Love in Separation

Chapter 14 - Stargazers

10 years ago… 

Finally getting off work, I immediately went to the bathroom and showered. After that, I immediately went to my friend’s room that has a window overlooking the hot springs and pool. 

I saw that Jeremy is there, basking under the sun as he reads a book on the lounge chair. 

I can’t believe it, he reads! A massive turn-on. 

As attracted as I am to him, I knew that this is the kind of man you pass by admiring but never able to actually interact with. 

Besides, he would think I’m too young or unattractive. 

I’m sated admiring him from afar. 

Accepting that fact, I went to the break room to be with my other friends. 

After we watch a couple of movies, Stella finally looked up from her phone and talk to me. 

“So, have you tried making a move on that crush of yours?” 

I immediately felt my cheeks getting warmer as I look away. “N-no! Besides, I’m not really sure what to do. It’s just a crush.” 

“Oh come on! It’s not like there’s something for you to lose!” 

“Alright, alright. We’ll see what happens.” I said as I smile at the thought of talking to him once again. 

Feeling the fluttering on my stomach once again, I decided to get some air downstairs. 

Soon as I got out, I sat by the bench just next to the entrance of the main lodge. 

The thing about this amazing place is, it’s quiet and serene. It’s a perfect escape if you want some peace from the chaos of the city.

Even though I have been experiencing a lot of work recently, I found myself not minding it at all. Especially when you can see the beauty of the bright night sky from here. 

As I take the beauty in, I saw a man suddenly coming out of the lodge. I wanted to look but from my peripherals, I can tell who it is. 

My heart started racing as the fluttering of my stomach returned. 

Suddenly, I couldn’t move. My ears have slightly become impaired because all I hear is the loud pounding coming from my chest. 

Despite the cold air, I feel warmth all over me. 

Should I make a move? 

But I don’t know how to do it. I suck at flirting, I have never done any of that in my entire life. 

I guess while Stella was quite firm with her advice, I should have told her that a bit more detail should be added since I have never had experiences with relationships or flirting before. 

While busy with my thoughts, a pair of boots came into my view. When I look up, there standing the handsome face I have only been looking at from afar. 

His smile can ultimately melt any girl’s heart. “Hi.” He began. 

“H-hi.” I stuttered. 

“You’re that girl from last night right?” He said as he places his hands in his jeans pockets. 

“Yeah.” 

“Do you mind if I sit next to you?” 

“G-go ahead,” I said, internally berating myself because I’m stuttering so much. I have to get myself together!

He sat next to me and though I may speak less, my mind and heart are screaming in panic. 

“My name is Jeremy by the way.” He said as he extend his hand towards me which I gladly accept. 

“I’m Salina.” 

“Nice to meet you, Salina. You have a pretty name.” 

“Thanks, your name’s not bad yourself.” 

We went quiet for a second and I wish our first few conversations isn't as awkward as it is. “So, do you work here?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Must be the reason why you insist on me going to the counter first.” He said as he looks at me. 

I chuckled. “Yeah. If I had seen you waiting in line earlier, I would have switched places with you right away.”

“I had every intention of letting you go first. After all, you seemed snacky.” He said, teasing me. 

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, I needed those snacks, especially the ice cream.” 

“Definitely. Seems like it was good though. Do you want some?” 

“W-what? Um, sure.” I said, lost for words in the beginning. 

We both stood up and went inside to choose ice cream. I opted for my favorite which is the magnum ice cream with almonds and he opted for the original flavor. 

We decided to eat it outside as we continue to talk. 

“So you’re here as an exchange student?” He asks as we sat down on the bench where we were earlier. 

“Yeah. We’re here to pick up practical knowledge from the industry. Well, I mainly jump on the opportunity because it comes with going overseas, and also it covers most of my on-the-job training.” I said, more relaxed now with him even though my stomach is still fluttering. 

“That sounds awesome. Is this your first time going out of your country?” 

“Yeah, it is,” I said, smiling at the realization once again. 

“Do you feel homesick?” 

I paused upon hearing him. I try hard to find any that resembles that feeling and found none. “Not really. I find it curious though because I’m an only child so my parents doted on me my whole life but I didn’t seem to be sad or anything being away from them.” 

“I guess you’re at that age where you thirst for adventure on your own.” He said. 

