It was May and was about to be Miguel's birthday in a few days. He was turning 18 and therefore would legally be an adult. "Where would you like to go for your birthday, darling?" Annabelle asked as they sat across each other at a fancy restaurant for one of their many dates. "I don't know. We could have a picnic on a mountain-side like we did for your 18th birthday." "That was in Spain, silly! We are in Florida now, there are no mountains here." "I know. Hmm. Then, how about we go to Drasney World? We haven't been there yet and I heard it's all the rage here in America. People come from all over the world to go there!" Miguel said enthusiastically. "Really? Some of my friends were telling me about Drasney World. It sounds like fun!" "Then it's settled!" Said Miguel. Days later it was May 4th, Miguel's birthday. He already discussed his plans to the family about going to Drasney World to celebrate his big day and invited everyone to come. Eva invited Leo, Kiersten and Lisa to come along. They spent the night so that they could leave in the early hours of the morning.
The alarm clock went off. It was 4am. Craig and Bertha were the first ones to wake up and started up a big pot of coffee. "Eva, wake up." Eva felt a hand on her arm. "Five more minutes, Mom." Eva mumbled. Leo laughed. "I'm not your mother." Eva slowly opened her eyes to see Leo gazing at her as he sat at the foot of her bed. "Oh, sorry." Eva said laughing a little. "No worries." Leo said. As Kiersten woke up, she got excited and roughly shook up Lisa. "Oh my God, Lisa, it's time!" "Kiersten!" Lisa exclaimed as she rolled over. There was a knock on the door. "Is everyone awake?" Bertha asked. "Yes!" They all replied, some more enthusiastically than others. "Good. Well, there's plenty of coffee to wake everyone up, when you're ready." Bertha said as she left. Everyone got up and gathered around the coffee pot. "Good morning!" Miguel said as he sat at the table. Everyone began to sing "Happy Birthday" to him. "Ha Ha, thank you!" Miguel said. "You're finally a man!" Annabelle said giggling. "Annabelle, I've been a man. Age is just a number." Miguel laughed. As they all drank their coffee, they began to talk about Drasney World. "I'm going on the biggest roller coaster! Who's coming with me?" Kiersten asked. "I will!" Miguel said enthusiastically. "Not me!" Lisa said nervously. "Come on, don't be such a baby!" Kiersten said. As Kiersten and Lisa went back and forth on how everyone was supposed to ride the biggest and most exciting roller coaster, Leo looked over at Eva who just stared into her coffee. "Are you alright?" Leo asked. Eva sighed. "I don't know if you knew already, but, I'm not much of a morning person." Eva said tiredly. Well I hope everyone is hungry because we're going to Pancake House for breakfast!" Craig exclaimed. Everyone cheered.
They got dressed and squeezed into the mini van. "Everyone ready for the adventure of your lives?" Miguel asked. "Yes!" Everyone responded. "Then let's go!" Craig said driving off. As they made it to Pancake House everyone took their seats. One could have thought it was midnight by how dark it was out the windows, but everyone was just glad that the restaurant was open at that hour. They enjoyed their breakfast and then hit the road again for a 3 hour drive. Everyone was still tired from waking up so early but managed to have conversations. Leo fell asleep and rested his head on Eva's shoulder. Eva blushed. "He's out like a light." Bertha said smiling. "Wow, he looks like an angel when he sleeps." Lisa said. "Doesn't he always?" Kiersten said laughing. "I think he likes you, Eva!" Lisa said smiling. "Nah, he's more like an over protective brother." Eva said. "Then what does that make me?" Miguel objected. "My other over protective brother!" Everyone laughed. They talked and played road games until they at last made it to Drasney World.
