10). FUNLAND ADVENTURE

"Dodging cars !"

"No, Road Runner !"

"Monster Eyes !"

"Shut up. Dodging cars. Straight away !"

Rebecca, Ian and Ash were grumbling over the rides as the boys were in the line getting tickets for them. Tia was buying cotton candy for herself. Poor Ian asked her too many times but she brushed her away. The Sunway Funland was a very large amusement park with rides and small shopping carts. There were a crowd of people roaming here and there and within them, roamed the High School students and staff. It was still drizzling making the weather perfect for a lovely outing. There were carts of chocolates and ice-cream with a huge mob of people all around it. Mostly, the only ride that was crowded 24/7 was Devil's Snare with a long line of waiting candidates holding their tickets and becoming impatient.

"I thought we were going to the Farmhouse." Kate said, looking around.

"Very clever of you," Tia teased, taking the cotton candy sticks and sneering at her. Kate glanced at her then went away stomping her feet.

"Did you all decide where to go first ?" Braddin asked, approaching them.

He had 14 tickets in his hand which he kept in his pocket carefully. Then along came Ethan and Roy both of them holding 14 tickets each. Ash gladly jumped for Roy and held his hand.

"Where's Skyler ?" Tia asked jumping up to look for him.

"Oh, he's getting himself something to drink." Ethan said, looking at Rebecca hoping she would say something about where to go.

"You got my cotton candy ?" Ian tugged his sleeves like a puppy dog's eyes. Ethan chuckled and handed one stick to her. Ian took it and began licking it, tearing the pink sugary cotton from her teeth.

"Let's go to the Devil's Snare. I am desperately waiting to go there !" Braddin said.

Rebecca stepped back looking at the huge rollercoaster that was rushing high in the sky and rolling at 360 angle. She gulped sharply looking at it. Life seemed to be draining from her feet.

"Dodging cars first. We will sit separately and then enjoy it !" Ian said, sensing her fear.

"Dodging cars ?" Braddin asked everyone calling for their votes.

Rebecca was the first one to step forward. She wished to give Ian a big kiss at that moment for saving her from the doomed horrible roller coaster.

"Fine, will do that," Roy said, clapping a very happy Ian a high five.

They all galloped towards the line. Braddin held Tia's hand and led her with him out into the rush. Ian broke out from the line and ran after Skyler who was busy with the trolling game.

"Let's go. Dodging cars !" Ian said tugging at his arm.

"Let me play this. I am close to winning." He said.

"Sky let's go." Ian argued again.

"Hang on a second!" He gritted between his teeth.

She sighed, taking a step back to give him some time. But Skyler being Skyler, continued in his way. Seeing he wasn't interested, Ian crouched down and flipped the trail resetting the game. "What the hell !" He bellowed.

"Come on!" She just took his arm and dragged him towards the cars.

"You're an idiot!" He rolled his eyes.

"I know!" Ian laughed in his face.

They all sat in different cars, except for Roy and Ash sitting in one. Kate came rushing out of nowhere and seeing Tia was not with Braddin she slipped down beside him. "Hey," she greeted.

"Hi," Braddin said, sadly looking towards Tia helplessly.

Kate sneered at Tia and leaned against Braddin once again. Tia clenched her jaws and got up from her car. She went to Skyler's and sat down beside him. "What's wrong ?" Skyler asked.

"Nothing. Drive safely." she said, settling down.

"Hey Ian," he called from then winked at her. "Lady Gaga."

Ian beamed at him. Rebecca, Ethan and Ian were all in single cars. The whistle bellowed and the cars started rushing. Skyler and Ian had aimed Kate as a target to hit her. They all hit one other booming loudly. Roy was the fastest in hitting others with Ash tugging at his arms. Kate took out her phone to take a selfie of her with Braddin driving but Skyler came and hit her from her side. Her phone toppled from her hand. "JERK !" She yelled.

Ian and Skyler exchanged quick high fives. Tia laughed who was sitting beside him. She understood at once that both Sky and Ian had targeted Kate. Ian hit Tia and got stuck. The vacuum created stuck the two cars with them.

"Turn around. Swing the whole wheel !" Skyler called. Ian rolled the wheel but the car only stirred.

"Have a nice day !" Kate yelled, hitting the back of Ian's head hard with her purse as she zoomed passing by. Looking at them, Rebecca came to rescue. She reversed her car to the end and then came swirling with the wind like a Flash and with all her powers she hit Ian's car. Beside her came Ethan who hit Skyler's car from the opposite side and ZigZag force was enough to break them apart.

