Stephanie give a few claps and cheers, while Eric and Matthew share a high five. Jessica pushes Michael away, “What is the big deal Michael? I am excited! Aren’t you?”
Michael proceeds to explain he is excited, but shouting out to the whole entire plane of people who don’t care is tacky. Unfortunately, because they are sitting directly behind me, I hear Jessica let out a groan and say in a high pitch whine, “Well maybe they do care.” Then she pauses and leans over my seat to involve me in their argument, “Right Megan?”
I hate when she involves me in their constant bickers, but I smile at Jessica and say, “Of course everyone cares.”
Jessica proudly grins and makes my words the final closure she needed to win the battle. When it is our turn to funnel off the plane, she tosses her large tote over her shoulder, flicks her long blonde hair in Michael’s face and leads the way off the plane to plant our feet on the luscious Costa Rican soil.
The heat makes my skin itch and the baking sun warms my brow. I love travelling anywhere tropical, mostly because of the intoxicating smell of coconut and ocean all mixed together. It just ignites something deep inside me. I have been looking forward to this vacation for a long time. But if I am ever going to survive this trip, I need to stay as far away from Ben as possible.
Chapter 4
Just pinch me. How could this paradise actually be my reality? The rolling hills and luscious greenery is the perfect backdrop to the gorgeous villas spread out across the resort. The shuttle winds down the cobblestone roads, and takes us on a scenic tour of the impressive grounds. I sit back and let my hair blow in the calm winds and listen to the sound of exotic birds chirping in the distance. My eyes widen to the sight of iguanas crawling through the grass and my ears perk up to monkeys howling in the trees. I am perfectly overwhelmed by the beauty of the vined and twisted trees and the scorching sun, because all these things make me feel like I am immersed my own private jungle.
When the shuttle stops, the driver jumps out and hands us girls our luggage. He points to a massive villa overlooking a ravine, with stork-like birds bathing in its water. He swipes our key card and pushes open the double paned glass doors. Stephanie and Michelle funnel inside, oohing and aweing over our extravagant amenities. I stay back, thank our driver and hand him a few dollar bills. As the shuttle begins to pull away, I wave goodbye to Matthew, Eric and Ben, still packed on board, pounding back their welcome drinks.
Ben gives me a subtle wink and flashes his pearly white grin as they take off down the road. I don’t know why, but his actions send a prickling sensation up the back of my knees and make me feel a bit weak. Luckily, Stephanie squeals distracts me, and it reminds me to exhale.
“Hey Megan get in here! This fridge is stocked!” Stephanie shouts as I roll my luggage into our villa.
Michelle and Stephanie have already broken into the bar fridge. They rummage through with their perfectly manicured nails and pull out a few cans of beer. They giggle together at their findings and ask me if I want one, but I politely decline and start to unzip my suitcase. Michelle thrusts one at me, and insists that I have to have one. I shake my head and push her away. She rolls her eyes and waves her free hand in the air, “Oh Megan, lighten up.”
Michelle briskly walks across our room, and immediately yanks out her makeup case while Stephanie plugs in her straightening iron. They prop themselves in front of the full-length mirror, and debate on using bronzer or blush for tonight’s dinner plans. Stephanie reaches back into her luggage, pulls out a tight fitting coral dress, and holds it up to her chest, “Well? What do you girls think? Is this the dress for tonight? Or should I wear something a little more risky?”
I shrug and say it’s nice, and continue to unpack. Michelle on the other hand, furrows her brow and taps her index finger over her lips. A few minutes pass before she suggests, “I think you should go for something a little more island style.”
I turn around and roll my eyes when Stephanie nods in