Sweetheart Carousel

Prolouge

Hollywood Hills was a bright, cheery world. A little fake, but over-the-top cartoonish. All around it were little suburbs of creepy-looking houses with faces. A dangerous green ooze streams through brooks, rivers, and lakes. In the center of it all was a carnival. Each ride had a family of friends living in it. Time moved more quickly than it did in Normal Land, named by the citizens of Hollywood Hills. It's been days since Helena Shoecrab has been missing. Along with many more disappearances.

In the center of the carnival was a carousel. The faded yellow and cherry red carousel with bright twinkling lights spun slowly. Gorgeous stallions race around in a circle. A couple sat on top. Enjoying a clear night, gazing at the stars.

"Maybe you should spend the night. The hills are awake with rumors, and Helena is missing."

"Benzi, what are you insinuating?" she giggled. Dr. Benzedrine moved closer to his date on top of the carousel.

He whispered gently in Lady's ear, "I'm worried. I don't want to lose you."

"I'll be alright," she reassured him.

"Miss Sandman is staying with Sandy for a little," Dr. Benzedrine told Lady Benzedrine. She left a heart-shaped kiss on his cheek. A deep red blush highlighted a bridge across Benzi's face.

"It's sweet that you're worried, but I can take care of myself," Lady said.

They watched as the day met the night. He took off his top hat with the long, bright yellow ostrich feather. Fix his dirty blond hair. Benzi straightens his yellow and black bow tie as Lady plays with a strand of her curly, dark brown hair. He nudged her lightly to get her attention. Lady gave him a warm smile. Dr. Benzedrine returned the smile and said, "I learned a new magic trick. Would you like to see it?"

"You know magic?"

"A little. I'm pretty good."

He checked his sunshine yellow coat pockets, then the sleeves. Lady Benzedrine giggled as Benzi reached behind her ear.

"Ah! Here it is," he chimed. Holding up his right fist. Opening it, a white pearl necklace with a hollow heart-shaped padlock dangled off his fingers. She covered her mouth in surprise.

"Oh Benzi, it's beautiful," she gasped. She held her hair up as he clasped the necklace around her neck. Lady Benzedrine let her hair fall as she turned to him and kissed his heart-shaped lips with hers. Once again, Benzi's face was as red as a candy cane stripe. She rested her head on his shoulder. Lady casually pointed up at the sky.

"Found Ursa Major," Lady Benzedrine grinned.

"Next to Ursa Minor, of course," Dr. Benzedrine added. Putting his arm around her while they lay on top of the carousel. Discussing constellations. Spending time together in bliss. Until it was time to say goodnight, standing up, Lady Benzedrine hugged Benzi. He opened the parasol. Together, they leaped off the roof. Floating down gently. On the ground again, Dr. Benzedrine picked up his bag and tossed it on the ride.

"I'll worry about that later," he shrugged. Turning to Lady, Benzi said, "Are you sure you don't want to stay? Maybe I can walk you home?" Lady's cheeks blushed pink.

"I wouldn't mind walking with you, Benzi, I enjoy spending time with you."

"All the more to spend the night."

"Aww, Benzi, I'll be fine."

Lady Benzedrine crossed her arms as they walked. Benzi stripped off his overcoat and placed it around her shoulders.

"It's chilly tonight. We can always snuggle," he insisted again. Lady twirled around and pouted at him.

"You're being rather bold tonight, Dr. Benzedrine, you seem not to like the word no," she said crossly.