Page 78 of Whatever It Takes

Ten minutes later, we’re headed towards the second maze, up on a steep hill. The entrance arch is decorated with flashing bulbs like a carnival. Creepy music that I recognize echoes. It’sAmerican Horror Storythemed. I’m not sure the others understand the references or if they’ve even seen season four, but excitement surges as we approach.

Suddenly, a rumble of chainsaws revs from the hill, and an abrupt wave of clowns rush towards us. But that’s not the immediate threat. I turn around to see a taller, thinner clown with makeup stretching from cheek-to-cheek, gripping a fake sword, and approaching Ryke.

It’s even faster than the chainsaws.

The clown screeches in Ryke’s ear.

Ryke whips around, without even thinking or pausing or assessing the situation, heslamsa fist into the clown’s jaw.

Holy shit.

“Fuck,” Ryke curses, realizing what he just did. He raises his hands like he comes in peace. But, kid you not, the clown stumbles back and falls on his ass.

Note to self:do not get accidentally sucker punched by Ryke Meadows.

I take out my phone. This needs to be recorded.

For Willow. Not for anyone else. Definitely not for the internet.

Connor and Rose start nearing us, probably to do damage control, but the damage is seriously already done. There is a rule about touching the actors.Don’t.

A few clowns on the hill yell, “Security!” like their friend is dying on the cement. Another heavier-set clown charges Ryke for vengeance.

I’m near laughter.

I probably should be helping, but I consider my presence here helpful towards one person. Willow. She’s not going to miss this.

Lily clutches onto Loren’s back, and Connor increases his pace andsprintsto Ryke.

Connor extends a hand to the heavier clown. “It was an accident,” he says in a calm business-tone. “My friend reacts before he thinks.”

The clown suddenly stops but his lip still curls, pissed at Ryke.

“The clowns look mad,” Lily whispers to Lo, but I’m close enough to hear. “Likerealanger.”

Connor must hear, too, because he replies, “That’s generally the sentiment that appears after someone is punched.”

Ryke doesn’t hear, since he’s busy apologizing profusely. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

The bodyguards surround us, and they take over, trying to deescalate the situation with the clowns. Creating barriers between us and them. Bystanders have their phones out like me.

Loren spins around like he’s trying to count heads.

His eyes land on mine.

I nod. I’m here. I’m alive. Willow gets to see this. Tonight isn’t so bad. Rose even holds a can of pepper spray, aimed like she’s about to douse any clown that approaches her.ClassicRose. I make sure to get a video of that for Willow.

The security team talks with the park staff, and within minutes the verdict comes in.

Ryke is being banned from theentirepark. Not just the scare zones and mazes. It’s actually kind of hilarious.

A minute later, the clowns disperse, and Loren sets Lily on her feet. We all huddle together. I pull the strings on my hoodie.

Ryke removes his flower crown, just to run a hand through his hair. “I’ll go wait in the fucking car. You all just go on without me.” He sets his flower crown back.

It’s tilted to the side. Off-center like it might fall.

Connor, standing closest to Ryke, is the one who straightens the crown for him. It’s weird. Sometimes it seems like those two despise each other, and then there are moments like this. It confuses the hell out of me.