Written In The Stars

Chapter 12: Into the Wild

Emma had no idea what was waiting for her as Lucas pulled up to her apartment that morning with a grin and a backpack slung over his shoulder. All he’d told her was to wear comfortable shoes and bring an open mind. When she’d tried pressing him for details, he only chuckled, keeping his plan a mystery.

The drive took them far outside the city, leaving behind the honking horns and crowded streets, and instead, winding through quiet, tree-lined roads. Emma watched the scenery change, her excitement growing as they headed deeper into the countryside. When Lucas finally turned off onto a narrow dirt path that led to a small, unmarked trailhead, she felt a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

“A hike?” she asked, laughing as she turned to him.

“Not just any hike,” he replied, hopping out of the car and reaching for his backpack. “This is one of my favorite places. I’ve never shared it with anyone before.”

Something about his words struck a chord, and she felt warmth spread through her chest as she joined him at the trailhead. “I feel honored,” she said with a teasing smile, but there was a hint of sincerity in her voice.

“Good,” he said, returning her smile. “Now, let’s go find some peace and quiet.”

They set off along the trail, walking side by side through a forest that felt untouched by the outside world. Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled patches of light on the forest floor. Birds flitted between the trees, filling the air with their songs, and the earthy scent of moss and leaves surrounded them.

As they walked, Lucas pointed out various plants, explaining their names and uses, his voice steady and calm. Emma hadn’t known he knew so much about nature, but it suited him. She found herself relaxing, letting go of the stress from her week, and simply enjoying the sounds of the forest.

“So,” she said after a while, giving him a playful nudge. “How did you find this place?”

Lucas glanced over at her, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “When I moved here, I was looking for somewhere to clear my head. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of the city, you know?”

Emma nodded, understanding all too well. “I get that. Sometimes I feel like I need to escape the noise, just to remember who I am.”

He nodded, his gaze softening. “Exactly. This became that escape for me. And I think I wanted to share it with you because…” He trailed off, his words hanging in the air like a promise.

They continued in comfortable silence, their footsteps muffled by the soft ground, as they followed the winding path. The trail grew steeper as they climbed a small hill, and Lucas offered her his hand to help her over a fallen tree. She took it, feeling a thrill at the contact, her pulse quickening.

After nearly an hour, they emerged into a clearing that took her breath away. Before them stretched a hidden lake, its surface sparkling in the afternoon sun, surrounded by tall trees that reflected off the still water. The air felt fresher here, and a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, filling the clearing with a soft, whispering sound.

“Lucas… this is incredible,” she said, her voice filled with awe.

He looked at her, a hint of pride in his smile. “It’s nice, isn’t it?”

“Nice? It’s perfect.” She glanced at him, a playful smile on her lips. “I’m starting to think you’re just full of surprises.”

“Only a few,” he replied, his eyes twinkling as he led her closer to the water’s edge. He spread out a blanket he’d brought in his backpack and handed her a bottle of water before sitting down beside her. They shared snacks he’d packed—fresh fruit, trail mix, and a couple of energy bars. It was simple, but it felt just right, fitting the quiet beauty of their surroundings.

As they relaxed by the lake, their conversation drifted to their lives, their childhoods, and the little things they loved but rarely talked about. Emma found herself sharing dreams she’d barely acknowledged, even to herself. She talked about her writing aspirations, her love of books, and the way she sometimes felt torn between following her passion and the expectations of others. Lucas listened, nodding, his gaze never leaving hers.

“It sounds like you’re right where you’re supposed to be,” he said softly, his voice filled with conviction. “The world needs people who believe in what they do.”

Emma looked at him, surprised by the intensity in his eyes. “Do you really think that?”

He nodded, a gentle smile on his lips. “Absolutely. You have a way of seeing things differently, Emma. That’s rare.”

She felt her cheeks warm and looked down, unable to hide her smile. “Thank you, Lucas. I… I don’t know what to say.”

“Just promise me you won’t give up on your dreams,” he replied, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face.

They fell silent, the weight of his words settling between them. After a while, Lucas stood up and extended his hand, a playful glint in his eye. “Want to make this day even better?”

Emma looked from his hand to the lake, understanding what he was suggesting. She raised an eyebrow, a grin spreading across her face. “You mean…?”

“Yep,” he said, pulling her up. “Let’s go for a swim.”

Laughing, she kicked off her shoes and stepped into the water. It was cool but refreshing, sending a pleasant shiver through her. Lucas joined her, wading in until they were both knee-deep, the water rippling softly around them.

They splashed each other playfully, laughing as they moved deeper into the lake. At one point, Emma slipped on a mossy stone and stumbled, and before she knew it, Lucas’s arms were around her, steadying her.

Their laughter faded as they stood there, close enough to feel each other’s breath, their eyes locked. The world seemed to go silent, leaving only the quiet lapping of the water around them and the steady beat of her heart.

Without thinking, Emma leaned in, her lips meeting his in a soft, tentative kiss. The kiss deepened, slow and gentle, as though they had all the time in the world. When they finally pulled back, Emma felt breathless, her heart pounding.

They waded back to the shore, drying off in the warm sunlight as they lay side by side on the blanket, watching the sky shift from blue to soft pinks and purples as the sun dipped below the trees. The peacefulness of the moment settled over them, and Emma found herself feeling more connected to Lucas than she’d ever thought possible.

As the first stars began to appear overhead, they lay in comfortable silence, both lost in their thoughts but sharing the same quiet contentment.