Chapter Three

The solar peeked through the curtains the following morning, casting a heat glow across the room. I stretched and turned over, looking forward to to find Jake nonetheless asleep subsequent to me. But the spot changed into empty. A rush of panic hit me as I sat up, scanning the room for any sign of him. Had he left?

Just as the worry crept in, I heard the sound of pots and pans clanging from the kitchen. Relief washed over me. I were given away from bed and slipped on a t-shirt and a few shorts, then made my manner closer to the kitchen.

When I entered, I found Jake status by using the stove, flipping pancakes with a grin on his face. “Morning! Hope you’re hungry,” he said, glancing again at me.

“Wow, examine you! Chef Jake, huh?” I teased, on foot over to offer him a brief percent on the cheek.

He grinned, clearly pleased. “I idea I’d wonder you. I realize breakfast is your favourite meal.”

“You surely did! Pancakes are my favored.” I leaned in opposition to the counter, watching him cook dinner. The scent of vanilla crammed the air, and my belly growled in reaction.

“Almost performed!” he called out, pouring more batter onto the skillet. “I made extra, just if you want seconds.”

“Or thirds!” I laughed, imagining the fluffy pancakes piled excessive on my plate.

After a couple of minutes, he plated the pancakes and delivered fresh berries on top. “Here you move! Dig in.”

I took a seat on the small kitchen desk and dug in. The pancakes were soft and fluffy, and I couldn’t assist but let loose a satisfied moan with each chew. “These are awesome! You’ve outdone your self.”

“Thanks! I intention to delight,” he stated, sitting across from me and playing his own breakfast.

As we ate, I couldn’t shake the feeling that today become essential. We have been purported to cross trekking, and I felt a combination of excitement and anxiety. I wanted to enjoy our time collectively however was nevertheless concerned approximately Mia.

Once we completed consuming, I cleared the dishes at the same time as Jake washed the pans. “So, what time do you need to move out?” I requested, looking to sound informal.

“Let’s go away around ten. It’s speculated to be a perfect day for hiking,” he responded, drying his palms.

“Sounds good! I’ll percent us a few snacks.” I grabbed a bag and started out filling it with granola bars, fruit, and multiple water bottles.

As I worked, I felt Jake’s eyes on me. I grew to become to see him watching with a gentle smile. “You’re clearly properly at this, you understand. I love seeing you so happy.”

“Thanks,” I stated, feeling my cheeks flush. “I simply need us to have a excellent day.”

“We will,” he said hopefully. “I promise.”

After packing everything we wanted, I quickly changed into my trekking gear—comfortable shorts and a fitted tank pinnacle. I felt equipped for the day, and I hoped it might carry us closer collectively.

At ten o’clock, we hopped into Jake’s automobile, the pleasure humming among us. The pressure to the trailhead become filled with track and laughter, and I couldn’t assist however scouse borrow glances at him. He appeared so carefree, and I desired to experience that manner too.

When we arrived, I took a deep breath of sparkling air. The fragrance of pine and wildflowers stuffed my lungs, making me sense alive. “This place is stunning!” I exclaimed, searching round.

“It absolutely is. I come here every time I want to clear my head,” Jake said, stepping out of the auto and stretching. “It’s my favourite spot.”

We started our hike along the well-marked path, surrounded with the aid of tall bushes and chirping birds. I took inside the sights and sounds, feeling grateful to be right here with Jake. As we walked, I attempted to push thoughts of Mia out of my mind. I wanted to consciousness on us and the a laugh we ought to have today.

About twenty mins into the hike, we reached a perspective that neglected a glowing lake. The sun glinted off the water, growing a wide ranging scene. I gasped, stepping closer to the edge.

“This is awesome!” I said, looking at Jake. “I can’t trust how beautiful it's far up right here.”

“Right? It’s one of the excellent perspectives,” he replied, status beside me. He took my hand and gave it a mild squeeze.

We stood there for a moment, just taking it all in. I felt the tension in my chest begin to ease as I loved this second of peace with him.

“Let’s take a photograph!” I counseled, pulling out my smartphone. Jake agreed, and we posed with big smiles, the lake stretching out behind us.

