Mystery Of Why The Universe We Created Explodes

Chapter 7

I really am not into reticence. Every moment Drew tells me he has a secret, my mind would assume of something. And now that he's not telling me of where we're going. I don't know. It makes me want to abduct him and force him to tell me where it is. Well, not really though. I can't do that. I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of curiosity. He was being unusually secretive, and my mind was racing with possibilities.

I watched him, trying to read his expression, but his smile only hinted at a secret. The suspense was killing me. Every moment he remained silent, my imagination ran wilder.

I felt a surge of playful frustration. Why wouldn't he tell me where we were going? It was as if he enjoyed keeping me in suspense.

My eyes narrowed, pretending to scrutinize him. I thought, half-jokingly, about "abducting" him to extract the truth. But, of course, I wouldn't really do that.

Drew's eyes met mine, sparkling with amusement, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. I know Drew's not going to tell me, even if I would try to beg.

As we exited Charlie's, I expected Drew to turn left, but instead, he veered right. My curiosity piqued, I followed him toward the bus terminal. My eyes narrowed slightly, questioning the unusual direction. Drew caught my gaze, held it for a moment, and then looked away, still smiling. My mind raced with possibilities. Where were we headed? The bus terminal? Somewhere beyond? The uncertainty sparked a flurry of theories. I trailed behind Drew, my interest deepening with each step. The bus terminal loomed ahead, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay beyond. The wonders inside my head never cease.

We finally reached the ticket counter after standing in the long queue. Drew handed over our p*****t, and the ticket clerk handed us our tickets. But before I could even glance at mine, Drew snatched it away, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"The city, here we come!" he whispered, his grin widening.

My mind whirled as we made our way to the bus. What were we going to do there? I'd only been twice there, as a child. The memories were hazy, but the excitement was palpable as a child always felt. As we settled into our seats, waiting for the bus to fill, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. Anticipation, apprehension, and exhilaration tangled together, leaving me breathless. I couldn't quite name the feeling, but it was intoxicating. My heart raced, and my hands trembled slightly as I fidgeted with the seatbelt. I f*****g hate surprises, damn.

Drew's gaze met mine, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He knew I was bursting with questions, but he just smiled, fueling my anticipation.

As we sat in our bus seats, waiting for departure, my anxiety began to simmer. Drew noticed my fidgeting and reached for my hands. His warm fingers enveloped mine, clasping them gently.The familiar gesture brought instant comfort. It was a habitual reassurance, one he'd offered countless times before whenever I felt nervous or anxious.

Drew's calm, steady gaze met mine, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Without a word, he seemed to say, "Everything's okay. I'm here." My tension eased a bit, replaced by a sense of security and trust.

Drew's soothing voice cut through my drowned thought. "Chill, Kyle. You'll love it, I promise."

I inhaled deeply, then exhaled a shaky breath, trying to calm my racing heart. A trembling smile spread across my face as I met Drew's reassuring gaze.

He knew why I was nervous. It wasn't just the surprise destination; it was the bus ride itself. The memories of my past trauma, tied to bus travel, resurfaced, making my palms sweat.

Drew's expression softened, understanding etched on his features. He squeezed my hand, offering a comforting anchor.

His promise and gentle touch helped ease my tension, but my eyes still betrayed a hint of apprehension. Drew's calm presence was a balm to my frazzled nerves, reminding me I wasn't alone.

I got this trauma back when I was in grade school. That time when we had our field trip and unfortunately me and Drew were not in the same class, he's in a different section. That day of our field trip when we travel back home, the bus that we're riding almost falls off the precipice of the road. Good thing the driver manages to turn the bus before it happens. You never know the fear I felt when I saw the rocky bottom of the hill.

Drew's been helping me overcome that trauma. So far, no progress, but at least we tried and I won't get tired of trying.

As the bus lurched forward, my anxiety paradoxically began to dissipate. Drew's firm grip on my hand remained constant, a steady reassurance.

I kept my eyes closed, shutting out the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the bus journey. Instead, I focused on the warmth of Drew's hand enveloping mine.

