The Hidden Timbers

“Alaina! You better hurry or you'll be late for your first check in!” my mom called from the kitchen. “I'm almost ready!” I called back as I was packing the last of my supplies. Today was the day I’ve been waiting for since my class studied the Rocky Mountains in 8th grade. I was finally about to leave my small town in Illinois to drive to Colorado and hike the Rocky Mountains for a whole month. I’ve always been brave and able to take care of myself, but I had to admit. I was nervous about being on my own for so long. My mother had always been there for me and provided for me the last 20 years of my life. The longest I’ve been away from home was 2 weeks for summer camp every summer. Even though we look nothing alike, my bright blonde hair with emerald green eyes and her short dark brown hair with brown eyes,  I have never considered her anything less than my mother. I figured I just got my traits from my father who died when I was just a baby. She use to tell me stories about what he did for her when they were dating. He was a true romantic according to her stories. I always wish I could've met him, but I know he's always watching over me. As I walked down the old, creaky wood stairs in our farmhouse, suitcase in hand and hiking pack on my back, I could see my mom staring at me with tears glistening her eyes. I gave her a knowing smile and closed the space between us. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” She asked. Looking into her beautiful golden brown eyes I assured her, “ I know you’re worried, but I’m ready. You know I can take care of myself, and I’ve saved enough money to last me 6 months out there. I have dad’s pocket knife in my pack and Life 360 on my phone in case you need to find me. If anything is wrong I will call you.” She smiled at me and brought me into her arms as she gave me one last hug before I embarked on my journey. We walked toward my silver ford fusion hand in hand while going over my checklist to be sure I had everything. When we reached my car she helped me slide my bags into the back seat and walked around to open the driver seat door for me. “I have one last thing I want you to take with you.” She said as I slid into the drivers seat. I watched her as she reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a small wooden box. She handed the box to me and said, “ It may be small, but I thought of you when I saw it.” I opened the box to find a small, beautiful paw shaped emerald on a silver chain. I held up the necklace to see it in the sunlight while placing the box in my passenger seat. “It’s beautiful.” I said with tears in my eyes. “Where did you get it?” “Oh, I just saw it somewhere.” She shrugged. I smiled at her and handed it to her so she could clamp for me. I turned around and moved my hair for her so she could see what she was doing. When I turned back towards her she looked at me with a tear falling down her cheek. Looking at the necklace made me remember that I hadn't said goodbye to one very important person yet. "Where's Beau? I asked her, but just as fast as I said it a giant yellow lab came jumping into my car. Smothering me in sweet doggy kisses. "You can't come with me this time boy, but I'm going to miss my favorite hiking partner." I said while placing a kiss on his nose.  I looked back at my mom, who looked like she was trying to hold in her tears. “I love you so much.” She said “I love you too mom. I’ll be back here before you know it... I promise” With that said I closed my car door and started up my car. I waved goodbye as I backed out of our driveway, ready to start my new adventure.