Chapter 8: The Carnival (Part 2)

The Carnivale (Part 2)

Multicolored streamers danced in the air, weaving intricate patterns against the backdrop of the soon to be darkening sky. Above, a canopy of twinkling lights illuminated the path ahead, casting a warm glow over the throngs of excited revelers.

So this is what a travelling carnival is like, thought Teresa in her mind as she admired the colorful booths linning the walkways. Each one offering its own unique blend of games, treats, and surprises, showcasing some interesting trinkets that you could buy and take as souvenirs to remember this place by for long after it's gone.

As they stepped into the heart of the carnival, they were swept away by the magic of the moment, lost in a whirlwind of excitement and wonder. Here, beneath the twinkling lights and swirling melodies, anything seemed possible, and the promise of adventure hung heavy in the air.

Sia looked back smiling at her best friend who stood at some distance, both in awestruck of the delightful world around them, looked at one another and knew it was going to be fun evening for them.

Sia turned around now slowly traversing through the ways so Teresa could catch up to her, bumped someone's shoulder.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I was distracted-" Her apology cut short as she registered the bored and annoyed expression on the girl's face whom she had bumped into.

"Oh, it's you," came the reply from the girl as she rolled her eyes. "Ever the nuisance, Sia. Where's the other one?" She asked, scanning the area for Teresa.

"What happened? You two broke up?" The girl and her two minions, all began to laugh at their silly insult.

Sia smirked, brushing off the comment with a playful glint in her eye, "Oh don't worry about us we're stil going strong. But I don't see your boyfriend around, what happened, did he finally upgraded his petty standards?" 

Her witty response, enraged the girl and her minions to be uncomfortably looking around. 

"Hey, what's going on here-" Teresa finally caught up but was momentarily stunned to see their high school nemesis and her two side kicks standing there blocking Sia's path.

"Oh, Karen, fancy seeing you here. What happened, I thought this whole carnival typa things weren't your jock boyfriend's scene." Teresa unknowingly poured salt on her wounds even further with that question.

Sia laughed approvingly giving a nod at Teresa who knew Karen must have said something mean to Sia as she never liked them when they were in high school.

"You two were always just jealous of me because he never looked at you and your penniless side kick." Karen retored back at Teresa with clear venom in her tone for both of them.

"Well at least we didn't loose our whole personality just by breaking up with our high school boyfriend." Sia replied with sweet smile.

"Whatever, losers. I hope you enjoy the free attractions since you can't afford the ones with a fare." Karen gave Sia a disgusted look up and down and walked away deliberately bumping her shoulder this time.

Teresa grabbed Sia's arm and began to walk further in the carnival, opposite to where the three mean girls went.

"Forget about her, she was always the sour pickle." Teresa tried her best to refraine from cursing her. She knew that although Sia put up a strong front and never always teach a lesson to those who try to bully her; she was still a girl and it does effect her sometimes.