After snapping some pics, we persisted our hike, chatting approximately the entirety and nothing. I learned greater approximately Jake’s childhood and the way he spent his weekends in nature. He appeared so open, and I loved listening to his memories.

But simply as I turned into starting to sense absolutely comfortable, I heard a acquainted voice calling from behind. “Jake! Hey, wait up!”

I iced over. My heart sank as I became to peer Mia strolling up the trail. She regarded sparkling and prepare, like she had just come from a photoshoot. My belly twisted with tension.

“Hey, Mia,” Jake stated, his voice particularly calm. I glanced at him, uncertain the way to react.

“What are you doing here?” she requested, her tone friendly however her eyes scanning me.

“We’re simply hiking,” Jake replied, trying to keep the mood light. “What about you?”

“Oh, I come here all of the time. I love this path,” she stated, crossing her arms and looking at me. “Looks such as you  are having a high-quality time.”

I pressured a smile, feeling the load of her gaze. “Yeah, it’s lovely out here.”

Mia tilted her head, seemingly amused. “Glad to peer you’re making new buddies, Jake.”

Jake glanced at me, and I should see the anxiety in his shoulders. “Mia, that is distinctive. I’m truely trying to recognition on my dating with her.”

I felt a mix of gratitude and anxiety at his phrases. I desired to believe him, but the presence of Mia became making it difficult.

Mia’s expression modified barely, as though she didn’t like what he stated. “Oh, I see. Well, I just desired to mention hello. Enjoy your hike!” She flashed a smile that didn’t pretty attain her eyes earlier than turning to stroll away.

I sighed, feeling a hurry of feelings. “That was… uncomfortable,” I admitted, seeking to shake it off.

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that. I didn’t recognise she’d be right here,” Jake stated, rubbing the returned of his neck. “But I intended what I stated. You’re my consciousness now.”

“Okay,” I said, taking a deep breath. “Let’s try and overlook about her and experience the rest of our hike.”

“Definitely,” he stated, looking at me with sincerity. “I’m right here for you.”

As we endured down the trail, I attempted to shake off the stumble upon. The clean air helped clean my mind, and soon I located myself guffawing at something stupid Jake stated. We made our manner to a clearing, in which the bushes spread out to expose some other stunning view.

“Wow!” I exclaimed, taking all of it in. The valley beneath changed into full of colorful wildflowers, and a mild breeze rustled the leaves round us.

“This spot is perfect for a spoil,” Jake advised, plopping down on a massive rock. I joined him, feeling the warm temperature of the solar on my pores and skin.

“Let’s have a snack,” I said, achieving into the backpack I had packed. I pulled out the granola bars and fruit, handing him a bar.

“Thanks,” he said, unwrapping it. We sat there, taking part in the view and our snacks in comfortable silence.

After a few moments, Jake became to me, his expression extreme. “I actually need to make this work, you recognize. I like you loads, and I don’t want Mia to smash it.”

“I need that too,” I spoke back, feeling my coronary heart race. “But I need to see that you imply it. I can’t hold thinking in case you’ll move back to her.”

“I promise, I won’t. I’ll do whatever it takes to expose you the way a whole lot you mean to me,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine. There changed into dedication in his gaze, and I felt a hurry of hope.

“Okay,” I stated, smiling slightly. “Let’s cognizance on us.”

We finished our snacks, and I felt lighter, as though the load of the arena turned into starting to raise. I knew there might still be challenges, however I became inclined to strive.

After our wreck, we determined to keep hiking. The trail led us deeper into the woodland, and we chatted approximately our favourite movies and song, discovering greater matters we had in not unusual. It felt smooth and natural, and I loved those moments with him.

As we walked, I observed how Jake took the lead, declaring exciting flora and birds. I loved seeing this aspect of him—informed and passionate. It made me admire him even greater.

After an hour or so, we reached another perspective. This one became even extra breathtaking, with mountains stretching some distance into the distance. I took a deep breath, feeling thankful for this moment.

“Let’s take every other photograph,” I suggested, pulling out my phone once more.

