Bloom In Love

Chapter Four

As each day goes by, I can't help but think about Max and our conversation. I often replay our discussion in my mind, hoping to uncover any underlying messages he may have been trying to convey.

Only a few days later I receive a message from him. “Hi, this is Max. How about the hike we talked about?"

As I read the message, my heart begins to race. While a part of me is inclined to maintain a certain distance from him, another part of me is intrigued by the thought of spending more time in his company.

Without realizing it, I had agreed to meet him at a nearby trailhead the next morning.

As I prepare to hit the trail by tying my hiking boots, my anxiety begins to rise. I am uncertain about what to anticipate from Max and whether I can rely on him.

However, the moment I catch sight of him patiently waiting for me at the starting point of the trail, my anxieties dissipate. There is a quality about him that instills a sense of security within me, and his gentle smile has a calming effect on me.

After hiking for hours and conversing about various topics, I summoned the courage to express something personal. "I hope you don't mind, but I have something to share. I have been aware of my homosexuality for quite some time." Max paused momentarily before his expression shifted to one of comprehension.

"I had a feeling," he said softly. "Actually, I'm bi."

I experienced a sense of relief and appreciation. "I sincerely appreciate you informing me," I expressed.

We had a lengthy conversation about our experiences coming out and the challenges we faced growing up in small towns with conservative families. I was thrilled to connect with someone who could empathize with me. We shared laughter and commiseration before eventually nodding off on the couch, snuggled up under a cozy blanket.

The following morning, we rose early and opted to embark on a hike. We proceeded to drive to a state park in close proximity and ventured onto a trail within the woods. As the sun was beginning to ascend, it cast lengthy shadows amongst the trees.

While we were walking, we kept conversing and it dawned on me that we shared many similarities. We both had a fondness for literature, cinema, and melodies. We were both devoted to advocating for fairness and the environment. We both aspired to explore the world in the future.

It was as if we had been acquainted for a long time, even though it had only been a few days. I felt incredibly fortunate to have encountered Max, who comprehended me on a profound level.

Upon reaching the hilltop, we discovered a magnificent lookout point overlooking the valley below. Max kindly took my hand and we enjoyed the beautiful sunrise together.

He spoke softly and expressed his joy at having met the person.

I replied "I'm glad I met you too".

After enjoying the beauty of the morning for a little while longer, Max turned to me with a playful expression in his eyes.

"Did you race down the hill?" challenge.

I laughed. "I'm out!"

We started to run, with our feet hitting the dirt path gently. It was a liberating experience to release all our worries and just live in the present moment, feeling the breeze in my hair and the warmth of the sun on my face.

I was so engrossed in the delightful moment that I failed to notice the branch obstructing the path until it was too late. Unfortunately, my foot got entangled in it, and I ended up descending down the hill, somersaulting until I reached the bottom.

After experiencing a few moments of dizziness and confusion, Max approached me.

"Oh my god, are you alright?" he asked in a worried voice.

I let out a small groan while attempting to sit up and replied, "I believe so," as I felt a sharp pain in my ankle.

With Max's assistance, we made our way back to the car, me relying on his support. During the drive back to the cabin, I couldn't help but sense a shift in our relationship. It felt as though a connection had been sparked between us, and I couldn't ignore the attraction that had arisen.

However, I decided to put those thoughts aside. I didn't want to jeopardize the wonderful bond we shared by introducing romance into the mix. Thus, I expressed my gratitude to Max and bid him farewell with a smile.

As I departed, I found myself contemplating whether I may have erred in my decision. Was relinquishing this remarkable opportunity in favor of something else truly worth avoiding the potential hazards and entanglements?

I had alot to think about.