Page 35 - Images Literary Magazine 2016 - 2017.pdf

?You should go,? he said, making me feel a little braver. Suddenly, Maddie, Erin and Charlotte were
grasping me and tugging me towards the ride. I looked back once more at all the parents, including my
dad, who waved me off to my doom? or the best time of my life, I wasn?t exactly sure yet. I guess I?m going
on, I thought as I was being rushed onto the line of The Great Bear, something I never thought I could
conquer, yet there I was: a whole step closer.
The line for The Great Bear was short, and I wasn?t sure if that was a blessing or a curse. It gave me less
time to think about backing out, but also less time to mentally prepare myself. My mind was racing as
Maddie, Erin and Charlotte continued to shout words of encouragement.

?It?ll be so much fun, don?t even worry about it,? Erin exclaimed, her blue eyes twinkling, which forced me
to believe her. The line was moving quickly, almost too quickly. I could back out at any moment, I thought
worryingly. But watching Erin, Maddie and Charlotte eagerly motivated me to conquer my fear and calm
my nerves.

Before I could even blink, we were in the front of the line. People yelled around us, no one even looking
scared or hesitant. I envied them, because I had a hurricane in my stomach. Just as I began to wonder if I
shouldn?t go on, the gates opened and we filed in. I wanted to sit on the inside of the ride to make me feel
more protected, which my friends let me do. As I sat in the huge seat, I pulled the yellow belt down to my
waist, continuously and vigorously shaking it to make sure I was strapped in safely. My feet dangled, as
there was no bottom, and like six years before, I lost control of my body, but this time, I didn?t mind so
much.

Finally the ride began. Slowly, but surely, we were off. We started going up a hill and a million thoughts
rushed through my head. This is it, I thought, no backing out now. But my thoughts rushed away as we flew
down the hill at an outrageous speed. My eyes closed and I just felt the ride take me through loops and
corkscrews. Of course I was hollering, but with delight and
not fear. I loved the speed and craziness of the ride, and it felt as if just as soon as it started, it was over.

?Did you like it?? Charlotte asked cheerfully.

?I loved it!? I responded gleefully.
We rushed out of the ride and looked at the on-ride picture. Of course, we all looked like we were
having a great time. As we walked out of the picture section, we thought it would be funny to trick the
parents into thinking I hated it, but then reveal the truth to them.

?Did you like it?? my dad asked once he spotted me. I faked a
frown.
?No? ? I lied. My dad was about comfort me when I told him
the truth. ?Just kidding! I loved it, it was so much fun!?

?That?s great, honey!? He pulled me into a hug and I felt so
proud of myself.
I got over a huge fear that day that I thought I would never
overcome. Though for some, riding a roller coaster may be a
small feat, for me, it was a huge deal. As someone who usually
lets my thoughts ruin my fun, I was glad for once I could just
have a good time, take action, and forget my troublesome
thoughts. That day I learned to let go and I realized being brave
isn?t doing it to because you want to, it?s doing it even if you?re
scared.