"Thanks !" Tia yelled, then lowering her voice she murmured," After Kate." The hitting continued to go on through the ride. Now then, Rebecca and Ethan were targeting Kate also. Within few more minutes, the whistle blew again halting the car. The friends were still laughing and more over to look at Kate who got hit the most probably after every 10 seconds. Her hair was like a flown broomstick and face was sweating. Her lipstick was only visible on half of her lips and her eyeliner washed out from one eye.

"Cool !" Rebecca giggled, clapping Ian, Skyler and Ethan.

"You guys...." Braddin laughed too, shaking his head. Ash was taking secret pictures of Kate. Roy was trying to be respectable but cannot hold his laughs inside.

"What now ?" Rebecca asked.

"Thundery Mountain." Ethan said.

"Oh, please. No roller coasters." Rebecca pleaded.

"Oh, come on. Nothing's gonna happen. I am with you," Ethan comforted, gripping her hand and rushing forward. The eight friends moved towards the rollercoaster. There were only two seats in the boggart. The friends divided into a couple. Roy sat with Ash. Ethan took Rebecca fearing James might drop in and steal her from him. Braddin sat in an empty place. He looked hopefully at Tia asking her to come. Tia stopped. Kate was not around. Tia at first thought of being with Skyler but Skyler automatically shifted towards Ian placing his arms around her. Feeling odd she jumped down beside Braddin and behind them in the end came Skyler and Ian.

"I am going to die. I am going to die !" Rebecca whispered, gripping Ethan's hand very tightly that it would leave a mark.

"It's ok. It's alright. I am sure you will enjoy it." Ethan comforted raising his arm and taking Rebecca in them.

"Where's Kate ?" Tia asked, jokingly.

Braddin grinned widely. "Where do you think she will be ? You guys ruined her make up. How will she take selfies now ?" He laughed.

The whistle blew and the roller coaster started moving. Rebecca gripped Ethan's hand more firmly, reciting the words of the Holy Bible.

"Hi ho ! Let's go ! Hi ho ! Let's go !" Skyler and Ian shouted in excitement.

The coaster climbed upwards and then raced down with the speed of light. Everyone screamed loudly holding onto the belts and their partner's hands as they went round and round ! Shifting up and down ! At a very high speed. They felt as if they were placed in a centrifugal machine. Apart from the cracking and screeching sound of the roller coaster the only other thing heard was Rebecca's dreadful scream. It felt like someone was pressing Rebecca's throat. Ethan was so helpless that he couldn't even cover his ears. Even though he had hid her in his arms , Rebecca's screams were echoing all the way. Ethan knew that he might go half deaf with that.

"That...is...awesome !" Roy shouted.

"Easy for you to saaayyyyy!"Ash began but her last word sprang musical when the roller coaster suddenly rushed downwards again. 15 minutes later, the eight friends were sitting on a bench gathering their breaths and senses. Rebecca was leaning against the railing covering her mouth, feeling very nauseous with Ethan holding her.

"I loved the ride !" Skyler jumped. " It was totally cool."

"Shut up!" Rebecca grabbed a stick lying nearby and tried to hit him but Ethan caught and pulled her back.

"Are you nuts ?" Skyler called, covering his head for protection.

"I will kill anyone who says the ride was awesome." Rebecca snapped, her face sea green from nausea.

Skyler drew out his phone and held it towards her face. "Let me take a selfie. You look like a blind beggar !" He teased me.

Rebecca aimed another hit at him but Ethan grabbed her again pushing her back. Skyler continued to laugh while Ethan took Rebecca away before she could scratch his face. Few minutes later when she was back to health, they went for arcades. Tia and Ash spent a lot of time on air hockey. Ash made 6 goals with Tia only making 3. Frustrated, she hit so hard that the striker went flying from her hand and landed directly on Kate's head. "Dumbass !" She called back.

"Sorry Lady Gaga !" Tia called, laughing at her.

Roy and Skyler were busy playing wrestling video games. They both were playing opposite. Ethan and Braddin were on the racing bikes.

"Guys, come up here !" Rebecca called towards a game.

Ian, Tia and Ash walked towards her to see what she was pointing at. "What's that ?" Ian asked.

"It's a dancing game. Come on, let's dance." Rebecca clapped gleefully.

"Seriously, we are going to dance ?" Tia asked, raising her eyebrows.

"It's a tap dance. Step on the block which lightens up." Ash said, reading the instructions behind the bar. Ian dropped her bag and jumped on the staged platform. "Okay, I'll give it a try."

"It's only 2 players," Tia said, watching Rebecca and Ash both climbing.

