The things I did

Orange Orangutan

     "I am definitely sitting this one out" Sarah says as she finds a near by bench to sit on.

     "Fine, if you're not coming on then you're the designated bag holder" Becky says as she hands Sarah her purse.

     You go to take Lizzie's purse from her, but she doesn't let go. You can tell she is nervous.

     "Hey, don't worry. I promise once the ride starts going those nervous feelings will disappear. I will be right next to you the whole time" you say to Lizzie, trying to ease her nerves.

     Lizzie nods her head as she loosens the grip on her purse. You take her purse and walk over to Sarah and hand her yours and Lizzie's purse. You, Lizzie, and Becky make your way over to The Great White, one of the most popular attractions on the boardwalk.

     The Great White is a wooden roller coaster with fast drops and turns. It's the perfect roller coaster to start on, especially for Lizzie.

You approach the ride entrance and scan your tickets to get on the ride. You feel Lizzie grab your hand as you get closer to the main platform.

You squeeze Lizzie's hand and whisper into her ear "It's okay" to reassure her. She tries her best to give you a smile, but her nerves have taken over her body.

"Becky, are you okay riding alone? This ride only sits two people at a time" you ask Becky.

Becky smirks "Of course, I have no problem with that."

The ride operator opens the gates to allow you to walk on to the ride. You let Lizzie get into the coaster first, allowing her to get situated and comfortable. Once Lizzie is comfortable, you take a seat next to her and buckle yourself in.

The ride operators come around and push everyone's lap bars down and double check to make sure everyone is safely strapped in. Lizzie grabs your hand again and holds it tightly as the ride operator comes to check her lap bar.

Lizzie has her eyes fixated on the darkness of the ride that's ahead of you. Since it's dark, you couldn't see the track easily. You love it, but Lizzie surely hates it.

The ride operators give a thumbs up signaling the ride is clear to launch. The ride operator at the main station says into the intercom, "All clear, enjoy your ride."

With that, the ride takes off and begins its climb up the first drop. Lizzie grips your hand even harder. You look over at Lizzie and see that she has her eyes shut with her teeth clenched.

All you can hear is the laughter and screams of the surrounding riders with the clacking noise of the ride making its way up. You lean over to Lizzie and whisper into her ear, "I'm right here, it's okay." You lean back and see that she is still clenching her teeth with her eyes shut. You want her to feel relaxed, but you don't know what to do.

You decide to take a risk, hoping it will calm Lizzie's nerves. You lean back over to Lizzie and place a gentle kiss on her cheek, hoping to provide her comfort. As you lean back, you see Lizzie slowly open her eyes and relax her jaw.

She looks at you and smiles softly. You smile back at her and say, "I'm right here, you're safe."

Shortly after, the ride reaches the top and it begins to roll forward.

"HERE WE GO!" Becky shouts from behind you two.

As the ride begins to make its way down the first drop a smile appears on your face full of laughter and happiness.

You hear Lizzie next to you screaming at the top of her lungs as the ride goes down the first hill. You can't help but laugh as Lizzie screams.