Her Miracle

CHAPTER 20

Castle Rock has myths that there were animals out there through the tribes living out in the forests. Sheriff Waters, Kai’s dad, has always been certain of protecting Castle Rock’s lands. 

It is still ironic that the Castle Rock’s High school mascot are wolves while the town commemorates bears. I look around to see the town filled with the flaglets for the founder’s day or more known as the town anniversary. 

Words are written on the banners ‘Castle Rock’s 49th Anniversary!’ which is going to be huge next year. If I will still be here by next year. Colors of red, blue, and white just like the fourth of July did fill the town. It wasn’t a normal day at Castle Rock. When it’s the town anniversary, the town is much more lit. It’s not the usual dark roads. There were lights like it was Christmas. 

The carnival is held behind the town hall which has an empty lot that’s used for town activities. Cars parked at the side of the road. Carnivals were what the residents of the town lived for, I guess. 

Today is really a lucky day. It didn’t rain or anything making the carnival nice to go and have fun. 

Titus was really nice yesterday. I couldn’t help but smile thinking of him but it’s really sad that he told me I’d better enjoy the carnival with Izzy. He was also right. I needed the time to enjoy myself with my best friend. Titus was also becoming my best friend. 

I was outside the entrance of the carnival and looked around for signs of Izzy. We agreed earlier today that we’d meet at the entrance and come inside together. I grabbed my phone from my pocket and scrolled if there were any messages coming from her. 

My face frowns by the looks of it. There was none. 

Screams from the enjoyment of the games and rides coming from the carnival could be heard. I continued to look around. Maybe she was just late. 

I’m thankful for Chester giving us the break today. He’s spending time with his family while I spend it with my best friend. I didn’t ask about his family though since I didn’t want to sound like meddling with private business. But I have the feeling he is married and has probably 2-3 kids. 

I paced back and forth as I waited outside the entrance. Every second passing by was excruciating. The cold night embraced me. I pursed my lips clutching on my phone waiting for a message or a call. 

Being alone ate me alive. Impatience grew on me. I dialed Izzy’s number and got no answer. It always goes straight to her voice mail. 

“Ugh! Dammit, ditcher!” I whispered to myself irritatedly as I ran my fingers through my blonde hair. 

I couldn’t take it anymore and bought a ticket at the entrance and stormed inside alone. The ticket was sort of worth the price. Unli rides to all the rides and the money would go to the preservation of the forests and some charities. 

The yearly carnival was bright and noisy as ever filled with people’s laughter together with their families. Colorful lights emanated from various rides present. I furrowed my brows as I glanced at the rides. The merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, the booths with fun games, a mini roller coaster, yo-yo ride, and a whole lot more. I shrug a little more not knowing which ride I should take and enjoy first.

What caught my eye was the Ferris wheel. It wasn’t the cute version and wasn’t like the huge one either. Maybe it was enough to see the sight of the town.

Before I head to ride the Ferris wheel with a stern face, I check my phone for the last time. There was really nothing from Izzy. I sigh. This is so not her in bailing out on me on the most important date of the year. The only best time of the year in this town. 

The solid cement I walked on led straight to the Ferris wheel. I was a few meters away when a light tap on my shoulders shocked me and made me look around. 

Only to see the green jacket human with his shiny jet black hair combed so fine. 

Titus. 

“You do have a great but weird timing…” I uttered awkwardly. 

“Why?” 

“Izzy ditched me. That’s the sum of the night.”

“The night is still not yet over. The night is young. You didn’t get into trouble in getting home late last night?” His voice was light and positive. 

Titus after having that talk in the field last night walked me home like the usual. He was more than my lucky charm. He was my bodyguard. I got home by midnight and my brothers were in their rooms and mom was also probably asleep in her room since her car was in the driveway. 

“Yeah, no problem. My mom has been out of the world. I don’t know her work schedule anymore and it’s more confusing than usual. My brothers, probably asleep in their rooms so I was okay in getting home.” I answered straightly. 

