My Hometown Love

Chapter 28 – Gratefulness

Lexie’s P.O.V

“I’m going to start my own blog about life here in Jacksonville.”, I blurted out to my family as I shut my eyes, in anticipation of their reaction.

When my statement was met with an awkward silence, I opened one eye to see curious and unconvinced looks being exchanged.

“Well?”, I asked as I opened both my eyes and asked them.

“Why don’t you explain further so that we can understand what exactly you’re planning to do, sweetheart?”, Dad finally said, with approval nods from the others.

“Okay. Basically, I have been journaling all our activities since we arrived here and I’m amazed at the beauty of the outdoors we have right here in our town. So, I decided, why don’t I let people know more about the wonderful town we call home. I plan to highlight the best things our town has to offer, including outdoor activities as well as indoor activities. It will also include personal tips and tricks to help you make the best use of your time and achieve maximum enjoyment.”, I said as I pitched my idea to them with hope.

Once again I was met with silence as they seriously pondered over my pitch.

“I love it!”, Mom suddenly shouted, making me finally breathe again.

“It sounds amazing Lex!”, Jake said as he gave me a high-five.

“I can’t wait to read it.”, Maria said gleefully.

“Great job, pumpkin. I’m so proud of you.”, Dad said as he squeezed me in a hug.

I was over the moon with all the love and support I was receiving. This gave me so much more determination and motivation to get this blog off the ground with a bang!

**********

After a quiet morning of just talking and relaxing, we started packing up everything and getting the car loaded. I have to admit, I was feeling a little sad that we had to leave this beautiful and peaceful place. Dad must have got the message from all our gloomy faces, that he decided to do one final activity.

“Well, since everything is packed up and ready, looks like we still have time. What about one last family hike?”, Dad said.

“Yes! Finally, one with all of us.”, I screamed out before realizing that I wouldn’t have been this excited about it before this trip.

Honestly, I felt like a changed person. With that, I promised myself that I’m not going to let my fears and doubts get in the way of my sense of adventure.

So, we geared up, locked up the car, and started off our hiking journey. As I hung back, I   watched as Mom and Dad huddled together talking about the flora around them while Jake and Maria were romantically playing with each other. I felt a sense of fulfillment that I have a wonderful family and that I was able to spend this trip with them.

I knew for a certain that if I was still working in New York, I would miss out on these bonding and memorable activities. I would have probably turned out to be a stressed-out workaholic who was sacrificing my whole life for a boss who probably didn’t even know my name. I wouldn’t have faced and overcome my bully, Lilianna. Plus, I would have been still holding a grudge against Kevin and not get to know him for the amazing guy is truly is.

As I took a deep breath of the fresh air around me, I felt an aura of gratefulness for everything that has happened. I came to terms that whatever happened, happened for a reason and that I was okay with it. Most importantly, I’m going to be okay.

“Hey, slowpoke! Catch up!”, Jake screamed at me from the top.

“Coming!”, I replied as I ran towards him.

********

A little while later, we were gazing out from the peak, looking at the gigantic and vast valley below us.

“Hey guys, look here!”, I said as I stepped backward with my phone, trying to get everyone in the picture with the valley as a background.

A couple of pictures later, I was standing next to Jake as Maria tried to take a picture of both of us. Maybe it was the altitude or that I was genuinely truly happy, but I felt my eyes watering as I looked up to Jake.

“Hey Jakey, you know I love you right?”, I said emotionally while I put my arm around his waist and scooted closer to him to hug him.

“Of course. Who doesn’t love the Jake-Man!”, he replied proudly, unaware of my emotional sentiment.

I faked a smile as I cringed at his statement, but I knew that despite his ever joking self, he was the most amazing brother ever. Jake looked down at me and suddenly realized that I wasn’t joking but that I really meant it.

“Hey, Lex. I love you too.”, he said as he beamed with joy before putting his arm around my neck and squeezing me.

“Got it!”, Maria said as she laughed at our antics.

“Hey, let’s take a selfie with all of us!”, I said as I held my phone up high.

“Say Cheese!”, I screamed out as I stretched out my thumb to tap on the camera button.

I looked down at the photo of all of us and I looked out to the glorious view with satisfaction.

Yup, I am so grateful.

