We're having a carnival! Even though it's probably freezing!

[Deleted]

Nothing quite filled Caroline with as much joy as watching Aubrey gush about their young daughter. His little lapse in judgement that led to him getting her pregnant on purpose had honestly been the best thing that could have happened to them both. She knew in her heart that if she hadn't gotten pregnant than they wouldn't be together right now. It wasn't like those parents who 'stay' together for the children or anything. She just knew that she was a little prick at thirteen who didn't give Aubrey the time of day other than when she had sex with him, of course but that was because she was desperate for an orgasm. Whoa, she sounded like quite the whore when she thought about it like that!

She probably shouldn't think about that too much, huh? She knew that she should really just embrace the few moments that they got to act like a silly teenage couple without a care in the world. She wouldn't trade Camila for anything and she knew that she'd miss her in about half an hour but right now, this was magical. "I'd love to join you on the Ferris wheel." She'd heard magical stories about what happens on the top of the Ferris wheel and not all of it was completely sexual. Most of it was actually quite sweet like when she heard Esme talk fondly about how she knew that she loved Jonathan on their first ride together and then how they got back together on top of one when their own baby girl was only five months old.

She envied the fact that Esme and Jonathan were going to have 'the perfect age gap' between their children in her mind. They wouldn't even remember a life without the other! She worried sometimes that Camila would resent the new baby after it was conceived because she could still remember fondly how it felt to be the only child. Was that stopping her from poking holes in the condom and flushing her birth control pill down the toilet every single morning behind Aubrey's back? Nope. She wasn't going to stop trying until she got that damn positive pregnancy test even if it meant risking her daughter resenting her.

It probably wasn't responsible to do this but she was planning on creating a baby tonight if they hadn't already, of course. She wouldn't know for a couple more weeks and she got her first missed period. She just needed to perfect her sobbing speech and some sort of shock. She couldn't have Aubrey knowing that she was basically manipulating him for a second child. "Do you ever miss those days? Remember how soft and sweet that she was the day that we brought her home to your parents' house?" She was romanticizing this all now but she was miserable in the moment. She was sore, her breasts ached and she didn't know what she was going to do with a newborn baby.

[Deleted]

Isabel knew that Camila was also Caroline's daughter and she couldn't help but giggle at how much that the two were really alike. She and Caroline weren't the closest friends in the world - more than acquaintances but certainly less than close friends. She didn't have an issue with her though! And she thought that she was a very blessed woman to have such an adorable daughter and a fiance who clearly loved her even if he didn't seem like he was the brightest bulb in the package. Nothing against him or anything but she didn't know if she could handle dating someone who was so much like a second child. She wanted a smart guy who could challenge her intellectually without making her feel like an idiot.

She reached her hand out to gently hold onto one of his as they walked towards the baby animals. She wasn't going to admit that she was doing it because she thought that he was a really attractive guy and she wanted people to think that they were together, of course. So, she casually let out a small explanation of 'I just don't want to get separated' before giving his hand a little firm squeeze. She smiled up at him before leading him towards the adorable baby sheep in the cages. She didn't quite remember when or why sheep became her favorite animal but she honestly started gushing when she saw the little things. "Awe! Look at that one!" She pointed to the smallest of the pack and reached for one of the little bottles that they had out for the children. (or older crowd who appreciated animals)

She handed the little bottle to Camila with a warm smile and asked, "Do you want to feed the baby sheep? I bet that he would really like that if your uncle Scott is okay with it, of course." She was good with children for the most part. She worked in the daycare every Thursday, Friday and Monday because she knew that they needed the help since it seemed like most of the mothers who used to work there for free childcare were getting jobs to pay for it instead which was fine but she felt bad that they were understaffed even if it wasn't her job to help with that. She just loved children not in the strange way or anything.

She barely now realized that she still had her hand interlocked with his and she didn't really mind. Something about this felt kind of okay and she didn't want to stop just yet. "Oh! And to answer your question from earlier.. I am from around here. I mean sort of.. I live in the apartment complex on the boardwalk which is super nice even if it's kind of a hassle to get to school every day on time. Do you go to Somerset? You look really familiar but you never know."

