Elena’s POV
“I know it scares you, but l just wanted to show you this,” he said, nodding toward the breathtaking view ahead. “This will be the last time l make you do something like this. Just look first before you decide.”
“I… I’m scared of heights.” My breathing still came in rapid bursts.
“I’m right here. You won’t fall. I’ll catch you.” He smiled reassuringly. “What are you, some kind of superhero who can fly in and save me if something goes wrong?” l furrowed my brows.
Jax laughed softly and took my hand again, squeezing it firmly as he lifted it to eye level. “I’m holding your hand. If you fall, l fall with you. But yeah, you can think of me as your superhero.”
I wasn’t sure if it was just my imagination, but his voice grew serious, as if he meant every word beyond any joke. That realization helped me finally look at the scenery.
It was all thanks to him l couldn’t believe how easily he had helped me confront my fears.
Before us stood the magnificent towers of Disneyland. l could see the entire park spread out below. From this height, the place buzzed with activity walking mascots, colorful toy shops, vendors, and crowds of excited visitors exploring every corner.
It truly was a magical sight l would have regretted missing.
Jax and l enjoyed several milder rides, laughing together while carefully avoiding the most intense ones. We snapped plenty of photos and grabbed a meal at a nearby restaurant before heading back to the hotel.
“Elena…” Jax called when l stepped out of the bathroom, drying my hair with a white towel.
We were sharing the same room, which luckily had two beds. l had considered requesting a separate room when we first arrived, but l realized he was already covering all the expenses for our stay and needs.
Besides, this two-month trip meant l had no right to make extra demands.
Jax sat on the edge of his bed wearing a gray T-shirt and white shorts. His legs were spread apart, and his arms propped him up from behind.
“I’m finished. You can use the bathroom now,” l said, feeling slightly self-conscious. l wore simple sleep clothes and had no makeup on. l wasn’t sure if l looked presentable.
“Uhm… l was just wondering. Why did you pick Disneyland as our first stop?” Jax asked curiously.
“Ah…” l smiled faintly as l walked to my bed to grab my skincare products. A sharp pain stung my chest as l recalled an old promise from the first man l had ever loved. “My dad… promised to take me there when l was little,” l said quietly.
I tried to avoid talking about it as much as possible.
“Where is he? Why didn’t you tell me? We could have brought him along, Elena,” Jax responded.
“Yeah, if he even still wants to see me after disappearing for years, Jax,” l whispered.
We spent three more days in California before traveling to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. The journey was long again, but this time l felt only pure excitement. l had been dreaming of visiting this beach ever since Jax mentioned it as one of our destinations. The thought of finally swimming in the ocean after years away made me eager to spend the whole day in the water!
“Jax, how much longer until we reach Myrtle?” l asked with a bright smile. We rode in the car he had rented. He had been gazing out the window but quickly turned to me.
“Two more hours, miss…” the driver answered instead.
My smile faded in disappointment. “That long? You’ve already been driving for hours,” l murmured.
“My Elena is getting impatient!” Jax teased with a chuckle as he faced me fully.
My heart skipped a beat and my eyes widened. “What… Did you just call me?”
There was still amusement in Jax’s eyes as he shook his head. “Nothing. Get some rest and I’ll wake you when we arrive,” he said, gently guiding my head to rest on his shoulder.