Page 53 of Closer than Ever

“Yeah, sounds good.”

“We deserve it after so many tins of soup and packets of noodles lately.”

Anna laughed. “And after flying through trees and across canyons at speed.”

“True! Hey, let’s go out for a fancy dinner soon too. My treat.”

“That’s a nice idea. I’m in. We’ll go halvers though.”

“Okay. So, how do you feel?” Hayley took a sip of beer, watching Anna closely. Her eyes bright in the sunshine.

Anna smiled. “I feel good. How do you feel?”

“I feel amazing. I’m having such a great time.”

“Highlight of the trip so far?”

“It’s got to be today. You knew I was going to say that, though, didn’t you?”

“I had an idea.”

“And yours?”

Nearly kissing on the platform of death sprung to mind first, but that wasn’t supposed to be in her head. Seeing how capable Hayley was and what an even more awesome person she had grown into also sprung to mind, but that wasn’t supposed to be in it, either. Or listening to Hayley’s soft breathing as she slept beside her, or seeing her wake up in the morning and mumble something to Anna before her eyes were fully open. She wanted to say these things and more but couldn’t. Spending so much time in each other’s pockets would have been like a dream come true in the past. It felt a bit that way, now. This crush on her friend was well and truly still there, it appeared. Only this time it felt like it was growing into something stronger. She had to get a grip of herself, and fast, before this all ended in tears. She sighed. “The castle.”

“The castle? Really? Why?”

“I like history. It was impressive.”

“Oh.”

“Hearing your take on things was also pretty interesting.”

“Huh?”

“Questioning everything. I liked that.”

“Cool.”

Anna wondered what other adventure type activities Hayley was going to get her to do on this trip, but this time, she wasn’t dreading it or annoyed by it. “Those kids thought I was useless. They kept glancing back at us and sniggering. But you know what, I didn’t care.”

“Good for you.” Hayley took another drink of beer. “I wonder why more of the parents didn’t do the course.”

“Probably just glad of five minutes to themselves.”

“No way. I’m going to do stuff with my children. Be the active mum they can’t get rid of.”

“Sorry?” Anna said, perplexed. “You want kids?”

“Yes.” Hayley nodded. “Not right now but definitely in the future, yes.”

“Really?” Anna studied Hayley across the wooden table from her. She was stunned.

“What?” Hayley asked. “You seem shocked by this.”

“Sorry. I didn’t know.” Anna was pretty sure Hayley had said she didn’t think she would ever want children.

“With the right person, if I was lucky enough, I would love to start a family and raise children. I think it would be very rewarding.”

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