her tongue out at him and grabbed Julie by the arm, leading her toward the house of mirrors where she saw the others waiting for them.
“Where have you guys been? We’ve been waiting here for like ten minutes!” Amanda demanded tapping her foot with arms crossed.
“Sorry guys, we had a little run-in with you know who. But it was no big deal. So how were the rides?” Cat asked changing the subject.
“They were great!” Amanda replied, noticing Cat looking at Elle who was hunched over holding her stomach.
“Elle, you okay?” Julie asked. Elle nodded.
“Of course she’s okay, you enjoyed it didn’t you Elle?” Amanda asked putting her arm around her. “Now let’s take a break from the rides and head into the House of Mirrors! She exclaimed, leading the group up to the large and very creepy clown face entrance.
