A Journey to Remember

Hey guys! Another chapter for you. Sorry it's short but its leading up to another great one. I should have another chapter up today. Stay tuned and review! Ideas, ideas, ideas people! Enjoy and read on!

CH2

Julia's eyes fluttered open and she sat up. Her curtains were shut and the sound of the market was audible from down the street. She woke up pretty late. It was about ten in the morning. She slid out of bed and did her daily morning routine of getting ready. She slipped on a pair of dark blue trousers, a black tank top, and a tan long sleeve shirt. Her side bangs were braided into a nice ponytail. While she was finishing up, her mother was downstairs tidying up the house. About fifteen minutes later, Julia zoomed down the stairs with a smile on her face.

"Well someone looks happy." Her mother said smiling at Julia's unusually giddy behavior. "I guess we have a day off today. We have nothing to do."

"Alright! I guess I'm gonna go explore for a while then. I promise I will be back later."

She skipped to the door and swung it open.

"Hey wait! Wear your boots! You don't want your nice shoes getting all dirty!" Her mother called out.

Julia rolled her eyes with a smile on her face. "Alright…"

She ran upstairs and put on a pair of dark brown knee high boots, then ran out the door. She headed down the end of town and ran for the forest. Whenever she had free time, she always went and explored. The day was perfect for some outdoor activity; not too hot, not too cold. She waved in and out of the trees listening to the birds sing and racing the rabbits that ran away. A little while later, she came to a small lake. She removed her tan shirt and boots then jumped in the water. Her mother and father always took her to the lake for a picnic and a swim every weekend. She swam all afternoon until she got tired, then decided to dry off in a tree. She laid down on a branch and started singing and humming a song that her father would sing to her every night before bed. A moment later she stopped and a voice came out of nowhere.

"That was beautiful!" The voice called out.

She got startled and rolled off the branch. She was surprised when the landing was softer than she expected.

"We need to stop meeting like this." The voice said laughing.

Julia looked up at the face and noticed that she had fallen on top of Luke.

"What are you doing here?" She said laughing and sitting up.

"I was just exploring the rest of this town. I am leaving tomorrow." He said rubbing his chest from the impact.

"Oh I see. How do you like it here?" She asked facing him.

"It's beautiful." He said looking dead at her.

Julia smiled a small smile and then averted her eyes

"You know, since you wanted to travel the world, you could come with me." He said looking out at the lake.

"Really? That would be great!" She said with a big smile.

"Yeah. It's tough traveling alone. Especially for a young woman."

"I guess you're right." She said nodding her head.

"This could be one of your only chances." He said leaning his back against the tree.

Julia sighed and looked out at the sunset that was forming.

"I would love to go but I would have to talk to my mother about it. I wonder if she can handle things on her own. I'm a little worried." She said in a quieter voice.

"I understand." He replied nodding.

"I'm sure going to miss this place though."

For the rest of the evening, Julia and Luke told each other stories. She was amused at how much Luke knew and how many places he visited, not to mention how jealous she was at all of the wonders he has seen. As they were laying there gazing at the stars, she couldn't help but think of how amazing the rest of the world is.

"I better get going." She said sitting up and putting on her boots.

"Let me walk you home." He said helping her stand up.

Julia nodded and then they both started to walk through the forest. After a while Julia broke the silence.

"If you come by tomorrow morning, I will let you know." She said slipping an arm under his.

They walked the rest of the way back arm in arm. When they reached the front door, he took her hand and spun her around.

"Thank you for making my last day here memorable. I will see you tomorrow." He said quietly giving her a small smile.

Julia went inside and gave him a little wave before closing the door. "See you tomorrow." She whispered.

A she walked around the house, she found her mother sitting on the couch reading a book.

"Hey mom?" She asked as she sat down next to her. "You know when I was little and I said that I wanted to travel the world?"

"Mhmm." She hummed still looking at her book. "Why?"

"What would you say if I said that I wanted to leave tomorrow to embark on that voyage?" She said quietly.

Her mom put down the book and looked at Julia. "I would say that this is crazy how time flies by and that little girl would be missed by her mother."

They both smiled and started laughing.

"Oh mom don't worry about me. I'm not going alone. I'm going with Luke. He is a traveler himself."

"Well at least you're not going alone. That boy seems nice. You better write me every week or so."

"Don't you worry mom! I promise! Thank you so much!"

Julia jumped up from the couch and gave her mom the biggest hug a daughter could give. They both went upstairs to get ready for bed. After Julia was done packing, she jumped in bed and fell asleep right away. As the morning rooster said wake up, Julia jolted out of bed and got everything ready including herself. She threw her bag down the stairs and finished getting ready. As soon as she was done eating breakfast, there was a knock on the door. Her mother answered and then called for Julia.

"Hello Luke. Good morning. Please come in." Her mother said.

"Thank you. Good morning."

"Good morning Luke." Julia said as she approached him.

"Good morning Julia. Good to see that you are all packed."

"Alright you two, time to go or else you will never make it there on time." Her mom said motioning them to get out.

"I love you mom. I will see you later." Julia said giving her mom a hug.

"I love you too. Be sure to write me!"

"I will."

They let go of each other and her mom looked over to Luke and motioned him to come closer. When he came closer, she hugged him and Julia snickered at the sight.

"Take care of my angel. She is very precious." Her mother whispered in his ear.

"I promise." He replied letting go of her.

Julia and Luke waved goodbye and then walked down the street toward a Carriage station. There Luke got a carriage and put all of their belongings on the back then opened the side door.

"And so our journey begins." He said motioning her to go inside.