The carnival is alive as Jasper pulls into the parking lot. Even the beach is full of people enjoying themselves. I smile as I climb out, happy to be able to stretch my legs. The boys tumble out, leaving Hailey to climb out the other side. Jasper rests his head on the steering wheel, exhausted from the drive. He didn’t even rest when he came home, so I can only imagine how tired he must be.

“Jasper, are you okay?”

“Yeah, just a little worn out is all. Thank you though, Kenzie.”

“Alright.”

I watch him a bit longer before joining the others in getting our stuff from the trunk. Jamie is practically inside the trunk thanks to Anthony. A laugh escapes me before I go to help the youngest of us out of the trunk. A scoff leaves Hailey and she rolls her eyes. Shaking off her reaction I grab my bag from the trunk and then follow everyone up to the carnival entrance. Instantly, Charlie and Hailey wander off on their own. The rest of us shrug and go about enjoying ourselves. Most of my time is spent watching the guys go on rides and hiding beside Jasper. I’ve never been big on rides. Not after an accident that had put me in the hospital when I was young.

“You’re not going to get on anything?”

“Nope, I’m safer down here. I really only came for the beach.”

“And because of Charlie.”

“Shush. You’re a terrible sibling.”

“Who? Me? No…I’m an angel. Everyone loves me.”

I shake my head, high-fiving Charlie as him, Hailey, and Carson exit the bumper cars.”

“You okay, Kenzie?”

“I’m fine Charlie. Besides carnival rides and I aren’t exactly friends.”

“Then why come to a carnival? That’s just stupid and a waste of money.”

“The beach. I always come out here with Charlie and Jasper over the Summer. It’s become tradition for us.”

“Still stupid of you to come to the carnival if you’re not going to ride anything.”

“There’s still plenty of games I can play.”

“Right…of course.”

“Charlie, Hailey is your guest. I don’t care that you brought her, but maybe you should let your friend know that since I’m the one who has to drive everyone back she might want to behave herself. McKenzie is family.”

Jasper leaves us all standing in shock as he goes walks off. Each step more resemblant to a jagged knife. It’s not like him, but it's not unusual for him to make subtle threats. Anger never fuels his threats, but even we can tell that something is off. Charlie turns to Hailey, apologizing for his brother. Meanwhile, the girl just shoots me a nasty look.

“Am I the only one who feels out of place here?”

“No, Carson. I do too. And I’ve known Charlie my whole life.”

“Glad to know it isn’t just me. Hey, they have a water gun game. Wanna go play?”

I nod and the two of us practically run the stall down in a race to beat the other. After playing five games Anthony joins us with Jamie. It’s also where Jasper finds us when it’s time to go to the beach.

“Jeez, did you make the guy rich? Where is all this stuff supposed to fit in the car?”

“Just put McKenzie and Jamie in the trunk. Oh, and Charlie too.”

“Just cuz’ we’re smaller than you gargantuan doesn’t mean you can bully us.”

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“I’m not gargantuan!”

“I don’t know…I mean we had to shove you in the car to make you fit.”

“Jasper is taller than all of us!”

“Yeah, but I have to drive us all home. None of you are driving my car. I know what Carson did to his dad’s car. And you and Jamie don’t have a license. McKenzie is a child. Children aren’t allowed to drive. And as much as I love you, Charles, you’re not driving my car. Ever.”

“That leaves Hailey.”

“I don’t know her. She’s disqualified by default.”

“I wouldn’t want to drive that ugly thing anyway.”

“If you “accidentally” drown. I had nothing to do with it. Let’s just go. I’m tempted to shove people off of rides to their death.”

I shudder, receiving an apologetic look from Jasper. Anthony makes a scolding face as if to say he’s protecting me. With a shake of my head, I trudge behind everyone to the water. Thankful that my swimsuit is underneath my clothes. All our stuff gets piled together before rushing the water. Unless you’re Jasper who is taking pictures of everyone. It’s the only chance he’ll get pictures of me. I hate seeing myself in photos. Still, instead of protesting, I let him. The water itself is cold at first. That doesn’t stop us all from splashing our way into the sparkling water. Me keeping close to the shore. I’m not about to let one of these hooligans dunk me under the water against my will. Not this year.

“Kenzie, come here!”

“Not if you intend to drown me!”

“One of us can always throw you in!”

Panicked I rush out to spend time with them before I actually get dunked against my will. Every once in a while we take a break to watch the gulls and stare at all the other people around us. Jasper even manages to take some group photos of us before the sun starts to set. By then it’s practically nightfall when we all huddle back to the car. Once we’re all settled in Jasper starts for home. It’ll be pitch black by the time we get back. Worn out like everyone else I close my eyes until we get home.

“Either get out of my car willingly or I’ll roll you all onto the pavement.”

I’m partial to being rolled out of the car. My limbs don’t want to move and I’m mentally drained from the day. There’s a scoff from someone, most likely Hailey with the way she’s been today, as they climb out of the car. They’re soon followed by another.

“McKenzie, I will roll you out of the car, c’mon. I’d douse you in ice water, but I love my car.”

“Do I have to?”

“Yes. Unless you want to starve. Mom made dinner.”

“Coming, don’t roll me.”

I climb out cautiously, stretch my arms and legs, and move towards the house. Behind me, everyone else is saying goodbye to Charlie and Jasper as their parents roll up to collect them. I turn to wave at the boys as they take off. Even waving to Hailey, who just rolls her eyes once more at me. With a shrug, I wait as Jasper comes and opens the door. He’s quick to say hi to his parents before disappearing into his room to sleep. That leaves me and Charlie to share today’s adventures with his parents. Both of whom are extremely excited to know that we’re finally dating. The rest of the night is spent playing video games and reminiscing. Also the occasional annoying of Jasper while he tries to sleep.