His touch sent a soothing wave through me, calming my nerves. My heart still raced, but now it was from the comfort and security of his presence. The world outside receded, and all that mattered was Drew's hand holding mine – a lifeline to calmness. I savored the sensation, letting it envelop me.

Drew's wrapped hand tighten around mine, a familiar gesture he'd made countless times before. But today, it felt different. My heart skipped a beat, racing with an unexpected intensity.

I couldn't explain why his touch affected me so profoundly this time. Was it the comfort of his presence, or something more? Maybe the feeling I have towards him, that's why. I smiled bitterly knowing this is the only chance I got just to held his hand. I felt guilty having this moment without him knowing my feelings, it feels like I'm talking advantage of this split seconds.

I acknowledged the flutter in my chest, a feeling I couldn't ignore. I had developed emotions for Drew, but I hesitated to explore them.

A conflicting desire arose: to indulge in the warmth of his hand, yet to suppress these feelings. I was torn, unsure how to navigate these uncharted emotions.

As I sat beside him, his hand still clasping mine, I wondered: how do I reconcile these sentiments, and what do I do next? How should I stop this feeling?

As the bus came to a halt, a gentle tap on my shoulder broke my reverie. I opened my eyes to find passengers streaming out. Drew's hand still clasped mine, he pulled me up and guided me out into the bustling crowd.

We stepped away from the station, surrounded by a sea of unfamiliar faces. Yet, Drew's grip on my hand remained firm, a comforting anchor.

Warmth spread through me, a sense of trust and security. I didn't question our destination; I simply followed, letting Drew lead.

His handholding continued, a gentle yet reassuring grasp. I felt at ease, surrendering to the unknown, as long as Drew was by my side.

The world around us blurred, leaving only the sensation of his hand enveloping mine, and a glimpse of a traitor blush crept up my face leaving a pinkish tint on my face. Is he going to hold my hand the entire walk?

Drew's voice interrupted our stroll, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia. "Remember back when we were seven?"

We paused, facing each other. Drew's gaze locked onto mine, his expression sincere.

"That time we dreamed of exploring the underwater world, watching all the fish swim beneath the waves?" he asked, a hint of excitement in his tone.

Memories came flooding back. Our first summer at the beach house, newly purchased by Drew's family. We spent hours exploring the shoreline, collecting seashells, and building sandcastles.

I nodded, a smile spreading across my face. "How could I forget?"

I remember when we had sat on the rocky shoreline, our imaginations running wild. "Superman would totally win!" I exclaimed.

Drew countered, "No way, Wolverine's healing powers would give him the edge!"

Our debate raged on until a sleek dolphin broke the surface, its fin glistening in the sunlight. Our argument forgotten, we stared in awe.

The dolphin swam closer, its curious gaze meeting ours. We watched, enchanted, as it played in the waves.

In that moment, our childhood dreams and fantasies seemed within reach. The ocean, with all its secrets and wonders, felt like our playground.

Drew's eyes still held mine, the memories bridging the years between us. "You remember that dolphin, don't you?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth.

I nodded, feeling a deep connection to that moment, and to Drew. "I'll never forget."

It was our first encounter with a dolphin and it left us spellbound. I remembered we we stood frozen, eyes wide with wonder, jaws agape in unison. The dolphin's playful gaze met ours, and we were captivated. No words were spoken; our minds were transfixed on the majestic creature.

As we instinctively moved closer, the dolphin darted away, leaving us with an unforgettable memory.

With all the excitement, I couldn't recall who moved first – Drew or me. But the shared experience ignited a spark.

That night while tucked into our comfortable bed, the dolphin still dominated our thoughts. With childlike enthusiasm, we vowed:

"When we grow up, we'll invent a device to breathe underwater! We'll explore the ocean and see all the creatures up close!" Drew and mine exact words.

I feel Drew tighten his grasp in my hands. "That's one of our dream," he said while looking at me.

I diverted my gaze at him, confused. I realized I was thinking out loud, didn't mean to said it sonorously.

I stood oblivious, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. Drew and I were engulfed by a sea of strangers rushing to and fro.

