Catch Twenty Two

Arcade

"Look there is a Ferris wheel! Can we go on it?" Jenny says in excitement, trying to be pouty.

"Only if we get candy." Michael says stern, joking.

"Well, of course!" She yells, running to the booth, I smile and laugh taking my wallet out. I buy three wristbands before anyone gets the chance to touch their money. I just want to treat them both.

"You didn't have to do that Ashton. Thank you." She says grabbing my elbow with both hands, walking besides me as we walk to the Ferris wheel.

I place my opposite hand on hers, "No, it's fine." I smile looking down at her beautiful face.

"Guysssssssssss!!" Michael moans.

"What?" I say chuckling.

"Do I have to be a third wheel???" He whines. Jenny and I laugh, she lets go of my arm and jokingly pushes michael.

"No you're not Mike." I say, "You could invite someone, you know." I hint at him.

"I can't and you know it." He whimpers.

"After the Ferris wheel, can we go play the coin machines?" I say, the heat was starting to get to me but I didn't want to tell them.

"I wonder if they have, like, pac-man or something." Michael replies.

"It's probably cool in there, sure." Jenny smiles as we get in the short line for the ride.

In no time we are on. I don't think the smile on Jenny's face could get any bigger.

"Why do you like the Ferris wheel so much? It doesn't do much." I ask in curiosity.

"Well, when I was younger my grandma would take me to places like this and when the sun would set we would watch it from here. It's my favorite memory with her." She smiles, trying to hide the pain.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Maybe we can come back later then? Watch the sunset?" I try to make her happy.

"Yeah, that'd be great. Thank you." She gives me a gentle hug.

"AWW HOW CUTE!!" Michael gasps.
He laughs as I look at him with an annoyed face. She just smiles at me and watches the sky.

It's not long until we are off and playing the coin machines in the air conditioning. It felt great to be out of the heat.

Jenny went to the bathroom so I stand near the door waiting for her with mikey. "Do you think that Jenny and I maybe could be the only ones together later? When we go back to the Ferris wheel." I look down.

"Yeah Ashton. No problem." He smiles and looks down, as well.

"I'll be right back." I smile and walk right outside so I can talk on the phone.
I dial the number, which the other line answers almost instant. "Hey, what are you doing right now, and today." I question.

"I just finished eating, why?" Luke asks.

"Do you want to come to the fair on the pier? Me, a girl, and michael are here."

"Who's with the girl?" Luke asks uneasily.

"I am. Michael is playing the third wheel and I feel horrid." I say, wishing they would just understand.

"Oh, alright. I'd love too." He says, more positive.

"You're going to have to tell him eventually Luke." I hint.

"I can't. And you know that."

"I'll see you in a bit." I say before hanging up.

When I walk back in, I see michael and Jenny versing each other on ski ball.

"What'd I miss?" I chuckle.

"I'm just beating his butt, no biggy." Jenny jokes.

"I'm letting her win!" He yells in his defense. I laugh.

We play games for a while when I see Luke walk in. I watch Michaels face go from "this is a lot of fun" to "I'm going to kill you" when he sees him. "You're welcome." I whisper.

I can tell he's happy that Luke is here. He's just upset he had no warning I was setting them up on a date that they don't know is a date.

I smile, "Jenny, you want to play the basketball?" I smile.

"You'll win!!!" She grunts walking over to the game with me. "You're taller!"
"Well how would you know, I could suck at this!" I laugh.

Of course I won, but neither of us truly minded. We were having fun.

We play games for hours. I keep peeking over and seeing Luke and michael so happy. Like, they are genuinely happy.

"We should go now, there might be a line." I tell Jenny.

She agrees, "Should we get the boys?" She asks.

"Sure, why not." I smile, wrapping my arm around her.

"Are they dating?" She questions.
I sigh. "They should be. But they're both to scared to tell each other how they feel after things got shakey. So it's a battle within themselves. And I'm the only one they talk to about each other."

"That's really cute though." She looks up at me. "They are in love. And any one who sees them knows it. And one day. They will too."

"I really hope so. It kills me seeing them apart." I squeeze her in.
"Hey, boys, Ferris wheel?" I practically yell as we get close to them.

They nod. And in no time we are in a big line waiting. The air is cool now.

"Thank you ashton." Jenny says, quiet. "Last night, and today, it's amazing." She smiles.

"It's nothing, Jenny. I'm glad you're having fun." I smile.

When we make it onto the ride and we are near the top, she looks over to me and her face goes flush. I watch her eyes, as a tear escapes. I hold her. "She's up there right now, watching you. This is her sky." I say, rubbing her back.
I hear her whimper into my chest. Jenny and I got a separate basket from the boys.

I just sit with her in my arms, when it's time for us to get off I ask the man to keep going. He wasn't to sure, but seeing Jenny he let us stay on.
"Thank you." I hear her mutter. Picking her head up, wiping the tears she looks at the sky. "I haven't been on one since she was here a few years ago." She says.
"Well, whenever I'm in L.A., we can go. We can make it our thing, so she knows you haven't forgotten." I say, gently grabbing her hand.

"I would love that." She smiles, holding my hand in return.

When it's time to get off, we remain hand in hand. I see Michael and Luke waiting for us. I see Michael smirk.
As we get to them, michael asks, "Are we going now?"

"Yeah, I think Jenny should go home to her Mum now." I tighten my hand a bit. She smiles and places her free hand on my elbow.

We walk as a group for a while until we separate ways. I am walking Jenny home. "Tonight was amazing." I say, genuinely.

"It was, but don't tell Michael, we forgot to get candy." She laughs.
"I think he probably did with Luke." I laugh.

When we make it to her mums apartment and we walk up the stairs, she lets go of my hand. "Would you want to come in?" She asks.

"Sure." I smile.

"Before we do, just one thing." She says, placing her hands on my waist. She initiates a kiss. I place my hands on her hips and kiss her, gently. I laugh. Smiling, I rest my head on hers.

"I don't even have your number." I chuckle.

"Well, I guess you have better strategies." She smiles.