#Chapter 30 – Rollercoaster

“Come on, boys,” Victor says, walking unannounced into my kitchen the next day. Note to self, I think, narrowing my eyes. Get a deadbolt for the back door. “We’re taking the day off!”

Alvin and Ian throw their hands in the air, shouting with joy and excitement.

“No,” I say, my voice low. “Today is a school day. We have to go to school.”

The boys collectively moan, looking at me with pleading eyes. I glare at Victor, shaking my head, warning him not to push it. He looks at me, smirking, willing to play with fire.

“Nah, let’s skip it,” he says, and the boys cheer again. “Besides, you’ll be going to a new school soon – a better school. You can skip this one for just a little bit.”

The boys are almost hysterical now with excitement, jumping from their chairs and running to their dad. I cross my arms and shrug, admitting internally that I’ve lost this one, planning my next move.

“Fine,” I say, “where are we going.”

“We,” Victor says pointedly, placing one had on each boy’s shoulder and pulling them to him, “are going to Rollercoaster Kingdom!” The boys begin to yell, jumping up and down, not knowing what to do with their excitement.

“Great, I can’t wait,” I say, smiling, my arms still crossed, refusing to be excluded. “Let’s get ready!”

“Actually, Evelyn -” Victor says, but I interrupt him.

“Who wants to see mommy ride the BIGGEST coaster!” I shout, and Alvin and Ian join in on a chorus of “me me me!” I smirk at Victor, knowing I’ve won this round.

“Let me get my bag, then we’ll go,” I say calmly. “Should we pack a lunch?”

“I don’t know, Papa,” Alvin says, his little courage failing him as he stares up at The Grave Digger, the tallest coaster in North America.

“Ah, it’s not so bad,” Victor says, kneeling down next to him.

“Yeah, it’s safe!” Says Ian, tugging on Alvin’s shirt. “They wouldn’t let you go on it if it’s not safe!”

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to, Alvin,” I chime in. “Don’t let them peer pressure you.”

“Are you doing it, mama?” Alvin asks, his voice wavering.

I laugh a little. “No, while you do that, mommy is going to have some ice cream and sit on a bench, soaking up the sun,” I say, spreading my arms demonstratively and smiling up at the sky.

won’t go,” Alvin says,

go on the tallest coaster,” Victor says, smiling cruelly

says, gasping. “You did

wouldn’t lie,” Victor says, trapping me. I glare at him.

leave Alvin here all alone,” I say, grasping at

go, mama,” Alvin says, reaching up to take my hand. I sigh, giving his little

say. “I’m in.

maker. The boys are laughing and screaming, and

the roller coaster, I can’t stop laughing, my knees shaking. The boys point at me, laughing,

throwing an arm around my shoulders. “Let’s get you that ice

and Alvin tugs on my

at him. “I’m glad we did it – it’s good to be brave – but I have

arrive at the ice cream booth and Victor gestures for 4

I say, throwing my arms out and spinning around. “I like the

then,” Victor says, handing me

ride turns, everyone slowly rises

and putting her arms out to the side, like a bird feeling the wind under its feathers. When the ride slows and stops the boys laugh,

pumps his hands in the air.

something else!” Ian

out for Evelyn, helping her out of her seat once she has un-buckled. He raises an eyebrow, deferring the choice to her. She laughs and shrugs. “I don’t really care, whatever

captains,” he cheers, and the boys take off running. Victor

blow a bunch of money to show her that didn’t care where it went. But Evelyn didn’t let it bother her after they left

the moment. But as Victor tries to puzzle it out, he realizes, suddenly, that he doesn’t care. He watches Evelyn laugh, lifting her boys onto horses

for the first time in a very long time, Victor feels nothing but

it and just enjoy the

started to set, the boys started to flag, clearly worn out by too many hot dogs and rides that flipped

“we’re going to start

Alvin says, flatly, struggling to keep his eyes

Ian nods,

when, out of the corner of his eye, he spots someone kneeling next to a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255