Chapter: 65: Funfair
Elena
"Mommy." Lilly came out running towards me. I scooped her up into my embrace. We both got back into the house, and I left Damien who was in a conversation with Priest outside.
Damien had asked Priest to be in charge of my protection so he was mostly around my apartment.
"How was last night? Jenna's voice came in giving me a suggestive look.
I chuckled. "Nothing."
Jenna smirked, leaning in closer. "Uh-huh, you sure nothing'." she cocked an eyebrow. "That's exactly what people say when something happens," she added.
I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a smile. "I'm serious, and Lily is here," I added gesturing that we would talk later.
Her features lightened up and I needed no one to explain how far her thoughts ran.
"Mommy let's go," Lily tugged at my dress looking up at me with wide eyes.
Jenna waved a hand dramatically. "Fine, fine, I'll let it go… for now. But just know, I have questions and I expect answers later."
" Alright," I said reassuring her. " I have to go Damien is waiting for me."
"You guys enjoy yourselves," she added as I walked out.
The festival was in full swing by the time we arrived. Colorful lanterns illuminated the streets, their soft glow creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The air was filled with excitement—children laughing, couples strolling hand in hand, and the tempting aroma of street foods. Caramel apples, popcorn, and freshly grilled meat filled my nostrils.
Lily was practically bouncing with excitement, her small fingers clutching onto Damien's hand as she tugged him forward. She was our navigator, leading us to any booth that caught her eye.
We spent the next hour indulging in festival treats. I got a stick of cotton candy and decided to try out meat skewers, while Lily munched on one sweet thing to the other. I was surprised she wasn't full.
"Mommy, can we get those chocolate figurines?"
"You going to get a stomach ache if you keep eating all these sweets."
"Mommy pwetty please, this would be the last one."
"Promise?"
Her face lit up. "Pwromise."
We bought the chocolate figurines and Damien, ever the classic man, settled for roasted nuts all through the night.
We moved on to other booths, playing whack-a-mole, and even trying our hand at a strength test. Damien, of course, hit the bell at the very top with ease, while I barely made it halfway.
"Showing off," I grumbled.
He leaned in, his voice low. "Maybe. But only because I know you like it."
Heat crept up my neck, and I quickly turned to focus on Lily, who was trying to pick out a prize.
She chose a giant pink panda, hugging it tightly as she beamed up at Damien. "Thank you!"
He lifted her into his arms. "Anything for you princess."
She smiled, her eyes darting between me and Damien. Seemed she liked being called princess.
"Get your headbands here." A seller's voice came in. Damien took Lily closer and he chose a tiara that he placed on her head.
"Do you like it?"
"Yes, I love it," she said hugging him tightly.
Watching them together sent an ache through my chest—I was happy, but at the same time I wondered if we would always be happy, together… as a family.
we wandered into an area with a small stage where live music was playing. The band strummed a romantic tune, and couples were swaying together under the lantern lights.
"Care to dance?" Damien's hand positioned in front of me. Before I could word out my response he grabbed my hands taking me to the center of the stage while Lily was left in priest's care. Priest had come along with us for safety reasons.
"Damien—"
"Relax, Elena. It's just a dance," he murmured, his grip firm but gentle.
His warmth surrounded me as we moved to the slow melody. I was self conscious of the way his large hands rested on my waist, the way his scent—clean and woody—wrapped around me.
It felt like the world around us melted away. Just the two of us— no worries. My body dissolved into his and at the drop of the beat, I was lifted up and spun around. My heart beat fastened and I felt lighter, laughter easily rolling off my lips.
I placed both my hands on his cheeks, kissing him like tonight was our last night.
Dropping me to my feet he leaned into my ears and whispered. "I'll make you the happiest woman." His eyes looked at me as they held the promise he just made.
Lily came running towards us. "I want to join in," she said loudly.
The music had changed to a fast paced tune, and we all held hands dancing in circles. I truly felt joy and Lily's face beamed with happiness while Damien, smiling had a look of satisfaction.
When the festival finally began to wind down, we made our way back to the car, our hands filled with prizes and treats. Lily was nodding off in the backseat, clutching her stuffed panda. I leaned back in my seat, exhaling happily.
"That was fun," I admitted.
Damien glanced at me, a smile tugging at his lips.
We were almost halfway home when the car suddenly slowed, and Damien cursed loudly.
"The kid Damien," I said trailing my eyes to Lily.
"Sorry."
"What happened?" I asked.
"We're out of gas."
Luckily there was just enough to get us to the nearest gas station, which was practically deserted except for a dimly lit convenience store. He pulled over and stepped out to refill.
I unbuckled my seatbelt and stepped out to meet him. "I'm going to use the restroom room."
Damien frowned. "I'll go with you."
"I'll be fine," I assured him. "It's just a quick stop."
"At least take priest with you," his frown deepened.
"I won't take long, I'll be back in a jiffy." I smiled before leaving.
He didn't look convinced, but he nodded. "I don't want to come looking for you."
"You won't," I said loudly so he would hear over the distance I had walked.
Going through the back entrance, I made my way inside, the gas station's female restroom. It was quiet and looked scary with alien looking creatures painted on the walls. The fluorescent lights flickered above me, casting odd shadows on the tile floor. I hurried into the toilet stall, locking the door behind me.
I got done quickly. I stepped out and washed my hands when a sudden creak behind me made my heart jump. I turned around quickly to find out what made the noise but panic surged through me as I laid eyes on what was before me.
"That man."