snack troubles

(chapter originally by MidnightWisher on writing.com)

Ann stood at the front of the concessions line. She had been debating over whether she wanted actual food or snack food or both. She could practically read the cashier's thoughts screaming at her to hurry up. "Uh, sorry," she mumbled, looking over the options again.

"It's okay," the young man, who looked to be around her age, at the register said. He didn't sound very sincere. "Take your time."

There were just so many choices... but there were people waiting behind her in line, too... She decided to just get something at random, whatever that sounded good. "Um, an order of nachos and cheese? Can I get extra cheese on that?"

"Sure. Anything else?"

"Oh, and a large popcorn! Lots of butter."

"Is that all?" He didn't even try to hide his annoyance anymore.

Ann bit her lip then put some candy on the counter. If she was going to cheat, then she was going to make the most of it. "Uh, this too. Sorry. That's everything." He gave her the total and swiftly began preparing her items. It only took a moment after she paid to be sent away with her goodies. With her arms full, Ann looked over for Makoto. It didn't take long to find her. She was staring intently into an ice cream cooler.

"Did you find anything yet?"

Makoto nearly jumped at the sudden question, her chest bouncing. "Oh, it's just you, Ann. And, wow, you weren't kidding when you said you were hungry. Are you going to be able to finish all that?"

"Probably not," Ann admitted. "But I've got you here to help me."

"Er, maybe," Makoto said. "That still looks like a lot."

"Oh, live a little," Ann laughed. "A few snacks never hurt anyone. Anyways, what were you looking at in there?"

"They have Buchimaru character ice cream pops," Makoto said, a hint of excitement in her voice.

"From that old kid's show? That's so cute!"

"Right? I think I'm going to buy one." Makoto's mood seemed to be returning, and that was enough to sell Ann on it.

"You definitely should, and then we can take a picture with all our snacks to show the others."

Makoto nodded, opening the cooler and grabbing a panda-shaped ice cream. "I'll be right back," she said.

"No problem, I'm going to go save us a bench," Ann said. She claimed the first open one she found. She sat the popcorn on her lap and the other snacks beside her. While she waited, she was sure to open the box of nachos, seeing the steam coming off them as soon as the lid came off. She set the lid to the side, letting them air out a bit. It wasn't a long wait for Makoto to come back. She had her Buchimaru ice cream in one hand and a large drink in the other.

"Oohh, smart! I totally forgot to buy a drink."

"We can share if you want," Makoto offered, when she got closer. "It's just lemonade. The guy at the counter gave it to me for free. He was really nice."

Ann raised her eyebrow, wondering if Makoto was talking about the same guy that she had. As far as Ann had noticed, there was only one concessions guy working the register, and he hadn't seemed the type to give something away for nothing. It didn't matter, though. As long as Makoto was feeling better, then it was mission accomplished and she didn't care. "Thanks! Now hurry up, slowpoke. We have a picture to take."

Makoto laughed. "All right, just give me a second." She made it to the bench and went to take a seat, and that's when it happened.