Welcome to Reality [UPDATES FRIDAY]

5. Adela

The motorbike's engine rumbles beneath me, and a rush of exhilaration washes over me. I've never ridden one before. Naively, I expected it to feel the way a normal bike does – smooth, graceful, almost effortless on the quiet streets here. But it's not like that at all. When Natalie accelerates the bike, a rush of air hits my face and I cling on tight, feeling completely off balance despite my stiff posture. The bike curves to exit the parking lot and I squeeze my eyes shut. With my chest pressed to Natalie's back, I can feel her chuckling.

'You okay back there?'

'I'm fine,' I hiss, but I'm scared if I move an inch, I'll go toppling off. It's like walking over a glass floor. No matter how much it's proven to be safe, you can't see past the fear. Your brain can't help but process the danger, even when it's not actually there.

Then we're on the street. It's never busy around here, not even in peak time, but even going at the speed limit, it feels like the bike is flying for disaster. I don't want to seem like I'm scared, but I am. Somehow, though, the excitement overrules my worries. If I had any sense, I'd get off this bike right now. But that went out the window the moment I saw Natalie in the parking lot.

I manage to open my eyes as the ride continues. I watch the houses whiz past us, the small-town vibe overwhelming and strange from such a dangerous vehicle. It's vaguely enjoyable once you get past the feeling that you could die at any moment, but I think I'm relieved when the bike slows a little to take us along the coast.

I've always loved the beach here. It's not like the white sand plains of Somersby or Sandhills. It's gristly and full of stones, the crashing waves no match for the little pebbles holding it together. The beach has so many nooks and crannies that anyone new to the island shouldn't miss. I tap on Natalie's shoulder.

'Let me show you the beach,' I shout over the roaring wind.

'Seriously? That pile of rocks? You guys call that a beach?'

'Trust me. You won't regret it.'

Natalie shakes her head, but she slows the bike down just in time to pull up in the seafront carpark. She slides effortlessly into a space and stops the bike. I lurch forwards, my face hitting the back of her neck, smacking my nose into my helmet.

'Smooth. Real smooth,' I mutter, removing my helmet and wiggling my nose to try and fix it back into its rightful place. Natalie swings her leg off the bike, propping her helmet on the handlebars.

'Come on. I've stopped here for you.'

'You said you wanted to see the town,' I retort. 'So, I'm showing you it. Have a little faith.'

Natalie fixes me a cold stare, but she doesn't intimidate me. If she thinks having a bad attitude is a good way to go in this town, she's got a lot to learn. I vault the metal bars surrounding the carpark and hop down to the beach, starting my walk without waiting for Natalie. I smile as I hear her feet crunching. She's running to catch up.

We walk in silence, our shoes connecting with slippery stones the only sound against the lapping of the waves. Even though it's sunny today, being so close to the water makes the wind seem harsher. I dig my hands into my hoodie pockets, wishing I'd brought something more sensible to wear. I voice the thought to try and engage Natalie in conversation.

'If I'd known, I would've brought better shoes. It gets pretty slippery in the caves.'

'Caves?'

'What, you thought I was taking you for a casual stroll? Nah, come on. We're going exploring.'

Ever since I can remember, the caves here have fascinated me. I have memories of mum bringing me here as a child, but she never let me go to the caves. She was scared I'd be crushed by a falling rock, or I'd slip and drown in the sea. But my sense of adventure always got the better of me. I made Lydia come once, but mostly, I come alone. I know the turns of the tide so I never stay long, but in those caves, I find headspace for a while.