Fairgrounds and Confessions

“So let me get this straight. You’ve been crushing on him for the past year, college starts in a week, and you’ve done nothing?”

Roxy Lockhart sat on her bed, her hands folded in her lap. Her best friend, Jimena Sterling, stood with her hands on her hips.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve done nothing,” Roxy protested. “I mean, we’ve hung out a few times.”

“Randomly seeing your crush at a school event doesn’t count as a date.”

Marcos Valdera. Kind. Thoughtful. Godly. Devastatingly handsome. And very much out of her league.

“You’re running out of time,” Jimena sang. “Summer’s almost over. And so are your chances.”

“What if it’s meant to be, though?”

“Meant to be? He’s literally your dream guy, Roxy! I’ve watched you interact. You’re both strong where the other is weak! Isn’t that what you want in a godly spouse? You have to try!”

Roxy twirled a curly strand of blonde hair around her finger as she reminisced senior year.

The gorgeous Marcos Valdera had been new at school, and she and Jimena were chosen to show him around. The three became instant friends and ended up in some of the same classes and clubs. When Roxy saw his deep love for God, she found herself completely enamored by him. Even her parents loved him.

Jimena was right. He seemed absolutely perfect.

But getting rejected seemed worse than a missed chance.

“I’ve heard that if a guy likes you, he’ll tell you. Wouldn’t I know?” Roxy asked.

“Not if he’s too nervous. Remember Jonah from chemistry? Yeah, turns out he had a crush on me all of sophomore year and I had no idea. Just like you’re too afraid you’re going to get rejected, Marcos probably is, too. You’re just going to have to make the first move. And I have an idea.”

“What?”

Jimena smiled. “You’re going to confess your feelings to Marcos at the fair.”

“That’s tonight!”

“Precisely.”

Roxy nervously squeezed her hands. “I don’t know.”

“Don’t tell me you’re not gonna do anything.”

“But what if he isn’t the one?”

Jimena knelt down in front of her and smiled softly. “Okay. If Marcos isn’t the right one, God will redirect your steps. But I’ve seen the way you look at him. I wouldn’t let a guy like that slip away so easily.”

Roxy bit her lip, an exhilarating rush flooding through her. “You really think this is gonna work?”

Jimena smirked. “Duh.”

“Okay, then. Let’s do it!”

“Perfect.” Jimena whipped her phone out of her back pocket with a smile. “We need backup.”

Their friend, Vanessa Flores, arrived in under fifteen minutes with her hair and makeup kit.

Roxy sat in front of her mirror while Vanessa began laying out different makeup products.

Vanessa was easily the most stylish of the three. With her dramatic smokey eye and red lipstick, black leather jacket, leather pants, and high-heeled black boots, she looked like she walked off the cover of a magazine. Not to mention—her shiny brown hair with bangs framing her face and mocha skin were gorgeous. Her confidence and charm also made her incredibly magnetic.

“What’s the occasion?” Vanessa asked.

“Alverton City Fair,” Jimena answered.

“Objective?”

Jimena smiled. “Attract Marcos Valdera.”

Roxy's stomach fluttered and a blush lit up her cheeks.

Vanessa grabbed her makeup brush and turned Roxy around to face her. “Give me twenty minutes.”

While Vanessa did Roxy’s makeup, Jimena rummaged through Roxy’s closet to find the perfect outfit. Jimena said she needed something fun and functional, but it needed to stand out enough to catch Marcos’ eye. She also went through Roxy’s magazines that were stashed away in her closet, pointing at various pages.

“Remember what celebrity Jolie Angelz said in the latest edition magazine: Act! Confident!” Jimena snapped her fingers. “You’re the prize! Girl, you own that fairground!”

Roxy had to admit, as much as she was grateful for her friends’ help, the flirting hacks were making her nervous.

When Vanessa finished swiping lip gloss over Roxy’s lips, she folded her arms with a confident smile. “Done. Jimena!”

“Coming!” Jimena returned, wearing a stylish pink two-piece sweatsuit set, braiding a small strand of long black hair. Jimena was sporty in personality but dressed like a girly diva. When she saw Roxy, her face lit up. “Oh. You’re good.”

Vanessa smiled as she turned Roxy around to face the mirror.

Roxy’s jaw dropped at her reflection. “That’s me.”

