"Come on, let's go to Space Mountain, the line is going to be super short." I said as I chewed through the cinnamon goodness of a churro. With the wrapped goodie in one hand and my sequins purple mouse ears in the other I began speed walking away from the small cart, dodging through the crowds of on looking children.

"For the love of all that is holy slow down, Nike." Bella moaned, not even able to catch a sip of her soda before we were moving. "I don't think Space Mountain is going to grow legs and run away if we don't get there right this moment."

I just shot her a bright smile over my shoulder before resuming my weaving through the hoards of people. I was sure that Bella was rolling her doe like eyes and muttering a handful of church appropriate curses under her breath. Honestly, at this point I was surprised she wasn't used to all of this yet as we came here so often. But, like always, she would follow. Partly because I had promised that I would go dancing with her tonight and I hated the concept and partly because she was just a true friend.

The moment I had called her in tears and told her that I wouldn't make it to my college classes in the morning she had known exactly what to do and where to take me. When this morning arrived she had shown up at my house and picked out an outfit that wouldn't call attention to my red cheeks and puffy eyes. Though I had denied leaving my apartment at all she coaxed me out with the promise of churros and a new ear headband. She knew that I needed to be surrounded by all the goodness in the world to recover.

And I had been so grateful for her kindness at the time that I had told her I would take her to her favorite country bar and let her two step to her heart's content.

For now it was still my time. Time to be away from all of the family drama- or lack thereof- and recuperate.

And this was the place to do it, at least for me. I loved the charm and joy that covered Disneyland so completely; it was like an invisible shield was keeping all of the world's problems at bay from the occupants and I was no exception. I loved watching children squeal in delight when they saw their favorite characters roaming about. I loved the way that the rides made you feel like you were truly in the jungle or in the heat of the desert battling off an enemy of chasing someone. And the old, classic rides that were at the heart of it all were truly unimaginable, bring old stories and memories to life over and over again.

Even when I stood in line in the heat of the Anaheim sun I couldn't be contained. I would babble endlessly to Bella about all of the hidden details that I hadn't noticed until now or gush about how much better the food was here than anywhere else. For me the rides were only a portion of the experience.

But I still I giggled like a little kid on Space Mountain. Bella was convinced that at this point a dark tube with some twinkling lights and effects would have gotten old for me but it never did. I don't think it ever could. I would still scream and put my arms in the air, getting jostled about like the first time riders. Each twist and turn would always feel so new and I would hold onto my ears when sudden motion caught me of guard, screaming in my friend's ear.

Afterwards, when I was milling through the Star-Wars themed shop I noticed that Bella was watching me closely. Her large brown eyes were flickering over me intently. Her eyebrows were knotted together, making her glasses sit off-center on her face.

"What is on your mind?" I asked quietly, nodding my head towards an empty bench outside. I had dreaded this moment all day but it had to come eventually.

We walked towards it together and sat down side by side. Seeing the hesitation on her face I pretended to be patient and pulled my thick, brown hair into a ponytail before replacing my purple, sequins ears. I knew this conversation was coming and it wouldn't be a pleasant one so I took a deep breath to calm myself and rehearsed my lines before she replied.

"I'm worried about you." She confessed. Her voice was so soft and empathetic that it made me cringe.

"You don't need to be." I replied too quickly.

That made her raise an eyebrow again. My face was impassive, revealing nothing aside from a stiff smile that I knew she would see through.

"Whether or not you are prepared to admit it your family is struggling a lot with everything that is going on. I know your parents aren't acknowledging what is happening either, but-"

"I'm fine, Bella. Really. Things were hard at one point. But the choices he made are not my burden to carry. I had a much needed melt down and I shouldn't have put that on you. I'm better now anyway."

I didn't want to have this conversation here, in my favorite place. Not now, not ever.

"Nike, please. I'm here for you and I always tell you about all of my problems. I would honestly like to know about what's going on. This has been going on for quite some time and I don't know anything. You haven't even told me what Declan did."

"Thank you for your support." I replied, my voice sounding almost robotic to my own ears. "I appreciate what you are saying but I don't want to talk about what is going on with my brother."

"Nike, please." She begged.

But I was already standing up and walking away from her. I had known Bella since we were young girls with pigtails and crooked smiles, but I couldn't let her see how much this bothered me. I couldn't let her see the tears in my eyes. But after only four strides she was beside me.

"Come on, I bet you the Indiana Jones ride is dead right now." Bella whispered from beside me after she caught up.

"It's never dead." I sniffed.

"Then it will be worth the wait, I know it's your favorite." She encouraged with an apologetic smile.

This conversation would never go away until Bella go what she wanted. But, for now, I was given a free pass. I would be allowed to enjoy today.