Chapter 27
Alex
I wake up slowly, the morning sun filtering through the trees. For a moment, I remain still, enjoying the sensation of peace that surrounds me. I've slept deeply, better than I have in years.
And then I remember the dream. Rosie. She was in a meadow, her bare feet caressing the green grass. Her red hair danced in the wind, brown eyes shining with an intense light. She wore a loose white dress that swayed gently, and wildflowers were woven into her hair. She was... ethereal. Beautiful.
In the dream, I approached her. She laughed, a pure and joyous sound that seemed to merge with the birdsong around us. She took my hand and we began to dance, light as air, happier than I'd ever been.
A smile forms on my lips at the memory. It was such a vivid dream, so real. I can almost still smell the flowers, feel the warmth of her hand in mine...
And then, suddenly, I stop. The smile vanishes from my face as realization hits me like a punch to the stomach.
Last night. My thoughts before falling asleep. I had thought... oh, damn.
I sit up abruptly, panic beginning to grow inside me. No, no, no. It can't be. I couldn't have had all those thoughts...
Damn... this seems like much more than a simple crush, or attraction, or any other damn sentimental thing that was already enough to send my brain into overdrive.
This seems dangerously more like something Chris might think.
And if Chris is in the equation... it all seems dangerously too sentimental, all too similar to love.
I can't have fallen in love. Not with Rosie. Not this quickly.
"Calm down, Alex," I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair. "They were just passing thoughts. They don't mean anything."
But as much as I try to convince myself, I know I’m lying. The way my heart races every time I see her, the thrill I get from our playful banter, the constant pull to have her near me—none of this is normal. This is unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.
"Shit," I whisper, suddenly realizing how screwed I am. I'm in deeper than I expected. It's not a passing crush, not just physical attraction. It's something deeper, more dangerous.
I stand up, trying to shake away these thoughts. I can't afford to think like this.
But then I hear movement and turn around. Rosie is still asleep, curled up in my jacket. The morning sun illuminates her face, making her hair shine like molten copper. She's so beautiful it takes my breath away.
And in that moment, looking at her, I know it's too late to protect myself. I've already fallen, and fallen hard.
"You're in trouble, cowboy," I mutter to myself, unable to look away from her. "You're in serious trouble."
With a sigh, I head toward the fire to relight it and prepare breakfast. While I work, I try not to think about how screwed I am, about how difficult it will be to say goodbye to Rosie when the time comes and she won't want me with her.
Why would she want me? What would she do with someone like me?
I focus on the present. I have to, otherwise I'll go even more crazy. I focus on how to give her the best possible experience at this campsite. On how to make her smile, how to make the experience carefree.
Because if these are the only moments I'll have with her, I want them to be perfect. Even if it means suffering afterward.
"Good morning, cowboy," Rosie's sleepy voice makes me jump. I turn to see her stretching, her hair tousled and her eyes still half-closed.
And despite all my doubts and fears, I can't help but smile. "Good morning, princess. Sleep well?"
"Slept wonderfully," Rosie responds with a smile, moving closer to the fire. "I didn't think you could sleep so well outdoors."
I watch her as she sits beside me, wrapped in my jacket. My heart does a somersault in my chest at the sight, but I try to stay calm."It's the fresh mountain air. Works wonders," I respond, trying to keep a light tone.
Rosie nods, looking around with eyes full of wonder. "It's all so quiet and peaceful here."
"Do you miss the city?" I ask cautiously, not wanting to pressure her.
She turns to me, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Actually... not as much as I thought I would. I mean, I miss some things, sure. But here... I don't know, I feel more like myself."
Her words give me a spark of hope, but I try not to get carried away. I know how complicated her situation is.
"Well, you're always welcome here," I say, trying to be supportive without forcing the issue.
Rosie remains silent for a moment, watching the fire. When she speaks again, her voice is low, almost a whisper:
"Thank you, Alex. That means a lot to me."
I wish I could tell her how much I want her to stay, but I know it has to be her decision.
"So, what's on the schedule for today, cowboy?" she asks with a smile, clearly trying to change the subject.
I decide to follow her lead and not push. "I thought I'd take you hiking. There's a special place I want to show you."
Her eyes light up with excitement. "Sounds perfect!"