Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Handful of Sand Chapter 43 Page 2

Just beyond the front gate was a raccoon mascot greeting a few children. The mascot had a red turtleneck sweater over his thick suit. Considering the day's expected weather, the poor man inside would soon be sweating, if he were not suffering already.

Ariel turned to Esper. "Where's Selina? Shouldn't she be with us?"

The mention of Selina's name brought back a little of Sandy's disappointment but she pushed it aside. Her friends could not have known of what had happened between her and their mutual friend. Sandy was going to have fun that day and not worry about her lost dream.

"Oh, uh, she's left town." Esper glanced down at the asphalt driveway they stood on. "Her dad suddenly had a job offer in another state and they had to move immediately."

"I didn't hear about that," Ariel said.

"It was sudden," Esper added, "She didn't even have time to say a proper goodbye, only a phone call."

Perhaps it was for the best that Selina had left. Sandy was not certain how she would act if she ever met her former classmate again. She was still sad that she was not rich. And she was not certain who she should pin the blame on.

Esper took out a digital camera from her backpack. "How about a photo with the mascot?" She gestured towards the poor guy in the raccoon suit.

After a few photos, the girls decided on a roller coaster ride. The SkewerShot was Bellington Acres Amusement Park's star attraction, which included an exciting ride through two sections of twisted tracks. The first twist to build the anticipation, and the second longer one for the climax. The long queue promised that its high price of admission was worth it.

After a ride of high-speed twists and drops, ending with a gentle dock at the platform, Ariel was left wobbling unsteadily and struggling to keep her breakfast down. Sandy and Esper fared much better and were already looking for their next excitement.

The girls tried the pirate ship next. After the last ride, Ariel was a little apprehensive about riding a giant swinging boat but it turned out to be mild compared to the roller coaster.

Seeking a repeat of their first exciting ride, Sandy and Esper went for another go on the SkewerShot. The long queue failed to dampened their enthusiasm. Ariel wisely skipped the ride. Instead, she took photos of her friends from the ground with Esper's camera.

As the day grew hotter, Esper bought her friends cold drinks and souvenir hats. After they had a brief rest, they rode the teacups for a more relaxed ride.

By lunch time, Sandy's mood was already much brighter. Ariel had spoken to her normally as they chatted during lunch. Even after Esper had left them alone together when she had gone to the washroom.

"So today has been great so far," Sandy was commenting.

"Yeah."

Ariel's brief silence had Sandy concerned. Their relationship was just getting better.

"Um, Sandy?" Ariel started.

"Yes?"

"Sorry I tried to kill you that time," Ariel apologized.

"It's okay," Sandy said, "I'm sorry to have dragged you into that mess in the first place."

"So, best friends again?"

"I'd like that."

The girls looked at each other for a moment. "According to girlie movies, we're supposed to hug at this point," Ariel stated.

Hugging was a little awkward to do since they were still seated at their table for lunch. Plus their fingers had traces of ketchup and oil.

"Let's just eat," Sandy decided as she picked up her half-eaten burger.

Esper returned to catch the girls talking about their holiday plans. Actually, it was more of Sandy complaining about nothing to do. The curly-haired girl put on a bright smile and asked, "Want to get some ice cream?"

"Later," Ariel said, "you should finish your lunch first." She indicated the food that Esper had yet to finish.

"Yes, Mum," Esper obeyed.

Ariel frowned at that reply.

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