"You look cute when you smile, you should smile more often.", he said.
"What?", I asked.
"You heard that, Emily? You look cute when you smile!", he said.
Why did I think it was me? I don't even look normal, so why would I even believe that he complimented me? Something is definitely wrong with me.
"Are you high on weed, Penelope?", Lara asked.
"What did you say?", I asked.
"I asked if you have been smoking pot these days.", Lara repeated.
"Why would you even think that?", I asked.
"Cause you are staring at Alec. I mean of course, he's hot, but you have to stop drooling."
"No! I am not drooling!"
"Yeah, you are, Princess Consuela Bananahammock!"
"Stop it, Crap Bag!"
Soon, the Rodeo got over, and we were about to head back to our Hotel. It was 11:30 pm and surprisingly everyone was asleep.
It was dark, and we were traveling on a path located between trees which made the way dense and harder to see. The clock was about to strike 12 midnight. It was my birthday. I never celebrated my birthday. Lara, Sarah and Garcia promised me that they would celebrate my birthday in Arlington. They are like my second family whom I can rely upon without worrying about anything.
While thinking about so many things I was about to fall asleep but suddenly, "Happy Birthday Penelope", Lara whispered into my ears as she came in for a hug. All the three of them gave me a Card Of Memories. It was beautiful because it was really important for them to see me happy. We reached the Hotel on time and I thanked them for the card. When we returned to our room, Garcia asked if we could play Truth or Dare as nobody was sleepy at that time. We all agreed while Sarah brought a bottle.
*SPINS* *POINTS TOWARDS LARA*
"WOOOOHOOOO!!!", everyone cheers.
*CHOOSES DARE*
*SHE'S ASKED TO CALL THE ROOM SERVICE AND FLIRT WITH THEM*
"Hello! Room service?", Lara asked.
"Yes ma'am. How can we help you?", they replied.
"Just accept my proposal, hon!", she exclaimed.
*HANGS UP* *GIGGLES*
*SPINS* *POINTS TOWARDS ME*
"Wait, what!!?!", I said.
*CHOOSES TRUTH*
*I AM ASKED WHOSE MY CURRENT CRUSH*
"I don't crush on any guy and I won't... Ever!", I exclaimed with disgust.
"Why are you even bothering to ask her this question, Garcia? Isn't it obvious there's something already going on between her and Alec?", Sarah asked.
"I don't like anyone!", I defended.
"How would you know when you're so lost in his eyes?", Garcia said.
*SOMEONE KNOCKS ON THE DOOR*
"It must be the Room Service accepting your offer, Lara.", I said.
"Cut the crap, girls. Let me get the door.", Lara said.
*LARA OPENS THE DOOR*
"Nobody's here.", she said.
"Let's end this game right here. I need some fresh air, so I'll be heading out. You guys go to sleep as we have to wake up early tomorrow.", I ordered as I left the room.
There was a beautiful garden right next to our room. I went there and sat on a bench beside a big bush. I looked at the stars and pondered while watching them twinkle brighter than anything. The view was beautiful. I heard someone's footsteps, so I turned over and saw Alec approaching towards me.
"Why are you here?", I asked.
"I am not here to see you, so don't flatter yourself. I came here to breathe some fresh air.", he replied.
"You breathed twice in the open. I hope that's enough. Now, you can go back."
"Can we just not talk tonight? I am really not in the mood of fighting with you right now."
"Okay. You can sit on the other side of the bench."
"Thanks."
He sat on the other side of the bench and he started looking at the stars too.
"What do you see in them?", he asked.
"In what?", I replied.
"In the stars, stupid."
"They... they motivate me to look forward always. What about you?"
"They remind me of all the special people in my life."
"Woah! You got a Shakespeare side too!"
"Shut up!"
"Whatevs!"
"Who taught you to be so bold?"
"How can you say I'm bold without knowing me?"
"You handled the situation boldly that day."
"Well, experiences are enough to make a person hard as shell."
*LARA AND SARAH PEEKING THROUGH THE DOOR*
"Is it Alec sitting beside Penelope?", Lara whispered.
"I told you there's something going on between them.", Sarah said.
"You can here them too, right?", Alec asked.
"Yes, I can", I replied as I was giggling.
"You both can come out!", we both said.
*BOTH OF THEM INSIDE INSTANTLY*
"Bye. I have to leave. Good night", I said.
"Bye. By the way 'Happy Birthday Penelope'", he replied.
"How did you get to know about it?"
"Daniel talks in his sleep.. like a lot."
Both of us laughed and went back to our rooms. It was the last day of the trip. I didn't even notice how these 5 days passed away so quickly. I guess that's because most of my time was wasted on Alec as he got back to normal after that night. But it turns out that I enjoyed the trip a lot even in the presence of Alec. It was fun to go out after so long. Not that I was tied up in ropes till now but it's just that air of Texas, I don't know why but it felt different and nice. The environment was better than home: peaceful and beautiful.
We waved goodbye to Texas and were heading back to Oklahoma City. I sat back and rested in the train till our journey was over. In the evening, we had reached and my parents had already arrived to pick me up.
I had good memories inside my mind. I felt like I had captured every moment that I spent there. That feeling was amazing. I was delighted as I didn't have to see Alec's face anymore but also at the same time, I was a little bummed as one of the most exciting trips of my life was over. It was a great experience.
When I got back home, I shared everything with mom and dad. They said that it reminded them of their school-days. They had told me many tales of their childhood which made me wonder if I would also end up living as happy as them.
After having dinner with my family downstairs, I went back to my room, set my bag according to my time table, switched off the lights and went to bed. I prayed to God for my main people to stay in my life forever:
1) Mom & Dad
2) Lara
3) Sarah
4) Garcia
5) ALEC... 🧐🧐
To Be Continued...