"We made it!" Kiersten said leaping out of the van. As everyone got out, Eva tapped Leo. "Um, Leo? We're here." Leo opened his eyes. "Huh? Oh, good!" Leo said stretching. "You slept the whole way here." "Heh, I can't say that I'm used to getting up so early. Especially since we stayed up late last night." Leo said. They got out of the car and waited in an endless line to get their tickets. As they stood there, Leo kept his gaze on Eva. She finally noticed and turned to him. "What is it?" "Well." Leo began. "You're just so beautiful in this morning light." Leo said, stroking her cheek. "L-Leo…" Eva said wide-eyed and embarrassed. "Alright, we're next!" Kiersten exclaimed. As they got their tickets they went through the entrance of Drasney World. "Oh, and by the way." Kiersten began with a smile. I finally asked Jacob out!" "Wow!" Lisa exclaimed. "Congrats!" Eva added. "I just needed a little courage to ask, that's all. I think Leo inspired me by the way he pursues you, Eva." "Eh." Eva mumbled. "Heh, I'm glad I was able to help somehow." Leo smiled. They were overwhelmed by all the wonderful sights, smells, and excitement of the people. "This is incredible!" Miguel exclaimed. "Do you plan on going on a scary roller coaster with me?" Leo asked Eva jokingly. "I-uh…" Eva said nervously. "Here's a map that I found!" Lisa said handing it to Craig. "Oh, good! Now we'll know where we're going!" Craig said chuckling. "Oh darling, look!" Annabelle said pointing out all the princesses in costume. "That'll be you someday, my Queen." Miguel said kissing Annabelle's hand. "All hail Queen Annabelle!" Eva said with a courtesy. Everyone laughed whole heartedly.
The first ride they decided to go on was "The Blast." A super soaker of a water ride. This was because it was 90 degrees outside and they were dying. They threw their belongings in the locker and went in line. "I can't believe we're gonna get wet!" Lisa complained. "Come on, Lisa! It's like a billion degrees outside!" Kiersten laughed. "Yeah, and like 0 degrees inside!" Lisa said. "Oh…good point." Kiersten said wide-eyed. It was their turn to get in the log boat after about 30 minutes of waiting. "Finally!" Miguel said getting in. After they all got in, the boat began to move. "I can't believe we got front row seats, Leo!" Eva said excitedly looking around. There were robots of frogs and raccoons. It was like a hill billy scene out of an old time cartoon. Eva let her fingers slide against the water. The boat finally reached the end of the scenery part and began to climb up a very tall hill. "Here we go!" Lisa said gripping the front on her seat. "Dear!" Bertha said unable to understand why she agreed to this. Eva found herself almost embracing Leo out of fear. The boat flew down the hill and, of course, everyone was soaked. "Ugh!" Lisa murmured. "Cool!" Miguel exclaimed. "Let's do that again!" Eva said ecstatically.
As they left their first ride they got really hungry from all the excitement and went to a 50's diner for some burgers, fries and shakes. They realized their mistake when they stepped into the freezing cold air conditioning. They all gasped. "Still wanna do this…Dad?" Miguel asked as stiff as a stone. "Son. I'm hungry. Don't deny an old man his simple pleasures." Craig said boldly as he stood there just as freezing. They sat down to order their food. Eva was shivering. "Are you alright?" Leo asked. "Oh, I'll be fine." Eva said holding herself. "Here." Leo said pulling out a long sweater from his bag. "Change into this." "That's alright, I'm sure you must be cold too!" Eva said confused as to why Leo brought a sweater on such a hot day. "I insist. I don't want you catching a cold." Leo said. "Oh-um, okay. Thank you." Eva said gratefully taking the sweater and heading to the restroom. "That was nice of you, Leo." Bertha said smiling. "What a gentleman." Lisa thought feeling a little envious. Eva came out wearing nothing but a white long sweater with a number 7 on the back, that had a hoodie included. "Ah, much better!" Eva said smiling as she sat back down. "No…more….water rides!" Annabelle said. "Heh, it'll be alright dear." Miguel said holding her. "We'll be wet together." "Heh, thanks!" Annabelle said laughing.
As they ate, they pondered what rides they could experience next. "Well, there's "The Zilla Rapture," " The Fists of Fury," "The Tower of Doom! The-" As Kiersten went on and on, everyone glared at her wondering why all the rides she mentioned sounded so terrifying. When Kiersten saw their faces and took the hint, she smiled nervously and said, "Well, also! There are awesome 4-D movies we could watch! Heh heh." "Oh, how nice!" Bertha said enthusiastically. Everyone began to look at each other and nodded in agreement. "Man!" Kiersten exclaimed in her mind as she slammed her head on the table. "I heard they had the coolest movie rides ever!" Lisa said as she sipped her drink. "Movie ride?" Eva asked curiously. "Yeah, that's what a 4-D movie is! It's like a roller coaster that sits in place as you watch the most action-packed, breath-taking movies!" Lisa said enthusiastically. "Cool!" Miguel exclaimed. "I'm in!" Eva said.
