"Catching Feelings (Part 2 to One Night Stand)"

"Doves"

As Jay was finding a comfortable position on the bed, his leg accidentally grazed Summer's leg.

Jay: Oh, sorry.

Summer ignored it. Jay had to be honest with himself, he longed to be closer to her. He wanted to hold her. Summer's mind kept her awake with thoughts of the events of the day. She couldn't sleep. Summer turned around & Jay turned around as well. They were now both facing each other.

Jay: Can't sleep?
Summer: No, I just can't shake my mind of off that couple today.
Jay: Will & Connie?
Summer: Yeah. Jay, what you did out there was incredible. You were a hero today.

Jay: It was timing that's all it was.
Summer: Well I'd say that the timing worked out in your favor.
Jay: The timing worked out in Will's favor.

The two continued to talk into the early hours of the morning. Summer nodded off to sleep while telling Jay a story from her past. Jay pulled the sheet over Summer's body & he soon fell asleep while watching her sleep.

Summer woke up the next morning to find that she was holding on to Jay's chest & her head was resting in the crook of his arm. His arms were also wrapped around her. She slowly got up & out of his arms, trying not to wake him.

As she was getting ready for the day, Jay too woke up from his sweet slumber. It was now midday & they had slept in the whole morning. Jay sat up & rubbed his eyes. He turned to see Summer in the doorway putting on her jewelry. The two exchanged a smile. Jay got out of bed & fluffed the pillows & pulled the covers up to straighten the bed. Summer was slipping on her bedazzled flip flops & was wearing white shorts & a pink chiffon top.

Summer: What's the agenda for today?
Jay: You're probably gonna wanna change your outfit..
Summer: Why?
Jay: We're young hiking?
Summer: Hiking? Do we have to?
Jay: It'll be fun.
Summer: I'm just not in the mood for hiking today. May I sit this one out?
Jay: Summer, it's a couples' activity.
Summer: Can't we find some other activity?
Jay: Wait, are we actually arguing... like a real couple?

Summer shook her head, but was smiling.

After the two quickly changed into hiking gear, they headed out of the villa & had brunch at a cafe by the shore. It was a cute spot with other couples already sipping their coffees & munching on their brunch dishes. Summer & Jay were seated & placed their order. Jay noticed that Summer was staring blankly out at the ocean.

Jay: Hey...
Summer: Sorry, the water is a bit distracting.
Jay: Only if it's not the main view.
Summer: Well, what's the main view?
Jay: That depends on personal perspective.

Summer smiled & sipped her coffee.

Summer: Jay...
Jay: Hmm?
Summer: I really enjoyed our conversation this morning.
Jay: You mean our pillow talk?

Summer playfully hit Jay.

Summer: Can you please be serious?
Jay: Ok, ok... I enjoyed it too.

After brunch, Jay & Summer followed the hiking group for their instructions for their hike. Jay & Summer were grouped with 5 other people. 2 other couples & their hiking guide, Kavah. Jay & Summer looked around as they gathered at the base of the hike & realized they were the youngest couple there. They smiled & nodded at all the compliments the older ones were throwing at them. Summer zipped up her jacket & tightened the strap on her fanny  pack.
Jay: You ready?
Summer: As ready as I'll ever be.
Jay: You got this! It looks like an easy hike. Come on, if these grandmas can do it, you can do it.

Jay held on to Summer's hand. By this time, Summer wasn't even phased whenever she & Jay held hands. It was becoming close to second nature to do so, after all, they were "married". Kavah quickly explained that they'd know they reached the top & end of the hike when they saw doves flying about.

Kavah: Legends of this very island say that if the doves flock to you, that you & your lover are true soulmates. But that's just a myth. As your hike guide, we're paid to say silly things like this.

The other couples laughed & giggled at the dove story. The hike started out easy. They trailed through the trees where the path was paved. As the trail began to incline, the paved path started to disappear  & they now had to depend on the Kavah to guide them. The hike was starting to get a bit more challenging. Some of the hikers had stopped for a drink of water, others stopped to catch their breathe.
Summer stopped Jay.

Jay: We're just getting started.

Jay turned around to see that the older couples were getting tired.

Kavah: What's your name, sir?

Jay held out his hand to shake Kavah's hand.

Jay: It's Jay. This is Summer.
Kavah: Your wife is beautiful if I may say so.
Jay: She sure is.
Kavah: You look like you're in top shape.
Jay: I could hike all day if you'd let me.
Kavah: Ah... I had a feeling you'd say that. Here's the thing, this part of the group seems to want to take a break & honestly may not make it all the way up. The rest of the trail is just straight up this path. There aren't any turns or twists. You're gonna hike 2 more miles up & hit the doves' nest & then hike down 1 mile until you hit the waterfall.
Summer: Waterfall?
Kavah: Yes, & the natural springs are made up of warm water. Feel free to go swimming once you reach that point. I will lead this part of the group through a mile short cut to the waterfall.
Jay: So you're saying we can go on our own?
Kavah: Well, you signed the waiver didn't you?

Jay & Summer looked confused.

Kavah: Kidding! I'm kidding! You should see the look on your faces... Anyways, Mr. Jay, is that something you & your wife are able to do?

Jay turned to Summer.

Jay: What do you think?
Summer: Let's do this!
Kavah: Alright, enjoy the hike, you two.

Jay & Summer set out to hike the rest of the trail on their own. Summer knew that Jay was well-verse in survival skills so she wasn't worried at all. Jay loved hiking & was enjoying every minute of this hike. Just as Kavah mentioned, the hiking trail was a straight path. After a while, they reached the top. They were both sweaty & breathing heavily. The climb was worth it because the view was just spectacular.

Summer stood at the top & looked all around her. She felt like she was on top of the world & that all her worries were behind her. She spread her arms out & as the rays of the sun beat down on her skin she took a deep breath of the fresh air. Jay watched as Summer looked happy & free. Nothing made him happier than to see her happy. He walked up to her & held her for a moment.

Summer: Jay...
Jay: Shh, don't say anything, Summer.

Summer looked Jay in the eyes as he spoke to her.

Jay: Summer, the other day when I told you I loved you, I meant everything I said. You are the first & only girl I've ever loved.
Summer: Jay...
Jay: Let me love you, Summer.

Summer let Jay hold her, touch her & then she let him kiss her. She closed her eyes as Jay leaned in closer. His lips touched hers & for a moment he took her breath away. She kept her eyes closed as they kissed. He closed his eyes as he wrapped his arms around Summer & kissed her. They both opened their eyes to a flock of doves flying around them. Kavah & the rest of the group actually caught up to Jay & Summer & made it to the top just as the doves flew around them. The group was in awe.

Kavah: This is the first time I've ever seen this. I didn't believe the stories myself. But this... this is it.

The older couples, along with Kavah clapped as Summer & Jay held each other close. Summer giggled & Jay smiled as the birds slowly flew away. The whole group hiked down towards the waterfall which marked the end of the entire trail. Everyone cheered as they removed their backpacks, jackets & outer layers to dip into the warm springs.

Summer & Jay shared another moment together in the warm springs holding each other & enjoying the soothing feel of the water.