Sand warmed Corania's feet; a breeze cooled her face. The sun was shining bright as the sun rays coated her skin. The air smelled of sea salt. The group set out for the restrooms to change their clothing. Around them, the laughter of families filled the air.

Corania was covered in a cute bikini that she purchased on sale at Marshall's for half off. The top was a size too big but she made it work.

"I think you're going to give Grant a heart attack." Alice laughed while folding out a blanket over the sand.

"What?" Corania asked while fanning out her blanket and sitting crossed-legged.

"HAHA, look at him he keeps staring! If he tried any harder his eyes would fall from his head.

Glancing over her shoulder she saw that Grant was staring at her and once their eyes met he quickly averted them and tried to look busy. Giggling she turned back around and took a sip of water from her bottle.

"It's nice out here," Grant said as he plopped down beside her.

"Yeah, it is. I know the trip was getting off to a rocky start but I'm glad we're doing this." Corania said as she looked off into the vast ocean before them.

"Yeah... this is pretty great. I'm glad we're spending this time together." Grant said while looking at Corania, his eyes soaking in her presence. Every time he looked at her, his body felt whole; it felt like everything was right in the world.

Grant didn't understand why he just didn't make a move. His first excuse had been that he didn't want to ruin their friendship. Then it sadly developed into self-loathing and insecurities. Grant couldn't explain why he felt like he wasn't enough for her. Snapping out of his thoughts he turned away from her and looked out towards the waves.

"Do you know I don't know how to swim?" Grant shrugged. "My father never had the time and my nannies were not paid to spend time with me.

"Really?, Well we're not leaving this beach until you're treading water!" She declared while scooping him up and dragging him to the water. "They missed this great opportunity, well lucky for me." she wink at him.

Once they were in she tried to help him float but he quickly panicked and started to flop around. Salty water filled her mouth as she tried to control her laughter. His blonde curls faltered against his head.

"I'm really bad at this huh?" his expression one of embarrassment, his cheek a bright pink. As their faces were inches apart. Their breath mingled together. Grant eyed her lips.

"We all have to start somewhere. Don't worry we'll keep working at it." Corania whispered while looking into his eyes. But her eyes started to stray to his mouth. Corania laughed awkwardly and pulled away.

They stayed in the water until he was able to tread water and their fingers resembled raisins. Only leaving when the water became too chilly and she began to shiver.

"Let's get ready to get dressed and head to the Carnival. I'm pretty hungry."

                                                                                         ***

The smell of salt and hot butter wafted in the air. Corania was practically jumping with joy as she saw the games and rides. She was feeling like a child in a candy store. When her father had passed away her childhood had become dull. She couldn't enjoy things like this because she had to grow up faster to make her mother's life easier. Her mother tried to take her places but being a single mother and working multiple jobs didn't leave much time for them to do outside activities.

But here she was in the middle of childish screams and family laughter. Corania planned on stuffing her face with terribly constructed hot dogs and sugar-filled pastries. She wanted to play games and get on the Ferris wheel. Her eyes were wide, and she couldn't stop smiling. Alice and Jace had walked off somewhere. They seemed to be doing that more and more, and Corania suspected they liked each other more than they showed.

Grant was going on about what rides they should try first but Corania was finding herself admiring how handsome he was. With his sharp cheekbones and stormy grey eyes. Any girl would be lucky to have him, not only given his dashing looks but his caring and protective personality.

"So... anything, in particular, you want to do?" Grant asked while strolling over to her side.

"Yeah actually I want to do everything." she laughed "I've been to Carnival in years. You know with my dad dying. Things like this weren't a top priority."

"Well, I guess I'm going to have to make this a night to remember." Grant smiled while lacing their fingers.

                                                                                        ***

"Omg! Grant, I can't go on another ride. I swore my life flashed before my eyes." She laughed as she gripped the large blue panda bear to her chest.

They had almost ridden every ride in the park and Corania officially was done. Her head was spinning and some of the rides made her queasy. She didn't know how people could ride these metal machines constantly. Grant laughed as they settled on a green bench.

"Ok, ok just one more. This one won't be bad.

She paused. "I don't know. . ."

"Just the Ferris wheel, it's a slow ride and we'll get a complete view of the boardwalk and beach."

"Well okay that sounds nice, let's go."

Grant paid for the tickets and they were strapped into the seats. The metal seats were cold and slightly dug into her bottom. Once everyone was strapped in the faded yellow carts they were seated in started to slowly rise. The night was pitch black and the stars were bright. The cool air smelt of the sea and Corania couldn't help but close her eyes. It felt like she was flying again and her father was still alive. She was becoming emotional.

Grant admired the woman sitting next to him and felt a bit of pride as he saw how happy she was. He was glad he was able to share this moment with her. He just wished that he only didn't have to share it with her as friends. If he grew a pair and declared himself he could be kissing her right now.

"This is so beautiful. I'm glad that we are doing this. I thought that the trip was going to be a failure, but it's going pretty well." she admitted to Grant

"Yeah, I'm glad too. Corania... I need to ask you something?" Grant said his hands were shaking as he held onto the bars too tightly."

"Okay, what is it?" her eyebrow lifting.

But before he could get his words out the machine started again and they were pushed down towards the ground, their ride coming to an end.

Corania started to ask him what he wanted to tell her but they were now back on the ground where Alice and Jace were waiting. Looking over to Grant she noticed that he seemed upset, but Corania had decided to just let it go. Maybe when they had another moment together he would get the chance to tell her what he wanted.