Left Behind

“Someone’s gonna beat her while we’re gone, aren’t they…”

With no choice but to loiter, the girls began to explore the city. To be honest, it wasn’t their favorite area compared to the ones they’d already been to. It just looked like an American city. The only interesting thing was that just a few days before the holiday, Christmas stuff was finally being put up. They could see most roads being lined with well-decorated trees and lights by some employees they hadn't seen come in here.

All it really did was make them sad. Different as the girls were, their hearts felt the same pang of regret then: if only they could celebrate the holidays with their parents.

“I can’t believe we gotta pay them a second time to play that stupid game. We’re gonna be broke.”

Frankie did well at distracting them from the prospect, but she was still a downer.

“That won’t matter if we win the competition, though!” Katie optimistically cheered. Frankie had no reason not to nod in determined agreement.

“Wanna eat then? Been forever since you’ve gotten your normal breakfast, I’d assume.”

“Oh, for real? Let’s do it!”

Dragging Katie past a variety of exciting rides was easier when she was this hungry. They eventually stopped at a breakfast joint right next to a drop tower.

“This is convenient.” Frankie commented. “You eat here, ride that thing, then you throw it all up so you can eat there again.”

Her big sister laughed, pushing her shoulder as the two walked inside. Only one employee greeted them. There was no line.

“Can I get anything for you two?”

He’d been working here for a while. The genuine smile on his face told them that wasn’t a bad thing.

“Lemme look at the menu…” Frankie even felt comfortable speaking, in a place so barren as this.

“How’s business?” Asked Katie directly to the worker, in a way that sounded polite despite its obliviousness.

“Not bad. You can tell it’s… not popular, but we had a big group come in here just earlier. You barely missed ‘em.”

Frankie thought a simple bacon & eggs looked delectable.

“Big? How big?” She eyed some pancakes.

“It was crazy. They looked like businessmen, at least fifteen… no, sixteen strong. I think their boss was with them, ‘cause he took the tab.”

Frankie wasn’t paying attention, but the numbers would’ve hit her like a truck if she was. Even Katie was stunned.

“No way… was their boss like, a loud, shorter man?”

“Yeah, that’s it. Seemed familiar for some reason, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Maybe a D-list celebrity or something.” He offered a laugh.

Katie tugged at her little sis’s shoulder.

“Frankie!” She hissed. “You hear that? Bozo and his men were just here!”

Frankie couldn’t help it. Her mouth was watering at the printed image of that bacon.

“Since when am I the one paying attention…”

He took their orders, and in no time flat they were served. They sat down with their perfect-looking meals and dug in.

As soon as Frankie got a livable amount of nutrients inside her body, it finally reached her.

“Bozo? Here?”

Katie rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, that’s it.”

“Aw, crap… you don’t think he’s… here for the MASCOT, is he?”

“I… hope not?”

“Now’s certainly the time to be hopeful…” Frankie continued to eat until the plate was clean.

“Here you are, sir.” When it came time to foot the bill, Frankie felt comfortable being the one to do it.

“No, thanks.”

She was honestly confused, and her heart started to race as the worker denied her payment.

“I-I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong? I can make up for it, I-“

“It’s on the house. Oh, and a gift from me.”

He slid two little coins over to them on the front desk.

“Heard you talking about the game. I’ve got no interest, so get some use outta those things, willya? Have fun.”

Frankie nervously scooped up the man’s generous present, flabbergasted.

“You’re tourists, so you won’t be coming back here anytime soon, I’m sure… but, uh… if you happen to take a stop at the club, spread the word, okay? The Young Star’s got the best breakfast in Cinema.”

Frankie nodded. Katie was only confused.

“The club?”

“Yeah, figured you kids would be the age for it.”

“What?”

“It’s a teens-only club, down the road. Very big. Pretty popular. Called the “Flicker” or something.”

“…Thanks, sir. Will do.” The older sister confirmed.

“Aaalright then. Thanks for the business.”

“Thank you!”

The sisters left with full stomachs and happy hearts.

It had been long enough by now. On the way back to the square, they did see it- the Flicker was a huge spot on the horizon that tons of people their age seemed to be heading straight towards. They both made a note of it- Katie for if they got bored, Frankie for if they lost a second time.

“Hope the line ain’t long. I’m lookin’ to kick that film girl’s ass.”

“Me too!” Katie rallied, holding her fist, just as they turned the corner to see who was challenging her next.

The line was indeed long, but that wasn’t why their jaws fell to the floor as soon as they walked in.

“That’s 899.99, sir.”

“Here you are!” He slipped them his pay in the form of an uncounted stack of cash. “Keep the change… that’ll be the last you earn today.”

“Hiya!” Mira waved to her next competitor. “Do I know you…?”

“It’s Bozo, miss. Coaster Bozo.”

The sisters watched with bated breath as their awkward nemesis challenged the almighty Mira.