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“It’s incredible.”

Some of our group is already awake, taking in the same view. Others are just coming out of their tents and seeing it for the first time. Gasps and whispers surround us as everyone gets a view of the ancient relics for the first time.

Rocco walks up beside us. “Luckily, there’s no fog today; sometimes people never get to see it in its entirety like this.”

“Hiking all of those miles was definitely worth it,” David tells him, making Rocco chuckle.

“I knew we’d turn you into a hiker,” Rocco tells him with a slap on the back. “Breakfast is ready,” he adds before walking off in the direction of the food tent.

David and I take one last look at the gorgeous view before following Rocco toward the breakfast tent.

Chapter seventeen

David

It has to be the altitude.

What else could explain all of these feelings I’m having?

Actually, I’m not sure I’ve ever had more than one feeling at a time… but what I’m experiencing right now is an emotional overload.

Not only am I having deeply romantic feelings toward the same woman I loathed last week, but I had tears in my eyes looking upon ancient ruins… and I enjoyed this trip. I felt genuine happiness while hiking and camping.

I don’t even know who I am anymore. Give me several equations at once and I will solve them so quickly people will look on in awe of my efficiency. But all of these emotions make my brain feel so full it might combust.

The breakfast tent is buzzing with energy and conversations about what their first thoughts were once they saw Machu Picchu this morning for the first time. Wonder and awe seem to be the general consensus.

Me and Isa are sitting at a table with the younger crowd. I normally sit with the older folks, but I can’t seem to stay away from the real-life Incan goddess next to me. Well, 15% Incan goddess, anyway.

Despite the scent of breakfast and coffee filling the space, all my nose can focus on is the floral scent of Isa’s hair that wafts my way everytime she moves. Today she’s wearing leggings that are dark purple and a long-sleeved top that is a slightly lighter color and has a subtle floral pattern on it. The purple enhances her skin, giving her the appearance that she’s glowing somehow, like her insides are made of sunshine.

Chris seems to have gotten over his infatuation with Isa and keeps to his man-friends. Eric talks about how he can’t wait to get back to his fiancée tomorrow, and his friends tease him about taking his man-card away. Anthony and Hannah are already planning their next hike and discussing where they should go.

I withhold a grimace at the thought. I’ve definitely enjoyed this trip more than I ever thought I would, and it has inspired me to travel more and get out of my comfort zone. But excitedly planning my next hike? Yeah, I’m not quite there yet.

“You okay?” Isa asks in a hushed voice, probably noticing my pained expression.

I lean in close to her, so close my lips almost graze her ear. “I just can’t imagine being so excited to hike again after this,” I whisper.

When I pull away I notice the skin on her neck is covered in goosebumps, and I don’t remember it being that way before. A thrill of satisfaction grows inside my chest knowing I can affect her in that way just with a whisper.

Is this what Brooks’ life is like? But with every woman he comes across? I can see how it would get addictive holding that kind of power over the fairer sex. But the only woman I care to give goosebumps to is the one seated next to me.

Our group finishes breakfast in record speed, everyone anxious to go explore the ruins. Rocco leads us to a trail that takes us straight toward the ruins.

Isa asks me to stop and take some photos for her along the way, and I find that I'm getting pretty good at iPhone photography. I’ll have to look up her website when I get home and see what she does with all of these pictures.

Once we arrive at the edge of the ruins, everyone disperses to explore, I stand back for a moment, not wanting to follow Isa around like Chris did. Isa gets a few steps away before she glances back at me over her shoulder.

“Come on, slow poke. You’re my Instagram boyfriend for the day; who else is going to be my photographer?” She’s teasing, but the word boyfriend causes my heart to miss a beat.

My thoughts drift once again to what that might look like. Would I sit around at home while she traveled? Would I go with her? Who would take care of Mo? Her parents are very traditional… Would they accept me, or convert me to Catholicism? I really hate the scent of frankincense.

Isa loops her arm through mine and basically drags me along beside her. I’m okay being dragged as long as I’m not following like a puppy. With every corner we turn, there’s a new and breathtaking scene. The way the rocks are layered so precisely seems incredibly advanced for the time in which this ancient city was built. The craftsmanship is beautiful, and it continues down the steep side of the mountain.

I help Isa take photos in several spots and she even takes some of me. We come upon a group of llamas grazing at the edge of the ruins and she giggles and positions me in front of them for a photo. I stick my hands in the pockets of my black hiking pants and glare at her as she snaps photos, cracking herself up the entire time.

“Come on, smile! Your family will love this photo of you and your girlfriends.” She grins and angles the phone for the perfect shot.