We spent our lunch just talking to each other, what we do, what we studied in college, what places we had been to. We shared the chicken since it is Halal anyway but I ended up eating all the shepherd’s pie. I was so full that I feel like taking a nap so we just decided to walk around the Harry Potter area to check on some shops. We ended up at the Honeydukes to check out some chocolates and other goodies. Then we went to Olivanders where he bought me a Harry Potter scarf and I gave him a Butter Beer mug in return.
After some shopping, we went for the tour inside Hogwarts Castle then proceeded to the Flight of the Hippogriff for another rollercoaster ride
“Still scared?” he asked, looking at my face for some traces of fear
“Nope” I said, smiling and trying to look brave. He smiled at my reaction, as if not completely believing what I just said.
“We’ll see” he said, teasingly as we rode the rollercoaster
“Looks like someone’s no longer scared” he said, while we walk towards the exit after the ride. He was teasing but he also seem pleased that I got to really enjoy the ride already. I just looked at him and smiled
“I have you with me” then I turned away and kept on walking
He catched up and held my hand as we walked, still not knowing which direction we want to go to next
“So, where do you want to go?” He asked me
“Since we’re already here, why don’t we take the Harry Potter ride already? We can check if we can switch times since we have the timed entry.” Our time entry both happens to be both at 4:30pm, just about 30 minutes earlier .We tried to go to the Harry Potter ride and was allowed entry in spite the fact that we are early for our slot. We left our stuff at the lockers provided then went for it. We entered the dark alleyways towards what seem to be another rollercoaster. It is a 3D ride so it started slow, entering a dark hallway then you feel sudden drops and all the things Harry Potter probably experienced while running away from dementors and flying using his broomstick. It’s a different feeling, that I felt a bit dizzy with all the visual effects.
I am not sure if Khalil noticed that I wasn’t feeling well after the ride but he held my elbows and assisted me as we walked towards lockers to get our stuff. Towards the exit is another Harry Potter shop. We walked around the shop for a while, bought a few small items and walked out.
We found a place to sit down just near Hogwarts so we sat there for a while. Khalil stood up to buy some bottled water for the two of us.
“Now, what do you want to do next?” He asked, as he handed me the water
“Maybe, some games? I saw some near Water World? Want to try?
“That will be fun. Let’s rest for a bit since you don’t look well, then we can walk there. Then come back here for the light show later tonight?”
“Oh, yeah. I guess, the 3D thing made me feel a bit dizzy but I will be fine in no time”
We sat there quietly for another 15 minutes, just looking at the people who are passing by while drinking some water then we proceeded to our next adventure. We did some darts games though we were both not good with our aim so decided to just have some food again.
We decided that churros are more fun than games so we bought a couple then sat on one of benches again.
He will hold my hand once in a while and look at me as if to check if I am okay.
“It’s still early, what else do you feel like doing?”
“I think I’m done with the rides, so maybe just walk around and chill?”
“Agree. Maybe we can hang out at Mel’s Diner then go back to Harry Potter by 630pm so we can reserve a spot for the show?”
“Let’s go?” I said, standing up.
We hang out at Mel’s Diner for a while, just talking about anything that comes to mind while having a milkshake. I never really counted my calories and would normally eat what I want.I would just exercise more if I feel like I am gaining weight.
“For someone your size, you do eat a lot” He said, teasing me. Well, with the amount of food that I ate today, I don’t blame him. I ate more than he did during lunch, probably had more churos and snacks than he did, and now I am having a milkshake.
“Are you complaining now since you’re always paying for my food?” I answered, laughing
“Haha. Seriously, where do you take all those food? Anything else you want from this diner?” He said, laughing
“Ah, I think I want some fries and slice of chocolate cake” I answered as he stood up and went to the counter to buy the food I mentioned. It’s becoming embarrassing how I eat a lot during this trip. I think I already gained a few kilos just today. Khalil seem to be a good appetizer and I have not regretted accepting his offer to keep me company today. He is fun to be with and if not for him, I wouldn’t have tried those other rides that I really enjoyed.
Khalil came back with my food and a teasing smile. He laid the food on the table, messed up my hair again before he sat down.
I started eating and we started sharing stories again. We were laughing most of the time, as we talked about our experiences from college or during our travels. Times when we got lost and can’t communicate with the locals because of the language barriers. Or times when we took the wrong train and couldn’t find our way back so we lose one day but gained a lot of patience and learned that planning can really be a life and money saver. It seems though that money is not an issue for Khalil. It seems to be a thing he never get to worry about during any of his trips.
We were so busy talking to each other that we didn’t notice the time and almost failed to leave at 630pm. Good thing we noticed some people leaving the diner so we checked the time.
We were holding hands as we walked towards our destination. We found a good spot where we can have a good view and even take some good photos. I’m starting to feel cold as the temperature dropped during the night time. I rubbed my hands together and placed my palms on my cheeks to feel warmer. Then took my scarf from my bag. Khalil probably realized that I’m feeling cold that he put his arm on my shoulder and pulled me closer to him. I felt my heart flutter at his gesture and decided to rest my head on his chest as he held me close to him while standing and as we both watch the Hogwarts castle as it changes colors from white to bluish and see the spectacle of colors and light displays. The light transforms and showcases the four different houses, changing colors and showing some magical light tricks that are really amazing.
As we headed towards the exit of the theme park we saw people sitting on the sidewalks and realized they are waiting for the parade so we decided to join them.
We sat side by side on the sidewalk, he put his arm around my shoulders and I leaned closer as we watch the different characters and their floats pass by - from the Transformers, the Minions, Hello Kitty to stars like Marilyn Monroe. There’s music and some of them performers were dancing or just playing tricks. It was a magical way to end a magical day, but I have the feeling that I don’t really want this day to end.