Even When the Night Changes

Emma was supposed to meet a friend at the carnival, but she flaked out on her at the last moment. Since Emma was already there, she decided to stay and check things out on her own.
While she was waiting in line for a corn dog she spotted her old school crush Liam. It looked like he was on a date. She was surprised at how sad that made her. She had always regretted not telling Liam how she felt about him.
Emma sat down to eat her corn dog. There was Liam again. Getting on a ride with his date. Is it possible he’s gotten even better looking?
Uh oh Liam doesn’t look so good after that ride. Woah, did he just throw up in that girl’s hat? Wait, she’s leaving him?
Emma runs over to Liam. “Liam, are you ok?” Emma asks. Liam just looks up at her surprised. Emma takes his hand. “Come with me.”
Emma sets him at a picnic table. “Wait right here.” She says. Emma returns with a wet paper towel and a soda. “Here Liam, drink this slowly.” Then she pats his face with the wet towel.
“Thank you Emma.” Liam says as he starts to feel better. “You just came out of nowhere.” Emma laughs. “You looked like you could use an old friend.”
“You were always there when I needed you the most.” Liam smiled before adding. “I’m feeling much better. How about taking a walk with me?”
I’d love that Liam.” Emma replies.
They spend a couple of hours walking around the carnival and catching up on everything in their lives.
Emma was a bit concerned. She was having all the same feelings for Liam. Would she end up hurt again. She decided this time with him was worth any pain she’d feel later.
They take a moment to sit on a bench near the ferris wheel. Reminiscing about school.
Liam pauses for a moment, looking nervous, then he says. “I remember I had such a huge crush on you, Emma.”
Emma’s jaw drops. “Wait.....what?”
“I was crazy about you but I could never get up the nerve to tell you.” Liam says shyly.
Emma can’t believe this. She looks up into Liam’s big brown eyes. “Liam, I had such a big crush on you! I had no idea you liked me too.”
“Really?” Liam asks.
“Yes! Well now I just feel sad for all that lost time.” Emma says quietly. Then she feels Liam’s hand on her leg. That old familiar heat radiates through her.
“Don’t be sad, love.” Liam lifts Emma’s chin so their eyes meet. “How about we start making up for lost time tonight?”
Emma smiles. Liam tells her, “You are so beautiful. Even more beautiful than I remember.”
Emma reaches up to touch Liams face. “And you are even more handsome.”
Liam puts his hand on Emma’s. “I’m so glad this evening has gone the way it has.”
She turns her hand in Liam’s and intertwines her fingers with his. “Me too.”
Liam tells Emma to hold on, he’ll be right back.
He returns with a single red rose. Liam gets down on one knee in front of Emma. “Will you go on the ferris wheel with me? I promise not to throw up.” Liam grins.
Emma takes the rose and replies. “I would go with you even if you did throw up.”
Liam laughs as he stands up and offers Emma his hand. She takes it and they head toward the ferris wheel.
Liam helps her on to the ride and they sit very close to each other. “I have to admit I have a little fear of heights.” Emma says nervously.
Liam puts his arm around her and pulls her close. This helps her until they reach the very top and the ride stops, leaving them swinging at the highest point. Emma makes the mistake of looking down.
Liam sees how scared she is. “How about I distract you?” Then Liam leans in to kiss Emma. She has dreamt about this for a long time. She no longer worries about the height. Liam kisses her neck before moving back up to her mouth. Such passionate kisses. They are so engrossed in each other that it takes a moment for them to realize that the ride is over. They laugh, share one more kiss, and then exit the ride.
Emma laughs. “You are really good at distracting me.”
Liam moves in close to her, puts his arm on her back and whispers in her ear. “How about I distract you some more?” Liam pulls back and looks in Emma’s eyes.
“Yes please.”Emma replies with a smirk. Liam and Emma don’t care that they aren’t alone. They are enjoying each other too much. Liam forces himself to stop kissing her long enough to say. “How about we get out of here? Maybe go get coffee?”
“That sounds great.” Emma replies.
“Emma, I’m so happy. Will you go out with me tomorrow night?”
“Of course I will, Liam.” Emma says before she wraps her arms around Liam’s neck and kisses him.
As they walk out of the carnival, Emma can’t help but think about how fast the night changes.

Notes