Chapter 43

An hour into our walking, I turn to face Tyler who is beside me. "Have you come here before?" "No. It's the first I'm coming here. I've hiked on other trails with Mom before though." "It's great here. I like it." I commented. Tyler smiled. "I had a feeling you would enjoy it." "There is a peak up ahead with a magnificent view. We can stop to have lunch there." Rachel said after a while. When we reached to area that Rachel mentioned, we stopped and put down our bags on the ground. We then spread blankets that we brought with us on the ground. Rachel placed the basket that she had with her on the blanket. "I've brought sandwiches and also kebabs that we can roast." We all gathered firewood and within twenty minutes, we had a fire going. We sat on rocks and began to roast our kebabs. Rachel turned to me. "There is a great view that I know you'd appreciate. I can roast the rest of these and you and Tyler can walk a little up the mountain on your right to see it. After we're finished eating we're going to take the trail on the left." "Okay. I would love to see it." I said as I stood up from the rock I was sitting on. Tyler stood up as well and walked over to where I stood. He then took my hand in his and we walked the trail that led towards the mountain top which Rachel had suggested. When we reached the top of the mountain, I was captivated by the view in front of me. It was magnificent and breathtaking. "This is wonderful, isn't it Tyler?" I asked without turning around. "Yes it is." He agreed. We stood here for quiet some time taking in the scenery below. Up here was very peaceful and once again I became lost my thoughts. "Are you okay?" I heard Tyler asked after a short time as he walked over to where I stood. I turn to face him and smiled a little while nodding my head. "Are you sure? These last couple of days, I noticed you haven't been yourself. You're unusually quiet." Tyler pressed on. "Of course. I'm fine." I replied even though I wasn't so sure. He was right too, ever since Andrea came to his house, I've been avoiding him. "Good." He said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Are you glad that you came here?" "Yeah." I answered truthfully. "It's really awesome. I also didn't want to disappoint your mom." Tyler month lifted in a lopsided smile. "Don't forget that you also couldn't stay away from my irresistible charm." He said lifted his eyebrows in a teasing gesture. I couldn't help but to laugh at his light banter. "You're always saying that." Tyler gave a genuine heart stopping smile. "I know. I also wanted to make you laugh. To cheer you up." I shake my head at that. I looked at him and smiled and he looked right back at me intently. "Do you want to hear something weird?" I nodded my head. "Sure." "I have this strong urge to kiss you right now." He said in a quiet voice. His eyes then flicked to my lips before moving back up to my eyes. My eyes widen and I felt all the breathe leave my lungs when he said that. I didn't expect that at all. As I continued to stand there wordlessly, I felt my heartbeat increasing and my knees were starting to feel weak by his closeness. What is happening to me? Why was he making me feel like this? Come on Emily, say something. I wet my lips, "Uh...no one is around and your mom can't see us. There is no need." I said through the lump in my throat. However, I wanted him to kiss me too. I wanted him to for a long time now. "I know, but I just want to." He said as he brought his lips to mine. When his lips touched mine, I instantly melted from his touch and leaned into the kiss. It was so passionate, urgent and soft all at the same time. He brought his hands around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I brought my right hand to rest on his chest as I kissed him back. A few seconds later, we broke the kiss and Tyler rest his forehead against mine. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at Tyler who had his eyes closed. He then opened them and looked at me. My heart was still beating fast and my mind was foggy. Why did he do that? That was the only question that was running through my confused mind right now. He removed his forehead from mine and I cleared my throat. "Tyler, what-" I began but was cut off by Tyler's mother shouting our names. "Emily! Tyler! Come on. The Kebabs are ready. You don't want them to get cold." I turned in the direction of where I heard her voice and then back to Tyler. "Um...we should get back." He nodded his head. "Yeah, of course." He said. I turned and walked away with Tyler following behind me. When Logan and I had dated, I thought we were a great couple. He was sweet, kind and played the role of a boyfriend perfectly. He made me feel special and I loved hanging out with him, but that was just it. There was no spark or any deep emotional connection with him. We didn't have any heart stopping moments or strong chemistry. I was his girlfriend and he was boyfriend but only in name, so it was like we were playing that role and just existing. I met Logan in the computer lab at school. I was walking towards a computer station and he was going for the same one. None of us had seen the other. When we reached the station, we both put our hand on the chair at the same time. He then turn to face me and smiled, before saying that I could have that one. He then took the one beside me.