Redamancy

Chapter 7

The most anticipated day had finally arrived! We were all fired up for our visit to the infamous Universal Studios.

We started early since it was a long drive to Sentosa where it's located. I got onto the bus and looked out of the window to see Jake talking to Mika. He had blush spread out on his cheeks and looked pretty content. After their conversation, he walked into the bus with a look of satisfaction.

"Today is going to be a good day! I can feel it!" he exclaimed.

"Well let me guess, does it have anything to do with your conversation with Mika." I gave him a smirk.

"Hmm.. maybe?" he paused. "Okay yes, it has everything to do with her. I found out that she's never been on a roller coaster and I asked her if she'd like to try it out with me and.. she said yes!!"

"Really? That's great!" he nodded in agreement. I was glad that this was turning out well for him and made up my mind to help him in any way I could.

I was starting to feel drowsy so I rested my head back and fell asleep.

******

"...Tiffany" I tried to open my eyes but it was too bright. "Wake up, we're almost there!" Jake called out to me rather enthusiastically.

I made an effort to open my eyes regardless of the sun shining so brightly on my face. I looked over at Jake to see he drew something. A closer look made me realize that it was Levi from 'Attack on Titan'.

"That's a pretty good sketch. I love Levi, and you've certainly done justice to his good looks." I complimented him. He looked content to hear it.

"Really? I think it needs more details." He replied and continued working on his art.

Universal Studios was in sight and our bus made its way to the parking lot. We got off and assembled outside the bus and the teachers divided us into our respective squads and proceeded towards the entrance.

I couldn't contain my excitement and wanted to get right in there and enjoy myself. Our group consisted of 7 people including Jake, Mika, Lucy who was Mika's friend and I. We were instructed to travel in groups for obvious safety reasons and were to gather back at the exit at 8 p.m.

I began deliberating about where to head first. The place was so enticing, I couldn't even decide what to do first. I wanted to make the best out of this amazing opportunity. My thoughts were cut short by Mika grabbing my attention with her bubbly voice.

"Let's go visit Hollywood first!" With that my deliberation came to an end, I decided to go with the flow. Universal Studios had 7 zones; it was now 11:33 so we had plenty of time to visit each one of them and experience the attractions.

Everyone seemed to have agreed with that so, Hollywood it is.

Upon entering the zone I was instantly bedazzled by the Hollywood Boulevard vibe that it gave off. I took a moment - or maybe two - to soak in this sight. So many colours, bright lights, different types of performers, all making their way through the crowd, doing their own thing, it was stunning!

My hands moved on their own, removing the camera from my backpack. How I wish it could capture this feeling and vibe as a memory too.

This place pulled me into its own world making me forget I was with 3 other people, only to be dragged down by reality when Lucy pulled my arm and pointed out to Elsa. "Let's go I wanna take a picture with her!"

We ran up to Elsa, Jake and Mika closely following. Lucy handed over her Polaroid camera to Jake while the three of us posed with her. 'I should get pictures with them too, it'll be good as memories.'  I thought.

We strolled around, gazing at the zone as we came across several displays; there was street entertainment, the Hollywood walk of fame where we spotted Marilyn Munroe, stores where you could buy merchandise and a Starbucks where Mika was really keen on going. We headed over and ordered drinks, I got a Smores frappuccino. I wanted to go check out the stores so I informed Lucy who then told everyone else, and they liked the idea so followed me there. I spotted a cute yellow plushie and instantly thought of Yuki, she loved yellow but never had a yellow plushie so I went ahead and picked it up for her. Onto the next shop, there were tons of merch varying sizes, types, movies and colour. I picked out an Iron Man tee and Thor one since I was confused which of the two was actually Nate's favourite, along with a cap.

After getting done with that I walked out to discover a store called 'The Dark Room'. Upon entering, there was a wide variety of camera accessories where you could take many different photos. I was staring at one when- "Hey" I flinched and turned around to see Jake smirking. I covered my face with my hands.

"Don't scare me like that!" I gave him a playful punch.

"What's all this?" he questioned.

"From what I observed it's kind of a photo booth of some sort where you can take different pictures. Want to try one with me?"

"Sure! Let's do this one." he pointed out to a particular camera. I set it up and we began posing, a timer started and right before it could click, we heard Mika calling out to Jake. I continued posing and went to get it out from there. Jake went ahead with Mika and I waited for the image to process. Once it was done I saw Jake looking to the left while I was still looking at the camera. I sighed and ran out with them, and with that, we were done with the Hollywood Zone.

Next, we headed out to 'Sci-Fi City' which was comparatively smaller.

Jake decided to take Mika on the roller coaster, Lucy and I sat two rows behind them. I was hoping for them to get closer since Jake really liked Mika, I smiled when she caught his hand in fear as it is her first time on a roller coaster.

The ride was extremely fun, well, except for Mika who was a bit shaken from the experience and was leaning on Jake. We walked around, occasionally meeting a few of the transformers. I, as usual, clicked photos of this place as well, it felt like I was in a futuristic city with the amazing structures and lights. Soon after we headed over to 'Ancient Egypt'.

The place was astonishing, it was surrounded by huge stone structures and statues. You would really think you're in Ancient Egypt, the feeling this place was giving off was really something to experience.

"Oh look, there's an indoor roller coaster, let's try that one!" Jake said enthusiastically.

"Whoa that looks really cool, I'm in!" I said rather excitedly. Jake and I walked towards and realized Mika and Lucy were left behind. We turned around and looked at them questioningly.

"You guys go ahead, I'm still recovering from the past experience," Mika responded with a chuckle.

We nodded and stood in line for our chance. As we got on and started moving, we were encompassed in darkness followed by flames of fire, jump scares, mummies; it was an amazing ride. We walked out with laughter discussing the events that took place a while ago.

"That was definitely the highlight of the day, we need to do that again!" he gave a broad smile and put his arm around my shoulder in a friendly manner.

For some reason, I was pretty happy hearing that and would certainly want to do so myself.