After they ate, they headed towards their much anticipated movie experience. Children ran past them with anticipations of their own, with out-of-breath mothers trying to catch up to them. "Eva." Leo said. "Huh?" Eva asked looking up at him. "Hold on to me during the last ride." Leo said sternly. "But-why?" Eva was bewildered. Leo just smiled and said, "Just trust me. Okay?" When Leo looked ahead, Eva looked at him strangely. "Honestly. Is he my friend or my Dad? This is sort of getting annoying." Eva thought to herself. As they got to the movies they all put their 3-D glasses on and got ready for this unusual sort of experience. It got dark, and suddenly images started lunging at them from the screen. "Whoa!" Miguel shouted. There were screams and laughter as this virtual roller coaster took them to exotic lands and terrifying places. There were sensations of flying and drifting, sights and smells; it was thrilling! As the ride finished, everyone started laughing and clapping. As they left they simply couldn't stop talking about it. "That was awesome!" Miguel said putting his hands on his head. "My goodness, who would have thought technology could become so advanced!" Craig was impressed.
Noon turned into twilight and they mustered the courage to go on the big one. It was "The Zilla Rapture." The world's largest roller coaster with the fastest speeds on the planet! As they got in line, Leo once again turned to Eva and whispered, "Remember what I said." Eva nodded, though completely in the dark as to what he meant. After about an hour of waiting, they were next and suddenly they started getting cold feet. They started murmuring. "What's wrong?" Eva asked as she looked back at everybody. "I'm starting to get a little queezy." Bertha said covering her mouth. "I-uh, I changed my mind!" Lisa said hiding behind Kiersten. "Kiersten?" Eva said. "I-sorta forgot how scary this ride is." Kiersten said shyly. "What a waste! We waited an hour for this!" Miguel exclaimed disappointedly. "Does that mean you'll go, Miguel?" Eva asked, smiling. "Eh, nah." He said looking down. Leo smiled. "Don't worry. I'll accompany you." "Oh, thanks!" "Well then, that settles it. You two go on ahead, we'll go back and wait for you." Bertha said as they walked away. Eva let out a big disappointed sigh. "Well, we're next!" Leo said. "Okay. Though it won't be nearly as fun without everybody else." Eva mumbled. They got on board in the very front of the roller coaster. There was so much excitement among the passengers as the coaster rumbled. Then, it sped off and everyone screamed. "Whoa, this is great!" Eva shouted as she lifted her hands in the air. There were loops and turns and Eva's impression of Drasney World's most epic ride was one of great admiration. As they reached the highest hill everyone held their arms up! But suddenly, it stopped! The chain that connected the roller coaster to the rail then snapped and everyone started screaming in horror as the coaster began to sway back and forth. It then started rushing down hill. A crowd began to form down below as people watched what unfolded before them in horror. "Hey, is something happening?" Miguel asked as they looked up. "Oh my God, Eva!" Annabelle screamed as she pointed up. "Don't worry, just hold on to me!" Leo said. "No time for that Leo, we're about to die!" Eva shouted. As the coaster derailed and began to fall to the ground, Eva shut her eyes. Suddenly, she felt herself being swooped up in the air. As she opened her eyes she saw wings like that of and angel. She looked up and saw the face of Leo, that glowed radiant like the sun. Eva held her breath. Leo looked at her and smiled. "I told you to hold on." "W-who are you?" As they flew up to the sun, Eva blacked out.
What seemed like a few seconds later, Eva began to come to and began to hear the sound of a heart monitor. As she opened her eyes, she noticed everyone crowded around her. "Oh, thank goodness!" Bertha exclaimed as she embraced her. There were sounds of relief among everyone. The only one who didn't seem surprised was Leo. "Wh-what happened?" Eva whispered softly. Your coaster fell off!" Kiersten exclaimed. "Yes, and you and Leo were the only survivors!" Lisa added, in shock. "What? How?" Suddenly, Eva remembered everything. She looked at Leo who fixed his eyes upon her solemnly. "You were both saved by landing on a tall tree. The firefighters came and rescued you both. Leo came to not too long ago himself." Craig said. "You are both so very lucky to be alive!" Bertha wept. Doctor Lee came in the room and pulled Craig aside. "Mr. Salvadores. I don't know how to tell you this but-there is not so much as a scratch on either one of them." "What?!" "No broken bones, no punctures— literally not a scratch." "How is this possible?" The doctor shrugged. "Call it a miracle, if you'd like." He said as he walked towards Eva. Craig became lost in thought. "Well, Ms. Eva." The doctor began. "You got really lucky that you landed on that tree. You are just fine, so you are free to go." "Really?" Eva asked as everyone embraced her. Eva's eyes grew wide as she glanced back at Leo and pointed at him with a trembling finger. "Leo. He-he saved me! We were flying-and-" "Huh?" Miguel said. The doctor shook his head. "Don't worry, she may have a slight concussion. It causes false memories and confusion." "But I thought you said she was fine." Craig said pulling the doctor aside. "I know what I saw!" Eva said angrily as she got up, with tears filling her eyes. "Calm down Eva, we'll discuss this in the car." Craig said leading Eva out the door. "Now then, get plenty of rest and you guys should be fine." The doctor said as everybody left. Eva glared at Leo with fear in her eyes.
