Being away from home, away from all the boring, horrible, familiar mundaneness of first-class society, was even better than Rose had imagined.
Germany was more wonderful than even she had hoped. It was their sixth night, out of a wondrous month, and every day there was more to discover. The food was magnificent, and the alcohol even better, and while sightseeing and shopping was enjoyable, this, she felt, might just be the most enjoyable evening yet.
Rose looked in awe at the sight of the amusement park. There were such newfangled rides… but though she had no idea if they were safe, she was still eager to try them. There were also lots of stands full of Germans selling food, and games to play, and alcohol by the pitcher, it seemed. The place was packed to the brim with locals, and tourists like Cal and herself.
It was growing dark but the weather was still quite warm, and the breeze coming in off the river calming. She laughed as a gaggle of small children ran past them.
"We must ride every single ride in the park, as well as stay here all night," she said, and Cal laughed.
"That is why I brought you here, darling," he said.
Suddenly, a group of rather rowdy (and inebriated) Germans walked past. They called out to them. Cal responded. "Guten abend!"
In fascination, Rose said, "Oh, what did you just say?"
Smirking a little, he good-naturedly rolled his eyes at her. "You know, darling, you are never going to learn the language if I simply tell you everything."
Rose playfully swatted him. "Oh, come on! How did you learn, anyway?"
"Well, I took classes, but traveling here and immersing myself worked even better."
She rolled her eyes. "Fine. I'll immerse myself. But it is bad enough you have to order our food every time we eat out. I can't even read the menu, for the most part."
He laughed. "You'll soon be fluent."
Breathing in deep, the crisp, clean summer air was sweet and soothing, and she wished they could stay here forever.
"I wish we could stay here forever…or at least come back every year," she said. "Society seems much more free here."
Cal smiled. "We will come back every year, if you wish," he said.
Nodding, Rose smirked, satisfied. "Good."
Taking his hand, watching the blinking Ferris wheel up ahead, she grew entranced. "We should ride that first."
Cal smiled. "A fine choice."
As they waited, Rose's heart pounded in excitement. She knew she should be nervous, but truth be told, she was not. She had never, ever done anything like this before…had always been forbidden to…and where most girls would be too fearful to try it, she was more than excited.
Finally, they were in the red cart, and finally, it was moving. The journey up seemed endless…why, she could see the beautiful mountains still, faintly, in the distance…and then the rush in her stomach as they plummeted was more than worth the wait. She threw her head back, exhilarated, and laughed with joy. Cal laughed a little as well.
"See, I told you this was a good choice," he said, and Rose had to agree.
But finally, sadly, it was over…too soon…and Rose knew that they would have to ride it at least once more before the evening's eventual end.
Later, as they waited in line for the roller coaster, Rose looked at the rather steep drop…at least it looked steep… with just a little bit of fear. She hated it, but had to admit…she was scared. But then she steeled herself. She could do this.
"Have you ever ridden one of these things?" she asked.
Cal shrugged, smiling. "Yes, I have…my friends and I in college went to Lakemont Park the summer before my last year of college. It was enjoyable."
Rose nodded. "I am not as excited as you are, but I am curious, I admit."
Finally, they were enclosed in the car. It started, and at first it was as though she had been jolted. Holding on to the bar, she looked over. Cal was laughing a little, and soon she joined in.
The trip up was coming…much too quickly…and before she knew it, they were at the top. Screaming a little, soon they plummeted, and even Cal let out a whoop.
The sensation in her stomach was much the same as the Ferris wheel…except much more intense. Though it was a little uncomfortable, it was also oddly invigorating, and as close to flying as a person could get…
At the end, they got off, her legs a little shaky, and smiled. Straightening her skirt and blouse she knew that she would gladly do that again…
As they walked, Cal drew her in closer to him. Leaning her head on his shoulder, she said, "We must go to the amusement park back home sometime."
Cal said, "We shall."
Closing her eyes lazily, Rose couldn't help smiling in contentment.
Later, they were standing in line, waiting for dinner.
She trusted Cal to do the ordering, as he seemed to know just what food tasted the best.
But a man holding a small baby nearby caught their attention. He was dressed in a fancy hat and suit, and his wife nearby, dressed in an elegant sea-green long skirt and jacket, tended to their two small sons, who were messily eating ice cream.
Her mood gradually saddened, as she thought of their dead baby, and looking at Cal, it was clear he felt it too.
Finally, he turned to her, speaking lowly. "I know it will not ever replace what we lost, but we…some day, we can have a healthy child, too."
Rose nodded, feeling a lump in her throat. "We will."
Pulling her close to him, he kissed her, and Rose closed her eyes, taking comfort in the embrace.
Finally, much later, the park was to close in twenty minutes. Lazily, Rose leaned against Cal as they stood by the river at the park's edge, just looking up at the stars.
"This was a wonderful night. I can't wait to do this again sometime."
Cal didn't reply, but simply kissed her neck.
Sighing a little, Rose breathed in deep again, feeling more drowsy and stuffed full of junk food than she ever had been. And it felt simply wonderful.
Yawning a little, she wanted nothing more than to sleep. But suddenly, she was thrown for a loop as Cal leaned in and kissed her.
Suddenly, she was more than awake, and found that sleep…when they finally returned to their hotel…could wait for at least a little while.