Suddenly, Drew spoke, breaking the spell. I turned my attention back to him, but not before catching a glimpse of the magnificent structure behind him.

A vibrant, colossal coral reef design sprawled across the top of the building, captivating my gaze. Beside it, bold letters spelled out a name, but I didn't have time to decipher the words.

Drew's voice drew me back in, "Hey, you okay?" or "Look here," – I couldn't quite recall.

As I focused on him, the mystery of the building lingered, piquing my curiosity.

"Where are we?" I asked, craning my neck to take in the imposing structure.

Drew smiled mischievously. "You'll see."

My eyes returned to the coral reef design, and I couldn't help but wonder: What is this place? I have a hint of where we are but shrugged it off.

"Since it'll take us still many more years cause we're still in high school. I found a better and similar place to fulfill our dreams," Drew said snapping me back to his direction.

As Drew spoke, his words dripped with intensity, each one infused with a deep emotional weight. His eyes, usually bright and carefree, now mirrored a profound sorrow.

I felt an unexpected pang in my chest, a gentle ache that echoed the pain I saw in his gaze. Confusion washed over me – why was he hurting? We were supposed to be basking in joy, not drowning in anguish.

I questioned my own perception. Was I just reading too much into this? Maybe I was imagining the distress etched on his face.

But the ache in my heart persisted, a testament to the authenticity of Drew's emotions. Something was amiss.

"Is everything okay?" I ventured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Drew's gaze faltered, and he looked away, masking his true feelings. "Yeah, everything's fine."

His words didn't convince me. The pain in his eyes still lingered, a silent plea for understanding and support. I didn't have much time to scrutinized him cause he steps aside and lets me know where we are.

As my eyes landed on the sign attached to the coral reef design, my heart skipped a beat. The words "Oceanic Wonders Underwater Park" danced before me, igniting a spark of joy.

A radiant smile spread across my face, and I couldn't contain my excitement. My eyes widened, shining with anticipation.

I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, bursting with euphoria. The underwater park sign symbolized a dream come true – a chance to explore the ocean's secrets, to discover the magic we'd envisioned as children.

Drew noticed my reaction and shared my enthusiasm. "Can you believe it?" he asked, grinning.

I nodded, still beaming. "We're finally here!"

The sign seemed to whisper promises of underwater adventures, of discovering hidden treasures, and of unraveling the mysteries of the deep.

I launched myself at Drew, wrapping my arms tightly around him. "Oh, my gosh, Drew! Thank you so much! This is amazing!"

My excitement was unstoppable. I bounced up and down, squealing with delight, though mindful of our public surroundings. Passersby smiled at our infectious joy.

Drew's initial stiffness melted away as he chuckled, his warm embrace enveloping me. "I'm glad you're excited," he whispered, his voice filled with happiness.

Together, we stood before the Oceanic Wonders Underwater Park, our dream destination now a breathtaking reality. The vibrant coral reef design seemed to pulse with magic.

As we hugged, the world around us faded. We were lost in our shared exhilaration, our hearts soaring.

Strangers walked by, some grinning at our display of friendship and enthusiasm. Children pointed, eyes wide with curiosity.

Drew's arms tightened around me, and I felt his laughter vibrate through his chest. "You're welcome," he whispered.

As we stepped into the Oceanic Wonders Underwater Park, my excitement threatened to overflow. Drew chuckled at my bouncing energy, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

After purchasing our tickets, Miko, our friendly guide, greeted us. "Welcome! I'll show you around and ensure your safety."

Miko handed us a colorful map, pointing out essential locations and emergency procedures. His thorough explanation seemed to stretch on forever, testing my patience.

"Remember, if you need assistance, press the comms button on your wristband. Our team will respond promptly."

Drew nodded attentively, while I fidgeted, eager to start our adventure.

Finally, Miko smiled. "You're all set! Enjoy your journey."

With a triumphant grin, I pumped my fist. "Yes! Let's do this!"

Drew laughed at my antics, his amusement growing as I rolled my eyes playfully. "Someone's excited," he teased.

I shot him a mock-glare. "You're not?"

His chuckles deepened. "I'm containing my enthusiasm."

