Runaway

Chapter 5: Always There (Reo)

"We're here, Jenny!" I smile gently. She looks lost in thought as she quietly hums to herself.

I should probably tap her shoulder so she knows we're here. That always seems to work for her.

I tap her shoulder gently and she jumped slightly, almost slapping me. "Oh my. You must've been pretty lost into thought there, Jenny. You alright there?"

"Oh, me? Yeah. I'm all good." Jenny looks anxious, but I don't want to press her on it. She's been having a crazy past few days and I'd rather her be chill other than breakdown or something. I smile and pat her shoulder.

 "That's good to hear." She smiles and nods, then opens her door and takes a deep breath. 

"We should probably get our stuff settled, then head to Garden of the Gods." Jenny smiled.

I nod. "Great idea, Jenny!" 

"I guess so. Anyway, can you help me with the luggage?" Jenny sighs. I nod and open the trunk. "Here ya go!" Jenny smiles slightly and grabs 2 suitcases. "Need any help with that Jenny?" 

"No thanks." She tries to maintain her fake smile, but the smile fades before she's even entered the hotel. I sigh, grab the last suitcase, close the trunk and walk towards the entrance. I take another deep breath and see Jenny in the lobby, waiting for me to get the room key. I walk over to Jenny and smile "I'll go get the key and be right with you." She smiles slightly, a real smile this time. 

I've made her smile. For real. Good job Reo!

I flash a smile to Jenny, then walk over to the receptionist. "Hey, can I get the keys to my room?"

"Sure, whats your name?"

"Reo. Reo Yoshino."

"Ok. One moment, sir." She began typing the name into the computer and sighed gently. "Room 188. Let me find the key. I'll be right back." She smiled gently, then walked into a separate room connected to the reception desk. I wait patiently for 2, 3 minutes and she's back with 2 cards. "Here you are, sir. Have a good stay!"

"Thank you ma'am."

"You're welcome."

I walk back over to Jenny and smile. "I got the keys." 

. . . 

Soon enough, we got all the luggage in the hotel and we were ready to go sight-seeing. 

"Ready to see some good views?"

She smiles gently and nods. "Sure, Reo."

 . . . 

I take the keys out of the car. "Let's go!" I flash a smile. She nods and opens the door. I open my door, get out of the car, then close it behind me. "I hope you like the view as much as I do." She gets out and closes the door behind her. "I hope you like walking, Jenny, because we'll be walking a lot." 

She sighs gently and smiles. "Of course, I like walking. Especially with company." 

.  .  . 

We reach the top and I sit down. "I'm so exhausted." I wipe the sweat from my brow and look over at Jenny. She takes a deep exhale. "I'm exhausted too" She sits beside me and looks at the view. "The view is worth it though, isn't it Jenny?"

"Absolutely" 

The sun makes her eyes look like sapphires. She looks like she's from a different world right now. She's always looked beautiful to me, but now she's looks phenomenal. 

We sit in silence for a moment, admiring the view, then she turns to me. "Were you telling the truth earlier?" 

"What statement?"

"When you said you liked me?"

I feel my face become warmer and I blush. "Well, yeah, I did. Of course, you know, we've been friends forever, how could I not like my friend? You know?" I had been trying to avoid eye contact when she asked, but I can still feel her deep stare. 

"As friends or more?"

I turn to look at her, but look away again. "A bit more than friends."

She puts her arm on my shoulder, "only a bit?" She smirks.

"Ok, fine. I'll admit it. I don't just like you. I love you!" I hear it echo, over and over. Then she moves her hand to my cheek and looks me in the eyes.