chapter 4.58
August
Selvadorada was such an amazing place. Beau was really getting into it, too, whacking down vines in order for us to find the amusement park we were going to explore. The owners of the park were masters at making everything feel realistic like we were some sort of Simdiana Jones. But that's why they make the big bucks. This resort was extremely expensive. Worth every penny.
The waterfalls roared and I could feel its mist pepper my face. What a breathtaking sight. And so romantic. I wanted to stay there, kiss on Beau, and watch it all day. But we had a quest to complete.
Beau tapped my ass to move on.
Finally, we had one more set of vines to pull off. Beau laughed at me because I'd dropped my machete, and he wouldn't let me use his. Said I looked sexy as hell trying to rip off the vines with my bare hands. I was going to jump him and force him to give me the machete if I suffered one cut, but they came off fairly easily.
Emerging like a majestic king in his castle, the jungle palace glittered in the sun.
"Damn, it's gorgeous," I said.
"Yeah," Beau breathed.
Both of us were in awe that something like this existed. And all based on the real ruins that sat just a few miles down the road, but straight up on top of the mountains. I was thankful we didn't have to do that trek. It was treacherous. Something only professional mountain climbers or crazy people did. The death toll on that mountain was like 1 in 3. I didn't like those odds, so yeah. A fake jungle park was just fine with me.
When we approached, a wall of walking skeletons greeted us. We both clung to each other as my heart raced. "They make them look so real," I said.
"But they're not," Beau whispered.
Pulling me along, Beau said, "Stay close, August."
I smiled. "You scared?"
"No," he squeaked.
This made me laugh.
After a while, I got used to all the creepy skeletons walking around. It was obvious they were animatronics. And the lighting wasn't as dark either. But in order for us to progress to the spas, pools, and food, we first had to do a series of puzzles.
Sidling up to some totem, I automatically reached my hand in one of the holes.
"August, wait," Beau said. "We have to figure out the riddle."
Too late. "What the hell?" A cold, clammy skeletal hand clamped down on mine, sending a shock through me. "Ahh!" I hollered.
Beau laughed at me. "I told you! I thought a professional spy would be more careful."
Glaring, I said, "Well, this doesn't make any sense like real life. The riddle said, 'To the left of the Selvadorada Sun, you might have some shocking fun.' So, I went to the left hole from the sun glyph."
Beau shook his head. "You're overthinking things. It's obviously the sun itself." He reached in his hand and screamed. "Get it off!" A huge spider scuttled over his hand.
The rest of the puzzles didn't go well either. Beau got so frazzled, he cussed at one of the statues, making it cast a swarm of bees at us.
After running around through hall after hall, finally, we found the treasure we'd been looking for.
"Damn," Beau exclaimed. "I thought it'd be made of gold or something."
"I don't care if it's made of shit, let's get the key and get out of here. The skeletons are going to give me nightmares for the next week." The key would allow us access to the resort without going through the mazes again. But I'm not going to lie, the adventure had been something I'd never forget for the rest of my life.
Shoving back the lid, loud thunderous tribal drums beat around us, vibrating through me. Then the key seemed to shine all its own until I picked it up.
"Nice touch," Beau said, bobbing his head.
After we ate lunch, we finally made it to the underground hot springs bubbling around us with floating candles illuminating the misting water. Hanging on my arm, Beau sighed. "God, August...I'm so freaking tired. Can we stop now? If I see another vine we have to cut down, my hands are going to literally scream."
I chuckled. "You need to work out more if this is making you tired."
He groaned.
I whispered in his ear, "Okay...how about you fall asleep in my arms. Does that sound good?"
He gave me a kiss and nodded.
As I listened to the rushing waterfall behind us, I stroked Beau's hair, marveling at how far we'd come together.
We'd always been so close--closer than any friend I'd ever had. I always wanted to make him feel better.
And when he'd kissed me that time when I was just a stupid kid, it surprised me but sent my head spinning. I liked it even though I didn't want to admit it to myself.
I hated that I'd treated him so badly for it. He was such a better person than me. Pure. He didn't lie to himself like I did.
Even when we found each other again, I was attracted to him. Still wanting that closeness even if I didn't want to admit it.
Thankfully, my heart spoke that day in the gym. I allowed myself to do what I wanted.
And when we both needed each other...Beau was there for me. I thought we'd start our lives together. I was so excited about the future.
Then that fucking murderer stole him from me.
But they weren't going to win.
Kissing Beau's head, I decided I wanted to show him our love was forever. I'd make my intentions known that night.
*****
Beau
August and I had such an amazing day although my muscles screamed at me. Already stiffening, my arms felt like two lead bricks. After I'd put away my machete for another day, I searched through the bungalow, trying to find August. He was just sitting out back, looking at the mountains.
Easing over to him, I said, "Hey, baby. That was crazy today, huh?" I stroked his scratchy beard. His face was so serious. "What's wrong?"
He didn't say anything--just peered into my eyes.
"Baby? Are you okay?" I asked.
He nodded, kissing my hand.
I could feel him shaking underneath my hands. "Beau, I want to have days like this with you for the rest of my life."
My heart sped up. Was he...?
Holding my eyes in his, he said, "Will you marry me?"
Now I was shaking. I'd dreamed of this moment ever since I fell in love with August when we were just kids. But I never thought it'd come true. "Oh my God...August..." I whispered, tears pinching the back of my eyes.
"Yes."
Want to give a huge shout out to Rabooski for designing this AMAZING Jungle Adventure Park. It has everything for your jungle explorer to do--all right there. The puzzles, the glyphs...Beau and August had an amazing time there. (And yeah, they were pooped with all the snares that came their way. But it was worth it!) If you want a fun, beautiful park, get it! You'll be amazed: JUNGLE ADVENTURE PARK
Next chapter tomorrow, April 9th
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