30 Minute Stories

Final Story

"Circeeee! Look!" Lulanna squealed as she spotted yet another rollercoaster.

"Ooh, that looks fun! How long's the line?" Circe asked.

"Not that long." Lula peered at the row of people already waiting. "10 minutes, maybe?"

Circe looked for herself, knowing from experience that Lula was terrible at time estimates. "Huh. You're right." Circe noted, surprised.

"Rude!" Lula pulled out a water bottle from their tote and gulped down the water.

Circe raised an eyebrow. "Remember when we went hiking at Norton Creek?" Lulanna stuck out her tongue before capping the bottle and shoving it back in the bag. The two walked over to the rollercoaster that had caught Lula's eye; high peaks and sudden drops, along with a twisting track that held thrill-seekers upside down, made The Storm aptly named.

After each handing in 5 tickets, the girls made their way to a small cart in the front and clambered in, lowering the safety bar over themselves. As the rest of their fellow coaster-riders shuffled in, an attendant checked to make sure everybody was securely in their seat. After a few safety announcements, the ride began!

The cart slowly traveled up the first 'hill,' but then swooped down, provoking a shriek from one passenger. As the ride continued, more screams were heard as the ride looped wildly. While the cart was racing down the deepest drop yet, Circe noticed a camera. Smirking, she gave a distracted Lulanna a kiss on the cheek as they plummeted further down.

Lula let out a surprised screech, prompting Circe to laugh until the ride was over. "What was that for?!" Lulanna asked as the two walked out, cheeks still pink. "Picture." Circe responded, heading to the photo shack, a confused Lula trailing behind. As Circe exchanged money with the worker, Lulanna stared at the photos being displayed on a screen. There were two kids screaming, a few teenagers making faces, and Circe giving Lulanna a quick peck on the cheek. Circe placed the photo in the bag, then turned to see a wide-eyed Lulanna. "Did you see the picture?" "YES." Lula covered her face in her hands.

"Are you actually embarrassed?" Circe asked incredulously. Lulanna, face still hidden, quietly murmured an affirmative. "Well, now I know one of your weaknesses." Circe winked. "But to make it up to you, I'll buy you a snack." Previous embarrassment forgotten, Lula's eyes lit up. "I want one of those disgustingly-unhealthy funnel cakes." "Anything for you, my love." Circe said dramatically. The two continued on their way, each enjoying their girlfriends' company.

I give you... the final story. They've all been fun to write, but I'll be retiring this book. I hope you guys enjoyed, and learned that entire worlds, characters, and people can be created in 30 minutes.