Chapter 39 Travel
Brad was always smiling. Sometimes it felt like a spring breeze, other times warm and gentle, always making me feel at ease and not wanting to leave.
Daniel, on the other hand, was always distant. Even when he smiled, it felt cold, like I could never really reach him. Plus, he rarely smiled at me.
Daniel was like a delicate piece of art, best admired from afar. Brad was more like a comfy pillow, always making you want to be around him.
I remembered the first day we met; Brad teased me just like this. What did I say back then? Oh yeah, I was so dazzled by his looks that I foolishly called him handsome.
Brad was indeed handsome—clean, pure, steady, and easy on the eyes.
I replied, "Absolutely stunning. Brad, once this busy period is over, I'll paint you a portrait."
I was good at portraits, and Brad's good looks deserved to be captured in a painting.
"Sure, I'd love that," he said.
We chatted and laughed along the way, keeping things light and fun. I kept bugging him about where we were going so I could plan our trip. But Brad, being mischievous, kept it a secret. No matter how much I pouted and begged, he wouldn't spill. He just said I'd find out when we got there and that I'd love it.
Our SUV crossed mountains, climbed slopes, passed through forests, and crossed several bridges. Before my butt got sore, we finally arrived.
And yep, I loved it.
Azure Meadows was nestled in the hills of Mount Erebus, surrounded by virgin forests, lush vegetation, green mountains, clear waters, blue skies, and white clouds. It was stunning.
After getting off the dirt road, it was less than a thirty-minute walk to the forest park entrance. We could've driven in, but Brad said the journey was the fun part, and driving would make us miss the details. Walking was more enjoyable.
Brad bought the tickets, and I followed him like a little sidekick.
There weren't any activities here, just pure enjoyment of the scenery.
We admired the mountains and waters, jumping and hopping around, super happy. Brad said I was like a lively little monkey.
It was peak tourist season, and there were quite a few visitors. Many were saying the maple leaves here were the best in the North.
After seeing the scenery, I agreed. The landscape was stunning, especially the maple leaves—red, yellow, and green layers showing off their beauty in different seasons.
When a large patch of red leaves colored my white dress, I felt a sudden wave of emotion, my nose tingling.
Brad actually knew about my regret!
Noticing my change in mood, Brad turned and smiled, "What you miss is out of reach; the scenery before you is what belongs to you. Do you like it?"
Brad's words had a philosophical touch, but I didn't quite get it.
Sniffling, I mumbled, "Is this your way of making it up to me?"
Even though he messed up my plans for three days, I was touched he brought me here to see the maple leaves.
Brad sped up, got ahead of me, then turned around and walked backward, pulling out his phone to snap a picture. "Yes and no. Jane, say cheese."
"I'm not in the mood to smile. Don't take my picture; I look awful," I protested.
Brad, usually so mature and steady, was now playful and laughing non-stop.
He kept taking pictures, capturing moments whether I was ready or not.
Imagining how awful I must look, I chased after him, demanding he delete them. Brad stayed just out of reach, always a couple of steps ahead.
'What if those awful photos got out? That would be the end of me. They had to go.' I furrowed my brows, hatching a plan.
"Ouch!" I pretended to be hurt, stopping with tears welling up.
Brad thought I was really hurt and rushed over. "Did you twist your ankle? Why were you running so fast? Which side? Let me see."
Taking advantage of his distraction, I pushed him down and grabbed his phone.
Brad quickly realized he'd been tricked and raised his arm high. Even lying on the ground, he was unbeatable.
I didn't give up, crawling all over him until I finally got the phone. Then I realized I was lying in Brad's arms, face to face, so close I could feel his breath.
In Brad's starry eyes, besides the blue sky and white clouds, there was only me.
The atmosphere got a bit awkward, and my face slowly turned red. Feeling embarrassed, I tried to get up.
Brad held the back of my head and pressed me into his neck.
I heard his strong heartbeat and smelled his fresh, pine-like scent.
For a moment, I lost track of time.
"Jane, don't be sad. You deserve someone better," he said.
My nose felt stuffy. I thought by pretending not to care and laughing every day, no one would know my feelings.
But Brad's simple words broke my defenses.
He saw through my facade and knew I had a wound that never healed, always hurting.
"Okay," I said, my voice trembling.
"Jane, don't cry. It breaks my heart." Brad tightened his embrace, warm and comforting.
I wanted to stay in his arms a little longer.
I thought it must be because I was too hurt and sad, longing for a hug to heal my wounds.
I had endured too much alone and wanted someone to rely on.
'Brad, you're Daniel's older brother. Can I rely on you?' I thought.
I said, "Brad, I wanna get up."
"Okay, no more fooling around." Brad helped me up, and we sat side by side on the ground. He opened the photo album and showed me. "Beautiful, right?"
"Yes, Brad, your photography skills are amazing, just like your painting," I replied.
Brad ruffled my hair affectionately, like petting a well-behaved puppy.
He held my hand like when we were kids as we strolled along the mountain path.
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