JUST ONE MORE CHANCE

chapter 20

FREEN'S POV

This weekend, we decided to go to the amusement park. I got ready in the afternoon and picked her up from her house. Then we headed to our destination.

The moment we walked through the gates, her face lit up with excitement, her eyes darting from one attraction to the next as she took it all in. I knew she'd been wanting to do this for ages, and seeing her this thrilled made my heart feel a little lighter.

But as I glanced at the towering roller coasters and spinning rides, my stomach churned. I wasn’t exactly a fan of these death-defying contraptions.

“Are you ready?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. 

“For you? Always,” I replied, trying to sound braver than I felt.

First up on her list was the roller coasters. She insisted we had to ride it immediately, so we lined up, hand in hand. My legs felt like jelly as we approached the entrance. She noticed and squeezed my hand reassuringly. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” she said softly. 

But I shook my head. “No, I want to. It’s your day, and I’m here for you.”

As we climbed into the car, she looked out over the park, her eyes wide with wonder. I couldn't resist snapping a quick picture of her, capturing that joy-filled smile as she took in the view.

After a minute, the ride began its slow ascent, I couldn’t help but grip the safety bar so tightly my knuckles turned white. She, on the other hand, was laughing with excitement. When we reached the peak and the ride plunged downward, I screamed louder than I ever thought possible. Meanwhile, she threw her arms in the air, laughing like it was the best thing in the world.

When the ride finally screeched to a stop, I stumbled off, my legs shaky, but her happiness made it all worth it.

“You survived!” she teased, pulling me into a quick hug. “And you were adorable.”

Next up was the spinning teacups, which felt a bit safer but left me dizzy. Then came the log flume, where we got absolutely soaked, but seeing her burst into laughter as water splashed over us made the cold worth it.

Throughout the day, we indulged in carnival treats—cotton candy, popcorn, and giant pretzels that we couldn’t finish. We rode the bumper cars, visited the funhouse, and even tried a few games and I even managed to win her a small stuffed bear. She laughed at my terrible aim with the water guns and playfully teased me, saying we'd have to come back just so I could redeem myself.

As the day wound down, we sat on a bench, watching the park lights twinkle against the night sky. She turned to me, her face glowing. “Thank you for today. I know the rides weren’t your thing, but it means so much to me that you did them with me.” 

I smiled, taking her hand. “Seeing you this happy is all I need. I’d face a hundred roller coasters just to see you smile like this.” 

She leaned her head on my shoulder, and as the park music played in the background, I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone for her was the best decision I’d made.

After about an hour, we came out of the park. We stopped at a restaurant and had dinner together. Then I dropped her off at her place, said good night to her  and headed to my home.

______________

The weekend at the amusement park felt like a dream—a whirlwind of laughter, excitement, and stolen moments. But as Monday rolled around, reality came crashing back in. Our exams were just two weeks away, and the textbooks and notes waiting on our desks were a stark reminder. So we both decided to focus on our studies.

At lunch break, we met our friends and decided to have lunch together.

"What's up guys?" Nam asked, "Surviving the exam preparation?"

“Barely,” Becky said, plopping down beside me. “I think I’m seeing equations in my sleep now.”

As we exchanged stories of late-night study sessions, panic-inducing syllabus reviews and some important topics, Heng, leaned forward with a sudden spark in his eyes. “You know what we need?" He asked and looked at our confused faces.

"What?" We all asked him.

"A trip!!!..... Right after the exams. Something to look forward to." He continued with excitement.

"That’s actually a great idea," I said, glancing at my girl, who was already nodding enthusiastically. “We actually need a proper break.” 

“Let’s do something fun,” Tee suggested. “Like camping or a beach trip. Something adventurous!”

"For the first time in your life you have said something good, Tee." Nam teased her and she just rolled her eyes.

"Okay! How about Hua Hin? That place is really good. We can do some bonfires and barbecues!" Suggested Irin.

"Yeah! That's a really good idea Irin. I love beaches." Becky said in excitement. Her face lit up and I couldn't help but smile at how happy she is.

"Okay! Let's do this then." I said.

"Yeah yeah. You guys are acting like the exams are already over." Nam said in a mocking way.

"Come on, Nam. Don't be like a granny. We are just trying to lighten up the mood and plan something good." Becky said with a pout.

Oh my heart! How cute!!!

"Yes Nam. She is right." I said, supporting Becky.

"Yeah. Whatever Becky says, Freen agrees." Said Heng. "But this time I also agree with her. Don't act like a granny Nam and just agree with us."

"Okay okay fine. But let's focus on our studies first. We can plan our trip later. God! I'm so tensed." Replied Nam in frustration.

"Ummm.. she is right." Becky said, "let's finish our lunch first and go back to studies."

Then we all continued to have our lunch and discuss about our study plans.

This is so frustrating! Godddd!!! When will this exam end and I'll get to go on a trip with my girlfriend.

To be continued......

_________________________________________

Sorry for the late update. I got busy with my studies but I'll try to update more often. ☺️