I'm Not Daria
Mountaineering

"So, how much am I worth for last night's date?" ask me when he opens the door.

"Huh..."? he said, looking around confusedly "Ah dating"

"alright.

"I just woke up. Have some patience, Daria".

"But I've been waiting nine hours since our date ended"

"Then, wait a few more hours"

"okay"

We both headed downstairs for breakfast

"So I know what to do for our next date." I said as soon as we were done and Devan would get ready for work.

"Well, you don't have to rush. Take your time to plan it."

"I know, our next date will be a lot of fun"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course, why? Didn't you like last night's date?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. You're so kind of making me experience something I never experienced in college".

"What about the values?"

"I guess I'll tell you the value once we're done with these three dates."

"OKAY. So about our next date, will you be free this Saturday and Sunday?"

"Both that day?"

I'm nodding. "Two days."

This was certainly a big thing for him. He had never thought of taking two days off simultaneously.

"What are we gonna do?"

"It was me who planned and you who figured out when your day was off" I said with a deep breath. "Free on that day!"

"Of course."

Then I left him in front of his room so he could get ready for the day to come.

I have a lot to do. My plan for the next date is to climb the mountain. There is a lake nearby as well. I heard there was a cabin on top and I had to book it first, arrange the things we needed there.

If he's disappointed with last night's date, this will make up for it.

"Mom, dad. Devan and I are planning to go hiking this Saturday and Sunday,"

"Will mountains? Why sudden?" My father asked

"I just feel like we both need a little fun. I know how Devan has been working so hard these past few months. It'll be good for her."

"Who else is going?" My mother asked

"Just the two of us".

They seem uncomfortable with it. "Are you sure it'll be safe?!"

"of course. The place where we're going to climb a densely populated mountain. Safe. Never heard of a beast there. Only about three to four hours of climbing. I booked a cabin there. They provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. If we need help with anything. I'm sure there will be people helping"

"Honey, we don't doubt that. What mom asks is that you and Devan are gonna be okay with each other?"

"I mean mother?"

"I mean, are you sure you won't get any news about how the two of you ended up killing each other because you can't stand each other?". He asked and Dad laughed

I wasn't sure if I should tell them that we had feelings for each other, so I told them that we were just friends.

"David, what do you think?". My mother looked towards him.

"Well, they'll be fine."

"So can we go?" I asked, unable to hide my happiness.

"of course. But if you're having trouble, you should call mom or the driver right away if you want to get home early."

I nodded, "Of course. Thank you!"

I went and kissed the cheeks of the two of them for not showing them enough affection as their daughter.

They looked surprised, so I didn't know if it was a good thing or not. Daria may not be very sensitive to her parents. She may not show affection openly when she gets something from her parents or if they make her happy. It made me feel sorry, because if I had a parent like him, I would never miss the opportunity to tell you how valuable they are to me.

I was about to get out of their bedroom but dad spoke "Daria"?

I turned to face him. He's not looking at me. He was wearing a watch on his wrist. "Is there something going on between you and Devan?"

My tongue feels bad. How should I answer it?

"We're friends." I'm repeating. That doesn't sound reasonable.

"Dad can understand if you don't want to tell me. Maybe there's something between you two? Dad doesn't mind. I mean, he's a good kid, hardworking and honest, a real guy. So all this time it wasn't just your two romances, I didn't mind."

"O-okay, I get it." I nodded at them and almost ran out of the room.

I was too excited but had to remind myself that they had agreed to Devan and Daria not me. They don't even know me.

....

I stretched my body slightly as we extended the car. We were at the foot of the mountain.Our bags were full of snacks, some water bottles and P3K boxes. The driver would return with his car and would return the next day around noon to pick us up.

It was Saturday, our date day.

"We're going to climb the mountain? Did we get what we needed to climb?" He asked while looking at his shoes.

"Of course"

"I thought you took me to the gym for telling me to wear something sporty."

I set my eyes on him. "Our first date wasn't that bad so you imagined something much worse for our next date."

"It's not about enjoying the party, it's different and I don't think it's bad, I just think we're going to run or to the gym because you told me to dress up like this"

"I'm sorry. Your Majesty, for having misunderstood"

"You better not assume that anymore." He said, continuing slowly, "I like our first date."

I gave him a sincere smile. "Should we enjoy a second date even better?"

He nodded and took my hand. We found a path to climb the mountain. The path is not too wide, which means the mountain is not climbed too often.

We only had one bag and struggled to carry it. Devan finally gave up and told me to hand over the bag to him when tired, which is not going to happen anytime soon.

We set out early in the morning to get there around noon and had time at night to fish in the nearby lake. Then we would stay in a cabin for the night, have breakfast there the next day and would return there during the day. It was a good plan and Devan will definitely not get bored.

The trails are lined with dense trees that offer scenic beauty, fresh air, and a variety of different types of birds and small animals at all times. Devan will love this little trip and when he gets back to work on Monday, he will feel relaxed and refreshed. This was a much-needed trip because every time he visited a place, it was always to bustling cities. For a long time he had not visited a place close to nature.

The road is rocky and we stumble here and there. The air was a little cold but we were dressed warmly We stopped for a while to take photos on our phones. Devan helped me keep my footing by guiding me through slippery rocks and loose soil with his hands always on my elbows to prevent me from falling.

We walked for a long time and knew we were getting closer to the cabin. It was late afternoon and we were in no hurry to get there. We walked quite slowly and stopped a few times to buy snacks.

When we reached a steep slope that was quite difficult, Devan as usual began to lead me through it.

He suddenly lost his balance and fell from a large rock. He held my elbow so I almost fell down as well, but at the last moment I managed to balance myself. He's not so lucky.