Chapter Four

As we drove to the trekking path, I felt the excitement bubbling internal me. The sun grow to be shining,

and the sky become a incredible blue. It felt like the right day for an adventure. I grew to end up to Jake,

who became targeted on the street. He looked handsome, and I felt fortunate to be with him.

“Are you geared up for this?” I requested, trying to keep the energy immoderate.

“Absolutely! I can’t wait to find out,” he said, glancing at me with a smile. “I’ve heard there are a few

awesome views on the pinnacle.”

“I’ve visible photographs online. It’s supposed to be breathtaking!” I answered, my heart racing at the

idea of achieving the summit collectively.

As we parked the automobile, I took a deep breath, feeling the sparkling air fill my lungs. I stepped out

and stretched, taking inside the beauty spherical us. The bushes swayed gently within the breeze, and I

have to concentrate birds chirping happily.

“Let’s go!” Jake said, grabbing his backpack. I grabbed mine, feeling eager to start our hike.

We walked aspect through side at the trail, enjoying the sunshine filtering through the leaves. The path

turn out to be surrounded by way of manner of tall bushes, and the sound of crunching leaves below our

ft made me feel related to nature.

“So, inform me more about yourself,” Jake said, breaking the comfortable silence. “What do you revel in

doing whilst you’re not trekking?”

I notion for a moment, looking to share a piece of myself with him. “I love studying, mainly romance

novels. They permit me escape into one-of-a-kind worlds. And I experience cooking, too. Trying new

recipes is a amusing challenge for me.”

“Romance novels, huh? You’re a dreamer,” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Maybe a chunk,” I admitted with a shy smile. “What approximately you? What do you want?”

“I’m into photography. I love capturing moments in nature. That’s why I like trekking loads,” he defined.

“It’s a brilliant manner to mix my passions.”

“That’s superb! You want to reveal me a number of your photographs someday,” I stated, without a

doubt curious.

“Definitely! I’d want to,” he responded, his enthusiasm making me smile.

We persisted our hike, chatting and guffawing as we walked. The path began to incline, and I should feel

my coronary coronary heart charge growing. I cherished the feeling of being active, but I became

additionally thankful for Jake’s presence. He made the whole lot feel less complex.

“Do you want to take a ruin?” he asked after some time, noticing my pace slowing.

“Just a short one,” I stated, feeling a hint worn-out however not trying to sluggish him down.

We determined a big rock to sit on. As we took a 2d to entice our breath, I seemed round at the

splendor of the forest. The daylight hours filtered via the leaves, creating a mystical environment. It felt

ideal.

“This vicinity is extremely good,” I stated, smiling at Jake. “I can’t be given as actual with how lovely it is

right here.”

“I recognize, proper? I love getting away from the city and just enjoying nature,” he spoke back, looking

spherical with appreciation.

As we sat together, I felt a experience of calm wash over me. It have become clean to forget

approximately Mia and any concerns I had. All that mattered have become this second.

After a quick break, we persevered on our hike. The course narrowed, and we had to be cautious as we

climbed over a few rocks. I felt a thrill as I navigated the path, understanding Jake became right beside

me.

“Be careful there!” he called out, looking me carefully.

“I’ve were given this!” I responded optimistically, feeling adventurous.

Just then, I out of place my footing on a loose rock and stumbled. I felt myself tipping backward, but in

advance than I can also need to fall, Jake reached out and caught my arm.

“Whoa! I’ve got you!” he said, pulling me again to protection.

“Thanks! That have become close,” I said, laughing nervously.

“You actually need to look at the doorstep,” he stated with a playful grin, however his eyes showed

actual issue.

“I will! I promise,” I stated, feeling a rush of gratitude. I preferred how he cared for me.

As we endured trekking, we mentioned the entirety—our favorite films, song, and dreams for the

future. I cherished studying him better, and the extra we talked, the more I felt a deep connection

among us.

After an hour of hiking, we ultimately reached a clearing. I gasped in awe as I took within the view.

Before us stretched a beautiful vista of rolling hills and valleys, bathed in golden daylight. The sky was

painted with hues of orange and purple.

“Wow! This is fantastic!” I exclaimed, feeling my heart swell with pride.