Jake smiled and we posed, this time with the mountains in the back of us. I felt a wave of happiness as I snapped the photo. This day changed into turning into certainly one of my favorites.

“Let’s make a promise,” Jake said all at once, a severe appearance on his face.

“A promise? What sort of promise?” I asked, curious.

“Let’s promise to be sincere with each other. No secrets, no hiding feelings. If something bothers us, we talk about it. Deal?” he said, extending his hand.

I taken into consideration his words. It changed into an amazing idea, and I desired to be open with him. “Deal,” I replied, shaking his hand. I felt a experience of commitment between us, and it made me smile.

After our promise, we sat on a rock, playing the view and the silence of the woodland. It felt non violent, and I cherished being here with him. I ought to see the manner the solar illuminated his face, making him appearance even more good-looking.

“What are you thinking about?” Jake requested, noticing my gaze.

“Just how best this is. I feel satisfied,” I stated, searching into his eyes.

“Me too,” he spoke back softly. “I’m sincerely glad we’re doing this.”

After some moments of silence, I glanced at my cellphone to test the time. “We should in all likelihood start heading again soon. I need to ensure we get returned before dark.”

“Good idea. Let’s move,” he stated, status up and presenting me his hand. I took it, feeling the warmth of his contact.

As we made our manner back down the path, I felt more comfortable than I had earlier. I centered at the splendor around me—the sounds of birds singing and the rustle of leaves within the wind. I become happy to be with Jake, and I felt hopeful approximately wherein our relationship changed into going.

But as we walked, my thoughts drifted again to Mia. Would she depart us by myself? I didn’t need to worry about her, however it become hard not to.

“Are you k?” Jake asked, sensing my change in temper.

“Yeah, I’m great. Just thinking about things,” I spoke back, seeking to maintain my tone light.

“You can tell me if something is bothering you. Remember our promise?” he encouraged.

I sighed, finding out to be honest. “It’s just... What if Mia maintains coming round? I don’t need her to come between us.”

Jake stopped taking walks and became to stand me. “I promise I’ll take care of it. I don’t want her to spoil what we have. You’re greater essential to me.”

His phrases made my coronary heart flutter. I believed him. “Thank you. That manner plenty.”

We persisted our hike, and I felt lighter. I became decided to cognizance on us and now not permit something else get in the manner.

As we reached the car, I observed the sun became starting to set, casting a warm orange glow across the sky. It turned into stunning, and I wanted to seize the instant.

“Let’s take one extra photo!” I said, pulling out my smartphone again.

We posed subsequent to the auto, the sundown inside the history. I felt thankful for nowadays, and I desired to take into account it for all time.

“Today turned into outstanding,” I said, as I saved the photo. “I virtually had amusing.”

“Me too. We must do that greater often,” Jake answered, searching at me with warm temperature in his eyes.

“Definitely! How approximately subsequent weekend?” I recommended.

“Sounds ideal. I’ll plan it,” he said with a grin.

As we drove returned to my region, I felt enthusiastic about the future. I wanted to spend more time with Jake, and I was hoping things would continue to grow between us.

When we arrived, I turned to him with a smile. “Thanks for nowadays. It turned into wonderful.”

“Anytime. I’m actually glad we went,” he said, leaning in to present me a gentle kiss.

My coronary heart raced at his touch. “I’m searching forward to our subsequent journey.”

“Me too,” he responded, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “But for now, I should get going. I actually have a few things to attend to at domestic.”

“Okay. I recognize,” I stated, feeling a touch disillusioned. But I knew we had to be accountable too.

After pronouncing our goodbyes, I watched as he drove away. The solar had set absolutely, and the celebrities started to twinkle in the night sky. I felt a mix of emotions—happiness for the day we had collectively, however also a hint of worry about what would possibly occur next.

Once inner my apartment, I attempted to loosen up, but my mind stored drifting again to Mia. I picked up my cellphone and decided to textual content Jake.

Me: Thanks once more for today! I had an exquisite time. Can’t watch for our subsequent hike!

I hit ship and waited for a reply. While I waited, I attempted to distract myself with a movie. But I couldn’t focus. My thoughts kept circling again to Jake and Mia.

A short while later, my smartphone buzzed. It turned into Jake.

