My Hometown Love

Chapter 26 – Into The Woods

Lexie’s P.O.V

I looked down into the paper bag. There folded neatly was Kevin’s favorite Denim jacket along with a box. I carefully lifted the jacket out and opened it, to reveal a sticky note.

In case you get too cold.

I smiled to myself as I hugged the jacket towards my chest as I basked in the smell of his cologne. I put it down on the bed and poked my head inside the bag to inspect the box. I opened the box to reveal an iPod, a mini s’mores kit, a compass, and a neatly folded paper.

I opened the paper and started reading the contents.

The Lexie Cooper Camping Survival Kit.

 Contents:

1.      Denim Jacket belonging to a favorite person? – To keep you warm and so that I feel that I am there with you guys.

2.      iPod – In case you have no cell service, feel bored, or just want to bask in the beauty of the woods with some music.

3.      A mini smores kit – Because no camping is complete without smores. This also works for when you have a midnight craving and there is no food around.

4.      Compass – For the sense of adventure and if you get lost. (Please don’t get lost!)

5.      My best wishes and thoughts.

Have a great camping trip, Lexie. See you when you’re back.

Kevin.

I laid back on my bed as smiled to myself until my mouth hurt. I can’t believe the length he went through to make sure I enjoy myself. What did I ever do to deserve this guy?

I quickly texted my thankfulness to Kevin before neatly packing everything up into my luggage bag.

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

Kevin’s P.O.V

I grinned at the text from Lexie as I put on my white coat. I’m glad she liked my surprise. Again, I don’t know why and how I come up with such ideas for her. Just for her.

I quickly checked up the weather forecast for the weekend. Satisfied, I leaned back against my locker and opened up the picture of me and Lexie at the wedding.

Have fun, Lexie. I wish I was there.

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

Lexie’s P.O.V

I dragged my sleepy self down the stairs with my luggage. It was 5 am and already the house was vibrant and lively. We had a quick bite before packing up everything up in Dad’s truck and before you know it, we were well on our way to the camping site.

I must have dozed off because when I woke up, we were well into the woods. I sat up straight to see Jake and Maria both sleeping next to me, with their heads resting on each other. I turned my head to the window where I watched as the sunrise replace the darkness. Eventually, we slowed down as we entered a compound. I look out to see a big welcome signboard, John’s Peak.

A couple of hours and multiple attempts later, we had all 3 tents up and ready. Dad and Jake went to get some firewood while Mom and Maria went to check the local facilities available. As for me, I was assigned to stay put and protect the site.

I sat on a boulder and looked out to the lake, occasionally skipping rocks along the peaceful water.

You know, this is not bad. It is so peaceful out here.

I pulled out my phone to check if there was any cell service. Unfortunately, the single weak bar wasn’t strong enough to do anything. Just as I was getting bored, I remembered about the iPod.

I got up, entered my tent, and rummaged through my luggage to find the iPod. I plugged in the earphones into my ears and resume my sitting position on the boulder. The sound of soft soothing music filled my ears as I felt that I was the only one in this place and made me feel one with nature.

I realized what I was feeling and quickly ripped out the earphones from my ears as I whispered under my breath.

I see what you did there, Kevin freaking Walker, you sly fox. You made me like nature and camping. How dare you.

Unable to stay mad at him, I plugged the earphones in my ears as I closed my eyes and just sat there in silence, absorbing the gift of sunlight.

*********

I was startled by the presence of a hand on my shoulder. I quickly took out my earphones and turned around to see Jake behind me and everyone else back at the campsite.

“You okay Lex? You kinda zoned out on us.”, Jakey said as he took a seat next to me on the boulder.

“Oh, I’m fine. Just enjoying the peace and quiet out here.”, I said as I leaned my head on Jake’s shoulder.

“Well enough wallowing. It’s time to go hiking.”, Jake said as he sprang up and pulled me up with him.

And so, we all geared up except Mom, who wanted to stay behind and knit. Soon, 4 out of 5 Coopers were hiking up the trail, occasionally stopping for Dad to explain the surrounding flora and fauna we came across.

About an hour into the hike, I came across this gorgeous wildflower and I stopped to snap a picture of it. When I got back on the trail, my family was nowhere to be found. My brain went into full panic mode as I felt a little mini-me in my brain running around screaming. I closed my eyes and started patting my clothes to locate my phone. Instead of my phone, my hand came across the compass Kevin gave me. My girl scout training kicked in as I tried to remember and calculate my location.

