Jan’s Sunny Summer Splashdown (+ /F)

[Janbound]

Just a quick fantasy of a bizarre side show at a summer fayre.


Jan looked around at the bustling carnival, the smell of popcorn and candy-floss mingling with the distant laughter of children and the occasional barker's call. The bright lights and whirring rides cast a dizzying array of colors across her face, which was already flushed with excitement. It was the first time for years she'd been able to go without her children in tow; a rare moment of freedom in her hectic life. Her friends had all dared her to try the "Dunk the Dame" game, the newest attraction that had just rolled into town with the rest of the carnival.

Now, she found herself tied to a tall wooden post in the centre of a small, murky pool, dressed in an ill-fitting native America costume that was more suited to someone half her age. Hands tied behind the post, ropes around tummy and chest, with her knees and ankles tied to the post to, her bare feet wiggling as her toes stuck out over the just too small platform she stood on, she felt wholly embarrassed as people lined up to throw balls at the target above her head that would send her plunging into the water; the balls only slightly larger than the one strapped between her teeth. Her heart raced as she took in the smirking faces and the occasional wink from the game's operator, a burly man with a thick, handlebar mustache who seemed to be enjoying her discomfort just a little too much. Jan took a deep breath and told herself she was doing this for the laughs, the thrill of the dare, and maybe a bit for the charity that the game was supporting. Still, being the centre of attention for once was a change from the usual anonymous drudge.

The first few throws were wide, sending ripples across the pool but keeping her dry. She watched as the balls bobbed in the water, taunting her with their failure. The crowd jeered and laughed, egging the throwers on, their excitement growing with each near-miss. Jan felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment as the balls flew past her again and again. She wanted to be dunked, to get it over with, but a part of her enjoyed the suspense. Each throw was a mini-drama, a tiny victory for her against the inevitable soaking. The anticipation grew with every thunk of a ball against the wooden post beside her head, and every splash that didn't end with her in the water.

But as the line of eager dunkers grew, so did their skill. Or perhaps it was just luck. Either way, Jan felt the tension in the ropes increase with each successful hit. The moustached man grinned wider, his eyes gleaming with mischief as the target grew closer and closer to the tipping point of no return. Jan took another deep breath, preparing herself for the plunge she knew was coming. The next ball was thrown with the precision of a seasoned baseball player. It smacked into the bullseye with a resounding thwack, and Jan felt the world tilt as the platform gave way beneath her.

For a moment, she was suspended in the air, the cool spray from the water misting her face. Then gravity took over, and she plunged headfirst into the pool with a dramatic splash. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause. The water was colder than she'd anticipated, sending a shock through her body, but she couldn't help the giggle that bubbled up from her throat. She emerged from the water, soaking wet and with a new sense of exhilaration. Her hair was plastered to her face, the feathers in her headdress soggy and limp, and her costume clinging to her in all the wrong places. But she felt alive, invigorated by the rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins.

The game's operator was quick to untie her, his hands surprisingly gentle despite the roughness of his exterior. Jan took a shaky step onto the dry ground, her legs wobbly from being in one position for so long. He handed her a towel with a wink, and she couldn't help but laugh as she tried to dry herself off. The crowd had dispersed, moving on to the next game or attraction, but Jan's friends remained, their eyes wide with a mix of concern and amusement. "Well, that was certainly an experience," she exclaimed, shivering slightly as the chilly evening air hit her wet skin.

They huddled around her, helping to untangle the knots in her hair and straightening her costume. "You were a real sport, Jan," said Rachel, her voice filled with admiration. "I can't believe you went through with it!" Jan's teeth chattered as she spoke, but she was grinning from ear to ear. "It was... fun. In a weird, terrifying kind of way." They all laughed, sharing in the absurdity of the situation.

[Treville]

Great story, thank you. Lucky Jan, wouldn´t mind trading place with her!

[Ovi1]

Very nice story! Lucky Jan indeed