Jake: I had an awesome time too! We’ll make more super memories together.

I smiled at his message. It made me feel a bit better.

Me: I really wish so. Let’s keep our promise, ok?

Jake: Absolutely. You mean loads to me.

His words warmed my heart. I felt grateful to have a person like him in my lifestyles. But simply as I turned into starting to loosen up, my smartphone buzzed again. This time, it become a text from Mia.

Mia: Hey! I saw you with Jake today. I desire you know what you’re getting into. He’s no longer what you watched he is.

A relax ran down my backbone. What did she suggest? I quick typed a response.

Me: What do you mean?

But I hesitated earlier than sending it. I didn’t want to get dragged into drama. Instead, I decided to disregard her message. I wanted to consider Jake and no longer allow Mia's words get to me.

I grew to become off my phone and settled onto the sofa, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling in my stomach. I could consciousness on what I had with Jake, now not what Mia desired me to believe.

The rest of the night become quiet. I watched a few more episodes of my favored display, however my mind kept wandering. I concept approximately how Jake had checked out me nowadays, the way he had promised to be sincere and how he made me experience unique.

Eventually, I crawled into mattress, feeling worn-out however hopeful. I closed my eyes, considering our next hike, the splendor of nature, and the moments we might percentage.

I drifted off to sleep with a grin on my face, believing that tomorrow would carry new opportunities for happiness.

---

As the times surpassed, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that things have been changing. Each morning delivered a new danger for Jake and me to grow nearer. I tried to dismiss the nagging mind of Mia and attention on my courting with him.

By the time the weekend arrived, I felt a combination of excitement and nerves. I had deliberate to meet Jake at our favourite espresso save earlier than our subsequent hike. I desired to wonder him with a selfmade snack for our adventure.

I arrived early, picking a cozy spot through the window. The scent of freshly brewed coffee crammed the air as I waited, feeling butterflies in my stomach. I became prepared to show Jake how lots he supposed to me.

When he walked in, the sun highlighted his capabilities, and my heart skipped a beat. He looked outstanding, as continually, with a informal blouse and denims. He spotted me and waved, a brilliant smile lights up his face.

“Hey! I didn’t know you’d be here so early!” he stated, sitting down throughout from me.

“I desired to surprise you,” I spoke back, pulling out a small container packed with selfmade energy balls. “I made these for our hike.”

“Wow, you’re spoiling me!” he laughed, taking a chunk. “These are exquisite!”

“I’m glad you like them. I notion they’d be ideal for our electricity,” I stated, feeling proud.

After completing our snacks, we chatted approximately our week. Jake shared testimonies approximately work, and I advised him approximately my latest adventures with friends. We have been laughing and playing every different’s agency whilst abruptly, I saw Mia on foot in the direction of us.

My coronary heart sank. I wanted to cover, but there has been nowhere to move. She approached our table, a assured smile on her face. “Well, nicely, what will we have right here?”

“Hi, Mia,” Jake said, sounding hectic.

“Just grabbing coffee,” I said, seeking to sound casual.

Mia raised an eyebrow, definitely not convinced. “Looks such as you’re getting near. That’s lovable,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I felt the anxiety within the air. “We’re simply friends,” I spoke back, feeling protective.

“Sure,” she said, searching at Jake. “Just be cautious. Not anyone has the excellent intentions, you already know.”

Jake’s expression hardened. “What’s that supposed to mean, Mia?”

“Nothing, just a friendly warning,” she said, her smile never quite reaching her eyes. “I just suppose you should be careful who you trust.”

With that, she grew to become and walked away, leaving an ungainly silence in her wake.

I felt uneasy. “Why does she preserve coming round?” I requested, frustration effervescent inside me.

“I don’t recognize,” Jake stated, shaking his head. “But I won’t allow her destroy what we have.”

“Good. I don’t need to fear about her,” I said firmly.

“Let’s consciousness on us and our hike,” he counseled, seeking to lighten the mood.

“Right! I’m excited!” I responded, eager to position Mia out of my mind.

We completed our coffee and headed out to the car. I was decided to revel in the day and now not let Mia’s words break.