Chapter 14

Sunday– 4.49 p.m. I clasped my hands over my face in horror and watched through a millimetre gap between my fingers as Agung rode past. He was sat right at the front. WHAT A NUTTER! I heard a strangled squealing cry for help and felt compelled to dive on to the ride to rescue him... until I realised it was coming from me. I checked to see if Agung was properly strapped in, which he was– good. The last thing the whole park wanted

was to witness a Yoda stunt double being flung half a mile over the treetops. I had visions of him landing in the candy floss machine and emerging like a Muppet version of a SWAMP MONSTER. I imagined that news headline would be a million times more sensational than the UFO/balloon sightings. The first corkscrew was coming up around the bend. I was going around the bend, more like! Agung was grinning from ear to ear, so it was fairly obvious he hadn't the faintest clue what was about to happen. There is something to be said about being extremely short-sighted. He copied the young lad next to him by holding his arms up in the air. Me, Oli and Dev winced. We hoped we could get him back home in one piece.

Just then my mobile phone rang. I thought it might be the amusement park security asking if I was the one responsible for letting a vulnerable pensioner onto the ride without a ticket. I was formulating an excuse about how I had never met this geriatric daredevil in my life, when I saw it was Dad's name on the screen. My parents don't half choose the worst times to call– or maybe there never was a good time to call because my life was so permanently BARKING MAD! I hadn't spoken to my parents all day so I thought I'd better pick up. 'Do acting, do normal!' mouthed Dev, when he saw me answer it.

'Hi, Dad!' I said, in a voice that sounded like I'd just inhaled too much helium. 'Hey, Maddy, are you all having a good time?' he said. At that precise moment, Agung was upside down and laughing his chops off. I was dreading his teeth falling out. What if they fell into the moving parts below and broke the machinery? Emergency services wouldn't have enough ladders to cope with rescuing so many passengers dangling that high up in mid-air.

'Yeah, we're having a wild time!' I replied, trying to sound excited. 'When are we expecting you lot home then?' he asked. Not for a while if we have a denture fail, I thought. 'Tonight at seven,' I said.

Just then Mam yelled out in the background, 'Ask if they want tofu stew or flaxseed pie for their tea!' Right then was NOT the time to discuss meal options! Especially ones that were so vomit-inducing. 'Your Mam says...' 'Yes, I heard, thanks, Dad,' I said. I chose tofu stew and immediately felt more sick in the stomach than I already was. Agung was hurtling towards us again. He was now holding something in his hand. When he got closer, I noticed that it was in fact, a pickled egg! How could he do casual snacking while being accelerated with