Chapter 1110 She Understood Him
"I cut some watermelon for ya. Want some?" Alfred asked, his eyes all worried and a bit jittery. He was scared she might flip out again 'cause of what Wesley said.
Samantha speared a piece of watermelon and popped it in her mouth. "Is the camping spot up the mountain?"
"Yeah."
"So, we gotta climb up there?"
Alfred thought she was stressing about the hike. "Yep."
"Then I need a nap first, or I won't make it."
Alfred grinned. "Sure, go catch some Z's."
"Make yourself at home," Samantha said, heading to the bedroom.
Alfred watched her go, smiling to himself. 'She seems chill; maybe she's not just blowing me off. She and Wesley are really done.'
With the house all quiet, Alfred went to the kitchen to prep some more fruit for later.
Samantha thought she'd be tossing and turning, but she crashed hard and woke up two hours later, feeling fresh. She got up and saw Alfred on the couch, watching TV on mute.
She laughed, "Why don't you turn the sound on?"
Alfred stood up, smiling. "You're up. I didn't wake you, did I?"
Samantha walked over. "You know I sleep like a rock. A little TV noise wouldn't wake me."
Alfred shrugged. "It's all good."
Samantha checked the time; it was almost four. "I'll change, and then we can head out."
"Cool." Alfred turned off the TV and texted Ryan, letting him know they were about to leave.
Ryan replied fast: [So early? It's still blazing hot.]
It was summer, and the heat was still kicking in the evening.
Alfred texted back: [Sweating a bit counts as a workout.]
Ryan: [True, sweating can help her blow off steam. Is Samantha okay now?]
Alfred: [Super calm.]
Ryan: [That's good. Means she wasn't that into him.]
Alfred: [Yeah.]
Ryan: [Got any plans for tonight?]
Alfred was puzzled. [What plans?]
Ryan: [Plans to cheer Samantha up.]
Alfred: [None.]
Ryan: [Just climbing?]
Alfred: [And stargazing.]
Ryan: [Alright, you're the boss.]
Alfred scratched his head at Ryan's message, thinking, 'Do I need to plan something to cheer her up? Maybe I can do some impromptu martial arts or something.'
"Alfred, I'm ready." Samantha came out, all changed.
Alfred snapped back to reality, put his phone away, and slung his backpack over his shoulder. They headed out together.
The camping spot was pretty famous. At the base of the mountain was a popular tourist spot, packed with people every day.
It was even crazier during holidays. Being summer, peak tourist season, the place was swarming. When they got to the base, they saw tons of people climbing. The setting sun was still blazing, making the ground feel like a frying pan.
Samantha squinted and raised her hand to block the sun. A shadow fell over her, and she turned to see Alfred holding an umbrella for her.
She glanced at his backpack. "You came prepared."
Alfred said, "A princess needs to be ready for anything, right?"
Samantha tugged at his backpack, which felt heavy. She frowned. "It's just snacks and water. Why's it so heavy? What else did you pack?"
Alfred chuckled. "Just some random stuff."
"Like what?"
"Sleeping bags, mats, BBQ tools, camping lights, flashlights, bug spray, first aid kit..." Alfred rattled off a list.
Samantha was impressed. She'd been on trips before, but her family always handled everything. When they went out, bodyguards carried their stuff, so she never had to worry. "Why didn't you split it into two backpacks? I could help carry some."
"No need. This weight is nothing." Alfred grinned, carrying the backpack and holding the umbrella, walking with steady steps.
"Let me hold the umbrella." Samantha felt bad seeing Alfred doing all the work while she was just chilling.
"No need."
"Come on, let me. Otherwise, I'll feel guilty." Samantha insisted.
Seeing she was serious, Alfred didn't argue. He handed the umbrella to Samantha, and they started climbing the steps.
Since Alfred was a head taller than her, Samantha had to hold the umbrella high. At first, she didn't mind, but soon her arm got sore. She secretly switched hands and shook her sore arm.
Alfred noticed and took the umbrella back from her.
Samantha said, "Hey, why'd you take the umbrella?"
Alfred replied, "I don't want you yelling at me tomorrow."
"Why would I yell at you?" Samantha was curious.
"You'd yell at me for dragging you camping in the summer, making your arms and legs sore."
Samantha laughed. "Am I that spoiled and unreasonable?"
"No."
"Then your words don't add up."
Alfred looked at her. "Yelling at me is normal, not spoiled. If I were you, dragged to climb a mountain in the summer, I'd yell too."
Samantha laughed, looking ahead and taking a deep breath. "I think climbing is great. Staying in air-conditioned rooms all day without sweating makes me gain weight easily. Walking and sweating is good for health."
Alfred looked at Samantha's face. "You'll probably get tanned by tomorrow."
Samantha touched her face. "Fine, I have good skin." Alfred smiled and said nothing more, just walking with her up the mountain.
Trees lined both sides of the stone steps, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of grass and wood. Samantha inhaled the fresh scent, using her hand as a fan.
"Here." Alfred handed her a pack of tissues.
"Thanks." Samantha's forehead was dotted with sweat, and she did want some tissues. She took two to wipe her sweat.
"Here." Alfred handed her a bottle of water.
Samantha looked at him. "Alfred, how'd you know I wanted water?"
'Cause I know you well.' Alfred smiled without saying a word.
Samantha took a sip of water and joked, "Guess what I want to do next?"
Alfred looked into her bright eyes. "You want to ask if I want water?"
Samantha clicked her tongue and gave a thumbs up. "You're good, always spot on!"
Alfred said, "Because you're a considerate girl. If you're thirsty, you'd also think of me."
Samantha laughed. "I'll take the compliment. Is the water in the bag?"
"Yeah."
Samantha took a bottle of water from the bag and handed it to him.
Alfred said, "I don't have a free hand."
Samantha looked at the umbrella and backpack in his hands. "Can't you put them down?"
"The ground's dirty, and you like things clean."
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