“Maybe…” After finishing my ice cream, I began to bite on the popsicle stick as I look up at the stars. “When I found out I was going to be spending 3 months in here, I knew I’d be in a beautiful place seeing as this place is surrounded by mountains but that is something I wasn’t expecting.” 

He looked at me and then follow my gaze. I heard his smile as I stare at the skies. “Yeah, this place is an amazing place to stargaze. Imagine camping by the top of the mountain with that view.” 

“Feels like you’re closer to the stars,” I said without realizing it. 

“Exactly.” 

When I look at him, I saw him intently looking at me. My heart began pounding heart once again along with my warming cheeks. Scared he’d notice, I immediately look away and just look back at the stars. “Too bad people can’t camp by the mountain. I heard cougars and bears are free to roam around this protected area.” 

“Yeah. Wanna go for a walk with me? I promise we won't go far.” 

Remembering that Tim lives just by the resort, I feel confident that if things go awry I can call him for help. Taking his invitation, we head for the trail toward the campground. 

We slowly walk on the silent dark path. Thanks to his flashlight, we were able to see where we are going. 

After picking a spot just by the campground, he showed me a place where we can safely lay down and stargaze. 

He then proceeded to tell me constellations that I honestly couldn’t remember. In truth, I wasn’t paying much attention. I just love the idea of looking at the stars and him trying his best to impart his knowledge in astronomy. I can’t believe that I’m stargazing with a handsome guy. 

“How come you know so much about astronomy?” I ask as I glance at him. 

“It’s one of my current majors in college.” 

“Are you telling me that you’re a double major?” I ask, trying too hard to mask my awe and enthusiasm though based on his smile, I can tell I didn’t do a good job. 

“It may not seem like it but yeah.”

“What’s your other major?” 

“Finance.” 

“Oh… cool. Is any of your majors something you love studying?” 

“Sure. I love Astronomy but I had to study finance for the family business. How about you? Do you like your major?” 

“No. Not at all. Ever since I was 6, I always wanted to be an archaeologist but my parents didn’t want me to pursue it for a few reasons.” 

“What are those reasons?” 

“Well, one they didn’t think it’s a lucrative career which there are right, two mainly because there are only 3 universities that offer that and all of them are so darn far away from where we live.” 

“You are an only child, so I understand your parent’s protectiveness over you. You know, astronomy compliments archaeology.” 

“Really? What makes you think so?” 

“Just look at the megaliths created by the ancient civilization. Almost all of them were made for the position of the stars.” 

I mainly focus my interest on parts of history from the last age of heroes of the greeks down to the medieval period. As he mention it, however, I began to realize that he is right. “Huh. You are right. Funny how I never seem to realize that before.” 

“You are one step closer to becoming an archaeologist as they think the same way.” He suddenly looks at his wrist watch then springs back up. “It’s getting late. I didn’t want to take you back super late, I might get kicked out.” He said teasing me while offering his hand to help me up. 

I laughed at him. “They won’t kick you out but thank you for the consideration.” 

As we head back, just halfway through, Jeremy stopped me and began listening carefully around us. “What is it?” I whispered. 

He didn’t answer right away but when I noticed a massive dark figure move not far from us, I realized that we are in trouble. 

Not wasting any second, Jeremy pulls me close to him and we hid in the shadows of the trees. 

I would have been dreading the presence of a bear near us if it weren't for our position. I was caught between the tree and Jeremy’s tall figure. 

His body is so close to me that I can smell his cologne. He kept watch on the bear and make sure that we are not spotted. 

When everything was clear, he began to become aware of our position. His arms are on either side of me. 

This thing usually only happens either in books or movies yet here I am and my stomach won't stop fluttering once again. 

When I look up at him, I saw him looking down at me. 

The darkness didn’t seem scary despite being so afraid of the dark, the star illuminated him enough for me to notice that his face is getting closer to me. 

Oh my god, am I about to have my first kiss?! 

As his lips inched closer to mine, the sudden radio of the ranger startled us, making us both pull away from each other. 

When he walked me back, his face under the light didn’t help much with my heart and stomach. “Thank you for tonight,” I said. 

“I had a great time. Can I take your number by the way?” 

“Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t have one.” 

“Right. 3 months stay.” He said, looking away to hide his disappointment that I managed to still see. “I hope we can do this again while I’m here.” 

The statement provided so much hope in me that I couldn’t help but smile. “Sure, I’d love that.” 

As he head back to his cabin, I head inside and ascended the stairs as I hope for another great time with him.