CARL.

"My name is Evans Cook, your tour guide. I hope that your accommodation at the resort was remarkable." A stubby guy with auburn hair and splotches of freckles on his face, introduced himself. My mom and Mrs. Hanna were standing on either side of the tour guide, smiles glued to their faces. After breakfast, our presence was requested at the resort's auditorium for a briefing before the tour of the National Park commenced.

The buzz of my phone pinched my attention from Mr. Cook's speech. I already knew who the sender of the text was because he had sent a bunch of texts in the last ten minutes.

I didn't want to talk to him right now. I was pissed at him for the way he acted towards Lorenzo. The guy has been nothing short of good to Gavin but Gavin doesn't waste an opportunity to attack him. Lorenzo is my friend and it irks me that Gavin doesn't get along with him.

Carlito, I'm sorry. Please talk to me. Please pretty please. I read the 20th text he had sent. A smile attempted to creep to my lips but I was quick to shirk it.

I know I acted immaturely but I was just trying to get to the bottom of something. Please forgive me. He sent another text.

If you don't want to talk to me then at least look at me. I'm seated behind you to your left. He just didn't know when to stop. My neck was itching to turn around but that stubborn voice in my head was constantly warning me not to look. He sent another text which I didn't care to read. In fact, I shut down my phone. My attention and focus was on Mr. Cook, the tour guide who was narrating the history of the national park.

"Before it became a national park, red wood used to be occupied by Native Americans who spoke many different languages and held numerous distinct identities. They lived in villages that dotted the coast and major rivers. These villages were politically independent yet linked to each other through economic, social and religious ties, food sources important to the natives included elk, fish, nuts, berries and seeds."

"I have a question." A voice which I recognized as Gavin's stated. Wait, Gavin is asking a question in class? He never does that. I admit, it's a nice change.

"Yes, young man." The tour guide commended.

"Did the natives eat the fish raw or did they like fry it? Also did they have fire back then? How exactly did they cook their fish?" His question triggered a few chuckles in the room.

"That's a good question. The natives roasted and smoked their fish because back then we had fire. Some of them preferred to eat their fish raw, like sushi. I hope that answers your question." The guide replied.

"Yeah it does. Thank you."

"Let's proceed. The natives lived in traditional homes which were constructed using planks split from fallen redwoods. Their houses were built over pits dug beneath the building, with the space between the pit and the walls forming a natural bench. It is believed that the redwood that formed its planks was the body of one of the spirit beings. The spirit beings were believed to be a divine race who existed before humans in the redwood region." He narrated.

"So like ghosts?" A student inquired.

"Knew that there are ghosts in this place. I can feel their energy everywhere." Another insinuated, triggering terrified shrieks from the congregation.

"Calm down, there are no ghosts in red wood. At least none that I am aware of." Mr. Cook assured.

"That doesn't sound very convincing." A girl addressed, prompting a debate which concluded with Mr. Cook as the winner.

Later, Mr.Cook gave an introduction of the plants, animals and ecosystems of the national park then distributed pamphlets, caps, T-shirts and boots that have the park's logo on it.

He announced that we would be going on a hike in the woods. I was thrilled and scared at the same time. Scared that I would get lost in the woods and the creatures that roam the place would rip me to shreds. This is the effect of watching too many horror shows.

****

Red wood forest was beautiful, unlike what I had expected. Trees, tall and fleshy swayed slightly in the breeze. Climbing plants and lichen adorned some of the trees. The forest floor was matted with thickets of vegetation and dead leaves and twigs. Bees thronged the flowers that adorned some plants, feeding off nectar. There was something peaceful about the woods. I didn't want this feeling to go away.

"There are 66 known species of terrestrial mammals in Redwood National park, including 13 species of bats and one non-native species, the Virginia opossum. These mammals either reside in the parks year round or, as in the case of bears and larger forest carnivores, occupy home park boundaries. Some terrestrial mammals, particularly bats, reside in the parks only during the breeding season or during migration." The tour guide explained as I scribbled some notes.

