The scent of kettle corn and hay filled the air as the Eastbridge Country Fair kicked off under a sky streaked with gold and lavender. Music drifted from the speakers near the barn stage, and the laughter of students echoed across the fairgrounds. Booths lined the perimeter—ring tosses, pie-eating contests, and a mechanical bull that already had a line of daredevils.
It was the biggest event of the season. And everyone had something to prove.
Brittany Lawson stood near the lemonade stand, arms crossed, lips pursed. Her outfit was flawless—denim skirt, plaid crop top, and boots that looked like they'd never touched dirt. But her mood was anything but sunny.
Daniel had promised to meet her after practice. "Just a quick stroll with the guys," he'd said. "I'll find you later."
That was an hour ago.
Brittany sipped her drink and scanned the crowd. No Daniel. No texts. Just the occasional glance from classmates who were clearly enjoying her solitude.
She hated this. She hated being alone. She hated that Anne Waters was probably somewhere nearby, basking in her newfound popularity.
Brittany's fingers tightened around her cup.
Not for long.
Mira stood near the entrance, her indigo eyes wide with wonder. The fair was louder than she expected, brighter, more chaotic—but in a good way. She wore a soft flannel shirt tied at the waist, ripped jeans, and a pair of worn boots that made her feel like she belonged.
Leo hadn't arrived yet.
She checked her phone. No messages. No missed calls.
Still, she smiled. Because for the first time in a long time, she wasn't hiding. She was here. She was present. And she was ready for whatever came next.
Even if it scared her.
Anne stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the brim of her straw hat. Her country girl outfit was simple but charming—denim overalls over a white blouse, her auburn curls tied back with a red ribbon. She looked… happy.
Zahir lounged on her bed, now fully human in appearance. He wore dark jeans, a fitted plaid shirt, and boots that somehow made him look like a cowboy from a dream.
"You're staring," he said, smirking.
Anne blushed. "You clean up well."
Zahir stood and offered his arm. "Shall we?"
Anne took it, her heart fluttering.
The fairgrounds buzzed with energy as Anne and Zahir arrived. Students milled about in their country-themed outfits, snapping photos and chasing prizes. Anne spotted the rollercoasters immediately—tall, twisting, and lit with neon.
"I have to ride that," she said, eyes gleaming.
Zahir raised an eyebrow. "You sure? It looks like it's held together with duct tape and hope."
Anne laughed. "Come on, genie boy. Live a little."
She ran ahead, and Zahir followed, smiling despite himself.
Mira stood near the Ferris wheel, scanning the crowd for Leo. Her heart thudded with anticipation. She'd come all this way. She'd faced her past. She'd dared to hope.
But Leo was late.
She checked her phone again. Still nothing.
Then she heard laughter—sharp, cruel, familiar.
As Zahir trailed Anne, he passed a booth with a glowing sign: Know Your Fate. A mechanical fortune teller sat inside—a mannequin dressed like a mystic, its eyes glowing blue.
Zahir froze.
Inside the machine, behind the glass, was a tiny figure. A genie. Trapped. Bound. Forgotten.
His chest tightened. His hands curled into fists.
He turned away, his emotions swirling.
Back at home, Brittany sat up in bed, her fever gone. Her phone buzzed with fair photos, laughter, and one text from Daniel: Still with the guys. Be there soon.
Brittany narrowed her eyes.
She wasn't missing this.
She threw off the covers, grabbed her boots, and headed out.
Mira turned and saw them—three girls from Willow Creek, dressed to impress and full of venom.
"Well, look who showed up," one sneered.
"Thought you'd be hiding under a rock," another added.
They circled her, their voices rising.
"You don't belong here."
"You're just a liar."
"Go back to wherever you came from."
One shoved her shoulder. Mira stumbled.
She looked around. No Leo. No Anne. No help.
Her breath caught.
Anne and Zahir climbed into the rollercoaster car, the wind whipping around them. The ride jerked forward, climbing toward the sky.
Zahir glanced at her. "You okay?"
Anne nodded, her cheeks flushed. "I'm glad you came."
Zahir smiled. "Me too."
As the car reached the peak, they turned toward each other. The world fell away. The lights blurred. Their faces drew close.
Anne's breath hitched.
Zahir leaned in.
But Anne pulled back, her eyes wide.
"I—I can't," she whispered.
The ride dropped.
to be continued.....