Memory

Chapter 23

Fast forward to Sunday

David P.O.V

Pulling up in front of Jennifer's house, I park the car and take my phone out of the cup holder to text her letting her know I'm outside.

I hope she enjoys herself on this date. Our last date went way better than anticipated, so I hope it will go well again.

A few minutes passed, and I was about to text her again, but I heard knocking on the passenger side of the window and saw that it was her.

Unlocking the car, she opens the door and steps inside, throwing her tote bag in the back seat.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to come out here. I was looking for something cute but comfortable like you had said," she chuckled, putting on her seatbelt.

"Babe, you look beautiful in anything you wear. There's no need to try and look good when you already do it effortlessly," I complimented, grabbing her hand and placing a kiss.

I wasn't lying when I said she looked good in anything she wore. She was still the most stunning woman I'd ever seen, even when wearing a simple black T-shirt with beige cargo pants and black filas.

"You remembered to bring the swimsuit and a water bottle, right?"

"Yeah, I found one of the old ones I bought a couple of years ago, but I have a question, why do I need to bring one? I thought we were just hiking."

"You'll see. I want everything to be a surprise for you, so I'm not going to spoil anything." I smile, starting the engine.

"Ouu, a surprise. I love surprises," she smirks, intertwining her hand with mine.

"Good cause I guarantee you'll love this."

When we reach our destination, I park the car in the parking lot. Then, we go to the nearby coconut water stand and order two drinks.

"Ok, sir, that'll be two dollars," the cashier said, ringing up our drinks.

I hand her the money, the lady finishes the transaction, and then gives us our drinks.

"Thank you". We say in unison.

We made our way toward the bridge that led us to the hiking trail. Paid the admission fee, and then we proceeded with our date.

"Is this your first time hiking?" I ask as we walk side by side.

"Yeah, I'm more of an indoor person, so I don't go hiking or do stuff like that, but I do enjoy nature. It's so beautiful, but not many people notice or take the time to enjoy it anymore," she answers, a small smile creeping on her face.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Most people no longer take the time to enjoy all the beauty around us. Instead, they focus solely on technology. Don't get me wrong, I am on my electronics most of the time, but not all the time. I still take the time out of my day to enjoy the things and people around me. Sadly, most people don't do that anymore."

Glancing in her direction, I see a light tint of blush on her face.

"Charming and in touch with your emotions, is there any flaw you possess? So far, you seem like the perfect saint sent right down from the heavens," she chuckles, nudging my arm.

"Oh, trust me, I'm not as perfect as you believe. I do have a couple of flaws that I'm aware of."

"The gentle, patient, kindhearted, and devilishly handsome David Brown has flaws? I would love to hear this," she says, turning around to walk backward.

"Are you sure that's safe? I don't want you to get hurt," I say, fearful that she'll trip or fall over something and end up falling off the hiking trail, hurting herself in the process.

"No, not really, but I have faith that you'll tell me if I'm about to run into something. I know you wouldn't let anything happen to me".

She's right. I wouldn't. I would protect her with my life, even if that meant falling off this trail and injuring myself to defend her or, hell, even taking a bullet for her. As long as she's safe, that's all that matters to me.

"You are absolutely right. Would you like me to proceed in telling you these flaws since you have such high doubts?"

"Of course," she answers cheekily.

"Well, I do have anger issues, don't worry, it's nothing fatal. I just used to get into many fights in high school cause of it, but over time, I learned methods to help me calm down in case I do anything irrational," I say, hoping that doesn't bother her too much.

"Ok, anger issues are a common thing most people have, but you've learned to control them, so that isn't bad. Anything else?"

She is not quick to judge, another thing I like about her.

"I'm a perfectionist, if it isn't perfect, I don't think it's good enough."

"Ok, also not that bad next."

"I'm brutally honest, most people. For example, my best friend Jackson, has no issue with it and says it's a good quality for me. Still, others say it's bad because I should sugarcoat some things, which I could understand with telling a person that someone they know died or that they have a fatal sickness, but other than that,t I don't see the point" I shrug, seeing a slightly sad look grow on her face as she stopped in her tracks. "What is it? Is something wrong? What happened?"

"Well....I say being brutally honest when it's needed is good, yes, but other times, people might need you to sugarcoat things for them. It helps them process it better, dropping a whole bombshell on them without warnings and stuff can put them in a state of shock or worse."

She does have a point, I wouldn't want to do that to a person, so maybe I should try sugar-coating some things, depending on the situation.

"You're right. I never thought about it like that, so thank you for putting it in perspective for me."

"Wait, what?"

"You just gave me a valid reason for sugar-coating things, so I will try doing that from now on. I won't change overnight, but I can try practicing to get better at it."

"Oh, I.....wow, I didn't think you would be so quick to change something like that. Most people become stubborn and say stuff like it isn't that bad of a flaw or some dumb excuse like I'm a Taurus and we have anger issues," she says, giggling, probably finding the last part funny.

Laughing in return, I nod in agreement because who bases their identity on a zodiac sign?

"Yeah, but Nah, I'm very open to criticism. That's one of the things I had to learn to get used to being an artist, so it spread throughout my personal life as well".

"I see. Speaking of artists, what made you want to become one? I told you why I'm a music teacher, even the deeper meaning behind it, but we never got to the topic of your career for real. All I know is that you own your own business," she said with a sad smile. "So come on, let's continue to talk more about you since last time we mainly talked about me." She says, turning back around, returning to my side, and then wrapping her arms around mine.

"Alright, but be prepared because it's kind of a boring story," I chuckle as she rests her head on my shoulder.

"I'll be the judge of that, so please proceed."