Winter Carnival
It hadn't come last year, but you had heard about it – the Winter Carnival that pitched its tents in the valley just the other side of the river that ran below the University. You had heard about it from the kids. It seemed strange. In the middle of winter; a carnival.
But one morning as you walked from the big old Victorian house on one hill to school on the other, you heard banging and a clamor and you turned and there it was – the snow had been plowed off the large field between the bridges, workmen were driving tent-stakes into the ground, there were horses in a paddock, animals in cages, old-fashioned rides being erected and signs and trailers. It looked quite extensive and exciting.
In class, some of your friends were talking about it. It would open Friday night. They were going. Could you come too.
"I'll have to ask Shujin," you blurted. But your friends didn't seem to notice you'd used one of your private names for me because the Physics professor came into the room and you all found seats and class began. Besides that, you realized, as you picked up your pencil, I was away on business again leaving you alone for a week with Margaret and Louise and, of course, Miss Brooks.
You sighed and tried to focus on class, but your mind drifted back to the night before, and the professor's voice became a background drone as your memory painted the images of our love-making in your imagination. You squirmed slightly in your seat as you recalled my hard cock, deep in your cunny as you, on top, rode me – your arms tied behind you – your nipples wearing the naughty clamps with their little bells that jingled as you took your pleasure. You felt yourself moisten at the thought and you knew that part of the sudden wetness between your pussy lips was my come still leaking from you.
Thursday passed by – class, study, an evening texting your friends and a call from me as usual. You told me of your day. I told you about mine. We laughed together as you filled me in on Miss Brook's latest antics. I would be home Sunday night. Yes, I would bring you presents. I would be out very late tomorrow night and might not be able to call until after your bedtime.
"OK, Daddy. Oh – the Winter Carnival came to town, may I please go with my friends?" Asking permission was a ritual you enjoyed. You found it a subtly erotic reminder of your submission.
"Of course, Little Love. Bundle up."
"Yes, Shujin."
So on Friday late afternoon when you emerged from the old stone building your math class was in, standing there on the wide terrace, you had a perfect view of the set-up in the valley across the river below. There was a main tent – very large – and two smaller ones and there was row upon row of attractions and trailers and shows and rides; a veritable circus. You could see the front gate with its banners and ticket-counter. All was ready for opening night.
Your friends came out of the building behind you and gathered 'round discussing plans for the evening.
"How about I catch up with you in a little while," you said, "I'm going to go by the doughnut shop and get Kristin. I'll text you."
So you made your way down the hill and met your friend, Kristin, just outside the shop. You had texted last evening to arrange about going to the carnival.
She waved when she saw you and smiled. Her red hair was tied back, but her bangs still showed from under her green wool, long stocking cap. Her skin was pale and slightly freckled. Her eyes were a striking pale green. Her cheekbones were high and her smile created adorable dimples in her cheeks. She was wearing her black down coat and black wool pleated skirt.
You thought how pretty she looked and thought, as you often had, that it was strange you'd never seen her with a boyfriend. She was so witty and bright. She'd be a catch for anyone for sure.
She was going to school at the County College part time, working her way through. She lived in the small apartment above the doughnut shop here where she was the manager. The shop was popular with the college kids. That's how you'd met her.
You had liked each other right away and she had always been particularly fond of you. She walked toward you and you hugged.
"Up for some fun, baby?" She always called you baby.
"Oh yes. Let's go. I'm hungry and freezing." You locked arms, braving the frigid breeze as you strode down fourth street and round the corner, and over the bridge.
From the crest of the slightly arching bridge, the carnival came into view. It had a high wooden fence all around it and its gate, wide and tall, had an arching sign over it, "The Magical Winter Carnival." As you got closer, you could hear the barkers and laughter and the commotion inside. You could hear the sound of the carousel and a drum-roll and bang and the crowd cheer from the main tent.
Kristin laughed, "Human cannon ball?"
You smiled, "Maybe, Kris. Hey – tonight's my treat." And, coming to the gate, you bought your tickets at the ticket stand.
The sun was setting. Inside the carnival boundary was a different world. All lit up. Exciting. Colorful. Fun. The games and rides lined the crowded thoroughfares and the heat of all the people bustling and standing gawking at the sights and playing the games made it warmer there. You unzipped your coats as you walked.
You had arranged to meet your friends at one of the refreshment areas and, after you found them, you settled in to hot drinks – coffee and strong warm rum spiced cider – and conversation. You sat at the picknic table next to Kristin. There was no hurry. You figured you would all come back over the weekend and see the shows and play the games.
So you all laughed and drank and became quite loquacious and happy and a little loud and tipsy. Kristin snuggled up to you and you put your arm around her, talking carelessly with your friends.
She turned to you and nuzzled your ear and whispered. "Come on – I'm hungry for adventure. Let's go exploring."
You giggled and nodded and the two of you said your goodbyes. "See you guys tomorrow evening. Meet here? Great – it's a date! Goodbye."
Kisses on cheeks were exchanged. You and Kristin stepped out into the busy walkway full of children yelling and couples laughing. It was glorious.
There were colored lights all around strung from lamp-posts. It was still early, but it had become dark and the last heat of the day drained from the air. Still, you and Kristin, in your parkas and wool skirts and leggings were well insulated. You zipped up.
"Come on, let's go," Kristin said. So, the two of you, warmed by the liquor, giggled as you made your way, arm in arm, along the main walkways and then, turning off the beaten paths, made you way through the narrow, and narrower winding alleyways of trailers and smaller attractions.
You chatted and laughed together. You liked Kristin so much. It was a pleasure to have time alone, you had both been so busy. "Shujin's away until Monday. Why don't you come home and stay with me for the weekend."
"Oh, God, I'd love to," Kristin said and held you tighter.
You slowed as you came to the deepest part of the carnival boundary. There, at the very end of the way, was a trailer away from the others. It was painted with colorful, detailed pictures of countryside and towns far away. There was a lamp on a post in front. Here the lights that, all through the streets, alleys, and walkways of the Winter Carnival, had been many-colored had turned all incandescent white, but cast a soft, dimmed glow.
The trailer's windows were also glowing; from the inside. And, as you approached it, you could see that on the lamp post was hung a sign reading:
"Madame Fleurie
"Fortunes Told, Futures Read
"Pickwick, Potions, & Palmistry"
