The Long Way Down

Flash Fiction by Catherine Conlin, 16

“Are you sure you want to do this?” my best friend asked. I felt a pit in my stomach, but I couldn’t back out now. I swallowed and nodded, not trusting myself to speak. “You can do this, Kiana. I’ve done this several times before. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

I took a shaky breath. “But you’re not scared of heights, Noah.”

Noah smiled at me. “It’s not too late to quit. Maybe skydiving just isn’t your thing.”

I locked eyes with him. “I am not backing out now. It’s your fault I’m here anyways.” Together, we boarded our plane. I had never been skydiving before, and for a good reason. I’ve been scared of heights ever since I fell out of my bunk bed and broke my arm. But thanks to the hotheadedness of Noah, I was dared to skydive by Luke, the school bully. Noah isn’t just a hothead sometimes, he also likes to brag. So, of course, he had to tell Luke I wasn’t scared of heights anymore. Which leads to this moment.

Finally, I could overcome my fear. If I jumped. The first time I go skydiving, I have to be strapped onto one of the instructors’ backs. Somehow, I feel as if I’ll be more scared that way. What if she jumps and I’m not ready? This is Noah’s eleventh time skydiving, but his first going alone. I guess it’s the first time for both of us.

“You scared?” I looked at Noah as he harnessed himself to the equipment.

“Nah. First time going by myself. Can’t be much different than going with someone. Just gotta remember to open the parachute.” His voice was shaky, a clear sign that he wasn’t ready.

It felt like hours before we were high enough in the sky to jump. I was strapped onto the instructor, McKayla. She told me a few things about skydiving, none of which I remember. The hatch to the plane opened.

“You ready?” Noah squeezed my hand.

My heart raced. Was I ready? “I can’t do this,” I muttered. “I’m sorry.” Noah nodded. He understood. It took a moment for Noah to build up his courage before he jumped. I glanced over the edge to see him soaring through the air. The wind blowing his hair back. I could experience that too. Noah wasn’t very brave, yet he was able to jump off a plane thousands of feet in the air. If he could do it, I could too.

“Let’s go,” I told McKayla. She didn’t hesitate. I shut my eyes tight as she leaped off the plane. I felt the wind blowing my hair. Slowly, I opened my eyes. The ground was terrifyingly far, but provided an amazing view. I felt as if I was soaring...flying! I grinned as I burst out laughing. “This...it’s amazing!”

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but what I experienced today, well, it’s all thanks to Luke’s dare...