Page 36 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“Okay, so maybe I’m a little scared,” I admit.
She giggles. “Don’t worry. I’ve seen a lot of little kids coming out of there, and they seem alright.”
This doesn’t make me feel better.Maybe those kids are braver than me.
Just then I hear a few screams coming from inside the house. I have zero desire to go in that building, but I can do it for Fiona.
“Well, I definitely think Maple Fest lives up to its reputation,” Fiona says, holding her arms out wide. “I love all of it.”
“I agree,” I say. “You’ll have to come back for next year’s event.”
She nods, her smile fading. “I will.”
“Have you decided when you’re leaving?” I ask. There’s no reason to tiptoe around the subject.
“Not yet.” She pauses for a few seconds. “Honestly I’m not ready to go back.”
This could be the perfect opportunity for me to convince her to stay.
“Maybe you could extend your trip for a while?” I suggest.
She sighs. “I’ve already stayed longer than I was planning.”
“I’m glad you did,” I admit.
Our eyes lock for a few seconds, and I’m instantly reminded of the first time I saw her not too far from where we are right now.
“Anyway, enough about that. It’s time for you to go in the haunted house with me,” she announces.
I cringe. I was hoping she’d forget about it.
“Okay. Let’s go,” I say before I lose my nerve and try to make a break for it.
“I promise I’ll be right there with you,” she says. “It’ll be fun.”
Fun? Sure.
We make our way to the entrance of the old general store that’s been transformed into a haunted house. At least Ithink it’s been transformed. I haven’t studied up on Maple Falls lore, so I don’t know if it really is haunted or not. Either way it’s creepy.
We head into the dark building, and I’m immediately startled by the screams coming from somewhere inside. As we walk down the spooky corridor, I feel someone grab my hand. Thankfully it’s Fiona. She tightens her grip as we move, and I follow her lead. I don’t know if I’m more freaked out about this haunted house or my growing feelings for this woman who isn’t staying in Maple Falls.
By the end of the terrifying experience, my arms have moved around Fiona, my face hidden in her hair. This is extra funny since she’s about five inches shorter than me. She smells amazingly sweet, which makes this whole experience worth it.
We manage to make it out safely but not without some embarrassing screams and a bit of panic from me. I hope none of my teammates were around to witness it.
Fiona can’t stop laughing as I fall to the ground and kiss the sidewalk upon our exit.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“I think so,” I exclaim clutching my chest dramatically.
“It’s funny that you have no problem being thrown into glass boards and getting hit with hockey sticks for an extended period of time, but you can’t walk through a five-minute haunted house.”
“We all have our irrational fears,” I retort. “And that was scary for a small-town festival. I’ll be lucky if I can sleep tonight.”
“Well, I’m glad I could be there to help you through it.”
The sun has begun to set, casting an array of colors over the festival. We chat as we walk, our conversation neverlulling. This would be the perfect time for me to ask her out, except it will be a real date this time.
