The Sequoias

Chapter 11

I took our trash and disposed of it. Refilled my water and set us on the trail that would lead back to the Birthing Tree. I was excited and happy to just be out in my favorite place, with my favorite lady. "This will be a trail rather than a designated path. The wildlife out here is left along so watch your step."

I saw what he meant by trail. I nodded. "What kind of wildlife?"

"Birds, rabbits, foxes, rodents, spiders and insects, snakes, small lizards; you know the typical forest-dwelling creatures."

I didn't want to show that I was a little nervous, so I put on a brave face and smiled at him. I might be afraid of snakes and spiders, but he didn't need to know that. "Okay. Lead on."

"Okay." The trail was a loop and was one way to avoid people getting hurt and having to have a wide trail through the forest. "We can wander a bit off the trail here next time we're up okay? For now. I'd like to stick to the trail."

"I'm good with that." Most of the trail was uneventful and quite beautiful. Before long a noise to the left caught my attention and I screamed. I saw a striped snake slither across the trail in front of me.

"What is it?"

'I pointed at the snake. "Sn-sn..." I was trying not to cry.

I watched the little snake slither away and took her shoulders in my hands. "It's gone now, honey. All gone." I rubbed her shoulders and pulled her to me. "It's okay. It's okay. Breathe."

I concentrated on getting my breathing under control. I buried my face into his shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I'm guessing those scare you?"

I nodded. "And spiders."

"Noted. Anything else I need to be aware of?" I am not afraid of either of those things. In fact, most animals and creatures that live on the land I am perfectly okay with. Ocean creatures -- A-whole-nother-story. I rubbed her back. Held her for a moment longer then detached her from me. "You ready?"

I took a few deep steadying breaths and swallowed a couple of times. "Y-yeah. I think so." I wiped my face. "I don't think there's anything else."

"Okay," I whispered softly. "I'll snuggle you close when we get back to the lodge, okay?" I stole one more hug and looked around before I kissed the top of her head. "We'll finish this trail then we'll head back."

"Okay." I let him lead the way to the tree. It was pretty neat and I could see why it was called the birthing tree. I was very tired by the time we made it back to the car. "Thank you so much for today."

"Sure thing. Tomorrow we'll go see the General Sherman tree and read all the stuff about these giant trees. We'll take our time. It'll be fun." I smiled again. Took her hand and kissed the back of it before pulling out of the parking space and getting us set on our way to our temporary home. "I'm glad no one stopped us today."

"Me too." I yawned and relaxed against my seat. I only closed my eyes for a second, I swear. When I opened them again, we were back at the lodge and he was laughing at me.

"Never fails." I shook my head. "C'mon princess. Let's get changed for dinner. I'm hungry."

I stretched. "Do we have time for a shower? Do I need to dress nice?"

"You ask too many questions." I laughed again. I opened her car door for her. "You're funny." I was really amused by her thought process. I'm driven by music, sex, and food and likely in that order. She seemed to be driven by sleep, showers, sex -- probably my fault -- and maybe food but only when she was actually hungry enough to make her stomach complain. "Really cute and funny. I love it."

I giggled and scrunched up my face. "That didn't answer any of my questions."

"No it doesn't, but it doesn't change things. You're still funny." I stood between her and the open car door stopping her from actually exiting the space as she climbed out of the car, stole a hug then kissed the top of her head. "Yes. There's time for you to take a shower. Did you bring fancy clothes? We're just going over to the restaurant to eat. Shorts and a tee are fine. I think." I kissed her nose and backed away so she could move and I could shut the car door. I locked the car and turned for the door. I had forgotten the do not disturb sign so the room had been cleaned. It smelled fresh and clean. "Nice."

"Nothing fancy. I ended up packing both dresses. I have lots of shorts and t-shirts though." I noticed that the place had been cleaned. It was nice. "I guess we'll just have to mess it up again, huh." I winked at him and headed for the shower.

"Sounds like a plan." I headed for my guitar. My fingers had been itching all day to play her. I sat on the floor and strummed her strings. I felt my heart smile.

I scrubbed the woods and sweat off of me. He was still playing his guitar when I got out. "I will never get tired of listening to you play." I sighed and danced around as I got dry, dressed, and ready to go out the door.

"Huh. Oh! Thanks." I set my guitar down and stood up. "Nice." I was ready to eat I just needed an affirmative. I stepped over to her and stole a soft kiss, then clung to her tightly for a few moments. I stepped back. "You look nice, like always." I offered her my hand knowing I let it go the moment we were on the other side of the door.

"Mmm. Thank you. Just jean shorts and a t-shirt and some sandals." I took the offered hand and followed him wherever he wanted to take me.

"If you ask me, that is perfect." When we got to the restaurant it was a bit crowded which made me rather uncomfortable. "Want to order to-go and eat in the room?" I damn near had to shout it to be heard over the noise of the place. It was a bit overwhelming after spending the day in the peacefulness of the forest.

I nodded and grabbed a couple of menus. I pointed out my order of a steak sandwich and onion rings to him. Going back to our room sounded perfect to me.

I nodded and found the meal I wanted. I placed the order. "We'll wait outside. Will that be alright?"

"Sure thing, Avi."

"Thanks." I looked at Lizzie. "Should have left my hair up and kept the sunglasses on." There was a bench outside that was big enough for us to sit plus one or two more. "Wanna sit?"

I moved to the bench and sat down. It was not crowded outside. I hoped our food didn't take too long.

"Did you have a nice day, other than the opposite of friend that passed your path, was it a good day? Did you like it?"

"I had an amazing day. I am so happy that you brought me here. It's so much different in person than it is in pictures."

"Oh, yes. I've rarely seen a picture that could capture all of that -- " I waved my hand around in the air in front of me as I searched for the word. "Majesty." I gave up and blurted out. "I absolutely love it out here."