Just one day

Chapter 6 - Try something at least once

Chapter 6 - Try something at least once

I have never been a fan of amusement parks. It's hot, almost always crowded, and the food's not that great either.

I also don't get why people would want to make themselves dizzy going on those crazy rides - I mean, even the carousell makes my head spin.

I was thinking of going to Ocean Park for the aquarium and the other wildlife they have there, but Matt wouldn't hear of it. He insisted I should get on the rides before I leave, just for the heck of it.

"At least try one," he insisted. "It's part of the whole experience."

Because I felt he would keep nagging at me until I say yes, I just nodded my agreement. He wouldn't be there anyway so I could do whatever I want when I get there. And I so did not want to go on any ride.

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After spending the whole morning walking around and looking at the animals in the park, I found myself standing in line line in front of the huge Abyss - that ride that would pull you to the top, drop you halfway, then pull you back again before dropping you all the way down. That ride.

I have gone crazy.

And I'm blaming it on Matt - his voice was in my head all morning, reminding me of my promise to try a ride in the park.

Why the Abyss, you say? Because stupidly, I convinced myself that if I'm going to do it, I should at least make the experience a memorable one. A decision I'm starting to regret as the line moves closer and closer to the entry point.

I was mentally kicking myself and was turning around to leave when the line starting moving forward, and the usher pushed me toward one of the seats.

There's no turning back now. Damn Matt.

As I was getting strapped on the seat, I alternated between praying, mentally kicking myself, and cursing Matt for putting the idea in my head. I felt like images from my past were flashing back in my head.

The girl on the other side of my side gave me an encouraging nod, and I weakly nodded back. Then we were off.

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I know for a fact that the ride only took a total of 5 minutes, and I kept my eyes closed for the most part, but to me it felt like the longest ride of my life - especially on the way up. It was torture.

But the drop was something else, I don't have the words to describe the experience. It was scary, exciting, breath taking, terrifying - all at the same time.

The adrenalin rush was out of this world. My knees were shaking as I wobbled my way to the exit, but - I hated to admit it to myself - I didn't regret it.

I guess there really is something good in doing things on the spur of the moment.

I'm starting to love being the new Mandy.

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Author's Notes:

Photo above is The Abyss :)

Sorry for the boring chapter... I just felt this was neccessary to emphasize how big an influence Matt is starting to be in the new "Mandy", especially in how she embraces life.

Next chapters will be better, promise!