With a last glance at the map, we set off toward the underwater tunnel, our hearts racing with anticipation.

As we stepped into the underwater tunnel, its glass walls dazzling with colorful fish designs, my eyes sparkled like stars. The air pulsed with excitement, fellow visitors thronging the passage, their faces aglow with wonder.

Lost in the mesmerizing decor, I didn't notice Drew's absence until I turned around. My gaze met his, and concern gripped me.

Drew stood frozen, pinching his nose, a crimson blot staining his hand. His calm demeanor belied the panic flickering in his eyes.

"What happened? Are you okay?" I asked, worry etched on my face.

Drew fished out a handkerchief, wiping away the blood with a nonchalant air. "I'm good. Don't worry."

But his words didn't convince me. His gaze locked onto mine, intense and reassuring, yet I sensed a hint of evasiveness.

"I was picking my nose, trying to get rid of a boogie... wrong move, I guess," he said, attempting a casual tone.

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. Drew wouldn't joke about something like this; he was hiding something.

"Are you sure?" I pressed, my voice laced with concern.

Drew nodded firmly, his expression unwavering. "Yes, now let's move. We must enjoy this day."

With a gentle push, he guided me deeper into the tunnel, diverting attention from the incident.

As we walked, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Drew was concealing something. His usual transparency seemed veiled, leaving me with nagging doubts.

The underwater wonders awaited, but my mind lingered on Drew's secrecy, our adventure now tinged with uncertainty.

As we ventured deeper into the tunnel, the incident with Drew's nosebleed faded from my mind, replaced by the awe-inspiring sights around us. The water enveloped us, creating an immersive underwater experience.

I approached the glass barrier, my hands instinctively reaching out to touch the cool surface. The chill of the glass was a stark contrast to the warmth of the excitement coursing through me.

My breath caught as a majestic whale glided effortlessly beside us, its massive form illuminated by a beam of light. The ethereal glow transformed the creature into a mythical being, as if plucked from a fairy tale.

Transfixed, I scanned the surroundings, discovering an array of marine life. Vibrant fish darted past, their scales shimmering in every color of the rainbow. Majestic sea fans swayed gently, while playful sea otters frolicked in the distance.

Drew's voice broke the spell, his whisper echoing beside me. "Breathtaking, isn't it?"

I turned to him, eyes wide with wonder. "Enchanting," I breathed.

Drew smiled, sharing my awe. "I knew you'd love it."

Together, we stood mesmerized, the underwater world unfolding before us like a treasure trove of secrets and marvels.

"What's that?" I asked, pointing to a school of iridescent fish.

Drew leaned in, his voice filled with excitement. "Those are rainbow runners. And look, there's a sea turtle!"

Our adventure had truly begun, with the wonders of the ocean unfolding before us like a magical tapestry.

"Look, Kyle. A ray fish!" Drew's voice burst with excitement, his eyes sparkling like a child's on Christmas morning.

I turned to him, and my lips curved into a gentle smile. His unbridled enthusiasm was infectious, transporting me back to simpler times.

Following his gaze, I spotted the majestic ray fish gliding effortlessly, its elegant form circling a school of smaller fish. The underwater world's beauty was breathtaking, but my attention drifted back to Drew.

My heart skipped a beat, racing to twice its normal pace. Here we were, together, without the presence of his girlfriend – just like old times.

A mix of nostalgia and gratitude washed over me. This day, this moment, was a gift.

Drew's joy was palpable, and I felt my own happiness swell, matching his. Our shared wonder created a sense of togetherness, reminding me of the unbreakable bond we once shared.

"Isn't it amazing?" Drew asked, his eyes still shining with excitement.

I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's perfect."

The underwater world's magic enveloped us, but for me, the true enchantment lay in sharing this experience with Drew – just the two of us, lost in the wonder of it all.

This day would forever be etched in my memory as the best day of my life, a reminder of the unspoken connection we shared, and the joy that came with it.

I look back at him and my hearts beat twice its normal pace. He's here with me and I can't believe it. Without his girlfriend, just the two of us, just like before. It is by far the best day of my life.