My phone was flooded with voice messages from Kai and Aiden which I didn’t bother to answer. And speaking of them, I hope I don’t see them tonight. Kai would just keep explaining and Aiden too. I’ve been avoiding everyone at home and did my best to shut up and not make conversation. Something I was used to and forever will be. 

“Give them time. We’ll what are you waiting for? Come on! I’ve got the entrance band for unlimited rides! You too! Let’s go!” He did sound like a kid which is again infectious. 

There’s never a dull moment with Titus. He was either serious about making me stay and getting off the burden I’m feeling or the loosened Titus who has no care in the world who wants to have fun in the little things possible. I’m grateful to him.

“Ferris wheel?” I grinned at him with how infectious his happiness was.

“Yeah! More reasons to see Castle Rock from above. It may not be tall but you get me…” He chuckles. 

He did seem to like how things looked from above. The view down below is what he lives for. But everywhere he goes, there’s always a piece of him scattered everywhere.

May it be the sky, the view of the town, and the sunsets. 

We then made our way to the Ferris wheel. There was a line for those who wanted to ride it. Familiar faces greeted me. Some were my mom’s friends on the other side of town, and some of them were from school. We still lined up. They won’t stop us from riding the Ferris wheel.

“I thought you didn’t want to come?” I raised my eyebrows at Titus, making a conversation instead of giving my full attention to these oldies who are fickle-minded up until now. 

“I didn’t say I wasn’t coming. I just said that you should go with Izzy, Silly.” He nudged my shoulder playfully.

“I thought you would come but with your parents…” I trailed.

“Well, they’re at home and it seemed that this was also an escape. We’re both escaping from reality, Andy. Nobody’s going to stop us now. Not today.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. 

After a few more people coupled with all the chattering, we were finally next. The mothers who were mom’s friends were glaring at me. They snapped their heads at me with whispers clearly saying ‘Weirdo’, ‘Oh, yikes! She’s here…’, and ‘That’s Kendra’s daughter…”

I usually don’t mind anymore. As Titus said, it’s old news. It’s what you program your head into thinking. You shouldn’t be affected by whatever people say. It’s them controlling you if you let them. 

Titus draped an arm over me. “Don’t let them taint you. You have a good heart and soul, Andy. Always remember that.”

“Thanks for the reminder even if I’m damaged already.”

“Damaged people are the best. They’ve been thrown up and down in life yet they still didn’t back down. Resilience, Andy. I’m proud of you for being more than strong enough to cope up with the things going on...lately…” 

Mental images go away! I don’t want to remember Aiden and Kai. Damn! 

“Thanks, Titus… It means a lot that you believe in me.” I met his eyes. 

He stroked my face letting the light spot my face. I knew what he was feeling. He felt that scar that was on the side of my face. It wasn’t big but when you’re close enough right next to me, it was clear. I gasped for air. 

The bell from the Ferris wheel rang indicating that we were next startled, Titus. I laughed at him when he shrieked in surprise. 

The dude who guarded the Ferris wheel was from Willoughby. A Senior just like my brothers but just like me, he seemed and felt like he was invisible. 

He just nodded at me and let us pass the gates to sit at the Ferris wheel and slowly let people pass to position themselves. He gestured for us to put our seatbelts on so that he can let the next groups of people ride on the seats around.

Titus shivered quietly. “Woah, I didn’t expect that it’d be colder up here as we wait.”

Titus hugged himself. The jacket didn't suffice. It was my turn to help him now. I draped my arm around him to at least radiate some warmth. I've got to admit it was cold up here the more we got higher up the ground. The operator dude still wasn't finished in letting people in their respective seats. 

“Brace yourself then! We have like 5 minutes, I think about having a turn.” I looked around and tilted my head down the ground. We were almost on top which meant the ride was is almost starting. 

“The only thing I’m bracing myself for is letting you stay.”

I still don't understand why as I breathed in. His words made my stomach flutter. It was more than sweet. What is still there to love in this town? I asked. "Why are you so eager for me to stay?" 

"Just like a magnet, I'm pulled in your direction. I'm drawn to you for no reason."  He cleared his throat. 

Is that enough to make me stay? I questioned myself internally.