4. Aurora

4

We wander the carnival, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells. Charlotte and Dan chatter excitedly beside me, pointing out the attractions they want to try.

"We've got to come back on Halloween night!" Charlotte exclaims, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Can you imagine how amazing it'll be? All the costumes and the spooky atmosphere?"

Dan nods enthusiastically. "Definitely! We can dress up and really get into the spirit of Halloween."

I grin at their enthusiasm, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest. "I'm in! Halloween night at the carnival sounds perfect."

As we make our way through the crowd, I scan the surrounding faces, searching for a glimpse of the masked man from the haunted house. My skin tingles at the memory of his touch, and I crave that again.

Charlotte notices my distraction and nudges me. "Still thinking about your mystery man?"

I feel a blush creep into my cheeks. "I can't help it," I admit. "There was just something about him..."

Dan rolls his eyes good-naturedly. "Well, perhaps you'll run into him again. Maybe on Halloween night, when everyone's in costume and feeling more daring."

I nod a small smile on my lips. "Maybe. Halloween night could be the perfect time for a little adventure."

We approach the Ferris wheel, and it looks like an utter death trap that should have been put out of commission years ago, and my fucked up head is excited by that. Waiting in line, my mind won't quit thinking about the masked man. His hands on my body, the intensity in those blue eyes… It's hard to believe that one encounter has ignited something deep within—a craving like none I've felt before.

Charlotte leans in close. "You know, if you find your masked man on Halloween night, maybe he'll be the one who makes you want to lose your V-card."

Her words make my cheeks flush because I sense she's right. For a long time, I've known I'm a little broken. Anytime I'd hook up with guys, I felt nothing—no desire, no need to take things further than a kiss. And alone, the only thing that gets me off are immoral, fucked-up thoughts and fantasies. And something tells me that the man from the haunted house is just as dark and fucked-up as I am.

Stepping onto the Ferris wheel car, I sense I'm being watched. I can feel eyes on me, even amid the crowds. My skin prickles with anticipation, and I scan the crowd below.

The Ferris wheel moves, lifting us higher and higher into the night sky. The twinkling lights of the carnival stretch below us, and I forget about everything else for a moment. It's just me, the cool breeze, and the exhilaration of being suspended in midair.

But then, I feel it again. That prickling sensation at the base of my neck, as if someone's gaze is boring into me. I turn slowly, my heart pounding, and there he is. Standing beneath the Ferris wheel, his eyes focused on me.

In that moment, everything else fades away. The carnival, the lights, the laughter disappear, and it's just him and me. I feel a rush of heat through my body, a desire unlike anything I've ever experienced.

As the cage disappears over the top, I lose sight of him. I need to approach him once I get back onto the ground and explore this electric connection we share. Deep down, I know he's the one who can finally bring me back from the brink. The one who can ignite that dormant need that lies within me.

It feels like the descent takes forever, but finally, we step off the Ferris wheel. My eyes quickly survey the crowd, looking for him, but he's nowhere to be found. Disappointment washes over me, and I can't help but feel like I've missed my chance.

"Hey, you okay?" Dan asks, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thought I saw someone."

Charlotte raises an eyebrow, a knowing smirk on her lips. "Your masked man, perhaps?"

I roll my eyes, but I can't deny the truth in her words. "Maybe. But it doesn't matter now. He's gone."

Dan glances around. "I don't know about you two, but I'm starving. How about we grab something to eat?"

The thought of food makes my stomach churn, but I know I can't spend the rest of the night obsessing over a stranger. "Sure, let's do it," I agree, trying to muster some enthusiasm.

Making our way through the carnival, I feel like I'm being watched. The hairs on my neck stand on end, and I look over my shoulder every few seconds.

But he's not there. The carnival is alive with laughter and chatter, but I feel disconnected.

We reach the food stalls, and the scent of fried dough and sizzling meat fills the air. But even as Dan and Charlotte eagerly discuss the menu, I can't focus on anything.

"What do you want, Aurora?" Charlotte asks, nudging me with her elbow.

I blink, realizing that I haven't been paying attention. "Oh, um... I don't know. Maybe just a soda or something."

Charlotte frowns, concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you're okay? You seem really distracted."

I take a deep breath. Charlotte's right. I'm being too distracted by a stranger I'll likely never see again.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sorry; you know how I get sometimes." I force a laugh. "I'll try to focus!"

Dan grins, clearly relieved to see me snapping out of my daze. "That's the spirit! Now, who wants a corn dog? My treat!"

Charlotte's eyes light up. "Ooh, me! Get me one of those giant ones with all the toppings."

As we place our order, I consciously try to be present. I listen to Charlotte and Dan's playful banter, laughing at their jokes and stories. For a while, I push the lingering thoughts of the encounter to the back of my mind.

We find a picnic table nearby and dig into our greasy carnival fare. Charlotte moans in delight as she takes a bite of her loaded corn dog, getting mustard smeared on her cheek. "Oh my god, this is heaven."

Dan rolls his eyes, but there's a fond smile on his lips. "You're such a mess, Char."

She sticks her tongue out at him, completely unapologetic. "You're just jealous you can't appreciate the finer things in life."

I laugh at their back-and-forth. Once we've finished our food, Dan suggests hitting up a few more rides before calling it a night. Charlotte is immediately on board, her energy seemingly boundless.

"Yes! We've got to go on the Tilt-A-Whirl. That one always makes me feel like I'll puke."

I grimace at the thought of her corn dog making a reappearance. "If that a good idea after you just ate the world's most disgusting corn dog?"

She laughs. "Don't worry, I never actually puke."

I nod. "Let's do it then."

Charlotte's practically bouncing as we make our way over. As we wait in line, I search the crowd again, half-hoping the masked stranger will appear.

But there's just a sea of smiling faces and bright lights, completely at odds with the darkness that had drawn me in earlier.

I shake my head because tonight is about having fun with my friends and not getting caught up in some sick fantasy.

We climb into the spinning ride car, and Charlotte grabs my hand and squeezes it tightly. "You ready for this, Aurora?"

I grin, adrenaline coursing through me. "Bring it on."

The ride starts, and we're thrown into a dizzying whirl of motion. I whoop as we spin faster and faster.

For those few minutes, everything else fades away. There's no haunted house, masked stranger, or lingering desires. Just the thrill of the ride, the laughter of my friends, and the pure joy of being alive in this moment.

As the ride comes to a stop and we stumble off, dizzy and breathless, I realize that's all I really need: the simple pleasures of life, shared with the people I love most.

Whatever lies ahead, whatever fucked-up cravings still linger deep within me, they can wait for another night. Tonight is for living in the light, embracing the joy, and letting it fill me up completely.