Misadventures at the Water Park

“Paige, how come you’re wearing a normal outfit?” Daniel asked.

Following our first club meeting, we decided to visit the indoor water park on Sunday. Needless to say, it was packed with people, especially with it being winter break.

“Frankly, it’s because I can’t swim,” I answered. “I don’t mind sitting on the side while you guys play with Tater tots and Fairy.”

“You can’t swim? You should have told us, so we could have picked something else,” Maple said.

“I didn’t because I didn’t want to spoil the fun.”

“Well, you know I won’t stand for that, so follow me!”

“Wait, Maple! What about sticking together as a group?”

“They can manage on their own. If anything new happens with the spirits, they’ll let us know. Isn’t that right, Kevin?”

“Yeah, leave it to us. You two should go enjoy some time together.”

“See, Paige?” Maple smiled.

Accepting her offer, Maple and I separated from the others, with plans to meet back up for dinner. Since I didn’t have a swimsuit, we made a stop at one of the gift shops. But as we shopped around, I grew more conscious about my body to the point where it felt distressing.

“I don’t think I can do it,” I murmured.

Maple’s face looked troubled. Not for long, however, as she thought of a solution.

“Would it help if I picked something for you? None of us will judge your appearance,” she said.

“That never crossed my mind. I’m talking more about strangers seeing me.”

“I don’t think they’ll care. People are busy enough as is with themselves. Why not give something more conservative a try? Like this?”

Stretched between Maple’s hands was a black swimdress. It was stylish, yet seemingly practical with its construction.

“Whatcha think?”

“Let me give it a try, and I’ll let you know after.”

A few moments later, and we were on our way with my bank account ever so lighter.

“It’s so pretty! And that’s not me sugar-coating it; I genuinely think it looks great on you, so please don’t worry, alrighty?” Maple said.

“Do you actually like it?”

“Yes, of course, dear. If what I said hasn’t convinced you, then surely this will… The swimdress accentuates your… lovely legs.”

My legs? Did she really find them that attractive?

“D—Don’t mention it.”

“Why not? You’re worth the praise. No need to be so shy,” Maple grinned. “By the way, while you were changing, I found some attractions we can try that don’t require swimming. Here, take a look at them.”

From her bag, Maple took out a paper map. Circled in red pen were several locations, ranging from a river ride to a… kiddie pool!?

“Maple, can we please not visit the last location?”

“Are you embarrassed? Plenty of parents go with their kids, so it’s not like we’re going to be the only adults.”

“Yeah, but we aren’t adults in that sense, as we’re only 18 and still in high school. We’re going to stick out like a sore thumb.”

“If that’s what you think, then we can skip it; no worries!”

Relieved that she understood, we headed off for the river ride. Luckily, it wasn’t as busy as the rest of the park. As we coasted in our swim rings, we discussed each other’s lives, including plans Maple had starting next year. In addition to getting a part-time job, she wanted to start running again to try to make the team at whichever university she went to. Naturally, I asked why she didn’t plan to rejoin the high school team. Her answer was that she wanted to guarantee time for me and the investigation—at least for the immediate future.

“What about yourself, Paige? What are you planning for the future?” Maple asked.

“Hmm, I’m not sure. The paranormal has been my entire life ever since the hotel encounter. If I could make a living off it, then I suppose that’s what I’ll do.”

“In this day and age, I’m pretty sure you can! You can make a WeTube channel and monetize the videos!”

“No, that wouldn’t sit right with me. Channels like that tend to be very ‘clickbait’ with little substance. Also, I just realized that I never asked what sort of career you—”

Before I knew it, we entered a fast portion of the ride. What was once a leisure experience turned into a raging tempest. Between the fast turns and dizzy layout, it was a brutal ordeal. I held onto my swim ring for dear life while Maple laughed nonstop for the remainder of the ride. Once it finally ended, I bolted out of my float to dry my soaked body.

“Paige, are you alright? You look cold,” Maple asked.

“No, I’m fine. Just finished drying.”

“Then how come you’re shivering? If you’d like, I can warm you up.”

I was fully aware of what she meant. How could I pass up such an offer?

Having found a quiet area of the park, Maple and I hugged each other before exchanging kisses.

Sure enough, I was warm in no time at all.

As I savored the moment, I completely forgot what I had asked her earlier.

Not that it mattered anymore.

After we finished, we continued to explore the attractions Maple marked on the map, only to spot Kevin and the others rushing over.

“Maple, Paige, we have some news!” he panted. “Tater tots and Fairy think they remember some memories, but they require your guy’s help.”

“How can we help?” I asked.

“Try playing with them. They’re saying that you two resemble a pair in their lives.”

There was only one pair they could have been referring to.

The two women in the photo.

Were they truly the children of the couple? While it seemed to be the case, we still lacked actual names to attribute to them. Hopefully, by playing with Tater tots and Fairy, we could learn their true identities. But just how could we play with them?

“Oh, I know!” Maple said. “Let’s wade in the kiddie pool with them. You know, like how parents do with their kids.”

With the investigation at stake, I cast aside my personal objections to the pool and agreed to enact the plan. Now at the pool, Maple and I held hands, with our spare hands holding Fairy and Tater tots, respectively. As we made our way through the pool, I felt several eyes staring us down. Clenching my teeth, I did my best to not die of embarrassment, only for Maple to pick up on it.

“Oh, Paigeeee, why are you flustered?” she asked in a playful tone.

“I don’t know, maybe because we’re walking two possessed objects? Aren’t you afraid of the public here learning?”

“No? Should I be?”

“Y—Yes? I mean, if they do, then imagine all the people swarming us. They’re going to ask for photos and videos and who knows what else.”

“Again, you’re worrying too much about some strangers. Like, take, for example, the kids of today. Do you think they’ll care about Tater tots roaring or Fairy talking?”

“Yeah, they would, wouldn’t they?”

“Heck no! They’re so used to everything because of the internet. Trust me, they won’t even blink an eye.”

Maple did have a point. Children these days really were different than when we grew up—for better or worse…

“Rawr! Rawr, rawr!” Tater tots abruptly said.

Afraid our cover was blown, I scanned the pool for any onlookers, but everyone was preoccupied as Maple predicted. Taking the opportunity, I asked Fairy if she could translate.

“He’s saying he remembers a face. Two faces. Three faces. All happy together like a family,” Fairy said.

“What about yourself? Do you see the same faces?”

The bristles on her toothbrush head straightened. “Yes… I do.”

“Like the ones in the photo album?”

“I believe so.”

“And what about any names? Tater tots, Fairy, do any come to mind?”

“Rawrrr.”

Duncan, according to Fairy’s translation.

And as for herself…

Stella.

But before I could ask for the name of the parents, both Duncan and Stella toppled over, the life gone from them as they floated on the water.

“Maybe they’re drained after saying their names?” Maple suggested.

“Perhaps so. Let’s go tell the others over dinner.”