I took a few CDs from my bag and loaded them into my Sony Walkman CD player, put my headphones on, and began listening to my music and relaxing on the ride.
I guess I must have gotten a little too relaxed because I fell asleep.
When we finally arrived, it was 85 degrees with about 80% humidity. The sticky heat hit me as soon as I stepped out of the car.
I couldn't wait to get to the hotel room and get the air conditioner going!
We were tired from the drive but excited.
We walked with our baggage to the modest five-story hotel building we had booked.
When we got through the door, I immediately noticed there was a small bar taking up just a small corner. There was an attractive young woman behind the bar, expertly mixing drinks with a smile.
She seemed quite pleased with the attention she got from a man standing at the bar.
There was a resting area to the side, and on a sofa sat a girl wearing a plain emerald green dress, almost identical in color to her eyes. The dress came down to her knees, and her long, freshly polished copper hair framed her pale face. A simple braid belt highlighted her slender waist.
Next to her sat another girl, likely her younger sister, dressed casually in shorts and a white t-shirt.
I thought that the girl in the green dress looked beautiful, especially on the occasion that she caught me looking and sent a smile my way.
I didn't turn away. I let her know I was looking, holding her gaze for a moment longer before we reached the reception desk.
Unfortunately, as we were checking in, we were informed that, because the hotel was so small and low-budget, the rooms didn't have air conditioning.
"But they do have nice, big windows!" the desk clerk told us, trying to sound cheerful.
My mom frowned slightly but nodded. "Well, we'll just have to make do."
The clerk handed us a small booklet. "Here's some information about the hotel amenities and nearby attractions. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask."
We gathered our bags and headed to the elevator.
I was having flashbacks as I got into the elevator...
We rode to the third floor and when we reached our four-person room, we opened the windows wide.
However, it didn't help a whole lot since the hot, humid weather we were trying to escape just came indoors!
'No more cheap hotels.' I thought.
"Let's just go straight to the beach," my dad said with an awkward smile. "It should be much better there."
We took only what we needed for the beach. Sunscreen, towels, and some snacks and headed out.
I glanced around the lobby one last time but didn't see the girl in the green dress again. I wouldn't have minded introducing myself.
The walk to the beach took just a few minutes. The streets were busy with tourists and locals, all heading to the beach.
The sound of waves grew louder and louder, and soon we were standing in the sand, the ocean stretching out before us...
People sunbathing.
Kids building sandcastles.
The smell of saltwater.
We found a spot to set up our towels and umbrella, and I laid down to get some sun.
After a while, I joined Sydney in the water.
"Come on, let's play some volleyball!" my dad called from the shore.
We set up a makeshift net with some other beachgoers and started a game.
I was very surprised when my mom started spiking the ball down to the sand with ease.
"Nice one, Mom!" I shouted, high-fiving her.
We continued playing until the sun started to set and then made our way back.
On the way, we stumbled upon a seaside restaurant. The smell of grilled fish was wafting out, so we decided to stop by for dinner.
The food was great.
After getting back to the hotel, we spent the rest of the evening in our room.
...
On Friday, after a few hours at an aquatic museum, we returned to the hotel.
My parents and Sydney were eager to hit the beach again, but I had other plans.
"Dad," I started, walking up to him, "can I borrow your car for an hour or two? There's something I want to check out."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I read about the Miami International Finance Museum. It's supposed to have some really interesting exhibits on the history of currency and economic trends," I explained, trying to sound as enthusiastic as possible.
"A finance museum, huh?" he said.
Then he turned to Sydney with a playful grin. "Hey, Sydney, you want to visit a finance museum?"
"Hell nah, Dad! That's mad boring."
My dad laughed heartily. "Alright, alright, beach it is for you. But, Jack, you go on. You can take the car. Just make sure you have your phone with you."
"Thanks, Dad," I said, grabbing the car keys.
Sydney was already grabbing her beach bag.
I left the room, walked down the stairs, and approached the reception desk. "Could I retrieve my suit from the cloakroom?" I asked the clerk, handing him a plastic number.
"Of course," he replied, disappearing into the backroom. Moments later, he returned with my suit.
I quickly put my suit on in the restroom, handed my clothes to the clerk, and left the hotel.
That's when a crazy coincidence happened.
As I entered the parking lot, I saw a girl in purple shorts and a white tank top. She looked like she had just come back from the beach. Her dark brown hair was still wet as it fell down her shoulders.
She was the girl I saw in the lobby and she was walking back to the hotel with her sister.
Deciding to seize the opportunity, I approached them with a friendly smile. "Hey there. Just getting back from the beach?"
She glanced up, her hazel-green eyes meeting mine with mild surprise.
Beside her, her younger sister looked intrigued. "Sister, when did you meet this guy?" she teased.
The older sister realised something. "You're the guy who was checking me out in the lobby yesterday!" She called me out as she nudged her sister with an elbow.
"Aww!" the little girl cried out.
I chuckled.
"Yes, guilty as charged," I admitted. "I'm Jack. And you?"
"I'm Li...!" her sister called out, but was swiftly cut off, her ear pinched between two fingers.
"I'm sorry about that..." The older girl said, her eyes twinkling as she glanced at her sister, who was now pouting in playful retaliation.
Then she looked back at me. "I'm Alice," she introduced herself.
I paused.