[Jude Chisholm]

He would probably have to go look the bunny thing on the internet, not that he really cared that much, and if he did then he would look it up later. The internet had all the answers. He took the bunny from her, and held it, "I mean I was like five when I had a bunny last, so..." but he thought he was doing kind of well feeding it and what not. The bunny was cute, and now he wished that he had one.

"Oh you can have one of mine, or two..." he laughed. "Or all four," sometimes it was good to have so many siblings, but on the other hand it could get quite annoying and the good often outweighed the bad for him. "Except my littlest sister I'll keep her because she's cute." Well most of the time. He listened to her mention the balloon tent, and he had passed it on the way here. He didn't want to go there, he didn't like balloons, and the thought of them scared him, the same with clowns, that being said he wasn't exactly sure why he was at a carnival in the first place.

"You'll probably think I am stupid for saying this but I hate balloons," he said. "Like, they freak me out," he shrugged. "When I was little, my mom used to take me and my older brother and sister to this restaurant like every other Wednesday night because, because there was this really nice clown there named Wendy, and she did like face paintings, and made balloon animals and what not, it was really fun, but one time I guess she was sick or something, and we went there and there was this creepy clown there with his saggy old man skin, and he literally just blew up a balloon and tied both the ends together and said that he made me a hat. So I started crying because I was an annoying kid, and he popped the balloon in my face, it was scary, and I know you're probably like I don't care about this boring kid's story, but it doesn't end there.

I started crying, and he told my mom that it popped and that he would make me another one, but I wouldn't let him put it on me and he shoved it on my head, like who even does that what kind of clown are you? So it popped too, and at this point I ran away crying, and now my sister likes to torment me with balloons." he didn't really want to share the fact that his sister Acacia liked to torment him with balloons and had her friends attack him with water balloons once, "but since I made you listen to that story," he grinned, handed her the bunny back. "How about that fortune teller booth?"

[Heather Marie Barton]

She rocked back on her heels, watching him to make sure he didn't drop or startle the bunny. "I don't think they're hard to handle. Very easy to breed." She joked with a small laugh. She was quite confused at his next offer, her forehead turning into wrinkles as her eyebrows scrunched together. Why was it that everyone was always trying to give away their siblings to her, yet none were actually serious. I mean, if it could be possible she would jump at the chance. Instead she clung dearly onto her small group of closeknit friends.

Her little mouth formed into a small 'o' shape as she listened to his story. It was entertaining at least, though she felt embarrassed for bringing up his fear. To be fair though, she had no idea about. "Sorry." She mumbled apologetically. Silently she respected Jude even further, for it wasn't easy for one to speak so freely about their fears. At least not for her.

The rabbit legs kicked up on its way back into her arms, scratching her just below the elbow. Wincing back a complaint, she placed the creature back into its home. His grin was contagious and her face lit up with a mischievous smile. "What you mean.. Like go there with me?" She replied excitingly, assuming that's what he meant at least. The booth was free, or so she thought. It sounded like fun, even if it involved running off with a guy she had barely met.

"I really shouldn't leave but..." Her eyes darted to the floor, already feeling guilty as if she had already abandoned her post. She shrugged it off after a moments thought. This place was practically able to be run itself. Slipping the purse from her shoulder, she placed it open on a chair. Tilting up a sign near that stated 'Be back in 15 min. Use precaution no attendant available. 50cents to feed. Don't let animals lose.' It was supposed to be used for her breaks, but Jude had given her the perfect excuse to escape the borduim of standing around doing nothing.

[Justin Gardner]

Annual carnivals were usually a blessing for the Gardner's business. Many usually came by to pick out a flower for their significant others or simply to stop and smell the roses in the literal sense. The stand not only supplied a variety of flowers but it also had it's own bouquet and presentation service. It was a good thing that the whole family had joined in to get sales going. They were already running out of red roses! And why wouldn't they? The roses were rich in color and many loved to compliment them with a ribbon or even a bouquet. Usually the more wealthy looking folks purchased flower bouquets. Daisies and tulips were also quite famous. Justin supposed that it was for their dainty and simple appearance that was perfect for a steady couple or a first date. The boy could name any flower that went well with just about every occasion. 

