"The Ride of My Life": The Writers' Spotlight

The Ride of my Life
By Jacelyn Quah

Have you been on a roller coaster? Did you feel the wind? And did you feel the rush of relief between crazy, speedy bumps of the rails? I have.

We were in Legoland, just searching around for rides and games. It seemed like I would forever be dragged around, encouraged to do this, and that, and this again. I would always say yes, but how would that help? Everything was fine but never spectacular...My heart felt as hollow as an empty shell...Then, I saw it.

A towering, looping series of rails loomed over us, and shrieking of gulls could be heard. An enormous line gathered around, and there were so many people it looked like a crowd. Curious, I rose to my full height to get a better look. A man stood in the front struggling to keep everyone in line, and in order. I spotted a small boy licking a lollipop, his hands as sticky as glue. The sweet smell of popcorn lingered through the air, making its way to my nose. I froze. This was the right place for me. The sun was burning, but yet, all I felt was a tingle in my toes. So I did not witness it when the words that tumbled out of my lips was, “Can I go?” for the first time.

My dad gave a short nod, pulled out tickets from his worn out leg pocket, and the next thing I knew, we were part of the building line. Cool water sprayed on us overhead. As we neared the front, I could view the vibrant blue sky. We clambered into apartment 5, the seats clean and shiny. We barely had time to hand in the tickets. I felt my hand automatically reach the seat belt, and I heard the ever so familiar click as I fastened it on, releasing the breath I didn't know I had been holding.

The couple ahead looked back and smiled, their teeth stuck together with cotton candy sugar. I was too dazed to smile back. We moved slowly at first, then speedy. The shiny, green edges glinted brilliantly in the sun. I could feel the wind, warmth and coolness soon mixed. It was like I grew wings. I was now as fast as an eagle. I kept my mouth shut, but the excitement soon got the better of me. The rails twisted, winding back and forth. The clang of metal got louder, matching the quick beat of my heart. The cartlike apartment sped, zipping down the rails. My cheeks were already flushed from the sun as we reached the highest point of the game. Time seemed to stop, and it took me a moment to realize why. The facts were blurred, but when I gazed out, I knew: This was the best ride I had ever taken.

I saw many of the amazing structures of Legoland, their tops sparkling with silver, gold, orange, and blue. Fractured beams of light reflected from the glassy surfaces into my eyes, the bright blinding me for a second, a minute, eternality. I felt us move forward, the amazement washing away from my mind, back in the unknown part of my brain. I rubbed my eyes and then opened them. The wind whistled in my ears, and I realized how. The scenery blurred, but my focus was great. We were rushing down faster than ever before, I grabbed the rail and held tight….There was an incredibly loud screech, and I saw a weary family get on in front. The wheels spun slower and slower, almost stopping. The cheerful green in my mind faded to pure, calming ocean blue. The cheering that had blasted in my ears faded ahead.

I stepped off. The ramp was slippery as I went. Blood rushed back in my head….the sun was torrid hot, high and hanging, boiling and broiling. I bit the inside of the side of my mouth, tasting bile and blood. I could still feel the wind though, and the ghost of the clanking rails. I glanced at the line. It was longer than ever, people were shoving to get close...and I had an idea.

¨Let's go again!¨ My hand, slicked with sweat, clutched a ticket. My eyes were as bright as a flashlight in the night. They just nodded as we raced for the line...again.

We went at least five times, again and again. I realized I was having a great time from the beginning to the end. The sun set from the exhausted day, flashing brilliant colors across the sky. It was truly an adventure!

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