The Rollercoaster

“Come on Sophie,” my friends were saying “It’s fun, really!” I slowly stepped up the steps into the line.

 The first group of people hopped into the carts, some looking as scared as I felt, some looking absolutely excited, not nervous. How could they not be nervous? I wonder to myself. 

I watch as they first group of people zoom off in the carts down the rusted white rails of the rollercoaster. Everyone watched as it rocketed past the window, the seven colours of the rainbow. It went up then down, round and round into the loopy bit. Finally it slowed down and parked in front of the next group of people, including myself. I studied the faces of the people as they hopped out; some looked exactly the same as they had at the start, slightly shaken though, but no one had fallen out, that was a good sign.

“It’s our turn now!” my friend Sarah sounded excited, I still felt terrified. The instructor opened the gates and automatically I walked in. Sarah and I got into the back of the second cart to the front as the instructor came along and strapped us in. No turning back now.

My heart was beating fast as the rollercoaster began to slowly move forward then suddenly sped up and raced down the rails. My knuckles went white as I tightened my grip around the strap that was holding me in. Sarah and I looked at each other and screamed.

“Let’s sing!” said Sarah enthusiastically. Why? I wasn’t sure but we sang anyway, our eyes shut firmly. “Lalalalalalalalalalaaa!!!” we screamed as the carts zoomed round, turning us upside down.

I opened my eyes and looked down, not a good idea, now I felt like I was going to be sick. We were so high up, going at such a speed, the world flashed around me. I looked over at Sarah again, still quietly singing to herself. I could see the end, not long now. I shut my eyes again and sat stiffly in the seat.

All of a sudden we had slowed down and finally came to a stop. That wasn’t so bad after all. “Hey Soph, do you want to go again?” Sarah asked me. “Yeah!” I replied

 By Sophie

sophie - my marked work

The wave

Clinging to my slippery board, I wade through the slimy seaweed, a wave crashing through my shaking legs, nearly knocking me over. Quickly, I steady myself. Further out, I see my dad motioning me to come out more, into the cold, murky water. I see a wave arising further out. “This ones mine!” I yell to dad. He nods thoughtfully as I ready myself for the bumpy ride. Three, two, one! I lay down on my board as the mad wave angrily crashes down on me, but, I’m on! ‘Not for long’ I think as I feel myself tipping off, I have the tight, safety cord around my shivering wrist, attaching me to my boogie board. ‘Surely I won’t fall off’ are my last thoughts as I fall into the freezing water, getting a mouthful of it. Falling down I scrape my knees against the sharp, scratchy sand. My heart’s beating fast as I try to pull myself up through the shiny, blue water above me. My board is now over my head, I can’t get a breath! I feel the huge wave, wildly tugging at my board, dragging me. Finally, after what seems like ages, I push myself up. Fresh air, at last! By Sophie

sophie - my marked work