“Yep.” Vanessa began putting away her hair and makeup products. “I decided on a simple eyeshadow and lip gloss to enhance your natural beauty, while adding winged eyeliner for some dramatic flair.”

Roxy couldn’t get over how great she looked. She looked like her natural self, but better. Her curly waist-length blonde hair was tied back in a half-up, half-down style. Her bangs and loose side-pieces framed her face, giving her a soft, romantic look.

Jimena clapped and squealed. “Ahhhh! This is perfect!”

Roxy’s heart lifted. “You think so?”

“I know so. If Marcos doesn’t do a double-take, he’s completely blind and totally not worthy of your time!” Jimena tossed a red, burgundy, and orange striped tee and black short-legged overalls to Roxy. “Now hurry up and change so we can go! We have no time to waste!”

As they walked toward the fairgrounds, Jimena excitedly rattled off all the flirting hacks she mentioned earlier. Play with her hair. Laugh. Gently touch his arm. Make eye contact before glancing away with a shy smile.

It was almost too much. It was much easier just talking to him than playing games.

Vanessa flashed her signature model-perfect smile. “Most importantly: confidence.”

“Yes! 100%! You guys are meant to be. I can just feel it,” Jimena declared.

Roxy took a deep breath. She could do this.

The fair bustled with people since it was a Friday night. The sunset cast an orange and lavender glow across the sky. A tall guy in a leather vest and sunglasses stood by the ring toss. When he saw them, he lifted his head in a quick nod and walked over.

Vanessa held out her arms and wrapped him in a hug. “Ace, darling.”

“Wow,” he said. “Vanessa, you look great.”

Vanessa slipped her hand in his. “Thanks for waiting on me.”

“No problem. Hey. Nice makeup.” Ace smiled at Roxy.

Roxy’s heart lifted. “Thank you. Vanessa did it.”

“I can tell.” He looked lovingly at Vanessa. “Hey, I’m starving. I’m gonna go get myself some fried chicken.”

“I’ll come with you.” As Ace led them toward the food carts, Vanessa winked and blew a kiss at Roxy. “Good luck.”

Roxy wished she could have a romance like theirs. And maybe she could actually have one if she stopped being so nervous and just told Marcos how she felt!

“Since Vanessa’s busy hanging out with her boyfriend, what do you wanna do first? They have a swing ride,” Roxy said.

“Sure, we can do that,” Jimena said. “Oh, sweet! They added a rollercoaster! This is perfect!”

Roxy furrowed her brows. “Perfect for what?”

“Oh, hey! It’s Violet and Ashlyn.” Jimena waved at two pretty girls from school. “Let’s go say hi real quick.”

Violet and Ashlyn looked absolutely gorgeous in their long-sleeved matching red dresses. Ashlyn’s bronze skin and black hair were perfectly complimented by her auburn highlights, while Violet’s blonde hair was tied in a romantic messy bun.

“Ashlyn!” Jimena gave her a hug. “You look great! Oh my gosh, love the new hairdo!”

Ashlyn ran her hand through her bob. “Thanks. It was time to try something new.”

As Jimena and Ashlyn chattered excitedly about college, Violet smiled softly at Roxy. “How are you?”

“Good. Excited for college too?”

“Yeah. It’ll be scary moving a few states away, though. I’ve never been so far away from my parents for so long before.” Violet fidgeted with her dress.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine,” Roxy assured her. “Where are you going, again?”

“University of East Florida. I’m studying Marine Biology. You’re going to Pecos Valley College, right?”

“Yep! All the way in New Mexico.”

“Cool. What will you be studying?”

“Spanish education. I’m hoping to be a Spanish teacher.”

Violet smiled. “I know you’ll do great.”

Roxy looked over her shoulder. And then, she saw him.

Marcos was only a few dozen feet away, talking and laughing with a couple she recognized from school.

Roxy couldn’t help but gaze at him.

She should have been more discreet, because Jimena immediately caught on and gave Roxy a playful nudge. “Crush-alert.”

“Wait! Crush? Who?” Ashlyn asked eagerly, following Roxy’s gaze. Even Violet looked interested.

Roxy blushed madly before Ashlyn blurted, “Ohmigosh, you have a crush on Marcos?”

“Okay, please not so loud!” Roxy hissed.

“Aww, I didn’t know you liked him,” Violet cooed.

“Girl, he’s literally so sweet,” Ashlyn rambled. “He’s a Christian, isn’t he?”