As they got to the car, Eva came to a complete halt. "Leo, what are you?" "Eva, you're exhausted. Let's go home and get some rest." Bertha said holding her shoulders. "No, I wanna know!" Everyone turned to Leo. Leo looked down. "I'm sorry Eva, I don't know what you're talking about." Eva scowled and paused. Then she replied, "Fine then, don't tell me! But, I'll never speak to you again! Just get out of my life, Leo!" Eva shouted as she slammed the car door behind her. Everyone gasped, having never seen Eva act that way before. "I'm so sorry Leo. Eva's confused." Bertha said sympathetically. "Don't worry, I'm aware of that. I'll give her time to calm down a bit." Leo said with a slight, but forced smile. Craig just watched Leo as they all got in the car. There was a tense silence the entire ride back as Eva refused to say anything to anyone. Eventually they arrived. Craig dropped everyone off and the Salvadores returned home.
It was two days after the accident and they all gathered around to watch the News Report about the incident. "A memorial is being held tonight for all the lives tragically lost in Drasney World a couple of days ago. Our prayers go out to the families of those lives lost and for the two teens who mysteriously survived this horrible incident." Bertha turned to Eva, who sat lifelessly in her chair. "Um, sweetie. I invited Leo for dinner tonight, if that's okay. I know you're angry with him but we still consider him to be a part of this family." Bertha said cautiously. "Do what you want. I won't be joining you guys for dinner if that's the case." Eva said turning away to pet Tater.
As they ate dinner that night in Eva's absence, they began to discuss the matter. "It's crazy that you guys survived; but of course I'm glad!" Miguel said to Leo. "Is a tree really capable of saving you though?" Annabelle wondered aloud. "Remember, they were almost at the bottom of the hill when the coaster derailed." Miguel said. "Good point." Annabelle replied. "Did you manage to rip the safety hold off or something?" Miguel asked turning to Leo. Leo paused and said, "I believe they just detached on their own." "So lucky." Bertha said. Leo smiled. "I don't believe it was luck; I believe God saved us."
Eva just hugged her pillow as she laid in her bed, overhearing the conversation. "May I talk to Eva?" Leo asked politely. "Of course, dear." Bertha said. As he stood at her door, Leo took a deep breath and knocked. "Eva, please let me in." After no response he tried to open the door; to his surprise the door was unlocked, so he let himself in. The first thing Leo saw was an enraged Eva standing next to her bed with her fists clenched. "I figured it out." Eva said darkly. Leo stood silently. "You're a demon, aren't you?" "Eva." Leo said sadly as he began to walk towards her. "Stop!" Leo just stood in place, looking into Eva's eyes. "I may have just considered you an angel for saving me but I consider you a demon for lying about it. Just get out! Before I call the cops. Or maybe even an exorcist!" Leo looked crushed and went his way.
"Leo." Craig said. "I'm sorry everyone, but it seems like Eva has already made up her mind about me. I shouldn't bother her anymore." As he turned to leave, they noticed tears in his eyes that he desperately tried to hold back. He closed the door behind him. "What on earth is going on?" Annabelle asked. "Who knows." Miguel said taking a bite of his spaghetti to break the awkward silence. "Her concussion might be worse than we thought." He added. "But the doctor said nothing was wrong." Annabelle said. "Dear, do you think we should take her back to the hospital to get a second opinion?" Bertha asked Craig. "No, let's just monitor her to see if this concussion goes away or not. Usually these things do take time." Craig said glancing towards Eva's room with a worried expression.