********

I sighed deeply as I watched our car exit the woods and enter the busy motorway. Back to reality, I thought to myself. I bent down to pull out my journal from my bag pack and started writing down the activities of the day while it was still fresh in my head.

Once in a while, Jake would peek over my shoulder to see what I was writing and I would shut my journal closed as I glared at him.

“No peeking! You have to wait till I officially post it. It will be more exciting that way.”, I said to Jake.

Jake just rolled his eyes at me before turning his attention back to Maria as they whispered to themselves and pointed to things out the window. I just shook my head before burying myself into my thoughts again as I opened my journal and resumed writing.

The sound of Dad’s phone ringing suddenly cut my thoughts as Mom turned on the loud-speaker mode.

“Hey, Mr. Cooper! How’s everything going?”

I felt my heart skip a beat at the sound of the voice that projected through the car. I bit my lip to control myself from smiling before looking out the window as I continued to listen to the conversation.

**************

Kevin’s P.O.V

I looked at my watch remembering the schedule that Mr. Cooper was talking about before he left. I knew that this was the time he planned on driving back home.

I felt this urge to call Lexie and find out how she was doing. But I knew it wasn’t going to be a good idea, especially if Jake was next to her.

Jake. I felt terrible for keeping this from him. But I know his big brother instincts are so strong that if he finds out that I have been spending time with his baby sister, he isn’t just going to let it slide by easily. So, I couldn’t call him as well, or he will think it is weird for me to call and ask him about the trip.

Therefore, there was only one person left that I could call. I pulled out my phone and tapped on the name in my contacts list. 

“Hey, Mr. Cooper! How’s everything going?”, I said as soon as the call was picked up.

“Kevin, Hi! Everything went great! We’re all on our way back home now.”, he replied with some echo in the background.

That’s what made me realized that I was on the speakerphone. I knew she was listening.

“So, you didn’t have a problem with the tent? Was it okay?”, I asked pleasantly.

“Oh, you got to ask Lexie that since she was the one sleeping in it. Lexie? How was the tent?”, Mr. Cooper replied as he asked Lexie how she felt.

“Oh, it was okay. No complaints!”, Lexie shouted from behind, much to my delight.

“That’s great! So, have a safe trip home. See you all soon and I’ll see you tonight for the game Jake!”, I said back composedly.

“See you there, man!”, I heard Jake yell.

“Okay, everyone say bye to Kevin!”, Mr. Cooper said.

“Bye Kevin!”, I heard everyone in the car scream before I responded and hanged up the phone.

*************

Lexie’s P.O.V

I smiled to myself at Kevin's shenanigans as the call ended yet curious to know the true purpose of his call. I just silently laughed it out before focusing back on my journaling as I continued to scribbles away.

Before you know it, we were back home and unloading the car. I dragged my luggage up the stairs and to my room. I pushed myself to unpack everything, knowing very well that if I leave it there unattended now, I am not going to touch it at all after this and it’s going to be there untouched for several days.

After unpacking and freshening up, I sat in front of my laptop, ready to bring my idea to life. As I was typing, I reached the part of the must-haves for the trip and thought about Kevin’s survival kit.

I picked up my phone and texted Kevin slyly.

Hey stranger.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V.

I was finishing up administrating a vaccination injection to a 5-month old baby boy when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I ignored it until finished my work and walked out of the room.

I removed my gloves and threw them into the bin before signing a chart and handing it back to the nurse. As I walked towards the lobby, I fished my phone from my pocket to see a text from Lexie.

Lexie: Hey stranger.

Kevin: Hey stranger. How was the trip? Still hate camping?

Lexie: No comment.

Kevin: Hah! That means you loved it! Is the great Lexie Cooper afraid to admit that she loves camping now?

Lexie: Oh shush you. I blame you. Your survival kit made it bearable and a little too enjoyable.

Kevin: Really? Looks like I have become the Lexie Cooper whisperer.

Lexie: You wish! Anyway, so, you’re meeting up with Jakey later?

Kevin: Yeah, we’re going to watch the game later tonight.

Lexie: Oh, by the way, heads up! I may have accidentally blurted out to Jakey that we’ve been hanging out together recently. He may ask you about it. Okay bye!

I stopped in my tracks as I looked up from my phone in complete shock.

I am so screwed.