"Have a nice evening." Justin wished an elderly man as he handed him a bouquet of red roses wrapped around lilac tissue paper and plastic tied together by a mocha colored ribbon. The scent of the roses was strong and he knew that this man's wife or significant other would love them. "Business is booming. I didn't think it was going to go so well." Elsa commented rather surprised of how well their stand was going. "I guess people are becoming more detailed," she paused, leaning against the small counter where the money and orders were kept. She glanced down to her well manicured nails as if trying to give a lower handed hint to her husband who was clipping the thorns off of some white roses. Patrick glanced up, looking forward and rose a brow, "Huh, guess they are." he chuckled but noticed how upset Elsa seemed to be. Elsa was only really joking around, saying that her husband of almost twenty years wasn't a man of detail. "Elsa, dear! I bring your flowers, I own a greenhouse and I sometimes even buy you chocolates." 
"Ha! Sometimes!"
"Baby!"
"I'm only joking!" Elsa walked over to Patrick and planted a smooch on his forehead before looking to her son and asking him, "You've helped enough, Justin. Why don't you go on and have some fun? Your father and I can take care of everything." she smiled softly. 

Justin looked around and then back to his parents. He hardly knew anybody but it was because he kept himself locked in that greenhouse tending to his Venus Fly Trap. Technically, it was a living thing. He treated his beloved plant as a pet, as if it were a cat or a dog. Justin even trapped fruit flies in jars and brought them to it so he could have his meal. Well, there was Chantel, but he wasn't sure if she would be attending the carnival. It was really a one in a million chance that she was there. "I guess I could go and maybe buy a fried snicker bar?" he shrugged, smiling brightly while pulling his apron over his head and placing it on top of the chair behind the counter. "I'll be back, I don't think I'll take too long." If Chantel wasn't present, that is. Justin began his way through the stands, looking at each one and debating whether it would be wise of him to have a glazed donut cheeseburger. Were those even legal?

[Jamie St. Claire]

"Oh, good." He said, feeling his chest starting to get tight because of the excitement. "I'm glad I was able to get out of the house!" He chuckled, thinking back on what had happened before he and Dani had left. Their parents weren't originally going to let them go seeing as the weather was not very agreeable and because Olivia didn't want to get out, their mom deemed it unfair that they got to have fun anyway. Jamie was a master with words, but wasn't ever keen on lying to his parents or authority for that matter.. or anyone know that it was mentioned.

Jamie smiled from ear to ear at her suggestion of getting what sounded like a heart attack on a plate, but he wanted to do anything that she wanted to. "That sounds... perfect, actually." His face was still a dark shade of red from when she'd kissed his cheeks. And now, he wasn't sure if they should just walk a foot apart or if he should be nice and offer up his arm to hold onto. Would that be pushing it? Would she decline his effort to be gentlemanly? 

Instead, he looked at her and pursed his lips. "You look cold.. Well, heh, I guess that's the winter.." He said nervously as he slipped off his much heavier jacket and put it over her shoulders. His flannel shirt was well insulated for winter temperatures so as long as they didn't go on any extremely fast rides, he would be okay. Besides, she looked warmer now even if he worried what she thought about his little gesture. 

When they'd reached the stand, Jamie ordered two.. donut burgers. The idea seems a little far-fetched for his analytical brain, but when they were up they didn't look half bad! He took a seat at the picnic bench and placed his styrofoam drink cup on the wood table. Was this where he told her that she looked really nice tonight? Or was he supposed to let her talk and he just listen? He played with a fry on his plate and thought about how this was going to make his stomach feel afterwards. It was maybe once a month that he ate fast food, let alone carnival food that was even more unhealthy. His parents would not approve of this.. or the fact that he was crushing on a teacher.

That's why he had decided to be cautious tonight. There were lots of his peers here that could easily narc on them or start rumors and all of that stuff that stupid teenagers did. Jamie looked around for a second and then right at her. "I don't even know how to start eating this.." He laughed, holding the strange sandwich in his hands. It smelled delicious though and made his mouth water. 

[Chantel Jackson]

Chantel rhythmically tapped her fingers against the counter as she waited for her little brother to get ready. “Caleb!” she shouted up to the boy,” let’s go! You’re getting ready like a girl!” In a matter of moments she could here thudding coming down the stairs. That had done the trick exactly. Nothing like insulting his manliness to get him to hurt up. Goodess, if the girl liked his then she wouldn’t care what he looked like. Chantel had definitely taken her time getting ready, but she’d planned adequately for it. Caleb, on the other hand, wasn’t used to actually getting ready for things. Besides, since when did he care what he looked like? “Look at you,” she teased,” so adorable. My little brother is growing up.”

