“Row five. Let’s go, we’re on a schedule.”
Owen gets into his place, the couple behind us blocking most of my view of him. “Sawyer, what the hell is going on? Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
I don’t know what to say. When I try to answer, nothing comes out.
“It’s not a big deal, okay?” Knox cuts in, resting his hand on my lower back. “She’s riding it with me. Relax.”
Owen’s jaw tightens and he glances at Knox’s hand. “Yeah. Okay.”
He sounds hurt, but there’s no time to digest it. We’re moved along into our assigned row number lines and before I can fully breathe, our train pulls up and the group that just rode exits on the other side, some laughing, some looking nauseated.
I climb into row three on shaky legs. Knox slides in beside me, his thigh pressing against mine in the confined space. The seat is smaller than I expected, and the restraints are more intimidating up close.
Behind us, I hear Owen climbing into his row. He’s sitting next to a random man, who’s also riding alone.
Knox adjusts the restraint over my chest and I press it tighter, giving my hands something to do.
Then I glance back and wish I didn’t.
Owen is two rows behind us, adjusting his own restraint. He’s staring forward, his face blank.
Our eyes meet for a split second. Neither of us says anything. What is there to say?
I turn back as the attendant comes by to tug on our restraints, giving a silent thumbs up.
Knox takes my hand and threads his fingers through mine. “You okay?”
I’m the furthest thing from okay. “I don’t know.”
Behind us, I can hear the operator asking Owen if he’s all set, and Owen’s quiet, “I’m good,” in response.
He’s not good. Neither of us are. What is wrong with me?
“All riders, keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times,” the automated announcement booms overhead. “Enjoy your ride on Velocity.”
The train juts forward, and my gut churns even though we haven’t moved more than a few feet. We roll out of the loading area slowly, but the motorized sounds of the ride get louder, competing with my pulse roaring in my ears. Within seconds, we’ve cleared the covered area and I’m blinded by the early evening sun hitting my face as we turn toward the lift hill.
I can feel Owen watching my back like a physical force. All alone and probably wondering what the hell is going on with me.
The chain engages with a grating clank that reverberates through the entire train.
Click. Click. Click.
We start the climb.
The nose of the train tilts up higher and higher. Suddenly, the ground below looks miles away.
Click. Click. Click.
My hand tightens around Knox’s involuntarily. He squeezes back and it provides a small amount of comfort.
“Still scared?” he asks.
“Terrified,” I admit for the first time today as I watch the park spread out below us. Everything getting smaller…the people, the other rides…the ring toss game where I told Owen I loved him not long ago.
Click. Click. Click.
We’re so goddamn high now. Higher than I thought we’d be. I can see the lake, and parking lot, and the highway beyond it.
