Chapter 3: Ferris Wheels and Fights in the Dark

On our third date, Julian and I went to the amusement park.

The place was packed, the air thick with the smell of popcorn and cotton candy. I felt like a kid again, bouncing on my toes as we walked through the gates.

“Want to ride the roller coaster?” Julian pointed at the tall, eye-catching ride.

He looked excited, but I could feel my stomach drop just looking at it.

I looked at the ride, listened to the screams, and swallowed. “Maybe not.”

I tried to sound casual, but my voice wobbled. Heights were not my thing.

I’m brave, but I’m afraid of heights.

I could spar in the ring all day, but put me on a roller coaster and I’d turn into a puddle.

Julian looked at me and nodded. “Okay, I think so too. Let’s try something else.”

He squeezed my hand, giving me an easy out. I breathed a sigh of relief.

So we played bumper cars and shot balloons—had a blast.

We chased each other around the bumper car arena, laughing so hard we nearly cried. I won a stuffed bear at the balloon stand and gave it to Julian, just to see him blush.

“Miss, why are you playing kids’ games?” a nearby child asked.

He tugged on my sleeve, looking up at me with big, curious eyes.

Kids’ games?

I laughed, feeling a little self-conscious. “Because they’re fun, that’s why.”

“Tommy, don’t be rude,” his mom said, apologizing to us. “Sorry, kids can be a handful.”

She smiled at me, a little embarrassed. I waved it off.

I smiled and shook my head.

“Don’t worry about it. He’s just curious,” I said, ruffling Tommy’s hair.

Julian smiled, pointed at me, and told the child, “Because to me, she’s just a big kid.”

He winked at me, and I stuck my tongue out at him, pretending to be offended.

“Wow.” The child’s eyes widened, and his mom led him away with a smile.

I caught her giving us a knowing look, like she remembered what young love felt like.

Because of that, I couldn’t stop grinning.

My cheeks hurt from smiling, but I didn’t care. The day felt perfect.

“Let’s ride the Ferris wheel,” Julian said, pulling me along.

He tugged me toward the line, and before I knew it, we were climbing into a little blue gondola.

I looked at his tall figure, my heart pounding, cheeks burning.

He squeezed in beside me, our knees bumping. I tried not to stare, but it was impossible.

My mind basically short-circuited—I didn’t even realize I’d gotten on the Ferris wheel with him.

The city spread out below us, lights twinkling as the sun started to set. It was impossibly romantic.

As we neared the top, Julian said,

He turned to me, his eyes shining in the golden light.

“Savannah, I heard that if lovers kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel, they’ll be together forever. Can I?”

His voice was soft, almost shy. I felt my heart flip in my chest.

I snapped out of it, met his gentle gaze, and grinned. “Of course.”

I leaned in, my nerves melting away. This was the moment.

His face came closer and closer, until our lips touched, and it felt like fireworks exploded in my mind.

The world disappeared for a second, just the two of us suspended in the sky.

Julian’s hand cradled my head, whispering, “Savannah, close your eyes.”

His breath was warm against my cheek. I obeyed, letting myself fall into the moment.

I did, but...

Damn, with my eyes closed, I could feel everything even more...

Every sound, every heartbeat, every tiny shift in the air. It was overwhelming in the best way.

When we were halfway down, Julian let go.

He pulled back, his cheeks flushed, his smile soft and a little dazed.

When I got off, I was practically floating.

I felt like I was walking on air, barely aware of my own feet.

“Savannah.”

Hearing his voice, I looked at him, dazed.

He was grinning at me, eyes full of mischief.

“You’re walking like a robot.”

I glanced down and realized I was doing an awkward robot walk. My face turned bright red.

Oh my god.

I snapped out of it.

I shook my head, trying to play it cool, but I knew I was blushing like crazy.

So embarrassing!!

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. Why did I have to be so awkward?

Julian laughed softly. “So cute.”

His laughter was warm, not mocking. Somehow, that made it worse—and better.

