Day Fifty-Seven…
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Just like what they had expected, Dave never left Abigail's side. Aiden felt so annoyed since Abigail was not even considerate of Nathan's feelings. How could she act sweetly toward Dave in front of Nathan?
Abigail didn't hold herself back. She had just survived a life-and-death situation so she was grabbing all the chances to express and show how much she loved Dave. It was not her intention to hurt Nathan's feelings. It's just that when she was with Dave, she could forget others. All her attention only focused on him.
"I started to regret organizing this trip. It looks like I made things worse for Nathan," Aiden whispered to Stephen, feeling sorry for Nathan.
"Don't be. This is just our first day," Stephen whispered back, tapping Aiden's shoulder. The two best friends watched Nathan, Abigail, and Dave silently.
Aside from them, Jane also noticed Nathan's grim expression as he looked at Dave and Abigail.
'I'm sorry, Nate. But you have to see this to make you realize that you and my sister are not meant to be. She loves Dave. Only him.' Jane mumbled to herself.
While Jane was observing Nathan secretly, a pair of eyes was also watching her. The poor young boy was still waiting for Jane to approach him. He didn't know if Jane didn't care about him anymore.
'Why is she avoiding me? Doesn't she plan to talk to me anymore?' Ethan wondered to himself, feeling a little bit disheartened.
He lost his appetite. He didn't finish his food. The young boy stood up. He excused himself as he proceeded to his cabin.
Jane could only watch Ethan's back. Until now, she couldn't muster her courage to talk to him.
'Is Ethan alright? He didn't finish his food…' Jane shifted her gaze from Ethan to his plate.
She was just holding herself from talking to him. Besides, she felt like she had no right to get near the boy. Part of her was afraid to see the hatred in Ethan's eyes.
Unknown to her, the longer she was stopping herself from approaching Ethan, the more Ethan was feeling troubled. Because of this, the naughty young boy thought of a plan to test Jane.
Meanwhile, the group finished their lunch. Everyone decided to do what they wanted today without interfering with each other.
Aiden invited Cherry to roam around the mountain resort. Perhaps, they would go ziplining and sunset-watching.
Stephen, on the other hand, stayed by Nathan's side. He was still trying to figure out how he could help Nathan by separating Abigail and Dave for a while. Aiden left this task to him since he would focus on wooing Cherry.
As far as he knew, Aiden prepared a surprise for Cherry. He just hoped his best friend wouldn't mess this up tonight.
"What do you want to do?" Dave asked Abigail.
Nathan would like to ask her too. But Dave threw the question first. Abigail looked at Dave with sparkling eyes.
"I want to set up a tent in the camping site!" Abigail responded with enthusiasm. "Let's listen to the birds. Watch the trees. Feel the fresh air."
Dave bobbed his head. "Okay. Let's do that!"
Nathan had the urge to stop the two. But upon seeing the bright smile on Abigail's face, he couldn't bring himself to spoil their fun.
He just knew that he had to give way just for today, letting Abigail have fun together with Dave.
Nathan could only look away and turn around. He could no longer bear to see the woman he loved happy with another guy. He should be the one by her side.
Nathan clenched his fist, walking away without looking back. Stephen and Jane watched Nathan. The two exchanged meaningful glances with one another.
When Jane was about to follow him, Stephen held her arm thus stopping her. He shook his head and said, "Just stay here. Nathan wants to be alone. It's not a good idea to follow him at this moment, especially if it's you."
Stephen knew that Nathan still held a grudge against Phantomflake.
Meanwhile, Jane was reluctant to listen to Stephen's advice. But Stephen spoke again to convince her.
"I will talk to Nathan. You don't have to worry about him."
Jane could only sigh helplessly. 'How can I make a move on Nathan if Stephen is around?'
Jane massaged her temples. 'I will find the right timing to approach Nathan later on.'
Stephen was the one who followed Nathan.
"Bro!" Stephen called Nathan's attention, making him stop.
"Why are you here?" Nathan asked him coldly.
"Nate, go to Abi. I will ask Dave to accompany me to buy some beers and wine." Stephen would like to try this strategy.
"Don't run away, Nate. Follow the desire of your heart," he added, as words of encouragement to Nathan.
Nathan contemplated for a moment. In the end, he agreed to Stephen's suggestion.
"Okay. I'll go to the camping site."
Stephen smiled at him and tapped his shoulder. The two went to the camping site where Dave and Abigail were getting ready to set up their tent.
Nathan hid while Stephen approached the couple.
"Sorry for disturbing the two of you… but can I ask for Dave's help? I need to buy food supplies and drinks downtown. I can't find others. Can you accompany me?" Stephen requested him politely.
Dave didn't say yes right away. He looked at Abigail first, consulting her. "Downtown is far from here. Will you wait for me?"
Abigail bobbed her head. "Sure. Take your time. Please drive safely."
When Dave and Stephen left, Nathan came out from his hiding spot and traced his steps toward Abigail.
She was taken aback when Nathan suddenly showed up from out of nowhere.
"Mr. Sparks?" Abigail didn't know how she would greet him. The uncomfortable feeling was still there. Nathan looked very intimidating.
"May I join you?" Nathan asked her softly.
Abigail hesitated for a moment. But as a sign of respect to Nathan, she allowed him to stay.
"Let me help you in setting up this tent." Nathan continued what Dave didn't finish.
Abigail could sit quietly as she watched Nathan. No one spoke between them. The awkwardness could be felt around them.
Nathan had a lot in mind. He kept himself busy as he built the tent for Abigail.
'How should I interact with him? What should I say?' Abigail chewed on her lower lip.
For some unknown reason, she could feel her heart beating rapidly inside her chest. She was nervous. Then she just found herself staring at Nathan intently, watching his every move.
'Oh gosh. This man… he is gor–' Abigail didn't finish her words. She shook her head and pushed that thought to the back of her mind when she remembered Dave.
'I shouldn't admire him…' Abigail scolded herself.
It took him twenty minutes to finish setting up the tent. All his unhappiness disappeared when he noticed that Abigail's eyes were fixated on him.
'She had been watching me for twenty minutes now… Will she be able to remember me through this?' Nathan remained hopeful.
Nathan was about to take a rest and sit beside Abigail when Jane came running to them.
"Nate! Ethan is missing!" Jane informed Nathan as soon as she reached their spot.
"What? My son?"
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