I kept rotating myself in circles watching as the pointing hand on the compass kept moving as I moved.

“Lexie! There you are! What happened sweetheart?”, Dad said as he ran up to me and gave me a side hug.

“I’m okay Dad. I just stopped to take a photo of that flower, and when I looked up, you all were gone.”, I replied as I walked alongside him, relieved.

“Next time you want to stop, let us know okay? I don’t want you getting lost in these woods with no phone, no map, or no compass.”, Dad said as he put his hand on my shoulder.

“Okay, Dad. I promise.”, I said as I gave him a pat on the back.

I glanced down, smiling at the compass I was still holding in my hands, and carefully put it back in my pocket.

I won’t get lost.

********

After a breathtaking view of the valley and a journey down to the campsite again, we were all famished.

Mom as usual was all prepared with tuna sandwiches and lemonade on the wooden table bench. We quickly washed up and sat down to dig into our food as we watch the sky slowly turned orange.

We all had a quiet moment to ourselves before starting to prep the barbeque. Dad and Jake had on these matching barbeque leather aprons which said ‘DAD’ & ‘SON’, respectively.

We laughed and laughed as we barbequed various vegetables and meat. Occasionally we had to remind Jake to check on his barbeque because he got sidetracked by telling some story.

After dinner, as the night took over, we built a fire and sat down around the fire as Dad pulled out his guitar and started strumming some old songs.

“Any request?”, Dad said as he stopped playing to take a sip of his drink.

“Country Home!”, I screamed out.

“Okay, one ‘Country Home’ coming up!”, Dad said as he placed his fingers elegantly on the guitar strings.

Dad continued playing as Jake passed around a bag of marshmallows for us to make s’mores.

We spent the night laughing, singing, and telling stories until we all exhausted ourselves and retired to our respective tents.

*******

Unable to sleep, I pulled out my notebook and my flashlight. I laid down on my sleeping bag with my left hand holding the flashlight as I started logging the events of the day.

I was almost finished with writing when the tent was swayed by a strong wind. I got up and snuck my head out of the tent to see nothing but pitch black darkness except some flickering fire far way in the distance.

Another strong wind blew past, sending shivers down my spine. I quickly retreated into my tent as I shivered. That was when my eyes fell on my luggage bag with Kevin’s denim jacket sticking out.

I stood there, hesitant as I bit my lower lip, thinking if it was a good idea. My tent shook again as a soft cold breeze sneaked its way into my tent. I quickly pushed my doubts aside and grabbed the jacket, wearing it and basking in the warmth it offered.

I squeezed back into my sleeping bag, cuddled with his jacket, as I found myself, slowly thinking about him. I quickly grabbed my phone and typed out a text to Kevin.

'Good night Kevin. Thanks for the jacket.' 

I sighed at the undelivered notice as my cell service bar shrunk down to zero. I got up and started walking around my tent, holding my phone up high, hoping that the bar goes up to at least one so that the message would get sent.

I sighed contently when I finally saw the message delivered, relieved for some reason. I crawled back into my sleeping bag as I turned off my flashlight, plugged in the earphones, turned on the iPod.

I shut my eyes, excited for the adventures of tomorrow as the iPod played Taylor Swift’s Everything Has Changed and I fell asleep cuddled by Kevin’s very warm jacket.

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

Kevin’s P.O.V

It was almost 11.30 pm in a very quiet hospital. I was in the conference room, catching up on my paperwork when my phone chimed. I took my phone out of my pocket and looked at it.

'Good night Kevin. Thanks for the jacket.' 

I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Lexie wearing my jacket, which was oversized for her. I quickly typed out a reply.

Good Night Lexie. I miss you.

As I re-read the message before I hit send, I realized what I had typed. I quickly hit delete repeatedly and typing something else instead, before proof-reading the message multiple times.

'Good Night Lexie. Sleep tight.'

Satisfied, I finally hit send before putting my phone back into my pocket.

I sigh deeply and attempt to resume my work. Unfortunately, my heart has other plans as I start thinking about the most amazing girl. I pull out my phone again and scroll to find the picture I took of her in front of the Church garden. I start talking to myself, wishing it was her instead, as my fingers lovingly trace over her picture.

I miss you, Lexie. Stay safe.