17. Chapter 16
Chapter 16
BECCA
The mental checklist was necessary for every hike as well as the written one that I wrote out for each day. Being prepared was something that you honestly couldn’t go wrong with.
Over prepared? Better safe than sorry.
The strangers that were now becoming acquaintances were sitting around the fire drinking their coffee, chatting about their lives. I, however, tried to be a fly on the wall in most scenarios with my job. This retreat was for them… not me.
Yet in some way, having others depend on me to lead them was sort of fulfilling. Today would be the first chance that I would have at helping them accomplish what they were here for.
Healing .
“Alright everyone, we are heading out in approximately fifteen minutes. Please get your things together, tidy up, and meet me at the back of the van to retrieve your hiking equipment. I’ve already filled water jugs and packed our lunch for today. Luckily this hike is an easy one to two hours round trip. Something to just get our feet wet… metaphorically speaking.”
I glanced around taking count of my hikers and realized I was missing one.
“Has anyone seen Shyloh?”
The smirk on Ms. Donna’s face was an instant giveaway that she knew he was up to something. I narrowed my eyes onto her, and she raised her brows, turning around to face the tent that he slept in.
“Is he still sleeping?”
The annoyance I felt for the utter lack of responsibility in getting up in a timely manner was out of this world. Being an inconvenience for yourself is one thing but being one for someone else—an entire group—is ridiculous.
Storming towards his tent, I could practically feel the blood in my veins boiling. I was going to give him a piece of my mind. I couldn’t wait to—
And there he was. I stopped just in front of his tent, looking down at his scruffy face staring back up at me.
“Well good morning to you, too,” Shyloh yawned, shaking his hair out and standing to his full height in front of me. I didn’t mind that—what I did mind was the fact he was shirtless, and my eyes willingly kept looking at him .
“Is there something you need, oh brave and powerful leader?” he remarked.
I rolled my eyes towards him, focusing on the golden hues near his irises. They were particularly stunning this morning.
“You are late. We are leaving in ten minutes, and I asked everyone to be up and ready to—”
He grunted, leaning over to grab his shirt and shoes, slipping them on as I stood there and watched him do it.
“Now I’m ready. Am I still in trouble?” Shyloh pouted.
I let out an annoyed laugh before shaking my head, turning on my heels, and walking away.
“If you need to spank me, just let me know!” I heard him call out from behind me. I couldn’t reply. That narcissistic prick thought he could just do what he wants. I knew how guys like him behaved. I’d bring him back down to earth… real quick.
My middle finger mysteriously raised up and all I could hear was a soft chuckle and the crunch of leaves on the ground behind me.
I made it to the van only to be met with the entire group standing there, smiling wildly at me, anxious for their first hike.
Glancing into the back of the van, I noticed all the hiking equipment for the day was already out. I made a quick observation of everyone in the group, realizing that they had all the supplies they needed for today without my help.
“We hope you don’t mind. It seemed like you could be a minute talking to our hot rod,” Ms. Donna taunted.
It was obvious that Shyloh had already won over the group. Of course he would .
“Ya’ll ready to get going?” Shyloh blurted from behind us and the response was an overwhelming agreement to his idea.
Our group started to walk to the entrance of the nicely carved path of our first hike. They had already received maps in order to learn where they would need to go. Part of me was proud they took such an initiative to want to take control over their trip. I just knew they would have the time of their life out here.
***
The rain was not in our plans. And it’s true what they say: when it rains, it pours. And pours. And pours.
We had finally seen the stunning view of the north rim, taken pictures, and eaten our lunch. Just as quickly as we were joyous about our accomplishment, the clouds turned on us.
Luckily, I packed emergency ponchos, which everyone hastily placed over themselves and their bags, just in case. Josh was able to find a large enough tree canopy that could stop some of the rain over us. The rocks were a nice addition underneath the tree; it was the perfect place to rest while it rained.
“I love unexpected things like this,” Donna divulged to me. I couldn’t help but turn to watch how she looked at everything in front of her. It was as if this moment meant everything to her. That nothing could ruin it.
I sighed. “I’m not a huge fan of unexpected things. That’s why I like to prepare for everything, just in case. ”
She turned her head, leaning over to me. She gave me a quick smile and whispered, “You know… life is unexpected. And sometimes the greatest joys in life are the things that we didn’t plan.” She gestured to the view in front of us.
The sheen of rain covered the canyon below us, but the mist tangled with rays that escaped from the sun gave the sky an orange glow. The smell of fresh rain enveloped me, and I realized what she meant.
She continued, “Becca, you need to learn to let go. Enjoy right now. If you put yourself in a bubble, you’ll never get out of it.”
Donna stood and patted my hand. “And don’t let a chance at love escape you just because you're scared. Because spoiler alert… Everyone is scared. Don’t let the clutches of that fear stop you from being happy.”
I watched her white hair wisp in the wind as she turned to walk toward the others in the group. I’d had this conversation a thousand times with different people in my life, but for some reason Donna’s words struck me. I thought I was at least content in my life, but maybe I needed to live a little.
Let go.