“Right? This is my preferred part of the hike,” Jake said, stepping toward me. “It makes all the attempt

really worth it.”

I took a 2nd to soak in the beauty. I felt a revel in of peace and happiness wash over me. I couldn’t help

but anticipate that sharing this 2d with Jake made it even more specific.

“Let’s take some pictures!” I recommended, eager to capture the instant.

“Good idea!” he agreed, pulling out his digicam.

I posed in the front of the view, feeling the breeze in my hair. Jake snapped some snap shots, taking

images my real happiness. I couldn’t wait to peer how they have become out.

After some photos, we switched places, and I took pics of him within the front of the breathtaking

panorama. He seemed so satisfied, and I loved considering smile on his face.

Once we finished taking photos, we sat down on a patch of grass, taking a moment to experience the

view. I leaned again, feeling the warmth of the solar on my face.

“I have to live proper here all the time,” I stated, closing my eyes.

“Me too. It’s so non violent,” Jake spoke back, stretching out beside me.

We lay there in snug silence, simply playing the instant. I felt safe and satisfied next to him, and I

couldn’t help however bear in mind how masses I wanted this sense to final.

Suddenly, Jake broke the silence. “You understand, I’m virtually glad we did this. It feels superb with

you. In an extremely good way.”

“Different how?” I requested, beginning my eyes to study him.

“Like, I may be myself around you. You make me sense snug,” he said, his expression sincere.

“I sense the same manner,” I admitted, smiling. “It’s high-quality to be with someone who is aware me.”

He reached out and took my hand, his touch sending a heat spark thru me. “I want us to keep getting

nearer. I like in which that is going.”

My coronary heart raced at his phrases. “Me too. I’m excited about us.”

As we sat there retaining palms, I felt a rush of happiness. This modified into what I

wanted—connection, information, and adventure. But in the again of my mind, I nevertheless worried

about Mia. Would she intrude again? I pushed the idea apart, that specialize within the moment with

Jake.

After a while, we determined it changed into time to move back off. I stood up, dismissing my pants.

“Ready?”

“Yeah, allow’s bypass!” he said, standing beside me.

We made our manner down the trail, and I felt a revel in of contentment wash over me. The manner

Jake checked out me and held my hand made the whole thing enjoy right.

As we walked, we talked more approximately our lives, sharing recollections and goals. It felt clean to

confide in him, and I loved taking note of about his experiences.

Suddenly, as we approached a steep part of the route, I heard a acquainted voice in the back of us.

“Well, properly, if it isn’t my favorite couple.”

I grew to emerge as round, and my belly dropped when I noticed Mia fame there, hands crossed with a

arrogant look on her face.

“What are you doing proper right here?” I asked, searching for to hold my voice regular.

“I changed into simply trekking too. Didn’t count on to see you lovebirds here,” she stated, a hint of

sarcasm in her tone.

Jake seemed irritated. “This isn’t an splendid time, Mia. We’re looking to experience our hike.”

“Oh, I simply desired to warn you,” she stated, smirking. “You want to sincerely watch who you spend a

while with. Some people aren't what they seem.”

“Stop it, Mia. You’re being impolite,” I stated, feeling frustrated. I didn’t want her negativity to smash

our day.

She shrugged. “Just searching out for you. I don’t want you to get harm.”

“We can take care of ourselves,” Jake stated firmly, stepping towards me. I felt reassured by means of

his presence.

Mia rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Just consider, I warned you.”

With that, she grew to become and walked away, leaving me feeling unsettled. I didn’t need her to

interfere anymore.

“Are you okay?” Jake asked, sensing my tension.

“I can be. I definitely don’t recognize why she received’t leave us by myself,” I said, feeling a aggregate

of anger and frustration.

“She doesn’t remember. What matters is you and me,” he said, searching me within the eyes.

“Right. Let’s interest on us,” I replied, taking a deep breath to relax.

We continued our hike down the direction, and I attempted to shake off Mia’s phrases. I preferred to

pay attention on the coolest moments with Jake.

As we reached the lowest of the path, I felt relieved. The hike have been outstanding, and I become

grateful for the time we spent collectively.

“Let’s snatch some ice cream to have amusing our journey!” I advised, trying to cease the day on a

excessive word.

