12 Chapter 12 - 5 Days Break (1/2)

I promised myself for 5 days vacation, come back on Monday. Then Tuesday for a Halloween Festival with Noah, I have to keep my promise.

Today, I rent an XUV car which possible for me to drive from place to place. I won't waste a time anymore. This is my first time driving in L.A. A little challenging for me, haven't drive for years, but I'm pretty sure I am still a good driver.

The weather is so chilly today, I adjust the green scarf on my neck, which is a gift from Lily. I put on the grey –beanie hat, tucking my arm against the wool –sleeves –coat. I hang my big backpack, rushing down to the lobby. I threw myself inside the car, place my phone above the speedometer with Google Maps directing me the location, Tahoe is my first stop.

”When the summer is finished and before the winter begins is another great time to visit Lake Tahoe. Again, you won't deal with excessive crowds that you would in the peak winter months, and you also won't have to deal with ultra-frigid temperatures.”

I've researched about it before I make myself a schedule. I thought it would be a disaster if I visit there during October, but Google said it's fine. I turn the radio on, plug the cable from my phone to play the songs that Noah recommends me.

Superlove (Ft. Oh Wonder) –Whethan, Oh Wonder played on the screen, I adjust the volume. Noah and I have the same taste in music, besides the old country songs I used to listen. Well, I learn a lot here in Los Angeles, starting with American Horror Movies, American Talk Show, American Pop –Rock Music. Just... never watch Noah's movies or show, he never talk about it, maybe he was just trying to make me as comfortable as he could, sometimes I forget he is an actor.

Stop Steffi stop thinking about Noah. You are going out for some fresh air to clear your mind. STOP!!

Alright, back to my researches about Tahoe,

”Go swimming. Seriously. Tahoe and alpine lake waters stay tolerable until mid-October” okay I have prepared my swim suit though, not the sexy one of course. Soaking myself inside the hot –spring then froze when I quit the pond. Is that going to happen?

It took about 8 hours driving to Tahoe. It's incredible, my eyes shone by the great –view, my heart beating as it is going to burst out from my chest, I was so excited, in love at first sight, this is beyond my expectation.

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States, straddles the state line between California and Nevada, west of Carson City. The largest alpine lake in North America. It's the second deepest in the United States after Crater Lake in Oregon. The lake was formed about two million years ago as part of the Lake Tahoe Basin, with the modern extent being shaped during the ice ages. It is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides.

This lake is a major tourist attraction in both Nevada and California. It is home to winter sports, summer outdoor recreation, and scenery enjoyed throughout the year.

I was relieved when I heard they are not going to freeze or snow so hard during October. I was so hopeless when it comes to winter, sometimes. Since I am pretty afraid of cold, I mean I haven't get used to it. Back to previous time in the other part of California, my nose –bleed once in Winter, freaking Lily out. She screamed hysterically like I was going to die, even though she knew it was pretty normal for a tropical inhabitant like me.

The sun sets, I watch them until it really gone as the sky is in navy blue, moon and stars are shining upon the sky. I head back to the hotel I booked online few days ago, laying on the bed looking at the plain ceiling of the room.

How's Noah doing? Wait, why Noah ?

I moaned, clenching my fist and hit them on the bed. I've come so far to Tahoe to clear my mind, please make it stop. Oh my god.

I change my laying position, stretched my arm to reach my camera, scrolling through the gallery. I haven't move the picture we took earlier, with Noah I mean. I slide the picture one by one, snorted while I saw the worst picture he took at the first time during our night view.

No, I can't keep thinking of Noah. I set aside my camera and close my eyes, taking a deep breath. Why Noah....

My phone beeped, I stretch my arm to reach my phone as it was still charging, Lily's message popped up

”Ha ! leaving after the date with James? Has he confessed yet?”

Well, I didn't think I should tell Lily I was actually talking about Noah last time, since Lily will be on fire. There will become a misunderstanding, I won't make that happen. I just think I admire Noah, I think it isn't love. Yes, this isn't love. There's nothing between us and I'm moving to New York in the next 4 months, my last U.S.A. journey.

”No” I typed.

Then my phone beeped again, Lily is a fast –response chatter,

”Ha ! coward ! thought he has confessed and you guys date”

”Impossible, I'm leaving in 4 months, please don't make it possible. It would be super complicated if we do”

”OH YEAH ! SO IT MEANS YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON HIM? well, if you said so...”

”Hey, I didn't say anything wrong. I was just assuming, plus it would be hard if we date. Guys can never stand of L-D-R”

”can't judge all guys the same Steffi”

Well, she's right. Not all guys are the same. I haven't replied her, she sent me another text,

”maybe James is different, as long as you trust each other, nothing will happen”

”you are right Lily. But I can't”

”it's your life my dear, I am here only to support you.”

Right, Lily always push me to have a boyfriend, but she is actually very understanding.