“He is. I had math class with him last year,” said Violet.

“Have you told him how you feel?” Ashlyn asked.

“No, not yet,” said Roxy.

Jimena smiled proudly before crossing her arms. “That’s what she’s doing tonight.”

Ashlyn clasped her hands excitedly. “Ahh this is so exciting! I’m such a sucker for romance!”

“You said you wanted to do that swing ride earlier. Ask him to go with you!” Jimena urged.

Roxy twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “He’s…kinda busy right now.”

“It’s okay, you’ll be fine!”

“Well, maybe we should wait…”

Jimena sighed dramatically before raising her arm. “Hey! Marcos!”

Roxy’s heart lurched. “Jimena!”

“Shh!”

Marcos waved at them before saying something to his friends and walking over.

“Oh my gosh,” Roxy breathed.

“You’ll be fine!” Jimena reassured her.

Ashlyn and Violet each gave a small wave as he approached.

“Hey guys, how’s it going?” Marcos asked.

And just like that, she was gazing into the gorgeous face of Marcos Valdera.

“Nothin’ much!” Jimena replied. “Enjoying the fair so far?”

“Absolutely.” He smiled warmly at Roxy. “Hey, Roxy. Um, I like your makeup. It looks cool.”

He thought she was pretty! Way to go, Vanessa! Roxy smiled. “Thanks.”

As the girls talked with him, Roxy gazed at his features. The setting sun made his skin the color of a rich burnt caramel, and his fluffy black hair was blowing in the breeze. His coffee eyes sparkled as he laughed. And he was just the right height to lean her head on his shoulder.

Could he possibly look any dreamier?

“I know! Right, Roxy?” Marcos asked.

Roxy’s heart jumped. “What?”

“I said the swing ride is the best.”

“Oh. Yeah. Yeah, it definitely is,” she said, relieved. For a second, she almost thought he read her thoughts about how dreamy she thought he was.

Jimena looped her arm through Roxy’s. “Roxy and I were thinking about trying that rollercoaster.”

“We were?” Roxy asked.

“Yes. Would you like to join us, Marcos?”

“Sure,” he answered easily.

“What-” Roxy asked.

“Just trust me,” Jimena hissed into her ear. “Alright, let’s go!”

Violet squeezed Roxy’s shoulder. “You’ve got this,” she whispered before she and Ashlyn disappeared.

Roxy didn’t have a good feeling about this.

Roxy tried to bury her nerves as they waited in line, but she had no such luck. The rollercoaster looked very fast… And scary.

Marcos smiled his easy smile. “I didn’t know you liked rollercoasters.”

Before Roxy could respond, Jimena suddenly said, “Shoot. I’ve gotta take this call. Marcos, can she ride with you?”

“Sure.”

Roxy froze. “Jimena, what-”

Jimena grabbed her arm and leaned toward her ear. “Experiencing fear and excitement together releases adrenaline, which your brain can confuse with romantic attraction. You can thank me later.”

And Jimena bounded off without another word.

So basically, her friend set her up and abandoned her at the last minute. Thanks a lot, Jimena!

Soon, Roxy and Marcos were buckled into the rollercoaster.

Marco smiled. “Ready?”

How could she be nervous when he smiled at her like that?

The rollercoaster lurched forward.

Nope! She was definitely still nervous!

The rollercoaster took off, leaving everyone screaming. Roxy clutched the side, attempting to steady herself. When the rollercoaster descended into a large drop, a wave of nausea rushed over her. This was not good.

After what felt like hours, the rollercoaster eventually jerked to a stop.

Marcos looked concerned. “Are you good?”

Roxy violently shook her head, commanding herself not to throw up on him. She unfastened her seatbelt and sprinted toward the nearest trash can. When she finished, she looked up to see Marcos standing beside her. Tears threatened to escape from embarrassment.

“Hey,” Marcos said gently, “are you okay?”

She bit her lip, willing herself not to cry.

Just then, a disgustingly familiar voice squealed, “Marcos! I haven’t seen you all summer.”

Jealousy from picture-perfect Amber Montgomery wrapping her arms around Marcos’ thin torso sent another rush of nausea through her. She bent over the trash can and let her stomach empty its contents again.

Amber scrunched up her perfect little nose. “What’s with her?”

“The rollercoaster made her nauseous,” Marcos explained.