“Great idea! I understand a place close by,” Jake answered with a grin.

We hopped into the automobile and drove to the ice cream

hold. The sweet fragrance of waffle cones wafted via the air as we approached the colourful maintain. I

can also want to look people inside, luckily taking part in their treats.

“Do you have got were given a fave taste?” Jake requested as we walked in.

“I love mint chocolate chip! What approximately you?” I spoke back, scanning the menu on the wall.

“I’m a traditional chocolate man,” he said with a smile. “Can’t flow wrong with it.”

We stepped as much because the counter, and the excellent cashier greeted us. “What can I get for you

these days?”

“I’ll have a scoop of mint chocolate chip, please,” I stated, feeling excited.

“And I’ll take a scoop of chocolate,” Jake introduced.

After we got our ice cream, we stepped outdoor to locate an area to sit down. The solar became though

shining, and a mild breeze made the nice and cozy day sense perfect. We settled on a bench close to the

entrance, searching out at the busy road.

“This is so properly!” I said, taking a massive chunk of my ice cream. The cool mint taste combined with

chocolate chips made me smile.

“Right? I love how it melts for your mouth,” Jake said, taking part in his chocolate cone.

We sat there, eating our ice cream and laughing. I felt honestly comfortable with him. It modified into

fresh to be with someone who understood me so nicely.

As I finished my scoop, I observed Jake looking at me with a playful expression. “You’ve have been given

a little ice cream to your nose,” he stated, pointing with a smirk.

I brief wiped my nostril, guffawing. “Really? I’m this type of mess!”

He chuckled and leaned nearer. “It’s cute. You need to encompass it.”

“Embrace being a mess?” I responded, grinning. “I suppose I’ll skip!”

Jake leaned again, shaking his head in enjoyment. “You’re lovely even as you’re being stupid.”

The compliment made my cheeks warm. I loved how clean it became to comedian story spherical with

him. It felt natural and comforting.

After we finished our ice cream, I leaned again on the bench, feeling happy. “This modified into the

proper prevent to our hike,” I said, looking at Jake. “Thank you for nowadays.”

“Thank you for coming with me. I had a tremendous time,” he spoke back, his eyes shining with

happiness.

“Let’s do it another time quickly,” I suggested, feeling keen to spend more time collectively.

“I’d love that. Maybe subsequent time, we will try a first rate trail?” he proposed.

“Sounds perfect!” I said, already looking ahead to it.

As we stood up to depart, I noticed Mia on foot inside the path people from in the course of the road.

My coronary heart sank as I found out she became headed in our course.

“Uh-oh, looks as if she’s coming over,” I said, feeling a wave of hysteria wash over me.

Jake frowned, really not searching her to interrupt our 2d. “Ignore her. We don’t want to permit her ruin

this.”

I took a deep breath and nodded, determined to live calm. I didn’t need her negativity to ruin my day

with Jake.

“Hey there, lovebirds!” Mia called out, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Nice to peer you collectively.”

“Hi, Mia,” I said, forcing a grin. “What do you want?”

“I just concept I’d prevent via and spot what you’re as much as,” she stated, looking at us with a smug

expression. “Looks inclusive of you had a laugh trekking.”

“Yeah, we did,” Jake spoke back, crossing his fingers. “Is there a hassle with that?”

She shrugged. “Not in any respect. Just checking in. You understand how it's miles. I wouldn’t need you

to get damage.”

“We’re outstanding, Mia,” I said, looking to hold my tone steady. “You don’t need to worry

approximately us.”

“Sure, wonderful. Just hold in thoughts, I’m generally right here if you need a chum,” she stated, a touch

of mockery in her voice.

“Thanks, however I’m acceptable,” I responded, feeling annoyed.

With a conceited smile, she grew to turn out to be to move away. “Okay, have amusing collectively

together with your little ice cream date!” she known as over her shoulder, her laughter echoing as she

walked away.

I sighed as she disappeared from view. “Ugh, she actually is aware of a way to harm a second.”

Jake looked at me, hassle in his eyes. “Don’t permit her get to you. She’s just in search of to provoke

you.”

“I apprehend, but it’s hard no longer to allow her get below my pores and skin,” I admitted, shaking my

head. “I simply want she would depart me by myself.”

