Gravel crunches under my shoes as we swerve around the cars parked on the road.

Traffic is at a complete standstill as people attempt to get a parking spot near the festival grounds.

The bright sun reflects off the metal of automobiles lining the street, making me grateful for the sunglasses protecting my eyes.

My sandals, on the other hand, are proving to be useless against the small rocks that are finding their way between my toes.

For the fifth time today, I stop walking and rest my back against a car. I pick out the debris from my feet and say, "Are we sure we have the tickets? I am not trekking back to get them. I'll sit outside the gates and listen to the music if I have to."

"Don't be such a drama queen, Gwen," Elaine says as she swats at my arm. "I checked like three times before we left, and the tickets are in my backpack."

Last night I made the mistake of asking how we were getting into Woodstock since we have yet to purchase any tickets. Elaine and Rose spent a solid ten minutes laughing at my expense before informing me they got tickets from the record store weeks ago.

Bobby comes to my side and puts his arm around my shoulder. Warmth fans across my body, and it isn't from summer's heat. "Are you okay?"

"Honestly, No. I wore the wrong shoes."

"Do you want to get on my back?"

My head cocks back as I look him up and down. Being the prepared man he is, he has a full-on camping bag on his back and is carrying most of our camping supplies. "Are you crazy? Your back is already occupied."

Mike runs over and puts his hand out. His smile lights up his entire face with warmth and joy. "I'll carry it."

"You're already carrying the other bag!"

"I don't care. We can't have you injured before the fun really begins." Mike grabs the camping bag from Bobby and wraps the shoulder straps around his arm until one bag rests against his back and the other on his front.

He looks absolutely ridiculous as he shuffles over to Eliane and Rose.

Mike is a character. His energy gives Rose a run for her money. His chestnut hair falls to his shoulders, and his tall form towers over my sister and her best friend. He places an arm around both ladies before strolling through the crowd.

Bobby reaches for my hand. "Come on. I got you."

The skin on the top of my foot is bright red and raw. Every time the strap of my sandal rubs against it, a scolding burn radiates across my skin.

My shoulders drop, and I push out a deep breath. "Bobby, I have my backpack and a sleeping bag. It's too much weight to carry."

Bobby leans down, scoops his arm under my leg, and supports my back with the other.

I let out a loud squeal that sounds like a dying pig, and my heart leaps in my chest.

I'm unsure how he manages it, but he bends to grab my bag before walking off. I begin to squirm, desperate for him to put me down.

Bobby's strong arms tighten, holding me close to his body. Laying against his muscular chest sends my brain into a dreamy haze. I wouldn't mind getting a peek at what his white t-shirt is hiding underneath it.

When I come back to earth, I sigh in defeat. "Fine, fine, fine! I'll go on your back."

"Thank God. I was afraid I was going to crash into someone with your sleeping bag in my face." Bobby lets out a chuckle that vibrates throughout my body. "We're almost there anyways. I'll be fine. I promise."

My feet finally connect with the ground, and I hiss in pain when the leather strap of my sandal moves. Bobby takes my sleeping bag, and I put my backpack over my shoulders. When he bends down, I hop onto his back.

The way I'm pressed against his back has dirty things running through my mind. I tilt my head and press my face into his neck. My mouth gently grazes his skin, and I whisper, "Thank you."

Goosebumps begin to rise on Bobby's skin, the tiny hairs tickling my lips. "I'd do anything for you, Winnie."

"I'm starting to see that," I admit out loud.

Bobby expertly navigates through the men and women dancing in the streets. They line the narrow road with their hands above their heads, swaying to a young man playing his guitar.

The parked cars have licence plates from across the country and show just how far people have traveled to be here this weekend.

Besides the music, seeing the different types of people gathering together is one of the things I am most excited about. Men, women, black and white are mixed together to celebrate the joyous occasion.

A man is lying on the hood of his car with a hat covering his face. I lean over Bobby's shoulder and say, "I bet you wish you were that guy right now and not lugging me around."

The corner of his lip twitches upwards, and he shakes his head. "I'm fine, Winnie. I could fit you in my back pocket if I needed to."

I playfully tap his shoulder, and Bobby gently pinches my thigh's outer side. The small action sends a jolt straight to my core. I shift against him, and he tenderly rubs my exposed skin with the pad of his thumb.

His touch is magical, and I can't help but release a sigh when my mind wanders to other things he could do with those hands.

My cheek rests against Bobby's shoulder as I continue to take in the mass of people around us. A group of women sit at the edge of the road, taking wildflowers and making them into crowns. I watch them twist and bend green foliage while weaving in dandelions and daisies.

I raise my sunglasses onto my head to better see their masterful artwork. My eyes lock with one of the women when she glances up from the blossoms on her lap. A smile that reaches her eyes extends across her face, and she waves her hand. Her energy causes my own smile to form, and I return her hello.

She nudges her friend and points to something on the ground. When she gets up from her seated position, she approaches Bobby and me with a spring in her step. She must be as high as a kite because she will reach the clouds if she bounces any farther off the ground.

I tap Bobby's shoulder. Thankfully he understands my silent request and stops walking. My heart swells when the mystery woman holds out a crown for me. She forms the letter "V" with her pointer and middle finger. "Spread peace."

Before I express my gratitude, she pivots and walks away with her hip-length hair swaying behind her.

Swarms of wandering individuals further our distance from one another, and I yell at the top of my lungs, "Thank you!"

My unknown crown giver once again offers me the peace sign, and I return the gesture. My spirits blossom when a radiating smile glows brightly on her face before she settles down next to her friends.

I hold out the flower crown so Bobby can see its full beauty. "How cool was that?"

"Pretty awesome. I can't wait to see you wear it, Beautiful."

My heart pounds, letting its joy known with each rhythmic beat.

Bobby continues walking until we are met by a wall of people outside a gate. We look around for Mike, Elaine, and Rose.

We eventually find them seated under a tree. When Mike spots us, he rushes over and takes my sleeping bag from Bobby's hand. "Dude, I didn't realize we were walking so fast. Sorry, I left you back there."

"It's my fault," I admit. "If I weren't such an idiot and wore proper shoes, we would have gotten here at the same time."

"It's all good, Gwen. I'll get the girls. Then we can head in."

I try to shuffle off Bobby's back, but he holds me tightly in place. My feeble attempts leave me defeated, and with a huff, I rest my head on Bobby's shoulder.

"Where are you going?" He chuckles, amusement laced in his words. "I like where you are. Don't you?"

"What has gotten into you lately? The vibes you're giving off are confusing me."

Bobby lowers me down and spins to face me. The gold flecks in his eyes shine bright in the high noon sun, and I want nothing more than to get lost in them. A gasp falls from my parted lips when he tucks a piece of my loose, wavy hair behind my ear. When his fingers trace along my jaw, tingles flow to my neck and down my back.

When his hand comes to a rest on my cheek, I nuzzle into the warm skin. My body is set ablaze when Bobby leans down and presses his forehead against mine.

The sound of someone clearing their throat causes me to jump from our intimate position.

When I see Elaine with her hands on her waist, my eyes widen like a kid who just got caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar. "Sorry to interrupt, but are you ready to go in?"

Rose jumps up and down, waving our entry tickets in the air. "Let's get this party started!"