After the Breakup

What If?

I don’t really have a very detailed itinerary for this trip.  I just want to go with the flow for once.  Just do whatever I feel like doing or go wherever my feet takes me.  Well, probably except for one day - a day at Universal Studios.  I haven’t been to a theme park before and I feel like a child again. Back to those times when life is all about play and food, and no heart aches.

I had a really good night sleep and I felt refreshed for the first time since that day.  I took a shower and decided to wear a pink pullover sweater, dark skinny jeans and black midcut sneakers. It’s May so the temperature is just fine - from around 20 to 23degrees, but it can get colder in the evening. I brought a scarf with me in case it gets colder. I get cold easily so I need to come prepared.  I put my passport, wallet, makeup bag, Universal Studios ticket and US express pass in my sling bag and headed to the train station.

I took the train from Shin-imamiya to Nishikujo Osaka Loop then from there transferred to Nishikujo bound to Universal City. I bought an unlimited JR pass for 5 days so I’m already covered in case I get lost or won’t have to worry about buying tickets everytime.

I arrived at the station and couldn’t help but be amazed by the surroundings. It feels like a totally different place already as soon as I got out of the train. I dropped by Starbucks to grab a cup of black americano and croissant for breakfast. I sat at the coffee shop for a while, just observing people who are passing by.  I sat near the glass wall facing the street outside to do just that - watch people as they walk by. It feels therapeutic to see kids excitedly running towards the theme park with their parents following them.  It is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time to see couples walking by with their arms linked or as they held hands.   

It’s already 10am when I decided to walk towards the theme park.  There were already a lot of people inside but I have my express pass anyway so at least, I won’t have to fall in line for some rides or at least, not that long. I was greeted by Woody Woodpecker and his girlfriend who posed for a selfie with me which I gladly took. I almost felt like a 7-year old posing with her favorite mascot.  

I decided to just walk around for a bit just to get the vibe of the place. It’s oozing with life and colors. I love the pink Boulangerie at the corner, Mel’s diner with all the vintage cars in front, the Hello Kitty area, an area which seem to be dedicated to this cute cat.  Then I came across the Flying Dinosaur.  I saw the long line of people and the ride looks scary where you actually hang on the ride while facing the ground, like you’re flying and going to fall at the same time.  It looks exciting though.  I did see it in my express pass though so I approached the attendant and she asked me how many and I said one.  She asked me to take the aisle with less people without having to show my pass.  Apparently, it’s the line for fillers so those that can fill in the seats. It still took a couple of minutes before I reached the boarding area.  I observed the people’s faces as the disembark from the ride. I must say, I saw some tear stained eyes though some just look like they were a bit startled while some looked like they just had the time of their lives.  

I felt a jolt of fear when I’m about to enter. I left my bag and other things in the tray provided and was the first to take a seat then followed by a tall guy with deep set eyes. I briefly looked at him and he seemed to smile at me.  I was not sure if I should smile back so I just looked at him and then turned my face to the protective mechanism of the ride. I felt his eyes on my but I did not dare to look at him, I just focused on assessing whether I will fall from this ride or not. Then slowly, we started to move.  I felt the wind on my face and closed my eyes, savoring that moment of what feels like freedom and some act of bravery.  I sometimes have this fear of heights but it does not really hit me all the time.  Then the rollercoaster started to run faster and faster then I felt myself hanging, looking at the ground with all those people as small as ants.  Then tears started falling from my eyes, I am not sure if it’s fear or the thrill or happiness - probably everything.  Then the ride started to slow down, I started wiping tears with the back of my hand when I saw a white handkerchief in front of me.  It’s from the guy with deep-set eyes, smiling at me as if he’s amused by the fact that I’m crying while he seem so chill and happy.  I took the hanky though and just mouthed thank you and smiled at him. I couldn’t seem to resist those eyes and that smile. Then we stopped and the safety devices were lifted up.  I tried to stand up and my legs felt a bit wobbly that I almost trip.  I felt a pair of hands on my arms, helping me to disembark.  Well, it’s him again. I said thank you and grabbed my stuff from the tray and walked towards the exit.  Then I remembered that I still have his hanky so I turned around to find him behind me that I almost bumped into him.

“Oooppps” then he stepped back so we won’t bump into each other.  

“Sorry, I still have your handkerchief but I already got it dirty” I said, not looking at his face and looking at the ground instead. It’s also hard to look at him that way since I’m only 5’2” and he seem to be about 6 feet tall.

“It’s okay” then he reached out his hands “Khalil”  he said.  

Then I looked up at him, he is smiling and had a gentle look on his face. He looks like someone who will protect you and care about you. What am I thinking anyway?  There were already some people behind us and we were blocking the way so I shook his hands really fast “Kate” then walked really fast towards the exit. He’s still behind me though.

“Kate, do you really walk that fast?” He said, laughing a bit with how I reacted.  

“Sorry, there’s just a lot of people and we’re already blocking their way” I said defensively

“Well, there’s more space now?” He said then he stopped walking so I also stopped and looked at him, my eyes seem to be asking a lot of questions

“oh sorry, I don’t mean to scare you but don’t worry, I am completely harmless” ah that voice, low and soft. My mind says, yes I believe you.  

“it’s just that, I am here alone and I see that you are on your own as well so if you trust me enough, will you be willing to accept me as your company?”

I thought for a while, what harm can he do to me while we’re in a theme park?  I mean, I like walking alone but some company will not really hurt, will it?  

“hmmm…. okay, only if you promise to behave and to buy me lunch?” buy me lunch? What was I thinking again?  Am I flirting with this guy? He is really cute though and there’s something about him that draws you to him. Maybe his eyes? His accent? Or maybe because he’s the complete picture of a guy who’s tall, dark and handsome?  He also has a chill vibe about him but someone whom you should not piss off.

He reached out his hand again “Deal”

“Deal” then I shook his hand but he did not let go