Isabella's Last Request (2 page)

              I squint as the sun hits my eyes, my stomach flips forcing its way up and into my throat. I can’t stop the shrill scream escaping my mouth as we’re forced even higher. I try to look at Isabella to see if she’s going through the same pain as me, but the sheer force of gravity is holding me rigid against my seat. My eyes fill with tears, as I grab hold of my waist restraint, I’m gripping so tight that one of my nails has snapped, but I couldn’t care less. Sweat is building and I’m unsure if it’s through fear and anxiety or just the heat and humidity.

I feel Isabella’s hand on mine, even through the force and pressure she’s being so brave and trying to keep me calm. I grip her so tightly my knuckles turn white and my fingers are numb. I close my eyes and pray we’ll survive, and then I hear Isabella giggle; there’s something in her laugh which relaxes me. I can almost feel my heart slowing to a slight
ly more normal pace; if she can laugh and enjoy this, then why can’t I?

             
‘Open your eyes, it’s over!’

Keeping my eyes firmly shut I test the water, everything appears to have stopped. It does feel like I’m on the ground again, but I’m not sure I can risk it yet.

              ‘Liv seriously it’s safe! We need to get off now otherwise we’ll have to go round again’

This is enough to convince me. I force my eyes open and look behind me to see the emptying rollercoaster and queues of people waiting to get on and face the jaws of death. I’m still grasping
Izzy’s hand as I stumble off the ride and back out into the glorious sunshine. How can she be so calm and collected after that?

             
‘Ok Izzy, that’s another off the list, what’s next?’

‘Hmm, I was thinking twisting dragons next? Apparently the two
rollercoaster’s get so close together that you can kick the person on the cart below you!’

I look over to
Izzy to see if she’s serious and I think from the look on her face, she might be.

             
‘I was thinking more like lunch, maybe a nice drink and then possibly a film?’

             
‘Olivia Hope!  Have you forgotten why we’re here? You’re such a wimp!’

Isabella pouts at me, and I momentarily feel guilty, at the end of the day
we are here for her, she does look knackered though I hope she's not pushing herself too much.

             
‘Isabella Webber, don’t you call me a wimp! I’ve done all the rollercoaster’s in all the Disney parks, Universal was meant to be relaxing. We’ve already ticked rollercoaster off the list; surely we don’t have to do anymore?!’

             
‘Okay Livs, you win. Let’s go to the Hard Rock Café and get some lunch. After, we can go watch some shows, and maybe go on the Simpsons ride?’

             
‘We’ll see, at least that’s not a rollercoaster. I think even I can handle a simulation ride, now come on, my stomach has settled and I’m starving!’

As we head over to the Hard Rock Café I regret wearing jeans, even if they are cut offs. I’m so hot now that I’m tempted to go and buy a skirt or some shorts, or something! That’s the great thing about Universal Studio’s compared to Disney parks, they have such good shops. All full of my favourite brands: Animal,
Roxy, Rip Curl, and many more, it reminds me of home with the surfers.

             
Izzy and I were born on May 5
th
in St Austal, Cornwall and that’s where we’ve lived ever since. Our mum’s met in hospital where they had beds next to each other and became firm friends; going to all the baby groups together like baby weigh-ins and baby sing and sign.

             
Therefore, Izzy and I have been best friends since the day we were old enough to understand what it meant. With our birthdays on the same day, we used to tell people we were twins and a lot of people believed us! I think because we both grew up without dads, it made our friendship closer. We’re more like sisters than friends.

             
My dad died when my mum was pregnant with me, he was in a car accident and apparently died instantly which is comforting, knowing he wasn’t in any pain. Although, it’s still devastating knowing I’ll never get to meet my dad, never get to hear his voice, hug him, touch him or talk to him. Mum’s still not over him, and it’s been 21 years. She still talks about him all the time, especially as I get older. She’s dated a bit but never allowed herself to fall for another man; as soon as she starts to feel the start of love, she dumps him. Her and my dad had been childhood sweethearts so she’d never been with another man, and never planned to be. This means I’m an only child, although I have Izzy. I’m desperately trying to get mum to go out and meet a nice guy, especially as I’m older and hoping to move out shortly.

             
On the other hand, Rita, Izzy’s mum, had a short relationship with Izzy’s dad. As soon as he discovered she was pregnant after a weeklong love affair, he left. Rita is younger than my mum; she fell pregnant at just sixteen; so when she met my mum they needed each other. Mum had just lost the love of her life, and needed someone to help take her mind off it, someone to talk to and love. After all, I was only a baby, and as much as she loved me I couldn’t give anything back. Rita needed someone to love her and help guide her through everything.

             
Rita’s parents had thrown her out and washed their hands of her when they’d discovered she was pregnant. She’d gotten away with it for quite a while; wearing loose clothes and eating more chocolate in front of them so they’d think she’d just put on weight. Deep down, her mum thought this was a great thing, she knew that most men wouldn’t be attracted to a little greasy haired, fat girl so she wouldn’t have to deal with her daughter dating for quite some time. When she informed Rita of this, the truth came tumbling out; Rita was thrown out onto the streets. Rita moved around for the last week of her pregnancy, staying with friends in hostels and even spending some nights under the stars on a bench. My mum was only too pleased to let her move in with us.

             
‘Are you two lovely ladies ready to order?’

