To say that it was a typical summer day is an understatement. The sun beat down on the amusement park in its full radiance, as no clouds blocked the world from seeing its smile. As usual, the humidity was quite high and anyone who spent time outside became hot and sticky within minutes.
However, the summer heat wave didn't stop Anna, as well as hundreds of other people, from going to the amusement park. It was the blessed weekend, which meant no work, and she was to spend it wisely. And that meant quality time with her good friend, Jason.
Jason and Anna walked side by side as they joined the rush of the crowd. They were like a part of a wave-no, tsunami. But Anna didn't mind this because the crowd meant roller coasters. And riding on those had to be one of her favorite pastimes.
Jason cleared his throat. "It's pretty busy today..."
Anna snorted at the lame conversation starter. She ruffled his hair, which was a light shade of brown. "'Course it is, dufus, it's a Saturday."
As she chuckled lightly, he adjusted his glasses and gave a small laugh of his own.
The pair continued to walk, making small talk and absorbing the scene around them- the smells, the sounds, and the sights. Larger than life roller coasters surrounded them, equipped with barrel rolls, stomach-churning drops, and of course loops. The aroma of the food from the concession stands wafted through the air, and the ear-splitting screeches from the riders added to the carefree atmosphere.
Anna had a bounce in her step as she led her friend to the back of the part, where her favorite ride awaited. She'd been there so many times that no map was necessary- one might has well have been indented in her brain. Jason followed, eyeing some of the larger roller coasters apprehensively.
"Which one are we going on?" he asked as he fell into pace with her.
"Well, I hope we'll go on all of them-"
"All?"
"-but for now, we're going on my favorite one," Anna answered.
"Which one is that?"
"You'll see," her lips curled into a small smile- her usual teasing, deceitful one.
"I already don't like this," Jason grumbled under his breath, though a hint of a smile was evident on his face. His smile was somewhat lopsided, yet he could light up a room by showing it.
Anna took her sunglasses, which were perched on the top of her head, and brought them over her eyes. Rolling them beneath the lenses, she grabbed her friend's wrist and dragged him along with her so they were practically jogging.
"C'mon, slowpoke, show me some of your track skills! It's only a little way's away!" She called, wanting to get on the line as soon as possible.
When they arrived at the entrance, the digital sign showed that the wait time was an hour, which was expected of one of the most popular attractions. They walked until they reached the back of the line, and from that point, all they could do was wait.
"Lemme guess, this is a looping coaster?" Jason asked as he wiped some sweat off his brow. The line was in the shade, so it offered the pair a respite from the sizzling sun.
"Hell yeah. Actually, three loops and two barrel rolls, plus there's some awesome physics-y stuff. What is it? 3 G's of force or something?"
He shook his head. "You know I don't like looping coasters."
"And you know that I do. There's always a first time for everything too," Anna replied shortly, basically sealing the deal. No one argued with her after she made a conclusion.
Every time they moved with the line, Jason seemed tentative and reluctant, but Anna kept a firm grip on his wrist. She understood that it was scary to do such an extreme roller coaster for the first time, but she wasn't about to let her friend miss out on the fun.
When they were close enough so they could see people getting on the cars, Anna turned and faced him. She pulled her gray tank top over her jean shorts, as the top had ridden up a little to show a small patch of skin. She placed her hands on her hips.
"It's okay to be scared. It's not okay to panic and chicken out," she said.
"Who said I was scared? I'm not scared!" Jason tried to puff his chest out, but she could see the nervousness in his eyes.
"I was scared my first time too. Loops are scary. But you're sixteen years old. Time to stop being a wuss," Anna smiled.
"If you weren't here I'll probably still be being a wuss," he said, gesturing at his wrist.
"Eh, I'm just a psychopath. Look! We're almost up," she pointed to what was in front of them, and true to her word, there were only a few people standing in the way between the, and the ride.
"This is insane..." Jason shook his head again.
"It always is," Anna answered. She grabbed his hand and gave it a small, comforting squeeze. "You'll love it, promise. Just don't scream. It annoys me."
Jason let out a long breath, his eyes focused on the people in front of them getting into the cars. "Alright."
Soon enough, it was their turn to get in. Anna climbed in with excitement and she quickly hoisted the security belt over her shoulders. Jason followed suit, but his entire being spelled 'what-the-hell-was-I-thinking.'
After the attendant made sure that everyone was buckled in adequately, he gave the operator the go-ahead to start the ride. Anna rested her head back, smiling her carefree smile, enjoying the tense pre-ride moment. Jason however, with his glasses safely tucked away, was also resting his head but his eyes were squeezed shut and he was whispering under his breath.
"It'll be over in a minute, you idiot. What have you got to lose?"
"I don't know... my head? My existence?" Even though he seemed to be having heart palpitations, Jason still had his witty sense of humor intact.
Before Anna could make a comeback, the operator's voice crackled over the speakers. "Thank you for choosing to ride the Flaming Dragon. Please stay in your seats the whole time with no arms or legs out of the vehicle, and make sure that your security belts are on tightly. Have fun and enjoy the ride."
And just like that, they were off.
Needless to say, Jason's reaction to the whole experience was: "Aweeessssoooommmeeee."
