Unpredictable Tides // Baxter Radic X OC

❀ Zadie ❀

"This is the most ridiculous thing I think I've ever let you convince me to do." I state looking at Mars wearing a cowboy hat, red bandana tied around his neck with no shirt, too tight jean shorts and a pair of old cowboy boots he found at the local op shop in town.

He wanted to have a western themed birthday this year, for reasons I'm still not entirely sure. Which explains why all six of us are walking around Adventure Park looking absolutely ridiculous in our cowboy hats and boots.

"Come on Z, you look hot!" He smirks flicking the underside of my sand colored cowboy hat making it slide back on my head. "You're gonna make that bull your bitch."

We stand in line watching a group go before us, Summer was basically bouncing with excitement. Sometimes I find myself being envious of her carefree spirit, especially right now when the anxiety of riding a mechanical bull becomes overwhelming.

"Happy Birthday Mate!" His voice already making me groan. Mars warned me earlier that he invited Wren and Bax. I bit my tongue with the multiple complaints I wanted to say but I was not about to ruin my best friends birthday. So I'm sucking it up and keeping the peace for him, because that's what Mars deserve. A drama free birthday.

Of course Wren is already dangling from Ari's neck like some obsessed fangirl, Baxter's gaze lands on me the vivid memories of our kiss in the ocean a few days ago assaults my peace, a blush spreading across my cheeks.

Summer catches him off guard when she surprises him with a hug. His eyes darting between the two of us before I roll my eyes, just friends....what a lie.

I turn away to focus on Bodhi and Poppy making a game plan for how to stay on the bull.

"I'm telling you it's all in the grip." Bodhi argues.

"Hand grip or thigh grip?" Poppy looks between her and the bull that just flung another rider to the mat.

"Both....obviously."

"I should have kept the spurs on my boots." Poppy sighs, eyes looking like saucers. Glad I'm not the only one nervous.

Summer starts shouting something about watch and learn as she enters the bull pen, jumping up on the bull and getting ready. She tips her hat giving us all a wink. She last five seconds before she's tossed off the bull like a rag doll, I wince watching her hit the mat hard. She pops up quickly, a giant grin on her face as she laughs.

One by one our group of friends all take turns riding the bull. Wren was the only one who stayed on for an impressive seventeen seconds. Of course her competitive ass would make sure she stayed on the longest. Bax decided to ride the bull backwards, I thought he would fall off instantly but unfortunately he held on longer than expected.

I'm staring at the bull, the anxiety clawing at the pits of my stomach. I'm not keen on mortifying myself in front of people especially a pink haired aussie that has a habit of teasing me relentlessly.

I look over my shoulder seeing Mars giving me two thumbs up. "You got this Z!" He cheers before the rest of our group begins shouting words of encouragement.

"Got any words of wisdom?" I question the tall, kind of handsome worker who was standing off to the side.

"Make sure you sit straight up and lean slightly forward, it will distribute your weight evenly. Grip the bull's handle firmly with your dominant hand, knuckles facing outward. Raise your other hand in the air to help maintain your balance."

"Thanks...." I trail off not knowing his name.

"Chase."

"Thanks Chase!" I give him a big nervous smile before making my way towards the bull.