              I’m drawn back to the present when I see the sexy waiter standing between Izzy and I; we’re surrounded by all this legendary rock memorabilia but all I can see is this stunning man. Izzy must be feeling the same, because as we order I notice we’re both flirting slightly; fluttering our eyelashes, twisting our hair, Isabella pushing her ample chest out and me flashing my winning smile. By now, we both know our advantages and how to use them.

             
‘Keep your hands to yourself Livs, he’s mine. I think he could be my “Tell someone you love them and mean it”. Unless of course you want to share him, and we can tick another couple off the list?’

             
Izzy smiles at me, her chocolate eyes glinting with mischief. I wonder why I agreed to helping her with this stupid list.

             
‘Izzy, I’m going to say this once and once only. I love you but I’m not in love with you. When we thought up the list and put on “Kiss a girl” and “Have a threesome” I wasn’t saying I wanted to be the girl that does it with their best friend! If you want him, you can have him’

             
‘Okay ladies, here’s your food. Can I get you anything else?’

             
I cringe as I hear his voice at my side; I hadn’t heard him coming over. I really hope he didn’t hear what I just said.

             
‘Wow that was so fast. This looks lovely, thanks… Josh’

             
Isabella squints to read this name badge before going back to smiling and fluttering her eyelashes at him.

             
‘When I have to serve a couple of girls as beautiful as you two, only the best will do. So enjoy, and if I can get you anything else, please shout.’

Josh smiles at us as he leaves the table, leaving us to enjoy our food.

              ‘Thanks Josh, we will!’

             
I smile at my best friend, watching the sparkle in her eye; she looks so at home here. We’re in the middle of America, so far from home, our family and our regular life but as always my best friend can settle in anywhere. Unlike me, I’m more of a creature of habit. I dislike change and have found this travelling lark really scary. We haven’t book anything in advance, except our current hotel and park passes. We’re hoping to see America and explore as much as possible. We’ve not set any timeframes, so if we don’t like one place, we can move on without worry. Well, according to Isabella there will be no worry. I you ask me, I’m already coming out in a stress rash and feel sick just thinking about it. Isabella is the brave and adventurous one, whereas I’m the smart, sensible one. Together we’d make the perfect power couple, if only we were lesbians, life would be so much easier.

             
It was Isabella’s idea to come to America for our 21
st
birthday, she liked the thought of turning 18 again, and this is the best way to experience this. At the moment we’re not allowed to drink alcohol over here, because we’re under their legal limit, but in eight days we’ll be able to get trashed – America style.

             
‘Livs, I think I’m in love.’

             
Isabella is staring off into the distance behind me, I’m sure Josh is there and probably wondering why she’s watching him so intently.

             
‘Yeah well, I like him too! Why should you get all the decent guys just because I’m shy?’

             
Isabella returns her attention to me, cocking her head at me in confusion.

‘You’ve had some lovely boyfriends, I don’t always get them. Shall I call him over?’

              ‘Hmm, what reason would you have for calling him over?’

             
‘I’ll think of something don’t you worry, now smile!’

             
Isabella waits until Josh is facing us before casually knocking her knife to the floor.

             
‘Let me get you a fresh one.’ Josh rushes over, picking it up for her.

             
‘Oh I wouldn’t want to cause you any extra work, it’s fine, I can just wipe it on my napkin.’

             
‘You British girls are so polite; anyone else would demand a new one immediately. To tell you the truth, I’d rather get you a fresh one. I’m trying to drag my time out by finding tasks because I don’t want to go for my break yet.’

             
I can tell Isabella is about to say something, but I don’t know them to forget I’m here so I interrupt, leaving her open-mouthed and slightly stunned.

             
‘Why don’t you want to go for your break?’

             
Josh turn quickly to look at me; I feel his eyes scan my body, taking in my child like frame. I feel my face slightly at the sudden attention.

             
‘Well if I go for my break then it means I have to leave you two, and believe me I don’t want to do that. It’s very rare to have such beautiful customers, and two at one table is virtually unheard of.’

             
‘Do girls actually fall for that?’

             
Josh and I both turn to stare at Isabella, who’s now laughing at the look of surprise on our faces.

             
‘Oh come on Livs, tell me you didn’t get drawn in by that?!’

             
The look on my face must give her the answer she’s looking for because she cracks up again.

             
Josh turns back to me, giving me a lopsided grin, gesturing to the bench I’m sitting on. I slide along to give him space to sit down.

             
‘Marty, I’m on my break now, could you bring over a clean knife please mate?’

             
Josh hands to used knife to another waiter who rolls his eyes slightly before handing him a fresh one. I wonder how often Josh spends his break sitting with customers.

             
‘Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe we invited you to join us. We’re trying to have a quiet lunch, thank you very much.’

             
Josh grins at Isabella, raising his eyebrows at her; it looks like he may have met his match with her. I don’t know how she has the confidence to talk to a stranger the way she just has. Josh shrugs as he stands up, getting ready to leave.

             
‘Hey if that’s what you want, I’ll leave you to it. I was going to make sure you girls were getting the most of your trip to Florida, but that’s fine. Sorry to intrude, I’ll leave you to it.’

             
Isabella keeps her eyes on his, a smug smile on her face, like she’s won. Sigh, okay, so it’s up to me to get this beautiful man to stay.

             
‘Ignore her. Sit back down, we’d love to find out what you think are the best sights in Florida.’