Unexpected

• Chapter Sixty-Two •

As we make our way around the fair grounds, I keep eating popcorn in a somewhat animalistic manor that garners strange and worried glances from my friends. It seems like I really did want the popcorn.

"Can we go on the Ferris wheel before we leave?" Ana asks us. It's her favourite ride and normally she forces us to go on it multiple times with her but I guess having all the guys here makes it slightly different.

"Yeah of course." Raphael replies.

"Yay!" She squeals happily which makes Raph laugh.

I just barely hear him mumbling to her about how adorable she is and how much he loves her which of course, makes me awe inside.

On our way there, I spot the ballon and dart table and drag Abel along with me. Everyone else follows closely behind.

My eyes land on the cute stuffed teddy bear sitting on one of the shelves that i'm literally dying to win.

"Ugh this again?" Rolo complains. "You always bring us here but never actually succeed in winning anything!"

"Oh hey Keziah. Here to try again?" I look at the girl behind the stand who coincidentally is always working here every summer that we visit. And yes, she sadly knows me so well because of my repetitive failures which I am deeply ashamed of.

"Even the workers remember you!" Rolo Exclaims.

Everyone bursts into laughter at my expense while I sulk. "Just you watch people. This time, the darts will be in my favour."

"You got this Kez!" Ana shouts.

Ah Anastasia. So supportive even though we all know I'll fail.

I place my payment and take the darts being offered to me by the worker before making my attempts. There are at least twenty balloons along the wall so logically, I should be able to hit at least one..right?

I shake my shoulders and take a deep breathe. I've had loads of practice. Who cares if I've done it several times without winning. There's a chance for absolutely everything. You've got this Kez.

I line up my hand with the board and drew back. And with each shot, I somehow manage to miss every single balloon that I'm aiming for.

"This game is rigged!" I yell.

"No Keziah. I'm afraid you're just that bad." Rani gives me a pitying look.

"Baby, I don't want to say this. But that was pitiful." Abel rests his arms on my shoulders and looks me in the eye. "I'll win for you."

Abel copies my previous actions but unlike me, his three shots hit a ballon every time.

Abel turns to me and bows smugly.

"That's how you do it Keziah." Rolo points out.

Raphael and Israel pat Abel on the back and laugh in amusement.

Abel turns back to the stand and grabs the bear I was eyeing earlier.

"For you m'lady."

I hug the stuffed animal tightly to my chest and decide to name him.

"I'm calling him monkey." I say with a nod.

Everyone blinks strangely at me.

"You- you're what?" Evelyn starts.

"I said, I'm-"

"We all heard what you said Kez." Rolo interjects.

"You're naming a bear monkey?" Israel asks.