vv4, 58 - Skyhigh Sightseeing

vv4, 58 - Skyhigh Sightseeing

Okay, when you asked if I was afraid of heights this is not what I was expecting, Dylan said.

He shifted as a squealing voice ran past him, little legs climbing up through foam blocks toward a towering set of stairs. Below said stairs sat a foam pit filled to the brim with bricks of foam the size of Dylans head.

Jack had brought them to a trampoline park, or trampoline house, or whatever you called one of these places. At first, Dylan had wondered how heights would play into the date, because the building itself looked like a renovated old mall. All square and brown concrete.

It was only when Jack led him inside that Dylan started to understand. Underneath the exterior lay a colorful wonderland of trampolines, foam, and more kids than Dylan had seen in a long time.

Come on, Jack said. Were not here for the foam pits.

We arent? Dylan asked jokingly as his date grabbed him by the arm.

No, were after a much better prize, Jack said.

They meandered past gaggles of excited children toward anonly slightlymore subdued area filled to the brim with trampolines.

There, Jack pointed.

Dylan looked to see another tall set of stairs, the words The Plunge in electrifying letters running along up the flight. At the end, a line of teenagers and older stood waiting while a man in a polo shirt ushered people forward. Two others would then help the one pulled forward into a sort of stance that reminded Dylan of mummies. Another worker stood at the bottom next to the rather wide pit of foam surrounding the area.

Pretty cool, right? Jack asked.

I honestly dont know what Im looking at, Dylan commented.

What, youve never seen a large trampoline before? Jack ribbed.

Whats a trampoline? Dylan asked, doing his best to look like hed never heard of the toy before.

Jack rolled her eyes and playfully shoved him. You dork.

She led them both toward the stairs as the latest jumper took off. They landed in the trampoline, the mat sinking far below and absorbing most of the force. Dylan had expected the jumper to fly out back toward the top of the stairs. Instead, they only made it a few feet above the trampoline before falling back down.

Did you think it would be like in those videos? Jack asked teasingly.

What videos? Dylan asked, completely serious this time.

Wait, youve never seen them? Jack asked. Not even while doomscrolling?

Most of my internet experience is with superheroes and games, Dylan admitted. I didnt spend that much time elsewhere.

I guess todays my lucky day, Jack said with a smile. Ill show you once were done here, considering we couldnt bring our phones in.

Dylan nodded.

When they eventually made their way up the stairs another worker was there to greet them. They spent a few minutes confirming their ages, that neither had any medical issues, and then explained a few of the rules. Mostly it was all about obeying the workers and not jumping off before being told they could.

Jack nudged him. Come on, use some of that Dr. Zlo soliloquy on me.

Im pretty sure thats not the right word, Dylan said.

I know, Jack laughed. But as someone who works in theater Im allowed to use words wrong.

Oh, is that how it works?

Thats how it works, Jack said with a nod. Now come on. Theres a dodgeball with your name on it.

I think youll find it, in fact, has your name on it, Dylan said, rising to the challenge.

Hoho! A challenger! Jack laughed. Then, prepare for your demise!

Impossible, Dylan answered. My genius is immortal, and therefore so am I!

The two fell into laughter as they ran along to the dodgeball section. Dylan lost, but not before he got a few good hits in. He made sure to rub it in as well.

You only got them by cheating, Jack said with a laugh. Crossing the line doesnt count.

I mean, I do play a villain, Dylan said. Cheating isnt above me.

Its like that, is it? Jack asked with a raised eyebrow.

Dylan nodded assuredly. Its like that.

Then last one through the obstacle course pays for dinner! Jack said, instantly rushing off.

Hey! Dylan said. He huffed after her, still slightly winded from the dodgeball earlier.

The two dove through plastic hoops and leaped over foam blocks as they jumped from trampoline to trampoline in an attempt to beat each other. Jack eventually won, her sneaky head start proving too much for Dylan. Though in the end, both of them were rather worn out.

Wow, thats a lot more tiring than I expected, Jack said after a minute or so of cooling down.

I have some sore muscles that I dont think Ive ever used before, Dylan admitted.

Well, well have plenty of time to wind down until dinner, Jack said. You up for a mild walk?

Where at? Dylan asked.

Theres a park near here, Jack answered. We can spend a bit cooling down and then you can treat me to a meal.

Dylan stood, offering his arm to his date. I aim to please.

What a gentleman, Jack said.

The two made their way out of the trampoline park, smiles on their faces.