This story revolves around Rue and Alice, who have a mutual acquaintance through their fathers. Rue is 20 years old while Alice is slightly older at 22.
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon when a sudden realization struck me like lightning: Alice might actually have a crush on me. The very thought seemed absurd at first, as we had always been as close as siblings, never harboring any romantic inclinations. However, on this particular day, while lost in my own daydreams about Alice's potential feelings, my dad barged into my room, breaking my reverie.
"Hey, Rue, will you come along on the camping trip next week?" my dad asked, his voice interrupting my train of thought.
"Which camping trip?" I replied, a touch of confusion evident in my voice.
"The one I mentioned yesterday," he replied with a hint of impatience. "It'll be just us and John's family."
Suddenly, it hit me--I had completely forgotten that Alice's family would be joining us on the camping trip. It was as if fate had intervened, offering the perfect opportunity to find out whether Alice truly had feelings for me. The reason behind this newfound suspicion was rooted in our lifelong friendship. We had grown up side by side, sharing countless memories, and I couldn't help but recall that the first time I ever played Assassin's Creed was with her.
Lately, however, I had noticed a subtle shift in Alice's behavior. She seemed to purposefully distance herself from me while secretly observing me from afar. I would occasionally catch her gaze fixed upon me, wearing an enigmatic expression that I had dismissed as mere coincidence--until today.
Caught up in a whirlwind of curiosity and anticipation, I informed my dad that I would need some time to think about joining the camping trip. This unexpected turn of events had presented an opportunity--an opportunity to finally uncover the truth about Alice's feelings, if they existed at all.
As the Sunday afternoon lazily stretched into the evening, my mind buzzed with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The prospect of unveiling a potential romantic interest in Alice held both fascination and trepidation. Our bond had always been so secure and familiar, untouched by romantic complications. Could this revelation disrupt our cherished friendship or open up an entirely new chapter in our lives?
With each passing moment, the weight of uncertainty grew heavier. I found myself oscillating between memories of our shared adventures and the peculiar behaviors that had recently piqued my curiosity. The questions swirling in my mind intensified: Had Alice always felt this way, or was it something that had developed over time? And if she did have a crush on me, how would it alter the dynamics of our relationship?
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across my room, I made a decision. I would join the camping trip, armed with newfound awareness and an eagerness to unravel the mystery that had unfolded before me. In the vastness of nature, amidst crackling campfires and starlit nights, I hoped to uncover the truth about Alice's feelings and explore the uncharted territories of our relationship.
Little did I know that this camping trip would mark a turning point--a journey that would either solidify our bond as steadfast friends or lead us down an unforeseen path of love and discovery. The coming days held the promise of revelations, and as I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder how this chapter in our intertwined lives would unfold.
The day of the long-awaited camping trip finally arrived, and I diligently prepared myself, packing my headphones, charger, and a carefully curated playlist of songs. I'm not much of a socializer, preferring the solace of my own world over engaging in meaningless small talk. As we embarked on the journey, I settled into the backseat by the window, deep in contemplation, unsure if my suspicions about Alice were genuine. Lost in thought, I sought solace in the melodies flowing through my ears.
Upon our arrival, we stepped out of the car and greeted Alice's family with the usual exchange of pleasantries. My dad, ever the joker, shared his not-so-funny jokes with Mr. John, and they laughed heartily. Meanwhile, our mothers engaged in their typical mom talk. Amidst the cacophony of trivial conversation and unnecessary commotion, our eyes met. Alice's gaze seemed unwavering, and an unfamiliar sensation coursed through me. I couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty within her eyes, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Lost in my own thoughts, I heard my name being called and snapped back to reality, answering with a somewhat absentminded "Yes, what is it?"
Mr. John greeted me with a firm handshake, a remnant of his military background, and we engaged in the dreaded small talk that I despised. Once the formalities were done, we unloaded our belongings from the cars and proceeded to set up camp. Throughout the passing hours, I found myself in countless awkward interactions with Alice. Blushing and occasionally even sweating, I struggled to find the right words, a sensation foreign to me. It was all so bewildering because I had never experienced such emotions before.
As time ticked away, the clock eventually struck 4 pm, and the decision was made to embark on a short hike up the nearby mountains. As the self-proclaimed introvert, I politely declined the invitation, and much to my surprise, Alice did the same. Thus, only the two of us remained behind, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense and uncomfortable. In an attempt to alleviate the mounting awkwardness, Alice suddenly suggested going inside the tent, conjuring up a flimsy excuse that we both knew was aimed at reducing our interaction.
Just as I settled back into my solitary refuge, engrossed in the melodies pouring through my headphones, a shout pierced through the music, calling my name. Startled, I removed my headphones, only to discover Alice standing there, beckoning me to help her with her phone. The world around me seemed to fade away as I momentarily grappled with the abrupt shift in circumstances.
