Coincidences

Act XVIII

The amusement park was tiny, compared to Six Flags, but it was big enough to accommodate two rollercoasters, a ferris wheel, a carousel, and a bunch of minor rides, all under a glass roof that looked like that of a greenhouse. A hip hop song played in the background, somewhere behind the artificial palm leaves. The ticket booth was overflowing with children and teenagers, eager to try the attractions. Others concentrated just on the arcade, where avid players where competing with fighting games or just killing time on the impossible claw machine.

We stood in front of the entrance and surveyed our surroundings. The line just kept extending farther into the distance, so we rushed to the end and waited patiently.

"Have you been in an amusement park?" asked Zoey.

I nodded, "Yes, I have, actually." I glimpsed at her, and I instantly avoided eye contact when she turned to me.

"Me too," that's all she said. The queue shrunk and shrunk, until we finally arrived at the booth and redeemed our tickets.

She grabbed my hand again, dragging me to the rollercoaster. I held back and said, "Isn't that too much to start with?"

She didn't care about my opinion and insisted, "Come on, it's slower than the other. Don't tell me you're afraid of rollercoasters."

"No, I like them."

"That's what I want to hear," she told me. We got on the ride, fastening the belts.

Thirty seconds later, after filling the carts with passengers, the ride commenced. It advanced slowly to the drop; yes, a drop right at the start, and stopped in its tracks.

I came to realization. "Wait, isn't this like those rides that suddenly-"

My words were cut off as the ride suddenly dove without warning. The passengers screamed as the coaster did a barrel roll, followed by another drop. The tracks circled along the park's perimeter, providing plentiful expression for us to make. After the second lap, the excitement cooled down, and the ride was concluded with a hoot.

Zoey seemed to enjoy it. I did so, too, except for the first part. Lesson learned, never ever talk when the carts conveniently stop midway.

We got off the ride, and Zoey, hyperactive, ran to the other coaster. "Now, that one," she announced, and I couldn't decline, no matter how much I try.

Unlike the first one, this rollercoaster goes outside, at least, for a segment. It had plentiful zigzags and drops, and it also had a loop. Lucky us, actually. The ride was based on height, not age, and we were tall enough to ride.

We mounted the beast, literally roaring in anticipation, and I don't know if that's a good sign or a bad sign. Zoey was still energetic, still willing to experience the feeling of vertigo. The wheels initiated, all of the sudden, and we went underway. The rollercoaster offered a mild start, the only scary part being the loudspeakers blasting my eardrums away. We neared the opening to the outer world, where the chilly wind blew. The moment we were ejected, you could see the view of the ocean, unbelievably still. The ride accelerated faster and swiveled back and forth. Then it dropped us to a downfall spiral. We felt like smoothies in their making. We were now inside and nearing a loop. I always cling tighter onto the rail as the cart tilts steeper and steeper, till we were upside-down. And when we were upside-down, my whole world did, looking at Zoey. The wheels grinded into place and the friction help the cart stop over. More people were waiting for their turn, both excited or terrified.

Zoey squealed, "That was amazing!" She elbowed me, checking if I was okay. "Did you like it?"

I didn't have much time to answer, because she held my hand yet again, but, this time, I was less resistant.

Back at the ride, when we were suspended from the inverted loop, our gazes met. Her eyes were welcoming, caring, and compassionate. I saw her innocent intentions through those eyes and realized.

I'm stupid to think I can deny such feelings. If someone likes a person truly, they shouldn't hide and keep it to themselves. Zoey is an outstanding person, who matches my interests and really cares. I should not be ashamed that I like her.

But, you know, it would be better if kept a secret from her for a while.

Hand in hand, I began to walk at her pace. I suggest the carousel next, and that we did. I rode a stallion, and Zoey was on a unicorn. We spun and spun, Zoey and I racing against each other, although we knew the horse couldn't overtake one another; they were immobile.

Then, we played a few arcade games. Even if we both tried to shoot baskets perfectly, there was no way we can exceed the high score of 219 points. Same goes for the claw machine; it is totally impossible, according to physics. At the dropping ball game, however, we manage to have some luck. There were two, both vacant, and the two of us decided to press the red button together. The balls fell into the jackpot hole and the machine spewed out the good stuff. Spectators gathered around us.

We used the tickets to claim identical kitten plushies. And some cotton candy. I guess there are some arcades that provide snacks as prizes.

Lastly, we decided to ride the ferris wheel. We stop, looked, and listened at the crossing. The kiddie train passed through the miniature version of a railroad, so we stood patiently as kids yelled greetings to everyone. We pranced to the attraction and climbed inside the box. The staff secured the door and pulled the lever. The ferris wheel started to spin.

While nibbling the cotton candy, we scouted the view displayed at the tinted glass windows. I sat down and relaxed my shoulders and silently thanked Zoey in my head. I never expected to have a great day with her. She turned and smiled at me. I made a small grin.

I began to admire. She was content. It's like she forgot everything that happened earlier. She fully ignored it, now seeing me glad as well.

At the summit, we marveled upon the surface. The hassle below grew smaller and the noise wasn't loud enough to penetrate through the soundproof walls. It was just the two of us, sitting here. We looked at each other, face-to-face, eye-to-eye. The light illuminating the place dimmed, somehow. I don't know why, but I started to move closer to her on my own. As if I wanted to make a move, but I don't know which move. I closed my eyes and hoped for the best.

The phone rang. Precisely right now.

It was Dad, telling us to retreat to them, because we had to go home. I put my phone away and readied to leave the ride. I have no idea, if Zoey noticed me then. I mean, I was hard to read, even for myself. I checked, and it didn't seem to show much. I guess it's fine. I'd better forget I did that.

We got off the ferris wheel and marched onwards to our parents.