Diary/Journal/Whatever is Manly

Chapter 33

Tyler sang along softly to the music, revelling in the way the wind felt flowing through his hair. Nothing could beat this feeling. Out on the open road, in his trusty Jeep Wrangler, the top off so he could truly enjoy the scenery. Oh, and the music, he could not forget about the music. Blasting through the speakers, nothing could beat the sound of a perfect beat coupled with a melodic voice. Tyler had always enjoyed drives, from when he was a little boy he could remember constantly begging his parents to take him out driving. Something they had been happy to oblige him with, until they realised that car rides did absolutely nothing to lull him to sleep. So, it became a treat, 'if you're good for the week, you get a weekend drive'. It honestly worked like a charm. Yes, there was the occasional tantrum, after all he was a child, but in the grand scheme of things, his behaviour could be described as good.

He could not explain, or pinpoint exactly what it was that he loved about driving. If asked, his response would be a frim, unhesitant, 'everything'. Not really helpful. One would think with the amount of times he had been asked over the years, he would have sat down and formulated a response by now. With some people it was ballet, or singing in front of an arena packed with thousands of people, others went as far as skydiving. With him, all Tyler needed was a good, long drive.

"I don't know why I agreed to this."

"You're the one who asked for this in the first place," Tyler laughed.

"Yeah but I didn't think... I still don't have my idea for my major work yet and–"

"This is supposed to be a relaxing break. No talk about major work or any other stressful topics. You asked for this, this is me delivering." Tyler repeated as though it were simple enough. "Look... just try to enjoy it, okay?"

#

"You have rich dead parents right?"

"Yes, we've established this."

"So, theoretically speaking, how big is your house?"

"What?"

"Your house. On a scale of sophisticated cottage to mansion, where does it fall?"

"Try, historic castle."

#

Misty thought back to how she had gotten herself into her current situation, and yes Tyler had been right. It was her own fault. Not that Dennis, Stacey or Stanley had done anything to discourage her. In fact they had left, as soon as Tyler had put out the offer for them to go back to his home town for a much deserved break. Leaving Tyler, to put on his persuasive charms into overdrive just to get Misty in the car, so they could join the rest of their friends at his family home.Misty decided there was nothing else to do really, other than to follow Tyler's advice. Leaning back in the car seat, she wriggled around to get comfortable before shifting her gaze to the natural backdrop. Misty could not deny that the road they were on was beautiful. A majestic forest surrounded them, as they made their way. Tilting her head up, she smiled as she took in the canopy of trees around her.

"You know what?"

"What?" Tyler asked, turning his head to face her for a second.

"I really hope we don't crash." Misty replied, smiling. Deeply confusing Tyler, on why such a morbid topic, could cause Misty to beam so.

"Okay, I'll bite." Tyler replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "Why?"

"Don't you think we're in the music video of 'the scientist'?" Tyler shook his head, laughing in disbelief. Of all the things Misty could have come up with when told to relax, a music video? Looking around, Tyler saw that yes, the area they were in did resemble the music video greatly.

"You have to give me your jacket."

"I think I'm gonna hang onto it, I'd rather you keep your seatbelt on very much."

"Technically speaking, the jacket was just lying on the back seat." Misty answered matter of factly, throwing her gaze over her shoulder.

"Don't even think about it."

---

"Oh wow, you weren't kidding when you said historic castle." Misty said, face pressed against the window. Like a child, she diligently took in the sight of the grand building in front of her. "Are you royalty?" Misty asked, looking at Tyler.

"No," Tyler laughed. Causing Misty to pout before she turned her attention back to the building they were nearing. Like any self respecting castle it was made out of stone, cream in colour, making it look warm and inviting unlike most castles. It stood tall and proud on top of a hill, clothed with lush, green grass, to the point that it almost seemed fake. Arches surrounded the building, giving it a mediaeval feel. Vines climbed said arches, flowers blooming along the way. However, instead of seeming overgrown, the vines enhance the building's beauty, giving it an aged feel. The entrance was grand, with a door that had to be as tall as a standard house (Misty wondered how heavy it had to be). There was the main structure of the castle, but then it had towers placed about the building, the spacing between each structure being atheistically pleasing to one's eye.

"Well what do you think?"

"I think it's time to go about sliding down bannisters."