Page 43 of I Dare You
I want to be sick.
Jupiter reaches across the table and cradles my hand.“Let’s go.”
We stand and ensure to blend into the crowd as we follow Smokes.The crowd is unsuspecting of the brutality about to unfold.
It’s exhilarating that Jupiter and I share a secret that only we’re privy to.It’s Jupiter and me versus the world.
Smokes slides his hand down to his date’s ass and places his hand into her back pocket, like they’re teenagers on their first date.
I don’t know why, but the sight angers me.Perhaps it’s because I was never able to experience such innocence with a boy.The clichéd things are suddenly events I wish to experience because maybe I wouldn’t have grown into the monster I am.
We pass the merry-go-round, a perfect analogy of how I’m feeling within.
The warped music and bright lights have a sense of panic tackling me.
“I don’t think I can do this.”
Jupiter takes hold of my hand.“Yes, you can.”
Instantly, my anxiety is salved by her tranquility.
The yin to my yang.
We approach the house of horrors.To enter, we must walk through the mouth of the devil.His fangs are long and sharp.His tongue acts as the red carpet fit for us deranged freaks.
The strobe lighting and cracks of thunder, with a lingering smoke effect, are meant to enhance the ghoulish vibe.
Mechanical witches, clowns, and skeleton props bop up and down, cackling and daring those to enter and survive the haunted house.
I read over the warnings:
No phones or recording allowed.
Do not touch the props or performers.
It’s not recommended for those with heart conditions or fear of confined spaces to enter.
Those who dare enter will be exposed to periods of darkness, loud noises, theatrical fog, and terrifying, real-life horror scenes.
Sounds like my kind of party.
We purchase our tickets and ensure to enter with a group of teenagers.Smokes is at the front of the line.
While waiting our turn, an actor comes charging toward us, wielding a chainsaw.He wears a hockey mask and denim overalls covered in blood.Everyone screams and jumps back, hiding behind friends.
Jupiter and I stay rooted to the ground, unmoved.
“See you sooooon,” the chainsaw-wielding man croons with a maniacal laugh, before entering through the devil’s mouth.
The red curtain parts, permitting us to enter.
Smokes laughs, wrapping his arm around his date, coaxing her to enter.She recoils, scared.
She should be.
He finally persuades her inside, where a scream sounds a few seconds later.
Let the show begin.