“Focus at the splendid matters. Like our hike and ice cream,” Jake stated, seeking to lighten the temper.

“Right. You’re right,” I stated, taking a deep breath to calm myself. “Let’s certainly revel in the rest of the

day.”

We walked once more to the automobile, chatting about our favorite reminiscences from the hike. I felt

grateful to have Jake by way of the use of my facet. His guide made it easier to overlook about Mia’s

negativity.

As we drove lower back to my location, I felt a feel of consolation wash over me. I favored being with

Jake, and I wanted to keep exploring this connection. It felt extraordinary from some thing I had

experienced before.

Once we arrived at my rental, I became to Jake, feeling a aggregate of pleasure and nerves. “Thanks for

nowadays. I genuinely had a great time,” I said simply.

“Me too. I’m honestly happy we went,” he answered, smiling at me.

I hesitated for a moment, not searching the day to give up. “Do you want to are to be had for a piece?

We can hang out and watch a film or something?”

“I’d love that,” he said, his eyes lighting up.

We made our way inner, and I felt a flutter of nerves in my stomach. I wasn’t wonderful what to

anticipate, but I become excited to spend greater time with him.

Once we settled at the sofa, I grabbed the a long way off and searched for a movie. “What do you enjoy

like searching?” I asked, searching through the options.

“Something amusing and mild-hearted. How about a romantic comedy?” Jake advised with a grin.

“Perfect preference!” I stated, finding a movie that regarded desirable. I hit play and leaned decrease

returned, feeling the warm temperature of his presence subsequent to me.

As the movie completed, we laughed and joked approximately the characters. I loved how clean it

modified into to talk to him. I felt like we had stated each extraordinary for lots longer than only some

days.

Halfway through the movie, I observed Jake glancing at me with a playful smile. “You recognize, I think

you’d make a first rate romantic lead in a movie like this.”

“Really?” I stated, amazed and flattered. “I don’t assume I must ever be that cool.”

“You completely can also need to. You’ve were given the charm and the smile,” he stated, his eyes

sparkling with sincerity.

I felt my cheeks heat at his praise. “Thanks! That technique hundreds coming from you.”

As the movie endured, I observed myself getting misplaced in the 2nd. I didn’t need it to surrender. I

loved the manner Jake made me feel, and I wanted to preserve this sense alive.

As the credit rolled, I became to him, feeling bold. “So, what now?”

Jake smiled, leaning a touch closer. “How about we make this a everyday factor? I certainly experience

spending time with you.”

“I’d like that,” I stated, my coronary heart racing.

He paused for a moment, searching into my eyes. “I in reality including you, you realize? There’s a few

factor special about you.”

“I like you too, Jake,” I admitted, feeling a rush of warmth.

He moved a touch nearer, and I need to feel the anxiety within the air. I held my breath, geared up to

look what should take area subsequent.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked, his voice gentle and hesitant.

I nodded, feeling a mixture of pleasure and nerves. “Yes.”

Jake leaned in, and even as our lips met, it felt like fireworks went off interior me. The kiss modified into

slight at the start, and then it deepened, filling me with warm temperature and happiness. I melted into

him, feeling secure and loved.

As we pulled away, I couldn’t assist however smile. “Wow.”

“Wow, indeed,” he replied, his eyes nevertheless locked on mine.

“I’m clearly glad you’re right here,” I said softly, feeling a experience of contentment wash over me.

“Me too,” he stated, brushing a strand of hair in the back of my ear. “I can’t wait to see wherein this is

going.”

“Neither can I,” I said, my coronary heart swelling with desire.

The rest of the night felt like a dream. We talked and laughed, sharing our hopes and goals as we settled

into a cushty rhythm collectively. I felt passionate about what became to return.

But within the returned of my thoughts, I knew that Mia turn out to be however there, lurking. I driven

the notion apart, specializing in Jake and the connection we have been building. I desired to experience

each second and include this new adventure.

As the night time time went on, I observed out I changed into ready to face some thing stressful

conditions got here my manner, specially if it supposed being with Jake. Together, we should deal with

whatever.

And for the number one time in a protracted at the equal time as, I felt truely hopeful.