As Amber began rambling on about who knows what, negative thoughts rushed through Roxy. Amber and her petite stature, creamy smooth skin, shiny golden hair, and brown eyes so dark any guy would lose himself in them.

Who was she kidding? She couldn’t do this.

To prevent further embarrassment, she ran away before he could notice her imperfections any longer. An overwhelmingly loud horn sounded from one of the rides as she sprinted through the fairgrounds. Her dash slowed to a walk when she found an empty bench and took a seat.

She never should have listened to Jimena. Impressing Marcos with something she wasn’t comfortable with was such a bad idea. Tears finally broke free from underneath her eyelids. No way was he going to like her now.

“Roxy?”

It was Jimena, Vanessa, and Ace.

Jimena pulled out a kleenex from her pocket and dabbed Roxy’s eyes. “What happened? Was it Marcos? If he hurt you, I’ll-”

Roxy hiccuped. “No! It wasn’t that. Amber showed up.”

Roxy relayed everything. The rollercoaster, the nausea, and Amber.

Jimena put a hand on her hip. “Seriously? You’re going to give up to Amber? Just like that?”

Roxy sniffed. “What’s the point? I completely embarrassed myself by throwing up in front of him.”

Vanessa flashed Jimena a look. “Yeah, Jimena, the rollercoaster idea was a bit much.”

Jimena gave Roxy an apologetic look. “You’re right. I’m sorry. If I knew you would get sick, I wouldn’t have done it. I just–I really care about you, and I wanted to see you happy, and I guess I just got too carried away. Please forgive me.”

Roxy nodded. “You’re forgiven. But it’s too late now.”

“No, it’s not!” Jimena put her hands on Roxy’s shoulders. “Is telling Marcos how you feel something you want?”

Roxy nodded. “I’m just nervous! I mean, he’s so cool. And I threw up in a trash can!”

“I was nervous before I asked Vanessa out. And look! Now she’s my girlfriend!” Ace smiled brightly.

Roxy giggled.

Vanessa said warmly, “If Marcos doesn’t feel the same, remember that it doesn’t have any reflection on your worth.”

Jimena pulled Roxy off the bench. “Okay. You like Marcos. That’s all that matters. Don’t even worry about those flirting hacks.” Jimena gasped. “Look! There he is!”

Roxy saw where Jimena was pointing. Marcos was by the ferris wheel. It looked like he was looking for someone.

“Roxy, he’s looking for you!” Jimena shouted.

Roxy’s heart lurched. “Are you sure?”

“No, I did not watch you simp over him the whole year for you to give up now! Go! Go get your guy, Rox!”

Roxy hesitated before taking off after him at a dead sprint. She had one chance. “Marcos! Marcos, wait!”

Marcos turned to face her. “Roxy!”

Roxy stopped in front of him. “Marcos. I’m sorry. I-”

Marcos put a hand on her shoulder. “Whoa, whoa, slow down. Deep breaths.”

As Roxy regained her breathing, Marcos said, “Are you okay? I tried to call after you, but some of the rides were so loud, I didn’t think you could hear me.”

Jimena was right! He had been looking for her!

“I’m sorry, Marcos. I shouldn’t have run off like that. I was just…embarrassed. You’re just so cool and I wanted to impress you and-”

Marcos smiled widely. “You think I’m cool?”

Roxy giggled. “Yeah. I do. And, I guess I just wanted you to think I was cool, too.”

A deep laugh came from Marcos’ chest. “Cool? How could you not be cool? You’re one of my closest friends!”

Roxy smiled. “Let me make it up to you for running away. How about the swing ride?”

“Swings? Are you sure your stomach can handle that?”

Roxy laughed. “I’m sure.”

“Alright, then. Lead the way.”

Roxy led Marcos toward the swings. Violet and Ashlyn were also in line. Roxy waved at them. When they noticed Roxy was with Marcos, they gave her a thumbs-up and an excited smile, which Roxy returned.

When they chose a swing, they sat in front of Violet and Ashlyn.

When they were being lifted into the air, Marcos nervously scratched the back of his head. “Can I ask you something?”

Roxy’s heart lifted. “Sure. Anything.”

“When we’re finished, would you uh, like to maybe go out for ice cream?”

Roxy smiled before taking his hand in hers. “I would love that.”

His smile brightened before the swing accelerated in speed.

Roxy looked down to see Jimena, Vanessa, and Ace below her, clapping and cheering. Tonight had turned out better than she could have possibly imagined.