The Mountain's best kept Secret

3. No trespassing

(Isabella’s POV—FOUR DAYS AGO)

Three years have passed since Isabella and her friends began college. After Travis’s kiss in the rain, she tried her best to accept his love and return it in kind. At first, they were happy together, but Travis grow to attach that pushed her further away. Unfortunately, she couldn’t give him her heart he so desperately desired. The breakup didn’t surprise him, as he came to realise she didn’t love him the same. She has always been there next to him, but her mind elsewhere. Because of whom she was, he ignored the distance she kept throughout their brief relationship. However, their breakup didn’t stop him from passing an advance now and again. At least he didn’t pursue her as before.

As students, they had great times together. Penny, Travis, and Isabella. All peas-in-a-pod. They partied most nights and recovered from their hangovers at Isabella’s apartment. She stayed true to her promise made all those years ago; to leave the lonely girl behind. Last year, they even made a new friend—Grace. A dark-haired girl full of spunk. Although she enjoyed everyone’s company, Travis held her primary interest.

Isabella spent most of her time studying these days. As finals drew closer, her workload became more. She unintentionally disconnected herself from everyone else. She required an excellent CV to secure a sought-after internship when she graduated. Good grades were more important than a no-worry-party-life her friends had chosen. “There’s always next year!” Penny once said after confronting her irresponsible lifestyle. 

“Ring!” Isabella glanced at the name appearing on her screen. ‘Gosh, when last did I speak to Penny?’ She thought before answering the phone, “Hi Penny!”. “O wow, you still have my number. I’m stunned…”. Penny’s playful tone echoed through the handset. “I’ve been meaning to call you. You know I have finals coming up...” Penny interrupted Isabella’s apology. “Don’t worry, we’re the best of friends. And I know just how you can make it up to me.” Penny smugly said. “O no, no, no, no!” she gulped. “The last time you suggested something alike… Travis, and I ended up kissing.” She complained. “Don’t you even want to hear what I have in mind?” Penny sounded mysterious.

“What do you have in m…” But a loud shriek came to her ear before she could finish her sentence. “I knew you still cared for me, Bella. ‘Get-togethers’ are just not the same without you!”. Penny exclaimed. “I haven’t even agreed yet. You must tell me about my punishment first.” She laughed at her friend’s premature thinking. “We’re going on a hiking trip. It has been ages since we did something adventurous together. Grace knows about this hidden spot in the mountains. Apparently, there're high cliffs towering into the sky. We can jump from the top into the water below! Trilling, isn’t it?”.

After a few moments of silence, Isabella replied, “I don’t know, Penny. You said ‘hidden’, how secluded is the trial? If something happens, how would anyone know we need help? Would we have cell service? O goodness, please don’t tell me we’ll be camping?” She spat out her concerns, one after the other. Isabella loved the outdoors, but after a bad camping experience, it’s not something she would like to relive.

Hearing Isabella’s panic, Penny quickly answered, “No, no Bella! O gosh, I get you hate camping. It will be a one-day hiking trip only—up, over, and down the mountain. We can book into an inn nearby if need be.” She continued after a brief pause. “Grace said only a few people knew about this specific trail because it’s on private land. You can’t get access without permission from the landowner. Luckily, Grace knows the guy, so he will arrange access for us. I hear the area is stunningly beautiful! And there’s really nothing to worry about, because Travis will join us.” It seemed like Penny’s word-vomit lasted forever. Yet, Isabella heeded her friend’s pleading heart. She also wished to enjoy their company one last time before officially levelling up to adulthood. 

Ever since they arrived at college, the friends talked about going on a hiking trip. The province was renowned for its picturesque hiking trials. Out of pure desperation for Penny to quit pleading, she gave in. “You will not regret it, Bella! You’re the best and I love you! I’ll send you the details. Chat soon!” She let out a sigh as Penny disconnected the line. The text came through as she leaned back in her chair. Glaring at the textbooks and study materials scattered around made her pout. ‘I have so many chapters to memorise before we go.’ She regretted her decision to join them. 

The text from Penny read: 

‘See you the day after tomorrow! 

We’ll pick you up Saturday morning, 6am. 

We need an early start. Can’t wait! 

Love you lots 

xxx.’

