Majestic

11.

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within."
-Maya Angelou

June:

Blake stopped the music and I sat on the ground. We've been doing off ice practices when the rink is rented out to ice hockey teams on the weekends and the routine is harder to do when you aren't being helped with the ice and skates.

"At least you are landing your triples," I nodded and took a deep breath.

"I'm nervous. Nationals are in two weeks and I can't get out of my head," he sat down next to me.

"I need you to relax. You are such an amazing skater and I know you will do great," Blake gave me a hug and then pulled me off the ground.

"Thanks."

"Now, I want you to head home and have fun this weekend camping," I smiled.

"I'm really excited. This is our first trip together and I'm actually kinda nervous, but excited too,"

"You're going to have so much fun," he hugged me and I said a quick goodbye. I dialed Josh's number and started my drive home.

"I'm on my way over," Josh said into the phone and I heard him start up his motorcycle.

"Me too," I said.

"Drive safe."

"Always," he hung up and pulled into the driveway. I finished packing and went to find Randy.

"I got the tent down from the attic and put it in the trunk. Was that Josh?" I nodded and he grabbed my bag.

"How are things going with Steph?"

"Great. I know you are weirded out by us being together, but I really like her Addy."

"Honestly, I always secretly hoped you guys would end up together."

"Me too," I heard the roar of Josh's bike and I couldn't contain my excitement.

"Be safe and text me when you guys get to the site."

"Would you like me to text you when the car is unloaded and the tent is set up too?"

"Shut up. Go. Have a great time," he hugged me quickly and I grabbed my backpack and ran out to Josh.

"Someone is excited," I kissed him softly and he hugged me tighter. I pulled away and smiled.

"This is our first trip together."

"This is true," he kissed me again and pulled his bag off his bike.

"The tent and coolers are in the car," I stated and he opened the back door, before putting his bag next to mine.

"Ready?" I nodded.

"Yes. You drive. I enjoy torturing you with my music," he laughed and opened the passenger door for me.

"At some point you need to let me torture you with my music. It's only fair," he confessed. He got into the driver side and I looked at him.

"We could make a playlist," I offered and his smile brightened.

"Sounds cheesy."

"It really does."

***

We pulled into the campsite and Josh laced our fingers together. We pulled into the parking spot and I opened the door quickly.

"This spot is beautiful Josh."

"I had no idea. I honestly just picked a random number," I climbed out of the car and walked around the site. Josh opened the trunk and started pulling out the supplies. I grabbed the tent bag and set it on the ground, under the shade. Once the car was unloaded, we started setting up the tent.

"At least we can set up a tent together without killing each other," I stated and he walked over to me smiling.

"I guess that is a good thing for us," we finished setting up the inside of the tent and broke to eat sandwiches. Josh unzipped the tent and grabbed our shared backpack.

"Ready for our hike," I nodded and shoved a bag of trail mix into the front pocket. He grabbed my hand and we headed towards the first trail.

"The last time I went camping my family brought our dog, Penny. She was this huge German Shepherd, but she was scared of every little thing, so you can imagine we didn't make it very far," he explained and I laughed.

"Randy and I would fight for most of the trip, so my parents would take us home early," I recalled and he took lead. We reached the top of the mountain and I looked out the view.

"That makes it worth the hike," he stated and I nodded.

"Exercise should have this reward all the time."

"I agree, though it also is great with someone too."

"That's true too."

"We should start running together," he offered and I smiled.

"Sure."

"Great," we finished our hike and Josh started up the stove for dinner. He pulled out hamburgers and I started cutting up tomatoes and lettuce.

"This is really great."

"I'm glad we did this too," I said and he leaned over and kissed me. After dinner we started a campfire and roasted marshmallows.

"You don't put peppermint patties on your s'mores."

"No. I am old fashion. Hershey's chocolate is the best," I shook my head and finished my s'more.

"Do you want a second one?" I nodded and he shoved two more marshmallows on my stick. I watched his catch on fire and I waited until mine turned brown. I made my s'more and Josh grabbed a peppermint patty.

"What are you doing?"

"Living dangerously," I smiled and he took a bite.

"Okay. This is amazing."

"Told you so," he nudged me and I rested my head on his shoulder. We sat in comfortable silence and watched the fire burn down to embers.

"It's eleven. Are you tired?" I nodded and he stood up, before covering the fire pit.

"You sure you don't want me to cook breakfast tomorrow morning?"

"I'm treating you. I bought pancake mix and fresh orange juice."

"Sounds amazing," he unzipped the tent and I followed him inside.

"It's really cold," I whispered and he nodded quickly.

"I'll make sure to take all the blankets."

"That's okay. You're my personal heater anyways," he smiled and kissed me softly. The mood changed quickly and I wrapped my arms around his neck tightly. He pulled away quickly and looked at me.

"Addy."

"Hmmm," I kissed him again and he moved away again.

"We don't have too," I looked up at him and tugged his shirt free.

"I want to. I trust you and I..."

"You what?"

"I love you Josh," he smiled and kissed me again.

"I love you too Addy."