Page 58 of Closer than Ever

Anna drove them through the winding hills. The break in the trees as the view opened up over the mountains across to the north-west islands was breathtaking. There was no one else in the small car park. It felt isolated and calm. It was just what Anna wanted right now.

Hayley sighed, wistfully. “This is so beautiful.”

Anna switched the engine off. The campervan fell silent. Anna took a long and slow breath, feeling so relaxed. She couldn’t get to this level of chill on her own and so regularly, but being with Hayley on this trip, Anna was able to wind down. She wasn’t so highly strung. She liked how she felt around Hayley even if it was interspersed with near death experiences hanging over ravines of rapids on fragile zip wires.

Hayley turned her head towards Anna. “Wanna camp out here tonight?”

“Here?”

“Yeah, why not?”

“That’s wild camping. I don’t think you’re allowed.”

“There wasn’t a sign. It’s only for one night. We can leave early and go back to the campsite.”

“Won’t they wonder where we are?”

“I don’t think they’ll notice.”

Anna thought about it. They were in the middle of nature with views to die for. It was pure peace and freedom.

Hayley’s voice was soft and low. “We did say wild camping would be an option, and we haven’t done it yet. I think this is a good spot. We’ve turned up late, so no one will know we’re here. It’s secluded, yet has these amazing views?”

“Yes.”

“You want to?”

“Yep. It might get a bit cold in the campervan without any heating though. Will you be okay with that?”

“I’ll be fine. I’m getting used to the cold.”

“Great.”

They sat in silence for a while after that, just watching the sun go down. The golden sky turned to red and eventually to an indigo. Anna appreciated these moments where she and Hayley could be quiet together. It was one of her favourite things about Hayley all those years ago, even if it didn’t happen that often.

“I think I’m going to go to bed,” Hayley said, after a while, as darkness descended upon the van.

“Me too.”

“Thank god the van has everything we need.”

“Yep. It’s so glamorous. I’ll wait for you to get ready in here.”

“It’s fine. We’ve been sharing a tiny space for weeks now. It’s too difficult all this dancing around each other, and there’s no space to go anywhere else so don’t be silly. Come on.”

Reluctantly, Anna followed Hayley back into the main compartment of the van. She’d been avoiding being in here with Hayley as much as possible, especially for changing.

Anna got ready for bed at lightning speed while Hayley used the facilities. A quick glance at the thermometer said it was eight degrees Celsius. Very cold.

“Wow, that was quick,” Hayley said, emerging from the tiny compartment after a few minutes.

“It’s too cold to hang about.” In truth, Anna just didn’t want Hayley to see her change. She was feeling too vulnerable and in her feelings for that.

“True.”

They swapped places. When Anna came out, Hayley had her back to her, naked from the waist up, throwing on a long-sleeved top.

Anna got into bed and straight into her sleeping bag. Her neck and jaw felt tense from the cold. The bed itself was cold, too, offering little relief.

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