"Oh, who cares. Let's dance !" Rebecca snapped, pulling Tia roughly beside her.

They entered the tickets then waited. "How to operate this ?" Ian asked, looking around for any buttons.

The screen was on and there were options of the level to choose. Suddenly without knowing the option shifted towards a hard level. "No, no. Not the hard one !" Ash cried.

"How did you do that ?" Ian asked, facing Ash.

"I don't know. I am just standing." Ash said innocently.

There were four blocks and one in the middle on which Ash was standing. Ash moved a little and the option changed again to medium.

"What's happening ?" Ian asked again.

Rebecca shoved Ash aside and stared at the yellow spot in the center. She pressed her foot on it and the option changed again.

"It's here. Its changing from here !" She said. "Press the center block and the option will change."

Ian and Ash moved aside while Rebecca sat up the easy level. Then came the option of songs.

"Which one ? They are all Japanese." She asked.

"....that one !" Tia said pointing at the corner left.

Rebecca gave a couple of taps on the yellow block and it shifted the options and came to that point. She pressed again and the screen changed into a dancing platform where 5-7 Japanese girls were standing. Then came a red spot from beneath the screen and a red block lit up on the stage.

"Press it ! Press it !" Rebecca yelled.

Both Ian and Tia went for it. They didn't manage to press it but hit their heads together. "Ian! Watch out !" Tia said, rubbing her forehead.

"You also." Ian said, reciprocating Tia's actions

The red one passed without pressing then came the blue one. Ash dived in and Rebecca came from behind.

"Hey!" Ash squealed in pain. "You stepped on my feet !

"It was not yours to press but mine." Rebecca snapped.

"The middle one. Jump Ian !" Tia pushed Ian. But she was too late. It also passed away.

"Hold on. Tia you take the back blue spot. Ash you take the right one. Ian will stand in front taking left. And I will take the right one. Clear?" Rebecca said.

"What about the middle one ?" Ash asked.

"You and Ian can take that. Just make sure you don't hit yourselves." Rebecca said. The song continued to dance with Ian, Rebecca, Ash and Tia struggling to get on.

Sikka Tin....Sikka Tin...

Sikka Tin tin tin...

Sikka tin...sikka tin...

Sikka tin tin tin...

"What is this Sikka Tin ?", Ash laughed.

"Japanese National Anthem." Ian joked.

They laughed at one other. Even though Rebecca had distributed what to do, they were still stepping on each other. Tia nearly tripped Ian off her shoes, Ash almost hit Rebecca off the stage. Ash collided with Rebecca but they managed to maintain their balance. It was fifteen minutes until the song ended and the screen was flashing their marks to calculate it. The girls waiting patiently and then laughed loudly to see the result. It was a big shameful F.

"I never knew I was a failure in dancing." Ash said.

"We missed so many chances." Rebecca laughed. "Next time. We will play better."

Ian nodded. "Yeah, at least now we know how to dance."

Tia smirked. "You learned how to dance. I already knew it."

"Yet still you didn't shot a single score. Bummer!" Ian rolled her eyes, with Rebecca and Ash giggling along with her.

"Whatever

At noon, the group sat down to have some lunch. At first they thought of going to the tuck shop to buy something but then they ended up enjoying their packed lunch. The eight friends raced towards the outer side of the Funland. Ethan and Skyler had gone to buy cold drinks from the tuck shop.

"Man, that was one freaking ride. Now to the Devil's Snare." Roy said, sitting at the back seat.

Ash came up and sat beside him but Roy pulled her and rested her on himself.

"No way ! I'm not going to the Devil's Snare. Especially when I have eaten my lunch. I will throw up !" Rebecca pouted, taking the next seat with her large lunch box.

"Leave it all. It was fun what we did to Lady Gaga." Ian laughed. "I am waiting for more."

Braddin thumped on Ian's back making her topple over the seat. "Why are you guys acting like this ? I saw you all targeting her in a Dodging Car." He said.

"Because she's getting on our nerves. Sky and I were planning this the whole time." Ian said busy opening her box.

Braddin took it from her and opened it for her.

"Thanks bro." She nodded at him.

Ethan and Skyler came climbing the front steps of the car holding a big 1.75 liters bottle of Pepsi. Ethan placed the paper glasses down. "All on the board ?" Skyler asked.

"All on." Ash said, showing him thumbs up.

"Let's dig in." He said.

