LA (Part 3)

Amelia's POV

   That afternoon... 12:30 pm to be exact...

     It's currently 12:30 pm and Addie finally saunters out of her bedroom, only to collapse to the floor in complete shock at the sight of me sitting at the kitchen counter chatting with Kai. "Amelia, what the hell are you doing here?!?!" She gets up off of the floor and throws herself at me for a warm embrace. "I had a couple days off from work and wanted to surprise both you and Kai with a visit. I also haven't been to LA in a few years so I thought "Why not?" She grins. "You're a real piece of work, but it's wonderful to see you. I worked a dreadful shift last night, but I got enough rest where I feel up to going out today. Do you and Kai want to go for a hike in the Hollywood Hills? That's one of my favorite spots in the city and I know you'd both love it too." 

      Kai and I both share a quick look, in which they give me a nod of approval. A small smile finds its way onto my face. "That sounds like a terrific idea. I'm starved though. Can we eat lunch before we go?" Addie laughs. "Why of course, we need fuel in our stomachs to hike those hills. I have a leftover pepperoni pizza from yesterday so let's dig in!" Addie grabs the pizza out of the fridge along with three plates for us to eat our pizza on. We each have two large slices of the incredibly delicious pepperoni pizza from a local pizza joint down the street called Pete's. After that, we all freshen up and begin to get ready for our hike in the Hollywood Hills. I've been to LA several times and even lived here for a while when I worked for the Private Practice, but I've never been up in the Hollywood Hills. I've only seen them from a distance, never up close and personal. I'm very excited! 

       We then hop in Kai's rental car and make our way out to a hiking trail that leads directly up to the Hollywood Hills. We make sure to grab our hiking gear and necessities, which includes snacks and water. It's about seventy-five degrees out and sunny. What a pristine weather day, mild but not oppressive. All of us grin at each other like fools and begin our hours long hike up through the Hollywood Hills, taking breaks every 20-30 minutes to catch our breaths and recover a bit. When we finally do get to the top, I smile from ear to ear. My breath is knocked out of me by the stunning view. Even Kai who seldomly is ever speechless appears to be by the view also. Addie has a shit eating grin on her face as she puts her face on my shoulder. "Was I right or was I right? I love you, but I TOLD YOU SO!" I roll my eyes playfully at her. "FINE, you were right. Don't let your ego get too large though." She swats me. "Oh hush. Kai, what are your thoughts on the view?" 

      Kai is in a trance ogling at me in my workout gear, which shows A LOT of cleavage and skin. I blush as Addie smirks at them and I have to snap my fingers in front of their face in order to snap them out of the trance. Kai looks at Addie and I and their face heats up in embarrassment. "S-Sorry, it appears that I was a bit distracted. What was your question Addison?" Addison snorts. "I can tell. My question for was what are your thoughts on this view? I got Amelia to admit that the view up here is spectacular, but I wanted to hear from you also." Kai runs their fingers through my hair as they look at Addison. "I too have to admit that I'm impressed by the view up here. You can literally see the entire vast, bustling city of LA up here. If you look close enough, you can even see the horizon of the ocean too." 

       Addie does a victory dance, which causes both Kai and I to crack up. I love Addie, but she really is a piece of work sometimes. Addie and I have been close for many years now. She was a godsend to help me with my alcohol and drug addiction. I love her dearly and don't know what I'd do without her. I'm so thankful that Addie is still in my life, even despite Derek having been dead for several years now. I don't mean to phrase it so bluntly, but yet I don't know how else to convey the obvious truth. I don't see the point in sugarcoating things, that's not how I roll. I know the people closest to me appreciate that quality about me a lot, especially Kai. Kai and I have top notch communication skills, hence why our relationship has very few hiccups and/or road blocks. 

       As the three of us plop down onto a patch of grass up here almost directly behind the Hollywood sign, we take a much needed break before playing tourists and snapping some cheesy but memorable pictures both in front of the Hollywood sign and with the beautiful scenery of LA down below us. It almost feels like we're recreating a scene from the movie 'La La Land.' I'm not a huge musical person, but that movie was one of the few exceptions for me. I can't wait to see what adventures that the rest of the day brings for us!