THE SWEETEST SIN(BxB)

26: The Ocean.

CARL.

"My name is Evans Cook, your tour guide. I hope that your accommodation at the resort was remarkable." A stubby guy with auburn hair and splotches of freckles on his face, introduced himself. My mom and Mrs. Hanna were standing on either side of the tour guide, smiles glued to their faces. After breakfast, our presence was requested at the resort's auditorium for a briefing before the tour of the National Park commenced.

The buzz of my phone pinched my attention from Mr. Cook's speech. I already knew who the sender of the text was because he had sent a bunch of texts in the last ten minutes.

I didn't want to talk to him right now. I was pissed at him for the way he acted towards Lorenzo. The guy has been nothing short of good to Gavin but Gavin doesn't waste an opportunity to attack him. Lorenzo is my friend and it irks me that Gavin doesn't get along with him.

Carlito, I'm sorry. Please talk to me. Please pretty please. I read the 20th text he had sent. A smile attempted to creep to my lips but I was quick to shirk it.

I know I acted immaturely but I was just trying to get to the bottom of something. Please forgive me. He sent another text.

If you don't want to talk to me then at least look at me. I'm seated behind you to your left. He just didn't know when to stop. My neck was itching to turn around but that stubborn voice in my head was constantly warning me not to look. He sent another text which I didn't care to read. In fact, I shut down my phone. My attention and focus was on Mr. Cook, the tour guide who was narrating the history of the national park.

"Before it became a national park, red wood used to be occupied by Native Americans who spoke many different languages and held numerous distinct identities. They lived in villages that dotted the coast and major rivers. These villages were politically independent yet linked to each other through economic, social and religious ties, food sources important to the natives included elk, fish, nuts, berries and seeds."

"I have a question." A voice which I recognized as Gavin's stated. Wait, Gavin is asking a question in class? He never does that. I admit, it's a nice change.

"Yes, young man." The tour guide commended.

"Did the natives eat the fish raw or did they like fry it? Also did they have fire back then? How exactly did they cook their fish?" His question triggered a few chuckles in the room.

"That's a good question. The natives roasted and smoked their fish because back then we had fire. Some of them preferred to eat their fish raw, like sushi. I hope that answers your question." The guide replied.

"Yeah it does. Thank you."

"Let's proceed. The natives lived in traditional homes which were constructed using planks split from fallen redwoods. Their houses were built over pits dug beneath the building, with the space between the pit and the walls forming a natural bench. It is believed that the redwood that formed its planks was the body of one of the spirit beings. The spirit beings were believed to be a divine race who existed before humans in the redwood region." He narrated.

"So like ghosts?" A student inquired.

"Knew that there are ghosts in this place. I can feel their energy everywhere." Another insinuated, triggering terrified shrieks from the congregation.

"Calm down, there are no ghosts in red wood. At least none that I am aware of." Mr. Cook assured.

"That doesn't sound very convincing." A girl addressed, prompting a debate which concluded with Mr. Cook as the winner.

Later, Mr.Cook gave an introduction of the plants, animals and ecosystems of the national park then distributed pamphlets, caps, T-shirts and boots that have the park's logo on it.