They all sat around in a square shape and began eating. There were pastries, sandwiches, rolls, mini pizza and dumplings with Cold drink, enough for everyone to fill their tummy. Rebecca's mom had made some delicious pasta and Ian's mom sent some chicken sandwiches for each of the friends. They gobbled up their food quickly, enjoying every single taste of it. Everyone was enjoying themselves, teasing each other and planning about how to tease Kate again but Rebecca was staring at Skyler. She was studying him very closely, impressed to see the way he was staring at Ian and helping her with her lunch.

Skyler and Ian were sitting side by side. They were laughing, hitting each other, planning to prank Kate but there was something very unusual in Sky's eyes. He was looking fondly at Ian. Even, she seemed to be enjoying his company. There was an unusual spark of happiness and brightness in both of their eyes.

"Hey, you're here !" Kate appeared stepping into the bus, interrupting Rebecca's thoughts.

"Hi Lady Gaga," Sky called.

Kate ignored, rolling her eyes at him. Looking at Tia sitting beside Braddin, Kate jumped and settled herself in between Braddin and Tia.

"Watch out. There wasn't space here." Tia complained in a loud voice.

"Oh come off it !" Kate shoved her away. Braddin raised his eyebrows at her but Kate ignored his anger too.

"Want something ?", Ash asked politely

"No. Thank you." Kate said. "So Braddy, which ride now ? "

"I don't know. I think we will see about that." He said spooning himself.

Kate gripped his arm and placed her head on his shoulder.

"Tunnel now, please. You and me. That will be so romantic and awesome." She said as though it was becoming sweet.

"I will come with you in the tunnel." Ash said, raising her hand. "It really will be so romantic!"

The others laughed, looking at Kate. Rebecca and Ash gladly exchange high fives.

"Excuse me, I'm straight!" She snapped at her.

Ash giggled. "So am I. But I just don't want to break your heart. Peace offer."

"Who would want to go with you ?" Kate made a face towards Ash.

"I would. Any problem ?" Roy boomed taking Ash's hand.

Kate rolled her eyes at them like they were nothing in front of her. Tia was sitting hotly. She got up and sat beside Skyler. Seeing Tia becoming a little hesitant Ian shifted a little further from Skyler allowing them to sit together.

"I will wait for you at the Tunnel, Braddy." Kate said.

Back at the funland after lunch, Ian, Ash, Roy, Tia, Skyler, Ethan and Braddin were ready to go for the Devil's Snare. Rebecca was nail biting having a look at it.

"No way ! I'm not sitting in that." Rebecca said, stepping back.

"Come on. You can do it." Ethan said.

Nah ! Nah ! You guys go. I will just hang around here until you all come back." She said,

"Come on, Rebecca. You got us. Don't be afraid. You got me" He said, lowering his voice.

Rebecca shook her head again, clenching her hands tightly. "I will be there. That's the biggest and dangerous roller coaster ever. I will have a heart attack."

Ethan came closer to shivering Rebecca and held her gently. "Fine. I will stay with you then."

"No, no. Go live the moment. I will be right here." Rebecca argued.

Ian came along with tickets towards them.

Come on. The line's getting bigger and bigger." She said tugging at Ethan's sleeves. He looked at Rebecca again.

"Rebecca not coming ?" Ian asked, looking from Ethan to her.

"You guys go. I will stay with her." Ethan said, after a couple of seconds.

"Ethan, you must go. I will be fine. And it's ok. I don't mind. Go enjoy." Rebecca said, pushing him towards Ian.

Ethan waited hoping she would change her mind. He feared that James might come and take Rebecca away again from him. He didn't want to lose her. He wanted to keep her with him. But he also couldn't deny anything that Rebecca said. Ian was tugging at him, like a lost child. He took a few steps ahead then turned back to look at her. Rebecca waved at him then nodded. With huge effort, he turned and followed Ian. "Okay, okay I'm coming. Let's go!"

Rebecca leaned against the pillar watching the roller coaster. Her friend finally reached the platform and then they were settled. And again, Kate was there. Taking the chance, she pushed Tia out of the way and settled herself with Braddin. "Where's Tia ?" Braddin asked, confused.

"Probably with someone else." Kate said, not mentioning that she pushed Tia out of the way.

Braddin stretched himself further to look for her but Kate pulled him inside the boggart seat.

"You had many rides with her. Now it's my turn." She said, grabbing his arm.

Over there, Ian caught Tia before she could fall on the platform. "You ok ?" Ian asked.

"Yeah fine." Tia gritted between her teeth boiling hot in anger.

"I will get her. That bloody----" Tia began but Ian stopped her.

"We can deal with her later. It's ok." Ian said.

Skyler came from behind. Tia took his hand and went with him. Roy was with Ash. Only Ethan and Ian were left with the pair.