"Hey." And there goes my peace of mind.

"What part of I don't wanna talk to you didn't you understand?" I spewed, increasing the pace of my strides.

"Carlito, I'm sorry okay. I know I acted like a jerk and I feel horrible about it. Please forgive me."

"Lorenzo, the guy whose name you can't even pronounce correctly, is the one you should be apologizing to. Not me." I retorted, trying to keep up with what the tour guide was saying. I needed to take notes for my report later.

"Okay fine. I will apologize to him. But will you at least talk to me afterwards?"

"I am talking to you right now, aren't I?" I shot back, scribbling something on my notebook.

"Why are you being like this?"

"Like what?"

"Cold and distant. Is it because of him? Don't think I don't see the way you enjoy hanging around him. In fact I am surprised that he's not with you right now." He did not just say that.

"What exactly are you insinuating Gavin?" I halted in my movements and turned to face him. My eyes glued to his. I needed to see it in his eyes. The amount of distrust he has for me.

"I am not insinuating anything. I am scared that you spend a lot of time with him. He has become this important part of your life. I feel like you don't need me anymore." Sincerity filled his eyes as the words spilled from his mouth. Resentment that had initially inhabited my heart, melted like ice in the hot summer sun.

"Can we talk somewhere else? People are staring." He indicated and he was right, a bunch of students were gawking at us. Questioning looks etched on their faces. I nodded in reply and we separated ourselves from the rest until we were out of sight. He took my hand in his, leading me through the woods. Silence floated between us, thickening with each stride.

"Where are you taking me?" I inquired, decapitating the taciturnity.

"It's a surprise." He chuckled.

"Uh, I wonder what the surprise is." I gasped, triggering a laugh from him. A familiar warm feeling formed residence in my chest.

"You'll see, soon." He assured then without notice, scooped me in his arms, carrying me bridal style. A squeal erupted from my throat and he smiled in return.

"Put me down now! Do you know that you almost gave me a heart attack? How dare you?" I screamed, throwing my legs like a stubborn child.

"God, you are so cute right now." Was his reply.

"You should have asked for permission before carrying--" My speech was interrupted by his lips which sabotaged mine into a demanding kiss. My tense body relaxed as I reciprocated the kiss. It has been almost twelve hours since I last kissed these lips. I was an addict of his kisses. He broke the kiss, leaving me breathless and horny for him.

I stared at his lips and was about to go for round two when he stopped me.

"Not now, we are almost there." He said.

"Fine." A frown rested on my face. Sensing my shifted mood, he planted a peck on my forehead. It made me feel better but didn't stop the ache that was coursing through my being. I ached for his touch, his kisses and so much more. Lately, I have been horny as a bitch. Especially after the steamy make out session in the bus. I want more than just a kiss but I am scared that he might not be ready. So, I won't rush him. I'll wait until he is ready.

"We are here." He spoke, disrupting my stream of thoughts.

Breath was snatched from my lungs at the sight in front of me. Cerulean waters of the ocean seduced my vision. Waves splashed on the beach, dragging the white grains of sand back into the ocean. Sea gulls squawked as they hovered above the ocean, surveying their aquatic prey.

"What do you think?"

"It's exquisite." I breathed, not breaking eye contact with the view in front of us. I wanted to soak it all in. "How did you come across this place?" I asked as he put me down.

"Earlier this morning when I had gone for a jog, I came across it."

"I love it. I wish I could paint it. You know what, I'll take photos of it then paint it when we get back." Gusto coursed through every cell of my body as I fished for my phone. I switched it on and took photos of the ocean.

"I want in on the photo too." Gavin lamented and I complied. Taking as much photos of him as possible. To say that he looked like a model straight out of a Dolce and Gabbana runway was an understatement. Not even the sun could rival his hotness.

Then, he started stripping. Heat scalded my cheeks and I looked away for some reason, "What—are you doing?"

"Going for a swim." He replied. "I want you to join me. Please." He sent a request my way.