Isabella had a test Monday morning. Two days allowed little time for her to work through all the study material. ‘I’ll just have to study late tonight and tomorrow.’ She crossed her arms like an angry child. Seated at her desk, she couldn’t chase away Travis’s image. A sense of guilt crushed her soul. How can he love a girl lost in her own world—a world created for only one. She desperately wished to return his love, but he never held the means to decipher her heart.

Her mind wandered to the night their relationship ended—dark and stormy. Modelled after the first night they kissed; ending the relationship in the same way it began. It was one of those silly ideas Penny had. The fair was in town, so she demanded to go. Isabella informed them about the unfavourable weather forecast, but no one listened.  At the fair, they lined the streets with scrumptious food stalls and in the centre, stood giant rides. The night began cheerful, until Isabella noticed Grace’s sombre face, “What's wrong? Are you not having fun?”

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about me.” Grace smiled and faced elsewhere. “I can see you’re upset; you can tell me.” She pressed again. “I am… It’s just… I would rather have fun with a certain special someone…” Grace sincerely answered. “O…” was all she could manage, taken aback by Grace’s confession. She understood her words’ true meaning. “I am in love… But he deeply loves someone that wouldn’t return his affections. I know she is trying her best, but he’s not the right guy for her. Don’t you think that’s unfair?” Grace pretended as if they spoke about strangers. “No, it’s not fair…” she dropped her head. Saying the words aloud burned her tongue like acid. But it was true, she hasn’t been fair dragging Travis along.

“Come on! Let’s go on the Ferris wheel.” Travis interrupted them and lightly dragged her by the arm. “Travis, no, wait…” Isabella protested. Suddenly, it stared to drizzle. As the raindrops fell, it also unleased all her suppressed loneliness, and ripped through her soul. The lie she told herself had to end. Soaking wet, Travis kept her in his arms while a tear slipped from his eye. “I knew this day would come, and it hurts much worse than I imagined.” He mumbled. After all, he secretly hoped for more time to win her over. He then gave her a peck on the forehead and left.

‘You closed that chapter of your life’ Isabella reminded herself, chewing on a pencil. Yet, thinking back still left her heart throbbing. Headstrong about acing her test on Monday, Isabella eased through her studies. She even looked forward to their hiking trip. Shortly after her alarm sounded at 05:30, she got dressed in spinning tights, a loose hanging shirt and running shoes. Ready for an adventitious day in her comfortable attire and high ponytail. In the kitchen, she packed snacks and water for later. Suddenly, she heard a loud knock accompanied by childish chuckling.

“Bella! We’re here! Ready to go?”. Irritated by their loudness, she snatched her backpack and shot out the door. She gave Penny and Grace a stern look. “What are you doing? You’re going to wake up my neighbours” She scolded. They jumped with excitement, seeing her all dressed up for the trip. Penny leaped forward and gave her a big bear hug. “I’m so happy you’re coming with us.” Penny said. “You two will be the end of me! Where’s Travis?” Isabella asked. “He’s waiting in the car. Come on! Let go! Adventure awaits!”. Grace turned on her heels and disappeared down the stairway. “She’s in a good mood?” Isabella noted. “She’s always in a good mood!” Penny rolled her eyes and pulled her friend down the passage.

“Hi Bella, long time no see”. “Hi Travis! Yeah, I know. I’ve been an awful friend.” she replied. He awkwardly looked away because the word ‘friend’ caught him off guard and it didn’t go unnoticed. Behind his pretence she noticed his heart still bled, leaving a scarlet trail behind. “I’m glad you came. Get in and let’s hit the road.” He broke the awkward silence. “Sit with me at the back”. Penny exclaimed. Grace didn’t waver and quickly got in next to Travis. “Everyone buckle up… Good, lets go!” Travis announced after putting on his sunglasses. He started the car and pulled out into the street. Isabella glanced at the handsome guy she left devastated. The good news was that Grace clearly fell head-over-heels for Him. She just needed to persuade him to give her a chance. Then all will be forgotten and as if he never suffered heartache. 

Isabella turned her head to stare out the window. ‘Today’s going to be fun.’ She convinced herself, because she’ll forget all about her workload for the first time this year. So, she joined her friends in singing to Grace’s playlist, blasting over the stereo. “I’ll be riding shotgun… underneath the hot sun… feeling like a someone…” They sang in perfect unity. If only time could stand still to trap them in this favourable moment, but life‘s too complicated for that. Grace tried to get Travis’s attention by playfully touching his shoulder. Amused by observing the two of them, Isabella grinned. ‘Travis should give Grace a chance. They look really cute together. ’ She thought.

