Stars on the Ground

After buying some healthy take-away food that Reiner approved of, we headed towards our car. I didn’t know where Reiner was going to take me, and I could guess that he wouldn’t tell me even if I asked.

So, I didn’t ask and just waited to see where he would take me to. Reiner seemed to be much more relaxed than before as if the ice wall between us has melted. He seemed to be enjoying our date and that made me very delighted. Our conversation flowed much easier now and he seemed to be open with me.

It was getting a bit dark as the sun had already set by the time, we left the mall. Reiner drove us somewhere that was uphill. Are we going to see something up there?

“Is the place far?” I asked curiously as the car continued its way up the winding road.

“Nope…we’ll probably be there in around ten minutes,” Reiner replied as he squeezed my hand slightly, his eyes never leaving the road.

I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. True to his words, in less than ten minutes we arrived at our destination. Reiner parked the car in a small parking lot on the side of the road. I wonder where we are, we were up quite high on a hill somewhere close to the city. I couldn’t see what could be described as a ‘place’ as I looked around. All I could see was the road we were on with dark forests to both sides, and it was starting to give me the creeps.

Reiner opened the passenger door on my side, and I took the hand he offered as I got off the car. If Reiner isn’t by my side right now, I would probably have a slight panic attack at how dark and deserted this place is. Not to mention that we were surrounded my dark forests on both sides. I pressed a hand on my chest, feeling my erratic heartbeat, I need to get a hold of myself.

“I’m here, Natalia,” Reiner whispered calmly into my ears, and he hugged me closer to his side. He probably sensed that I was starting to feel scared.

“Where are we going?” I asked Reiner in a shaky voice.

“Get on,” Reiner instructed instead of replying to my question as he knelt down with his back turned towards me.

Get on…as in get on his back? No…right?

“You mean, like…get on your back?” I asked hesitantly. His actions were clear that he wanted me to climb on his back, but I did not imagine a piggyback ride as part of our date today.

“Of course, what else? Get on,” Reiner replied impatiently.

“I can walk now…I’ll walk myself,” I began protesting. Getting on his back is a little too embarrassing…

even considering all the other things that we’ve already done.

“Through there? You sure?” Reiner turned his head to face me and asked while pointing his finger into the deep and dark woods. Oh…my god…

My eyes followed the direction of his finger and I gulped. There is no way, I am going in there.

“No…we’re not…I’m not going in there,” I replied stubbornly. I don’t know what lay on the other side of that thick mess, but I know that it is not worth it.

“Get on my back, Natalia or I’ll throw you over my shoulder. Which is it?” Reiner said, completely seriously. No!

“Ok! I’ll…get on your back…” I mumbled grudgingly. Reiner bent down lower, and I climbed onto his back.

I wrapped my arms around his neck as he stood up effortlessly. Wow…if he acts like this it will get to my head. I mean, he’s acting like I’m light as a feather. Maybe I don’t need to go on a diet anymore!

However, deep down I knew that I was not light for a girl of my size and height…Reiner is just crazy strong. With one hand under my hips, he took out a flashlight with the other.

“If you’re scared; just close your eyes, ok? It’s a short walk anyways,” Reiner said comfortingly as he began walking forward.

I have no recollection of what happened next or where we went because when I saw that we were indeed approaching the woods, I immediately closed my eyes. I heard the wind, the sound of Reiner walking on what must be leaves and occasional leaves brushing against my arms and knees; however, apart from these sensations, I didn’t know or feel anything else.

After a while, Reiner stopped walking and I felt him bend down. We must have arrived.

“You can get off now and open your eyes, Natalia. There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Reiner said encouragingly, and I slowly opened my eyes.

“Wow…” I cried out in amazement at the sight before me.

“Pretty impressive, right?” Reiner said with a small laugh before I felt his warm lips brushing against my forehead.

“Yes, it truly is…” I whispered in awe as I continued to stare at the view before us.

It was dark now and in front of us we could see the night view of the entire city. The city lights looked like stars that have fallen to the ground, and it stretch as far as my eyes could see. I never knew we could see a view like this up on a hill nearby the city. This was a view that I thought we could only see up on observatory decks in the city center. I wonder how Reiner knew of such a romantic spot…he must have been here before with someone special. That girl must be so lucky, I thought to myself with a slight feeling of jealousy.

Since I’ve been busy admiring the view, I had completely forgotten that I was still being carried on Reiner’s back. I should get down already…

“R…you can put me down now,” I whispered shyly.

Reiner slowly lowered me down. I felt the ground beneath my feet again as I stood next to him. I took his hand in mine and leaned my head on his arm. He feels so warm although it was quite windy up here.

“How did you find this place? Did you come up here for dates with other girls too?” I asked teasingly.

“No…I came here for work,” Reiner replied dispassionately.

--To be continued.