More Than What You See

Adventure Time

Driving towards the outdoor pursuit centre with my fingers gripping the wheel tightly to the point of them turning white as my insecurities bubble knowing I'm about to spend the rest of today with Jordan. I really don't know what to expect. I sincerely hope we don't end the day in a cell having to be bailed out by Jon. Although the thought of pretty boy Jordan locked up in a cell does amuse me but I don't think he could handle it getting roughed up inside.

After about forty-five minute drive, I finally reach the Go Ape Adventure Centre and just as I'm pulling up, Jordan is also parking up in his car. "Hey up dude, how you doing?" He greets me with an awkward smile. I recognise it as I'm sure I'm holding the same expression on my own face. "Good thanks, yourself?" We shake hands. "I'm grand thanks. So, let's get booked in shall we?!" He suggests. I walk side by side with him. Once we're inside the main building, I step to the side while Jordan checks us in seeing as he's the one who booked today's adventure. We're asked to fill out some paperwork so we are encouraged to go and have a drink while we do this. We decide to go to the cafe which is located just off the reception area. On the form it asks if we have had any health issues recently. "Err, J... what would you put if you were me on this part?" He leans round to look at my form and pauses a moment to think. "Maybe just the fact you had a short hospital stay but you have a full clean bill of health. It's a personal matter so only write down what you feel comfortable in sharing." Hmm that sounds like a good answer. "Thanks. I guess it's just to cover their insurance or something." He acknowledges me by giving a nod. Just a few minutes after we've finished with the form filling, our activity leader has joined us after introducing himself. He reads through the forms. Thankfully he doesn't seem to concerned with my answers on mine as he only asked a few basic questions.
"So our first activity is the treetop challenge express. It's ninety minutes long. We'll get you harnessed and helmeted up, ready for adventure. If you both would like to follow me." That's what we do.

He walks along the side as we complete the activity. It starts off fairly easy but as I'm starting to get further round the trail, I can feel my heart racing as it gets more physically demanding. When I stop to catch my breath, I watch Jordan with admiration. The way he just gets on with the climbing, pulling and lifting up different apparatus, it's like he does this every day. If I was Nina, I have no doubt that she would be literally drooling at the sight of him right now. I quickly snap a photo and film him. I'll send these to Nina later on for her to enjoy. He doesn't even seem to be fazed by the challenge in any way. The part that I'm struggling with the most is where I'm having to climb up and down at a fast rate. I'm finding myself getting a little tired. "You okay bro?" Jordan steps by my side, asking quietly to obviously not bring any unwanted attention, "yeah, feeling a bit pathetic at this part that's all." I try to laugh it off with him but I can see the concern in his face. "How about we just go at it at our pace? It's tougher than I thought it would be." I give it a quick thought and give him a thumbs up. Going at a slower pace is definitely helping me. Whenever he saw me struggling, he would stretched his arm out to help pull me along.
To say we were ready for a break and some food would be an understatement! We head to the cafe and find a table which overlooks the adventure centre.

The place is in the middle of the forest hence why it's the perfect place to build the adventure centre. "What do you think Nina would think about coming to somewhere like here?" Jordan's question brings me out of my thoughts. "I think she'd enjoy it. Maybe they have accessible activities that she could do? She used to do a lot of outdoor activities when she was at school, apparently. There's some cute photos of her doing various stuff and she always had a big grin on her face." I watch his expression and all I can see is adoration and love for the girl. "I can tell that you really love her." I tell him. He smiles. "I do. She's the one, Phoenix. I hope to one day have her as my wife." Aww. Wow. I'm actually stunned into silence. He chuckles. "You weren't expecting that from me? I know we started off on the wrong foot and that was due to my own stupid insecurities about the closeness you two share but I hope you can forgive me. She's really missed you and your friendship." My hand automatically reaches out to shake his hand to show my gratitude for his kind words.
"I say we both have let our insecurities get the better of us and I'm surprised that Nina hasn't kicked us to the kerb by now." I half joke. "Well me, anyway because you've done nothing but be amazing with her." I take a big sip of my drink. "I get it, mate, it's always been the two of you and then I come swanning in. I probably would have been similar if I was in your position." Hmm now he's trying too hard causing me to laugh. He looks at me as if I've gone crazy. "Sorry. I didn't mean to laugh just then, you're a better man than I am Jordan." He downs some of his own drink before he speaks. "I doubt that mate. I'm not perfect. I was one hell of a big drinker before I finally decided to go easy on it. I would get terrible headaches from drinking so much. Obviously I still drink but in much more moderation." I arch my brow as this is news to me. "Nina has never said anything about it." He frowns somewhat. "We've managed to keep it out of the press. It wasn't easy but I have been so much better ever since. I will tell Nina. She deserves better than me but I'm a better man because of her." I smile at his sincerity. "From what I can see, Jordan, your parents have raised you and Jon as fine men. Just like I love Jon, Nina loves you. Nina will be understanding towards you whenever you do decide to tell her about your own things." I reassure him.

We decide to have a wander around and discover the woodland trail. It's surprisingly smooth along the path and I can envision the two of us with our better halves being here. "Have you or Nina ever been to the resort in this forest for a holiday?" Jordan asks me. "I haven't but I know Nina has with her parents, years ago. She really liked it and would love to go back. Maybe we should book a weekend stay for the four of us?" He raises his eye apprehensive. "I'm guessing they have accessible lodges?" I smile. "Yeah that's what she stayed in. You can stay in like a two or three bedroom lodge, I think." We discuss it more as we walk further round the trail.

I'm now in my car heading back home. I can't believe how today has been. It's gone much smoother than I thought it would and I'm pleasantly surprised. The situation between me and Jordan has improved. I feel like I can actually say he's going to be a great friend and I understand even more now why Nina loves him like she does. There's a lot of depth to the guy and I have a lot of respect for him.