“I’ll be back in an hour!” I yelled back at my mom as Cody and I walked into the mass crowds at the Carnival. It was a hot, muggy August day, but one of the last days before school started again, so everyone was taking advantage of it. Kids’ shirts were sticking to their back, popsicles were melting, and water bottles were being guzzled by the dozens. As we walked, I began to put my hair up. It was something I rarely did because It was short already, but the heat demanded it today. My face was flushed as Cody and I walked side by side, our shoulders almost touching.

Because of how much time we spend together, people always assume that Cody and I are “a thing.” I, of course, always get flustered when they say this, because it is completely untrue. I’ve known Cody since I was 6, and we have been best friends ever since. Besides, I have never been interested in...guys. My mom said that it would come with age, but I’m 17 and I still don’t see them as anything but friends.

“So, where to first, Samena?” Cody asked, interrupting my thoughts.

“Hmm, I don’t know. How about the bumper things to get things started?” I responded, smiling.

“Ha,” he laughed, “you’re on! I can beat you any day!”

“Are you sure about that? Who says I haven’t been training with top secret government agents that want to teach people like you a lesson?”

“Uh huh, sure Samena. Besides, what is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing…” I shrugged then burst out laughing.

He laughed too as we made our way to the bumper cars. After waiting for a good 30 minutes, we finally were able to get settled and begin the bumping! Cody and I raced around, trying desperately to hit each other. When the bell finally rang, we pretend pouted as we got out and began to walk away.

“I so wrecked you!” I said as I playfully shoved him.

“Ya sure, tell that to your car that I so mercifully let live.” He responded, laughing

“I am the one and only true champ-” I was interrupted by someone bumping into me.

I fell to the ground after the collision. “Oh my god I am so sorry!” I heard a voice say. I slowly looked up to see who it was. A girl. Not knowing why, my heart began to race and my face grew slightly pink. “It's, o-ok…” I stuttered, “I’m f-fine.” She reached out a hand to help me up, so I hesitantly took it.

Once I was up on my feet, I noticed more about her. She had a short, pixie cut with faint purple streaks through her dark brown hair. She looked slightly flushed as well from the heat, but unlike me, she was wearing shorts and a tank top. Suddenly, she turned around and said, “Oh..my brother is calling. Sorry again!” Before I could get a chance to respond, she dashed off. I was stunned. What just happened? “Whatever I thought, I’ll probably never see her again anyways…”