"Vacant bro ?" Ian asked Ethan.

"Yeah, bro. Let's go sit together," He said, opening the gate and allowing Ian to go in first.

Rebecca was still standing beside the platform pillar. The whistle blew, and the coaster began moving. She saw as the coaster climbed high in the sky and out of visibility. She sighed at herself. All she heard were screaming coming from every direction where ever the Devil's Snare went. A part of her wanted to enjoy but she knew she couldn't handle it. She was certain that if she got on that ride, she'd never come out alive.

"Rebecca !" A familiar voice called.She turned sharply and saw James standing behind her.

"Hey James. What's up ?" She asked, jumping down the 2 steps and coming towards him.

He took her hand and pecked it delicately. Rebecca went pink with a soft grin spreading on her face. "What was that for ?" She asked.

"Because you are my..... friend." He managed to make the word friend with a little difficulty. Rebecca chuckled at him, in an attempt to hide her blushing cheeks.

"Alone ?" He asked, astonished.

"My friends are on the Devil's Snare. I am afraid to go. So I stayed behind." She said pointing backwards.

James laughed. "I rode that twice. But I must say, it scares the hell out of us."

Rebecca shook her head grinning. "Then I am lucky not to get on it." She said,

"Why would that be?"

Rebecca shrugged with a slight grin. "Because I know I wouldn't make it back in one piece."

"Gosh!" James chuckled. He looked around as if trying to find someone then looked back at Rebecca. "Come on. I will take you somewhere, you can also have fun."

"Emmmm. No actually, I said I will be here when they come." She excused but James smiled at her handsomely.

"Don't worry. You will be back right before them. Come let's go." He said

Rebecca opened her mouth to resist but James pulled her and she began walking automatically with him. He took her to the video games and paused in front of a bike. "Have you sat on this before ?" He asked.

"No. I haven't." She said, shaking her head.

"Good. Let's sit and have some race." He said.

Rebecca hesitated again but James lifted her without warning and gently settled her down on the bike. "You are nuts. " Rebecca said jokingly.

James set the game of 2 players and quickly took the next vacant bike.

"You are the blue one. I'm the red one." Rebecca said. James nodded without looking at her. "Don't cry when you'll lose!"

"Oh, please. I don't lose that easily." Rebecca pushed back her blond hair.

"Ah, is that so? Let's see who's the best man!" James smirked at her.

The countdown began, and they both rode their bikes. "Ready or not. I will try not to kill you." James mocked.

"Oh! Don't think of any positive thing from me too." Rebecca sneered.

As soon as the screen showed GO both of them sped quickly racing down the track like the flash.

Meanwhile, the seven friends along with Lady Gaga came out dancingly from the coaster.

It was a very horrible but also tremendous ride. They all enjoyed it. This time, Ash was sea green from nausea with Roy almost cradling her in his arms. Tia was holding Skyler's hand for support as she was having severe vertigo.

"Ohhhh, my head throbs !" Kate said, pretending to fall with a hope that Braddin would catch her. Ian and Ethan almost throw up, watching her over react in front of Braddin.

"Actress !" Ian commented for only Ethan to hear to which he nodded.

Where's Rebecca ? She said she would be here." Ethan asked, becoming worried.

"Let's go find her. Maybe she's around here, somewhere." Ian suggested.

"Yeah, don't worry. I'll go look for her. It's ok." Ethan took a step further.

Ian held his hand. "Do you want me to come?"

Ethan shook his head. "I'm good, buddy. I'll look for her."

He went further jogging all around the Devil's Snare but he couldn't find her. He slipped out his phone when suddenly his eyes fell upon James and Rebecca coming towards him. Both of them laugh with Rebecca teasing him the most.

"I won. Now you are going to give me a treat." She said, pinching his arm.

"No treat. You won by cheating !" James said.

"No way. I literally outclassed you. Now treat. That was the bet." Rebecca argued, trying to flare him up in a healthy joking mood. James also chuckled but then both of them saw Ethan standing staring at them.

"I will see you soon," James said, letting go of Rebecca's hand.

"Yeah. See you." She said then walked towards Ethan. "How was the ride ?"

Ethan was a little bit upset at seeing her with James. He just showed her thumbs up and did not say anything.

After a little while, the group had some snacks and had other rides. Roy and Ash went on in the Love Tunnel. Kate wanted to go with Braddin but Ian, Tia, Skyler and Rebecca made Braddin so busy that finally the teachers called the students off to go. Kate murmured something under her breaths and they were sure it was a bad language. Laughing to one another, they sat down on the bus again and set out for Toon Beach.