The Girl with a Teacher's Heart

Chapter 24: Home Is Where You Are

August, 2020

It's been six months since Taylor and I first started dating. Over the last few months, we went to several cafes and spent time at each other's houses. My parents still adore Taylor and her parents are happy that I am with her as long we are not doing anything stupid, if you know what I mean. Just recently, I took Taylor on a surprise trip to Great Basin National Park. This place has been something on my bucket list since I was in high school, however, neither girl that I dated during those times wanted nothing to do with nature hikes. But Taylor was an exception. She understands that we need to do better for the world by doing simple tasks such as recycling and not littering all of the planet's oceans. Or at least, be in the present moment with nature without constantly on our phones. Trust me, we all have that social media addiction that we can't appreciate the beauty of Earth around us. Now, let me give you a snippet of what we did at Great Basin National Park. 

Two weeks ago

"So, are you excited to see Great Basin National Park?" I asked Taylor as we were driving.

"Are you kidding? This is one of the many sites I've been dreaming of visiting. I know I am a Nevada native, but still. There's so much to explore in this state." She said as she was sitting comfortably in the passenger's seat.

"Haha yeah. I remember back in high school my two exes wanted nothing to do with these types of hikes." I replied back as I held her hand on my knee.

"Really? Knowing me, I could hike anywhere as long as I am safe with the person next to me." Taylor exclaimed.

"Well, you are in luck because I have a lot of experience with being outdoors." I replied with a side smile.

"I am sure you do, honey." Taylor replied and turned her head towards the window to see the forest. "It's so beautiful today. You really chose a good day to hike." She said as she looked back at me.

"Well, I do have a love for meteorology ya know." I said.

"And that's why I love you." She replied.

I kissed her hand as we continued to drive towards the national park. The weather was a perfect 71 degrees Fahrenheit and the breeze was subtle enough to keep us comfortable in the heat. We parked at the entrance of the park and I decided to surprise Taylor with something she's been wanting to do over the last several months: Camping.

"It's beautiful out here." Taylor said as she breathed the fresh air.

"Yeah, it is." I said as I was behind the trunk of my car.

"What are you doing?" Taylor asked and as she walked towards me.

"Stop! Don't come any closer. Close your eyes and stay there until I call you." I replied.

"What is this?" She asked.

I smirked. "You'll see." I said.

She rolled her eyes and did a few light stretches as I was getting out all of our camping gear out of the car.

"Why did you ask me to bring bug spray?" Taylor asked as she was stretching her hamstrings. "And why did you want me to pack a makeup bag when we are just going out for the day?" She continued.

"Okay, come behind the car." I told her.

Her mouth dropped. This was a total success and she literally had no idea that I'd be surprising her with a camping trip. I wanted to make this 6th month anniversary special for the two of us, so why not go all out?

"Babe! You really did not just pull a tent out." She said in shock. She ran up to me and gave a massive bear hug. I wrapped my arms around her waist and rested my forehead on hers.