7 Year Itch

5. Hike

"Right, are we ready to go?" Jacob said as he walked into the room, keys in hand and sunglasses on. I sighed and walked up to him removing the sunglasses from his face to reveal the tired eyes beneath.

"Yes, but are you sure this is a good idea. You still don’t look 100%. I'd rather stay here or just go somewhere close by. How about that little beach café that serves the best courgettes!" I eagerly suggested.

"They are the best I've ever had, but nope. I feel fine and we are going. I'm not spending this holiday or my birthday just moping around and feeling ill."

"Fine" I sighed, "But if you want to go out tonight then once we get back you are having a nap without complaining"

He smirked "Yes, Ma'am."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t keep the smile off my face at his suggestive look "I'm serious. You will be sleeping" He hummed in response before giving me a promising kiss and taking the bag from me. I stood there for a second, before I grabbed my phone and followed him out the door to the truck.

"Morning." Lindsey smiled as we got to the bottom of the stairs. "oh I see you are still going on your little hike.." she said with worry whilst glancing down at our bags.

"Yes, as much as I tried to discourage him, Jacob is adamant that he is okay and doing this."

"Honestly, Lindsey I fell great, my energy has sky rocketed. I can't spend another minute sleeping, I just want to go out there and explore."

"Hmm. If you're sure. Though I recommend you take it easy and come back if you start feeling bad. You have our numbers right?" she asked not believing Jacob was as well as he claimed.

"Yes we do thank you Lindsey. I changed our plans slightly, so we are only taking the Yellow Track instead of the Purple one. It’s a lot shorter and not as steep, but still has a fantastic viewing spot for our picnic."

"Maybe we should come with you. Give me ten minutes to grab some bits.."

Jacob interrupted her "That's kind of you to offer, but we will be fine. Come on Ella".

I smiled to Lindsey and gave a little wave as he pulled me towards the truck. I looked back and saw Lindsey calling someone on her phone as we drove away. Hmm, I hoped we hadn't offended her by declining her offer.

We parked the truck at the beginning of the track and followed the wooden signs through the trees as we slowly climbed the hill. Jacob was practically bouncing and I had to ask him to slow down a few times, usually it’s the other way round. When he said he was bursting with energy he really meant it. The trees were dense but the path was clear and dry, having been used many a time before us.

We reached the middle of the trail, which was the spot I chose for his birthday picnic and I couldn’t have been happier with my decision. The trees opened up to a cliff edge lined with three picnic benches and a fire pit surrounded by low stone benches. There was a fence that ran along the cliff edge and you could see the valley below, the cliffs either side and the beach and sea in the distance. As the sky was so clear today, you could even make out the mountains on the mainland. I smiled as I wrapped my arm around Jacob, and just looked out at the view with him for a couple of moments.

"This is perfect. You're perfect. Thank you so much for arranging this" he said softly followed by a kiss to my temple.

I looked up at him and smiled "Happy Birthday" as I pulled his lips to mine. As there was no one else around, he kissed me back, wrapping his arms around my waist to pull me closer.  We were still in a public place, so I push him away to stop things going any further with a giggle.