Always One More.... [Finished]

Day 27

"You really aren't going to tell me where we're going, are you?"

Louis shook his head. "Nope. You'll just have to sit there and wait. You'll like it." I hope.

"Well, then tell me this. How long are we going to be there? You don't usually wake up early unless there's practice or an exam."

"I don't know. However long you want, I guess." Turning the car down a partially hidden road, he smiled. "Don't worry, Karyl. We're almost there."

She rolled her eyes. "We've been in your car for over two hours, after you woke me at five in the morning. This better be worth it." Her deadpan tone lost its weight when he looked over and saw her mock glaring at him.

"It'll be worth it. I promise."

As the car carried them down the overgrown path, Karyl watched out the windows, into the trees. She looked nervous, but when he took her hand in his, the look disappeared and she settled down.

Finally, they got to their destination. Louis parked the car and smiled at Karyl. "Come on."

They left the car, walking through a small, but thick, line of trees.

"Louis, are we..." He heard her breath catch. "Oh, my gosh. Louis, it's..."

He held her hand as he watched her. She stared at the view, eyes wide, hand over her open mouth. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Too awed to speak, Karyl nodded.

Louis looked out at the view.

The lake spread for a couple miles out, the waters still and calm. Trees grew all the way around, creating a type of wild life preserve. Swans, geese, ducks, and so many other birds, not to mention critters and fish, were everywhere.

And in the center of the lake, surrounded by the animals and waters, on a small island no bigger around than Louis's car, grew a huge White Oak tree. The branches stretched out over the waters, providing shade for the inhabitants of the lake. Nests were perched all over the branches, and baby birds were easily visible through the breaks in the thick, heavy covers of leaves.

Staying quiet, he led Karyl down to where the waters splashed up against the ground. He took off his shoes and socks, sat down, and let his feet sit in the water.

Karyl joined him.

They sat there for several minutes, neither speaking. Not wanting to break the serene peace, the blissful silence that stretched between them.

Louis finally decided to break the awe-inspired silence. "So, you like it, right?" He looked at her, his feet swinging in the cool water.

Karyl nodded. "It's absolutely beautiful. How did you find this?"

He let out a barking laugh. "Mistake. One night of drinking, making the stupid mistake of stealing my friend's car, running out of gas, stumbling through the woods trying to get back. I fell asleep in the clearing where the car is." He leaned back, bracing on his elbows. "I found this the next morning when I woke up with the worst hangover ever."

She giggled. "Seriously? That's how you found this place?"

"Yep." He grinned. "Still don't remember much from the night before, but I've loved coming here ever since. It's my secret. My special place. I come here whenever I've got something bothering me or something I'm trying to deal with."

"Hmm. It's amazing." She met his gaze. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Louis."

He shrugged. "You're leaving in a few days. I thought I'd show you something amazing... Just like you."