The drive to the carnival didn’t take long, and her brother were rock stars together in the car. Connor had said he was ‘too cool’ to go with them and may or may not go later on his own. She didn’t really care, only wanting to go to see Justin. Now that was a work of art. Even after learning his identity he’d continued to send her flowers. Her brothers didn’t know about him, and she hadn’t told a soul. She didn’t know if he wanted people to know about him, or if it was truly meant to be a secret. It didn’t matter though, and she knew he was going to be there.

Everything had meant to be a surprise, and she didn’t want him to know she was going to be there. She hoped he didn’t think she was ignoring him or anything. She just wanted surprise him a little, no harm right? They weren’t dating yet, but she was hopeful for them to be an official thing soon. Though she didn’t need a facebook update to know she seriously like this boy who always greeted her with flowers and a beautiful smile. She quickly found a parking spot and hopped out of the car. “Alright, go have fun. I’ll meet up with you later,” she told Caleb,” if you need anything just text me. Be safe and have fun!” He headed off into the carnival without glancing back at her little brother as she locked the door via remote.

She surveyed the area and tried to find the flower stand where he mentioned he’d be working. She found it, and with bright eyes she searched for her man. She tried not to look disappointed as she glanced about and didn’t see him. She didn’t walk up to the car as she crossed her arms in thought. Why wouldn’t he have showed up? Her eyes caught another apron that had been discarded across a chair and she was hopeful once more. Maybe he’d gone looking around? She went in another direction and quickly spotted him. She snuck up behind and covered his eyes with her body pressed up against his back. “Guess who,” she said playfully into his ear, laughing softly.

[Aubrey Sawyer]

"Yay, okay let's go!" Aubrey smiled very jittery, taking Caroline's hand and heading toward the direction of the Ferris wheel. He looked back to the guy moderating the bottles and rings game stand and hollered a thankful, "Thank you!" before looking forward and keeping that ear to ear smile on his face. Spending time like this with Caroline made him feel like there was nothing wrong, that all of his worries were gone and that he was safe. He always felt safe in Caroline's presence. She gave off this powered personality where he knew he could cuddle into her arms and that they would be away from any harm. He was sure that it was love, there was no other way that could describe his feelings for her.

Every night when Aubrey closed his eyes to fall asleep, he had a smile on his face. Well, if he and Caroline weren't mad at one another. Usually, the bed felt so big when they were. As if Caroline was far away from him despite being only a few inches away. He didn't feel the warmth or the closeness, and that was when fear crept in. Sometimes he felt like she would be mad at him forever and she didn't love him anymore. It was just Aubrey's thoughts that made him so scared but when they made up, it was as if none of those feelings mattered because Caroline still loved him. Sure, it was really no life to be alert on whether or not your future wife loved your or not but Aubrey felt like he deserved it for not being honest with her since the beginning.

When Caroline began to dispel memories of bringing Camila home, Aubrey smiled, releasing her hand and instead linking arms with her. He enjoyed walking that way because he saw his parents do the same and it looked so romantic. "My mother was so happy to see her. She carried her everywhere and my father, well, he just adores babies so he fell head over heels for his first grand baby." he gushed so excitedly. He remembered how weary he was that maybe his parents would be resentful toward their granddaughter but Amelia and George were not those type of people. They knew the baby girl was innocent and dropped out of all charges. "Why you askin', Caroline?" he asked curiously but not bothered at all. He was simply wondering why she was suddenly so reminiscent.

Camila gestured for Scott to set her down because she wanted to walk on her own. She wasn't so tired anymore and was excited about the baby sheep. She wandered close by as she was instructed by her father and looked around while nibbling on her cotton candy. Scott kept a close eye on her all the while being rather flattered but still very nervous when Isabel took him by the hand. Did she like him so much as to going to extremities and holding his hand? It was almost as if it were a dream because no one had ever held Scott's hand other than his mother, as sad as that sounded. Cami paced in front of them as they approached the animal petting zone. She then scrambled forward when she caught sight of the baby sheep, goats and was that a llama? 