I couldn’t take it. I wanted to dig a hole and hide.

I hurried ahead. “It’s late, let’s go home.”

I practically jogged toward the exit, hoping he wouldn’t tease me about it all night.

Leaving the park, we passed an alley and suddenly heard an argument.

The voices echoed off the brick walls, sharp and unsettling. I felt my whole body tense.

“You—you stay away from me!” A familiar girl’s voice.

My heart dropped. I recognized that voice instantly—Chloe.

“Hey, pretty thing, it’s quiet here—no cameras. Why don’t we have some fun?” a man said, followed by laughter from a group of men.

I clenched my fists, anger bubbling up. No way was I letting this slide.

I frowned. “Julian, call the police. I’ll check it out.”

I kept my voice steady, but inside I was already in fight mode.

“Let’s go together,” Julian said, following as I ran over.

He matched my pace, his phone already out. I felt better knowing he had my back.

At the end of the alley, several men were surrounding a frail-looking girl in a sundress.

She looked terrified, her back pressed against the wall. My blood boiled.

Looking closer, I realized it was Chloe.

She spotted us and her eyes widened with relief. “Julian, help me!”

The men were startled, then calmed down. “Oh, friends? I’d advise you not to get involved.”

The leader sneered, sizing us up. I stared him down, refusing to back off.

I frowned.

I took a deep breath, ready to step in. Julian stood just behind me, phone to his ear, calling 911.

“Hey, gorgeous, since you’re here, why not join us?” the leader said lewdly.

He leered, his buddies snickering behind him. That was the last straw.

Seriously... I couldn’t stand it.

I didn’t bother talking, just rushed in and took them down.

Years of training kicked in. I dodged the first guy’s swing, landed a solid punch, and sent him sprawling. The others hesitated, but I didn’t give them a chance.

Don’t be fooled by their tough looks. These guys were weak from partying too much—none of them could fight.

I swept another guy’s legs, sending him crashing to the ground. The rest scattered, tripping over each other in their rush to get away.

One kick from me and a guy was down, groaning.

Julian stayed close, making sure Chloe was safe. I tossed my hair back, adrenaline still pumping.

I took off my light jacket and draped it over Chloe, who was hugging herself. I leaned down and said softly, “Don’t be scared, you’re safe now.”

She clung to my jacket, eyes wide and tearful. I gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.

Chloe stared at me, stunned. “Thank you.”

Her voice was shaky, but I could tell she meant it. I nodded, giving her a small smile.

Soon, the police arrived and took the thugs away.

The flashing lights filled the alley, and officers quickly rounded up the troublemakers. I breathed a sigh of relief.

As witnesses, we went to give statements.

The officer recognized us from before, giving me a nod of respect as he took our info.

Leaving the station, Chloe said, “Thank you both. Let me treat you to dinner.”

She looked at me, her voice softer than usual. I could tell she was trying to make amends.

I looked at her. “No need, I’m a bit tired. Do you need a ride home?”

I offered, not wanting her to be alone after everything that happened.

She shook her head. “No, my family’s picking me up.”

She pointed to a car where a young man waited by the window.

He waved at her, concern etched on his face. I gave him a thumbs up, letting him know she was okay.

I nodded and turned to go.

I slipped my hands into my pockets, ready to call it a night.

Chloe called, “Next time then, I’ll treat you.”

She sounded determined, like she wasn’t taking no for an answer.

I glanced at Julian, who didn’t react, and stayed silent.

He just shrugged, letting me decide.

But Chloe said, “Sis, okay?”

She grinned, her eyes sparkling. I couldn’t help but laugh.

Wait, “Sis”?

I pointed at myself. When she nodded, I grinned and nodded too. “Okay.”

It felt weird, but also kind of nice. Maybe this was the start of something new.

So, does this mean Julian’s childhood friend accepts me? Being recognized by his people feels pretty good.

I felt a little flutter of pride. Maybe I was finally part of his world.