Sighing, I say, “I’m going to miss waking up to this every day.”
“Same, bro,” Corwin says. “My new life goal is to be able to afford a place with a beautiful view like this. It doesn’t have to be mountains since there are tons of different environments that offer breathtaking views, but I need to have a stunning view.”
“Right? Not just looking out my windows and seeing neighbors on all sides,” Xile says.
“Absolutely,” I agree.
It honestly doesn’t take us long to pack up. Since all my clothes were folded to fit into my suitcase, that’s how I try to get my dirty clothes back in. It seems to work all right.
“Make sure you’re keeping out your sneakers,” Corwin reminds us. “Put them in your carry-on so you can change into them at the airport.”
“Ohh, good call. Thanks,” Xile says, and I watch as they dig through their suitcase to find them.
Since we’re going to the hot springs, I also grab my sandals. I’m not a fan of bare feet on the ground. Then you’re putting dirty feet into socks and stuff. Ew.
Even after we get ready for the day, we still have forty minutes to lounge around and admire the mountains, so that’s what we do. Corwin lounges in his bed while Xile and I cuddle up close on the couch, and we talk about our trip.
Far too many times, the nights I spent with Kendrick are on the tip of my tongue. I realize just how difficult it’s going to be to keep it a secret when I get home and want to tell my friends. But I can’t. And I know that.
“I’m going to miss this,” Xile says.
“We already discussed that,” Corwin notes.
“No, I meanthis.Cuddling up beside this big hunk.” Xile shimmies into my side, and I grin.
“We’re friends now. We can hang out and cuddle like this.”
“Oh yeah? You want to keep seeing me, big guy?” Xile teases.
Corwin sighs. “Be careful how you answer that, Brev.”
I look between the two of them. Not going to lie, I’m a little confused by Corwin’s comment. “I think it would be cool if we all hung out again sometime.”
Corwin gives me a smile. “Nicely done, my man.”
Xile rolls their eyes.
Right. Well… okay, then.
At ten minutes to eight, we head to the primary building. We drop our luggage off beside the ones already there and join the small group in the dining room. The last meal like this. I’m going to miss their food. RDU’s food isn’t awful by any means, but this has been delicious.
I’m also going to miss the easy camaraderie that our group has established. I might not choose to be around Anna and Philomena in a social environment, but I think they’ve proven to be good members of this team.
My eyes immediately lock onto Kendrick when he steps into the dining room to join us. I love the way he looks at me, offering me a smile that I’m convinced is different from the one he gives everyone else. I also love that he always grips my shoulder on the way by. If anyone has noticed, no one has said anything.
We talk quietly, and I think everyone is a little sad about leaving. I’m glad when we climb into the bus to head for þórðargleði University so we can say goodbye to the new friends we’ve made. They’re waiting outside on the sidewalk as the shuttle bus pulls up.
Einar is at my side right away and hugs me tightly. “It’s been so fun getting to know you,” she says. “Can we stay in touch?”
“I’d like that.”
“Here,” she says, pulling away from me and fishing her phone out of her pocket. “Give me your number.”
I take her phone and tap it in, but it looks funny. “You have to add some code first,” I tell her, “but I don’t know what it is.”
“It’s okay. American phone numbers begin with a plus one or something. I’ll figure it out later when I send you a text.”
“Wait. Me too,” Auður says as he joins us and pushes his phone into my hands. “Definitely want to stay in touch. I’m determined to see Rainbow Dorset for myself. Hopefully, you can give me a tour like we did here for you.”
