Dark Ride by Todd Loyd

ashe's made uncomfortable by Mason's obvious irritation. The news flash has the opposite effect on Amy, however, and the girl smiles.
    Scotty voices the protest. “Dad, why?”
    â€œBecause Amy is old enough now and we are not going to force her to ride kiddie rides with the twins all night.”
    â€œOh man,” Mason confides to Jack. “Are they serious? She'll ruin everything.”
    Seeing the reaction of his crew, Jack decides to act as if this bothers him as well. The truth of the matter is that Jack has no problem with Amy. He has always gotten along fine with her.
    As Amy extends her arm to get a few extra dollars from her dad, the three companions have a council. Mason makes sure Amy is out of earshot and then says, “Oh man, I can't believe that tonight, our last night, we're gonna to have to deal with a tag along.” His agitated voice gives way to a sinister grin. “Okay boys, we're going to have to ditch her.”
    â€œDitch Amy? I can't do that. My parents will kill me.”
    â€œNo, Scotty, we have too. We can't let her screw up the plan. Remember, we are here for the props. Right, Jack?”
    â€œUh…yeah, right.”
    â€œOkay, but if I get in hot water over this….”
    â€œYou'll what, Scotty?” challenges the taller Mason.
    â€œOh, never mind. You're right.”
    â€œLook, the hall of mirrors will be the perfect place. We can ride the roller coaster and the Dutch Swings, then we lose her in the hall.” Mason waits for acknowledgement from the other boys.
    â€œOkay,” Scotty says and nods in agreement.
    Jack thinks, She would be a hindrance to the plan, but it's just so mean. “Jack?”
    â€œYeah, I guess.”
    â€œOkay then.”
    As Amy approaches, the boys break their huddle.
    Walking next to Jack, a quiet almost apologetic voice escapes from the girl. “Jack, I know you guys would rather be alone.”
    â€œNo, it's cool,” Jack lies.
    â€œNo really, I had no idea my dad would let me go with y'all tonight.”
    â€œReally, it's cool, Amy.”
    â€œThanks for saying that, Jack, but I don't think Mason and Scotty are cool with it.”
    â€œNever mind them, they'll get over it,” he lies again.
    â€œI really wanted to come with you guys. I mean, I don't think I could have taken another night of riding those mindless kiddie rides. They are all the same—‘round and ‘round in a circle. You can ride on the back of a dragon, ‘round and ‘round, or there is the excitement of riding in a police car, ‘round and ‘round.”
    â€œAmy, it's all right, you're not a kid anymore.” Jack watches as the tense smile loosens on the girl's face.
    Without saying one word to her, Mason and Scotty start walking to the far side of the park where the rickety old wooden roller coaster, King Midas, dwells.
    â€œAwesome—no line. Let's you and I sit up front, Scotty,” Mason, wild with excitement, blurts as he runs ahead of them.
    Mason and Scotty high-tail it through the queue.
    Amy tells Jack, “I guess you're stuck riding with the tag along.”
    â€œAmy, really, it's okay. You don't have to apologize all night. You want to sit behind the guys?”
    â€œSure.”
    The park is nearly empty: only a hundred or so people are there. This surprises Jack, who wonders, Don't people want to say goodbye to the park?
    Jack pulls the iron bar down and anticipates the slow climb up the first incline.
    â€œYou know, I've never ridden King Midas before,” Amy confesses.
    â€œAre you serious? All the times you've been here and….”
    â€œNope, never.”
    â€œWell hold on tight.”
    For years, Jack had found himself playing peacemaker between Mason, Scotty, and Amy. The two boys were merciless in their abuse of her. Jack wouldn't have been able to explain why he never felt like joining in, since it wasn't like he had any love for girls. After