“Have you never encountered one previously?” Ricky enquires upon noticing that I am no longer trailing them. “It is intended for photography,” Ricky elucidates when I express my confusion. Her eyes shimmer with sorrow before she seizes my hand and pulls Bray and me towards the box. “Let us capture a photograph.”
She pushes me in first before entering with Bray. A narrow bench within the booth accommodates only Ricky and me, necessitating Bray to sit on my lap to fit. A big screen is positioned before us, equipped with a camera above it.
Ricky deposits some coins and activates the timers displayed on the screen.
“Alright, one… two… three… Assume a comical expression!” Ricky instructs Bray and me to twist our faces while the camera flashes. “Understood, now.” We kiss Bray,” she chuckles, both of us pressing our lips to one of Bray’s cheeks as he beams.
The camera flashes once more before the timer resets, Bray turning to Ricky and smiling.
“Now, Mother kisses Jadi!” He weeps, forcing Ricky’s face nearer to my own.
“Bray, cease your frivolity,” Ricky admonishes.
The child has just presented you with an opportunity. Accept it! Jimmy insists that I kiss Ricky.
Summoning all my courage, I place my palm on Ricky’s cheek and draw her closer to me.
“What are you doing?”
Before Ricky can utter another word, I press my lips to hers, igniting a surge of sensations throughout my body. Initially, she appears uncertain, but as I kiss her again, Ricky synchronises her lips with mine, her palm resting against my chest for stability. Bray elevates himself on his toes as the camera flashes, his beaming visage obscuring the lens.
I am reluctant to withdraw, unprepared to release her, yet Ricky regains her composure and turns away from me.
“We should depart,” she murmurs, meticulously wiping her lips as she exits the booth. Josie awaits Bray.
My heart plummets. She likely disapproved of the kiss… I exhale, berating myself for heeding Jimmy’s counsel.
Ricky gathers the strip of photographs as Bray and I exit, placing the images into her pocketbook. The three of us return to the alley, where a gateway abruptly manifests. Josie graciously welcomes us, as Bray elaborates on our activities.
“It appears to be an enjoyable day,” she remarks with a grin. “I am pleased that you enjoyed the park.”
The Queen observes Ricky, and the two women appear to engage in a private dialogue. I am anxious as Josie alternates her gaze between Ricky and me, her expression inscrutable.
I wish to establish a connection as she elevates her eyebrows in astonishment.
“Understood.” “Simply message me when you are prepared,” the Queen smiles, grasping Bray’s hand and his reward before gesturing to us.
Ricky abruptly interlaces her fingers with mine and draws me back through the portal, leading us both to the park once more.
“At this moment, it is solely you and I,” Ricky states with a smile.
Laura’s Perspective
“Now it is merely you and me,” I grin at Jadi, the wolf gazing at me with apprehensive eyes. “Calm down,” I laugh. “I do not exhibit aggressive behavior.”
The anxious expression remains in his eyes as I pull him back to the park. In the initial phase of our date with Bray, I observed Jadi attentively, noting his enthusiasm for little pleasures such as Dippin Dots and the disco music accompanying the rides. It is evident that this is his inaugural visit to an amusement park, prompting me to contemplate what other experiences he has yet to encounter.
I escort him to the closest roller coaster, elucidating the exhilaration of descending and ascending on a ride. He is unconvinced by my explanation; yet, he indulges me and boards the train. A subtle trace of apprehension is evident in Jadi’s eyes as the ride operator secures us in our seats, while computerised announcements instruct us to maintain our arms and legs within the confines of the vehicle at all times. I extend my hand to grasp Jadi’s, interlocking our fingers to reassure him that we would be fine.
The train departs the station rapidly, Jadi’s eyes widening as we accelerate down the track, executing a sudden fast curve and ascending the initial hill.
“Grip firmly!” I exclaim, becoming exhilarated for the descent.
Anticipation intensifies as the entire park diminishes before us, with the sun descending on the horizon. The picturesque vista momentarily distracts Jadi before we attain the summit and gaze down at the precipice.
“Oh no,” someone behind us exclaims before we hasten down the hill, a camera illuminating as we speed by.
My shouts transform into laughs as I glance at Jadi, who is simultaneously frightened and entertained by the abrupt twists and steep descents.
