The Experience Buddy [Completed]

Chapter 26

Summer.

Ah! Summer!

The season when pubescent boys and girls start to become more aware of their physical changes as they approach manhood and womanhood. The season where Baywatch scenes are a plenty no matter which beach you are at. The season with the weather that provides the best excuse for gym rats and dieters to show off their physique that they've been working so hard on.

Summer.

The sun.

The waves and the sand.

The topless hunks and bikini babes.

"What the hell, Hugh, are you nosebleeding already?" Cheryl cried in shock. And maybe more of disgust rather.

I managed to get time off from work. Anne said that most of the cafe's customers are the students and lecturers anyway, so everyone would probably be off on vacation so the shop won't be busy.

So here we are, gathered in the cafeteria, planning our getaway to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Antelope Island, here we come!

-----

Back in my room, when I was alone, I scribbled an outline of the plans for Hero and I this coming summer in my handy dandy notebook. I kept giggling to myself as I drew multiple hearts around the border of the page. It will be our first trip as a couple.

Itinerary for Hero and I:

Las Vegas

- Fremont Street Experience

- Lake Las Vegas

- Davin's place

Salt Lake City, Utah

- Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake

- Cheryl's grandmother's place

Bakersfield - Home Sweet Home

Reality check, I need to work out the expenses. Nevertheless, I am still super excited.

-----

I heaved in a deep breath the moment I exited the arrival gates of McCarran International Airport. Is this how Las Vegas air smells like?

"This way!" Davin told us as he took the lead.

I was trembling with excitement as I took in my surroundings. The airport was crowded with tourists and the entire place was like an orchestra. Loud chatterings and excited murmurs filled the air, including the occasion wails from infants and cooing from their parents. Coming from outside were whooshing sounds of airplanes taking off and screeching of the wheels when landing. Faint engine sounds of various vehicles on landing strips make up the constant humming melody while thumping sounds of baggage dropping onto the conveyor belts serve as the beats.

"Maybe I should come up with a list of airports and check off those I've been to before." I thought aloud.

"You are so weird." Hero shot me a judgemental look as he took my duffel bag from me and followed after Davin.

"But you like me!" I shouted at his back then took long strides to catch up with the two of them.

Davin's parents came to pick us up and kindly dropped Hero and I at our hotel.

Yes, hotel.

H-O-T-E-L.

Initially I suggested we stay in a backpacker's hostel or something along the lines that is more affordable for my finances. But Hero was strongly against the idea and said that he will pay for our hotel room.