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Chapter 9- Chris

Warm days and crisp cool nights had turned the October leaves into bright, energetic colors. Early morning dew was heavy on the grass, as I pulled into Lexie's driveway. I should never have admitted I hadn't been camping before, everyone in the Midwest sleeps outdoors. Growing up on the east coast, I had never indulged in this activity. All of our family vacations were at 5-star hotels, and the thought of my mom in a sleeping bag made me smile.

I was a little concerned about the cool, evening and sleeping on the ground, but Lexie convinced me with the proper sleeping bag we would be fine. I couldn't admit the only sleeping bag I had ever owned had a picture of Bat Man, so we went shopping for a new one.

I couldn't believe there were so many luxurious items for camping, and I tried convincing her to rent an RV, but she insisted on a tent. I was not looking forward to the adventure, but there wasn't anything I wouldn't do for her.

The front door opened, and I was greeted by her friendly green eyes and infectious smile. "Let's get this road trip started," she exclaimed.

She kissed me as she closed the tailgate of her SUV. Her hair was damp from her shower and smelled of coconut shampoo. Any apprehension I had earlier, had dissipated with her hug. How bad could this be?

I opened the passenger door and found the front seat crammed with junk food and her favorite classic country music on the radio."I see we are starting the day with the essential vitamins," I laughed while rummaging through the stack of Twinkies, candy bars, and chips.

"What else could you possibly eat, stuck in a car for 4 hours?" She said, sticking a piece of beef jerky in her mouth. 

Her delicate hands placed a black pair of sunglasses over her eyes, and she smiled as we headed into the early sunrise.I put on my Ray-Ban sunglasses and decided to join her as I opened the box of chocolate Twinkies. 

I had no idea where our camping vacation was taking place. Lexie wanted to keep everything a surprise, and I was excited about what she had planned.

I turned up the volume on the radio and joined her once I recognized her favorite song from Ronnie Millsap. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world, wouldn't have missed loving you girl, you make my whole life worthwhile, with your smile..." Our voices gradually became louder and louder, until we drowned out the radio with our laughter. I caught my reflection in the rearview mirror and had to smile, never imagining a road trip would have been enjoyable.

I couldn't believe we had been driving for 4 hours when we pulled into a state park campground. Brown and yellow-painted signs directed us throughout the dirt roads.

"How does this spot look?" Lexie asked as she rolled down her window and pulled into a small, dirt parking space at the top of a hill.

Various rocks were arranged for a bonfire pit, and a black box with grates appeared to be a grill for cooking. It was very rustic but peaceful.

"Looks like the Hilton to me," I said as I opened the car door and kicked away thousands of pine needles covering the ground.

I paused momentarily to listen to the wind blowing through the tops of the trees when I felt Lexie's arms around my waist and her chin on my shoulder. Her breath was warm on the back of my neck.

"Thank you for camping with me. Just give it a try; you might like it," she said sweetly.

I faced her and placed her sunglasses on the top of her head. I could see the excitement in her eyes, and it was all the encouragement I needed to change my attitude.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's get our campsite set up," I said.

We set the tent under a tree, just in case it rained, and left the grassy open area for our picnic table. Lexie had thought of everything. She placed a red and white checkered tablecloth on the wooden picnic table, and hung a rope between 2 trees, to hang any wet clothing. I watched her pack some brown bags and beverages in a backpack, as I unrolled the sleeping bags and placed an air mattress inside the tent.