A Smirk In Triumph
"Look Jamie, your introverted neighbor who wouldn't speak to anyone is here at the fair, alone!" Billy mocked, his eyes trailing her as she trudged towards the ferris wheel.
"I'm glad you mentioned she's an introvert. Introverts don't speak to people like you Billy." "I see her speaking to you right now, I've seen her speak to you in the past four months since you joined her neighborhood." Jamie's eyes burned with rage as he said; "Watch me go make her my friend tonight." "If you do, which I know you won't, I'll give you my apple watch." He sounded smug. "I can afford it!" Jamie shouted back as he ran to board the ferris wheel.
He was able to catch up and joined the same passenger cabin as her but she seemed to have no interest in him sitting next to her in the cabin as if they were a couple. In her hand was a Dean Koontz book which she clutched to her heaving chest.
His eyes blazed with awe as he watched her find comfort by clutching the book against her chest. "You seem scared," he expressed. Completely flustered, she rolled her eyes and retorted; "I am not! Learn to mind your business, stalker!"
Jamie's eyes widened and the corners of his mouth quirked up. "Not bad!" He said with a smirk as he studied her profile. He liked that she called him stalker even if he wasn't one. The fact that she kept bumping into him at college and at home of course made her call him that.
"Your hands are freezing," he said the moment he placed his hands on hers. Her jaw went slack but she didn't try to withdraw her hands. "This wheel will be powered soon, we can go off now if you're so scared or you let me hold your hands the entire ride. Anyway, a ferris wheel goes slow and the ride doesn't give the thrills like roller coasters," he preached. "You think you've said something so motivating huh?" She questioned, giving a lopsided grin.
The wheel was finally powered after everyone had been onboarded and the themed light displays made her gasp. The wind took her hair which featured dual tones from highlights up exposing her neck to the boy who was too stunned to take his eyes off her.
"I wonder what introvert has the time to visit the salon to get her hair highlighted." "What a lovely compliment for having you stunned," She returned. "Wow! I love your comebacks," he acknowledged, as awe transformed his face.
"The atmosphere is pretty," she said and leaned back in her seat. Jamie, not taking his eyes off her, nodded positively. "It's probably the best evening of my life," he whispered. She clasped hands with him as they took in views from different heights.
"It's my first time on a ferris wheel," she said softly and leaned on his shoulder, making him turn crimson. "Do you read?" She inquired. "I have the biggest library in my house." "Really?" She jerked up with excitement and he nodded. "Do you have siblings?" He shook his head. "You?" "I don't." They both went poker-faced as they watched the lights while the cold evening breeze caressed their faces.
When the wheel came to a stop, it was time to head home. Fear crossed his face when he noticed her dulled up expression. He feared she would walk away without saying the least thing as goodbye. Maybe it was because of Billy who was waiting for them at the foot of the wheel.
Just as he thought, the moment she got off the cabin, she hurried away. Jamie, a little disappointed, slouched and Billy tapped him on the shoulders. "Forget her, you'll never get a chance."
Jamie said nothing to Billy as they walked home. At the crossroads, she stood waiting patiently for Jamie. One path led to Billy's house while the other led to their school and the other to Jamie's and the girl whose name wasn't known.
"Why is she standing there though?" Billy said, pointing at the figure in the dark. A zoomed past them immediately and Jamie squinted against the bright headlamp that hindered him from seeing the girl. "This girl is weirdo." Billy concluded.
When they were close enough, she approached Jamie. "I know you didn't care to ask but… my name is June. Can I stop by tomorrow to see your library?" Her big eyes sparkled as she spoke. Billy's jaw hung open when he noticed there was almost no space between June and Jamie.
"I had fun at the fair today, stalker. Thank you for holding my hands throughout." She said and hurried off without saying a word to Billy neither did she care to notice he was standing there. "I'm Jamie, I will be expecting you tomorrow!" His voice echoed as excitement washed over him. Then he turned to the dumbfounded Billy who was unstrapping his watch; "I don't need your apple watch. Goodnight Billy."
"Can I come over too?" Billy asked, the corner of his lips quirked up. "Don't you dare ruin my moment!" Jamie warned and walked away with a smirk in triumph.