"Umm...I don't think it's a good idea." I retorted, nervous to look at his exposed chest. Why the fuck was I shy anyway? It's not like I haven't seen him naked.

"Come on Carlito, see the line where the sky meets the sea, it calls us..." He started singing to Moana. A laugh escaped my lips. His singing was terrible but the gesture was heart-warming.

"How can I say no, especially after that beautiful song you just serenaded me with?" I teased, taking off my boots. My bare feet kissed the warm grains of sand, sending a relaxing feeling through me. "Please close your eyes." I made a request.

"Why?" He pried.

"Because I want to take off my clothes." Bashfully, I added.

"But why? You have seen me without clothes, it's only fair if I do the same." He was making it very hard to look away especially because he was standing in front of me only in his briefs. His block of abs were on display for me to devour. My eyes trailed to his abdomen which was sculpted into a pronounced v-line. Not even Adonis could rival his splendor. He looked unreal, like a character from a romantic novel. He was everything admirable about masculinity. I couldn't say the same about me.

"Just close your eyes please." I repeated my request.

"Okay." He sighed, complying with my plea. Swiftly, I took off my clothes, disposing them on the sand. Cold breeze from the ocean nipped my exposed flesh, resulting in a series of goosebumps. My pale skin and bony physique was on display. I hugged myself, the feeling of nature judging the way I looked, overwhelming me.

"You can open your eyes now and laugh if you feel like." I stated, my gaze fixed on the sandy ground as I chomped my bottom lip, tension building up in me.

"Hey, I would never laugh at you. Why the fuck would I even laugh?" He cupped my face in his big hands, compelling me to look into his eyes.

"Because I am too skinny. You can literally count my ribs." I choked on the words, tears gathering in my eyes. I was ashamed of exposing my nakedness to him. Felt pathetic for letting him see me like this. This image of me will surely haunt his nightmares.

"I like you just the way you are. I don't care if you're skinny or shorter...I fucking adore you....all of you." He confessed, admiration clouding his eyes. Tears that had gathered in my eyes, cascaded my cheeks upon hearing his avowal. A river of emotions coursing through me, I hugged him, burying my head on his chest as tears gushed freely from my eyes. He put his arms protectively around me, engulfing me in the warmth of his body. The pineapple fragrance emanating from his body, infiltrated my nostrils, driving a feeling of comfort all over my being.

"Thank you." I whispered in the hug and he rejoined with a peck on my hair. "Now, let's go swim." I stated, breaking the hug and wiping off tear stains from my cheeks.

"I propose a race. Whoever gets to the water first, gets a reward." He proclaimed.

"I am loving that idea. On your mark, get set ready go!" I yelled then started running as fast as I could. Before I could get to the water, he overtook me and jumped in the water with a splash. Now is one of those moments that I wish I were an athlete.

"I win!" He yelled, splashing the water on me like an excited kid.

"True, name your prize." I urged, enjoying the sensation of cold ocean water against my skin.

"Come closer." He gestured with his index finger and like a duck, I swam to him. We were micro-inches apart, our heights equivalent in the water. His wet hair clung to the side of his head, augmenting his handsome countenance. "Closer." His deep-toned, slightly gravelly voice commanded, resulting in the sudden rise of my body temperature. I obeyed his command, bridging the distance between us until there was none left. The loud thumping of my heart overpowered the sound of roaring waves and squawking seagulls. Butterflies danced wildly in my stomach, flapping their wings impatiently.

"My prize is you Carlito. I want to make you the happiest guy on the planet. I know that sometimes I can be a douche bag but I want to be better. For you." His confession sent a wave of heat straight to my heart which melted in response. Gavin had managed to tear down the walls I had built up. He had gotten to my heart and willingly, I let him in. I let him have my heart, hopeful that he will never break it.

"Kiss me." Tears welling in my eyes, I declared.

Our lips collided into a kiss---long, sensual and slow as our heartbeats danced in unison, our wet bodies glued to each other.