Grace was an average-looking girl with dark brown hair and big eyes. ‘They’ll be a Top Deck’ Penny once referred to them if they were to become couple. She envied Grace because her parents were both successful lawyers in the city with loads of money. On top of that, she had the perfect figure and goddess looks. Lost in her own world, she stared at Grace’s cheerful grin in the side mirror. ‘How can Travis not see what’s right in front of him?’

Staring at her from the back seat, Isabella recalled the first day they met. The three original friends got together in their regular spot every afternoon. On this particular day, a dark hair girl sat at on their bench with tear-filled eyes. “Are you ok?” Penny hesitantly asked. “O, hi. I’m so sorry. Is this your spot? Please excuse me.” She stuttered and stood up. “No, please join us.” Penny kindly offered. “Thank u.” As soon as the girls sat down, she told them about her parents and their plans for her future. She had no choice but to conform, although she had other dreams. Since that day, she joined them on the bench every afternoon. Fate had a strange way of bringing people together.

Travis gave Grace a quick glance and asked, “So how do you know this guy?”. “What guy?” She responded. “They guy who’s giving us access to the trail?” He shot up an eyebrow. “O, yeah, well we met at a party.” Grace replied and continued singing. “Two in the front… two in the back…”. It seemed as if she didn’t want to discuss the topic further.

“I need the loo!” Penny complained, bouncing up and down. “Can we please stop at the next shop?” She asked, agitated. “Yes, please! I must stretch my legs for a few minutes.” Isabella second Penny’s request. “I think there’s a fuel station around the corner. I would like some snacks as well.” Travis agreed after sneaking a peak at her. Penny jumped out and bolted to the restroom as soon as Travis parked the car. “Ok, I’m going to the shop. Do you girls want anything?” “Just water, thanks.” She replied. “I’ll go with.” Grace stepped out. Travis gave her a nod and threw Isabella the keys. “We wouldn’t be long.” “Ok.” She uttered and leaned back on Travis’s car while watching them walk away.

The sun climbed higher in the sky and warmed her pale skin. It felt good to stretch her legs, for they’ve been driving for a quite some time. Forest covered this area and crawled with life, not like back home. On their way, she saw some buck, lots of birds and other small creatures. It’s been long since she travelled through such a beautiful place. ‘We should be close by now?’ She wondered.

“Grace, where did you say the hiking trail was? It seems much further than I expected?” She asked as her friends returned from the shop. “Almost there!”. Grace answered with a smile, then opened the passenger door. Inside the car, Travis opened the GPS app on his phone and asked, “What’s the address?” Grace looked away at Penny, jogging back to the car in an attempt to delay her answer. “And?” Travis pressed again. “Don’t worry about the GPS, I know the way.”

“Have you been there before?” He suspiciously asked. “No, why?” “Then how do you know the way?” He demanded. “I thought you were looking forward to an adventure?” Grace challenged him with a grin, but Travis snapped; “Quit playing games! Tell me what’s truly going on?” “Ok fine, you don’t need to get all worked up.” She rolled her eyes at him. “I don’t know exactly where we’re going…” Isabella’s mouth fell open at Grace’s admission; “You mean to say you don’t know where we’re going?” Unfazed, Grace just shrugged her shoulders. “I have an idea, alright. Stop being babies!”

“Fine” Travis scoffed and started the car. “Where to now?” He asked. “Towards Hellam Town. You see that intersection - to your left.” She answered, excited to continue their ‘adventure’. After they pulled out of the fuel station, everyone became silent; Grace lip singed, Travis leaned with his elbow against the window holding his head and Penny texted. A heavy feeling filled Isabella’s gut, because she felt anxious not knowing where they’ll end up. Grace seemed too secretive, and that worried her.

The silence allowed her to mind a chance to wander off. Something changed inside her, or a piece went missing after she turned eighteen. For a long time, she tried to numb the loneliness with Travis and her studies. This way, she limited her thoughts from venturing into the unknown. Also bothering her lately was the recurring dream she has about a white horse. It was enormous with glowing eyes, staring at her. Behind it stood a grey-hair woman smiling without a word, just stroking the majestic horse as if she awaited someone. 