"Uncle Scott, can I please?" Camila pleaded with both her hands together as one would do when they were asking for something. She even put a big bright smile to persuade him. Scott really saw no harm in her feeding a baby animal therefore he nodded, "Yes, you may." he smiled gently. Camila held the bottle to her before dashing off to feed the baby sheep. She carefully brought the bottle to the sheep, she held it's chin softly and it gladly began drinking. "Look, I made it drink! It didn't kick me this time!" she was so glad that didn't happen again. Let's just say that Camila didn't have a very happy history with sheep, goats or even llamas. Despite that fact, she wasn't afraid of them. "That's great, Cami!" Scott exclaimed before turning to Isabel and saying, "You may be asking why she said 'this time'. The last time she tried even so petting a goat, it kicked her with it's back legs. She went flying almost to the other side of the gate. I was surprised that she had accepted to come to the petting zoo." he said with a soft chuckle.

Scott also realized that they were still holding hands which caused him to blush softly. Walking had sure cooled him off yet he hoped that Isabel didn't mind his sweaty palm. He listened to her as she spoke, "That does sound very nice. It must be rather wonderful to live by the boardwalk. Do you like it there?" he asked her, struggling to come up with words that would keep their conversation going. As stated before, Scott wasn't very well with talking. When Isabel asked him if he attended Somerset, he nodded quickly. "I do. It's a little strange because I'm a senior but I really should be a freshman." he grinned faintly. What if she thought he was strange for skipping two grades? "You look awfully familiar too," he said softly, looking to her and once more losing himself in her eyes. "I feel like I've seen you somewhere, but I don't quite remember where." Scott had seen her, alright. Only in his dreams. He then shook his head to dismiss the thought in his head and asked her, "What grade are you in?" 

[Justin Gardner]

A glazed donut burger definitely did not seem legal. It was such a crime to even so take a bite out of one, still, what was so wrong always felt right. Well, if it concerned greasy foods such as these or love affairs. He bit his lip softly before looking around in hopes that Chantel would magically appear before him. He saw many familiar faces but not the one he was searching for. Justin knew that there was at least half a chance that she might have not attended. It wasn't a mandatory event. He could always see her at school now that he was slightly comfortable around her. Not that she brought him any discomfort but he was a little insecure simply because she was so beautiful. However, Justin's weariness was discreet and it was a general interior battle. 

Only seconds away from losing hope, Justin could feel someone coming dangerously close to him. He stood still, instantly recognizing the voice. It was Chantel. He knew that voice even if it had been distorted. Anyways, who else would be that trusty with him, it couldn't have been his mother. His hands gently patted the ones over his eyes, "What do I get if I guess right?" he asked her with a big smile. Chantel seemed to be interested in him, or so it seemed. The last thing Justin wanted to do was lose her attention. Did that mean he was required to step his game up and be more straightforward? 

"I'm joking, Chantel." Justin put emphasis on her name and tilted his head to the side before dropping his hands by his sides. 

[Chantel Jackson]

Chantel had never felt so attached to someone before. She’d had plenty of boyfriends and playthings, but Justin made her want to be a better person. Even before she knew his identity she’d stopped flirting with the boys because of the flowers he left her. She’d been pleasantly surprised when she found him placing flowers on her desk. Ever since then she couldn’t get him off her mind, and she loved that there were constantly flowers in her room. No guy had ever given her so much attention, let alone tried so hard to do something for her. Justin had truly been a gift, and sometimes she wondered if she even deserved him.

She laughed as he made joked back, and loved the way his hands felt over hers. It made her heart skip a beat and she felt like a little girl again. “Well you’ll just have to find out,” she said softly and possibly slightly suggestive. He just seemed so innocent and it was in her nature to be flirtatious. She cheered lightly when he guessed it right,” good job!” She dropped her own hands, but not before trailing them down his back slightly. She just liked having contact with him. She walked to be in front of him and offered a big smile, glad to see him.

She picked up his hands and held them in her own, not caring who saw. “Good job,” she praised him,” and now for your prize.” She got up on her lip toes and planted a soft and sweet kiss on his cheek. It didn’t matter that there were people around who could see, or people in their school who knew them. While she might’ve been with the more popular crowd, she didn’t have anything to hide. She most definitely wasn’t ashamed to be affectionate around him. Even know he made her heart flutter as they stood there hand in hand.