Part 20

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After finding parking we all climb out of the car eagerly. I haven't been on a hike since before my mom died, and I've never been on one without my parent's around at all. It hits me all over again just how sheltered my life has been and how my experience in just about every department is lacking.

Tessa calls my name and tosses sunblock to me. My reaction is delayed from being trapped with my thoughts and it hits my arm and falls to the floor. She laughs and snaps her fingers.

"Wake up, it's going to be a long trek if you're half asleep." She looks toward the trail as she rubs the thick white substance on her shoulders. "Actually, it's going to be fucking long either way."

"Yeah, Tessa couldn't even make it halfway up last time." Trey chimes in as he pulls a bag pack from the trunk.

Chase rubs the mall of my back and bends down to pick up the bottle that still lays by my feet. He squirts a small amount into his hand as the two cousins bicker and moves his finger in a circular motion at me. I turn around toward the road as he begins to rub my shoulders.

"I'm sorry. I can tell you're annoyed." His voice is quiet enough that our conversation is our own, and not everyone else's.

"I just don't think you should have a say in what I will and will not do."

"I think it's important that you still make the effort to keep your mind open to a higher power."

"And who says that I haven't been doing that?" I try to keep the irritation from my voice.

"I think you're more focused on finding a person you may have been suppressing inside of you for so long, that you think you need to be the opposite of what you've always been." He stops rubbing and I turn around. His eyes are unreadable and I almost forget how close we've gotten. "Instead of branching out and just adding to that person." He shrugs as if to say "Whatever."

I tilt my head trying to gage what is going through his mind. "You don't like this version of me?" I grab the sunscreen and put a dab on my finger before working it into my hand and massaging it into my face.

"I do like this version of you." He rests a hand on the side of my neck as he stares down at me, finally showing the smallest hint of a smile. "But combine it with the girl who has her own beliefs and doesn't care what that makes other people think of her? That's the sexiest version of any person there is in this world."

I roll my eyes before letting my smile appear. "I don't know if that means I want to go and chance him seeing me tomorrow."

"Just think about it." His whisper hits my eat in a breath before he kisses my cheek and pulls away. "Are you idiots ready yet?"

We both look over, and I have to laugh when I see David throw up his hands in annoyance.

It surprises me when Tessa holds her arm to her face and says "Start my hike." Into her wrist. I look closer and see that she's wearing a watch, the band of it just happens to be rainbow and blending in with her other bracelets.

The beginning of our journey isn't horrible, and I start to wonder why I was so worried. The boys are walking single file while Tessa and I are in back walking side by side. The hill to my right is mossy and covered with loose rocks and branches that are crawling down from trees that grow up the side. To our left, there is a small but noticeable ditch, but the trail is more than wide enough that it's nothing to worry about, even with a clumsy mistake of tripping or slipping. The boys stay active in conversation while we stay silent. I've never liked talking while working out because I know at some point I'll need that extra air to fill my lungs, and it's been too long since I've been active. Chase looks back every few minutes to make sure we haven't fallen behind, and my heart pounds at the site of his eyes that look more wild for some reason. Maybe this is what Chase truly loves to do. Maybe this is what makes him come to life. Then again, he has the same excitement on his face when he's on his bike or skateboard at the park. We stop at a creak and Tessa takes my hand. "This is reason one I told you to wear non slip shoes."

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