“Turn here!” Grace suddenly exclaimed and pointed to the side of the road. It jolted Isabella back from her thoughts. “Where?” Travis asked and brought the car to a screeching halt. Isabella’s eyes followed the direction Grace pointed at, but could see no path leading from the main road. “There! There! At that post.” She urged again, pointing at the post with red paint. “Huh? There’s no path here? How must I drive through the bushes without damaging my car?” Travis asked, dumbfounded. She delved into her backpack, frantically scratching around. “What are you looking for?” He asked. “Here it is!” Grace took out a piece of paper and read: “After you pass the two large trees on opposite sides of the road, look out for a post with red paint. Next to it, you’ll find the hidden path to follow until you come to a gate”.

Travis glared at the piece of paper. “What? I wrote the guy’s directions down. I told you I sort of know how to get us there.” Grace answered his silent scolding. Slowly, he drove towards the post and to everyone’s surprise - there it was! A narrow gravel path, hidden if you would past it too quickly. Travis tried his best to maneuverer around the loose rocks to spare his beloved car from getting damaged. Fifteen minutes passed before they arrived at a gate with a creepy notice: 

“NO TRESPASSING. DANGER AHEAD.” 

“O hell no Grace! What’s this?” Penny gasped and shook her head. “What? I didn’t know about this.” She defended herself while referring to the warning. “Do we really have permission to be here? You made us believe your ‘guy’ knows the owners of the hiking trail.” Penny accused her of being deceitful. “Come on, it’s only a suggestion, for goodness’ sake!” Now annoyed, Grace flung her door open and got out of the car. “Travis, are you coming?” She asked with a harsh expression. “Well, we can’t go back without at least looking around.” He said and got out. To Isabella, it seemed as if his curiosity got the better of him. “I’m tired of sitting in this car. I’m only stepping out for some fresh air. This doesn’t mean I forgave you!” Penny scoffed. “Am I the only sensible one here? This is madness!” Isabella threw her hands in the air.

Travis pulled at the rusty lock on the gate. “This lock’s rusted shut. We must climb over the fence. Grace, you’ll go first to check for a booby trap or something worrying. This was your idea, after all. Come, I’ll give you a lift.” He teased her. “Maybe there’re cannibals living here, or it’s a secret government base.” Penny laughed. “Not funny!” Isabella elbowed her. “We’ll never know until we go explore behold the fence.” Grace shrugged her shoulders.

The friends all picked up their backpacks and climbed over the fence. They anxiously walked side by side towards the mountain, anticipating someone to chase them off at any moment. Only Grace showed no worry, but excitement as they got closer to their destination. Soon, the magnificent scenery overwhelmed their senses and melted away all fear. 

Walking on the path, she noticed only a few trees scattered by themselves. And as they got closer to the mountain the trees became more. Before she knew it, they walked in a forest with lots of birds singing their beautiful tunes. It leaped from the trees and resonated far and wide. The shade from the dense trees offered a well-deserved break from the blistering sun. As soon as they arrived at the mountain’s foot, goosebumps crept up Isabella’s arms. Was it because of the sudden change in temperature or something else? The chilly breeze carried a whisper with it—one she couldn’t understand. “Do you hear that?” She murmured to Penny. “No, what?” She replied, but Isabella just shook her head. Grace overheard their conversation and grinned.

Isabella stared at the tall cliffs in astonishment. “This place is breath-taking!” She exclaimed and glanced over to Grace. “It is, but you haven’t seen the best yet!” Grace spoke out of turn. “Huh?” Penny frowned. “What I meant to say was, that from what I’ve heard, it’s stunningly beautiful deeper into the mountains.” Grace quickly replied and looked away.

The cliffs rose in front of them like a mighty giant protecting his land. The beauty of this place was unmeasurable. “Here!” Travis called out. “I found a way up at the side of the cliff. Not ideal, but doable.” Excited to see what secrets the cliffs hid—she hurried to him and dared the climb up. When she reached the top, she couldn’t believe her eyes! Standing on the giant’s head, “WOW” escaped her lips as a low whimper. A majestic waterfall fell into the river below and it snaked through the cliffs surrounding it. All this beauty unfolded right in front of them. Isabella thought; ‘I must have gone through the gates of heaven…’