One Day in California

I promised myself for 5 days vacation, come back on Monday. Then Tuesday for a Halloween Festival with Noah, I have to keep my promise.

Today, I rent an XUV car which possible for me to drive from place to place. I won't waste a time anymore. This is my first time driving in L.A. A little challenging for me, haven't drive for years, but I'm pretty sure I am still a good driver.

The weather is so chilly today, I adjust the green scarf on my neck, which is a gift from Lily. I put on the grey –beanie hat, tucking my arm against the wool –sleeves –coat. I hang my big backpack, rushing down to the lobby. I threw myself inside the car, place my phone above the speedometer with Google Maps directing me the location, Tahoe is my first stop.

"When the summer is finished and before the winter begins is another great time to visit Lake Tahoe. Again, you won't deal with excessive crowds that you would in the peak winter months, and you also won't have to deal with ultra-frigid temperatures."

I've researched about it before I make myself a schedule. I thought it would be a disaster if I visit there during October, but Google said it's fine. I turn the radio on, plug the cable from my phone to play the songs that Noah recommends me.

Superlove (Ft. Oh Wonder) –Whethan, Oh Wonder played on the screen, I adjust the volume. Noah and I have the same taste in music, besides the old country songs I used to listen. Well, I learn a lot here in Los Angeles, starting with American Horror Movies, American Talk Show, American Pop –Rock Music. Just... never watch Noah's movies or show, he never talk about it, maybe he was just trying to make me as comfortable as he could, sometimes I forget he is an actor.

Stop Steffi stop thinking about Noah. You are going out for some fresh air to clear your mind. STOP!!

Alright, back to my researches about Tahoe,

"Go swimming. Seriously. Tahoe and alpine lake waters stay tolerable until mid-October" okay I have prepared my swim suit though, not the sexy one of course. Soaking myself inside the hot –spring then froze when I quit the pond. Is that going to happen?

It took about 8 hours driving to Tahoe. It's incredible, my eyes shone by the great –view, my heart beating as it is going to burst out from my chest, I was so excited, in love at first sight, this is beyond my expectation.

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States, straddles the state line between California and Nevada, west of Carson City. The largest alpine lake in North America. It's the second deepest in the United States after Crater Lake in Oregon. The lake was formed about two million years ago as part of the Lake Tahoe Basin, with the modern extent being shaped during the ice ages. It is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides.

This lake is a major tourist attraction in both Nevada and California. It is home to winter sports, summer outdoor recreation, and scenery enjoyed throughout the year.

I was relieved when I heard they are not going to freeze or snow so hard during October. I was so hopeless when it comes to winter, sometimes. Since I am pretty afraid of cold, I mean I haven't get used to it. Back to previous time in the other part of California, my nose –bleed once in Winter, freaking Lily out. She screamed hysterically like I was going to die, even though she knew it was pretty normal for a tropical inhabitant like me.

The sun sets, I watch them until it really gone as the sky is in navy blue, moon and stars are shining upon the sky. I head back to the hotel I booked online few days ago, laying on the bed looking at the plain ceiling of the room.

How's Noah doing? Wait, why Noah ?

I moaned, clenching my fist and hit them on the bed. I've come so far to Tahoe to clear my mind, please make it stop. Oh my god.

I change my laying position, stretched my arm to reach my camera, scrolling through the gallery. I haven't move the picture we took earlier, with Noah I mean. I slide the picture one by one, snorted while I saw the worst picture he took at the first time during our night view.

No, I can't keep thinking of Noah. I set aside my camera and close my eyes, taking a deep breath. Why Noah....

My phone beeped, I stretch my arm to reach my phone as it was still charging, Lily's message popped up

"Ha ! leaving after the date with James? Has he confessed yet?"

Well, I didn't think I should tell Lily I was actually talking about Noah last time, since Lily will be on fire. There will become a misunderstanding, I won't make that happen. I just think I admire Noah, I think it isn't love. Yes, this isn't love. There's nothing between us and I'm moving to New York in the next 4 months, my last U.S.A. journey.

"No" I typed.

Then my phone beeped again, Lily is a fast –response chatter,

"Ha ! coward ! thought he has confessed and you guys date"

"Impossible, I'm leaving in 4 months, please don't make it possible. It would be super complicated if we do"

"OH YEAH ! SO IT MEANS YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON HIM? well, if you said so..."

"Hey, I didn't say anything wrong. I was just assuming, plus it would be hard if we date. Guys can never stand of L-D-R"

"can't judge all guys the same Steffi"

Well, she's right. Not all guys are the same. I haven't replied her, she sent me another text,

"maybe James is different, as long as you trust each other, nothing will happen"

"you are right Lily. But I can't"

"it's your life my dear, I am here only to support you."

Right, Lily always push me to have a boyfriend, but she is actually very understanding.

"thanks Lily. Bye, gotta sleep. See you soon ! love you !"

"Good night, Love you"

My phone gives another beep, it's Lily again.

"Btw dear, I know you are in love with Noah. I'm going to wait until you are ready to tell me. HAHA ! BYE"

I didn't reply her anymore.

So.. Lily really does read my mind.

I leave my phone charging beside my bed. I switch the lamp off and close my eyes counting sheep, not really counting the sheep, it doesn't work on me. I quick fell asleep soon when I imagine nothing.

I depart in the morning around 6 -7 o'clock. Watching the lake for few hours, enjoying my own picnic. The lake glows a deep, dark blue in the sun, dramatically framed by mountains and forest. I took some pictures of it, it is a worth to visit during October, I can see the icy mountains peek far from here, it's chilly, but not as cold as I expected.

Then before the noon, I drive to Ellis Peak. I want to try hiking the trail to the summit of Ellis Peak rewarded with views of Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, Granite Chief Wilderness, and a vast swath of the Northern Sierra Nevada. I will also find lots of summer wildflowers and walk through a shady red-fir forest.

Ellis Peak Trail and Ellis Lake is a 11.1 kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Homewood, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, road biking, and mountain biking and is best used from July until October. I was lucky, they close during November.

In the next day, which is my 3rd day. I go to Maggie Peak South, to reach the wilderness boundary and then a ridge with big views of Lake Tahoe too. Soon I hit Granite Lake. The trail stays above the water, can trivially hop down to the lake for a swim. I continue on the far side of the lake, more switchbacks to a saddle. From the saddle on the Granite Lake Trail, take a left on the Maggie's Peak Summit Spur and wander through open forest and boulders to the summit. I enjoy the huge view of Mt. Tallac, the Crystal Range, and of course Granite Lake, Emerald Bay, and Lake Tahoe.

It takes almost an hour for me to appreciate these gorgeous surroundings. I turn around, heading back down the Granite Lake Trail to return to the trailhead and my vehicle.

I was fast asleep during that night.

4th day,

I checked out from the hotel, drive about 3 hours to Mono Basin. I was lucky that I woke up earlier today so I could stop by many places, I arrive at 8 when they have just open the gate for The Hot Creek Geological Site, which is known for its boiling geysers, turquoise –colored pools, and fumaroles, but it has been closed to all bathing activities since May 2006. The Hot Creek Geological Site is accessible to visit by cross-country skiers, snowmobile and by visitors who are traveling by foot using snowshoes to visit these amazingly blue pools of potentially deadly water. The beautiful views of California's majestic forms are sure to entice nature lovers who want to take some breathtaking pictures of all that the Hot Creek Geological Site has to offer.

Another 15 -20 minutes drive to Whitmore Hot –Springs. Hot springs with heart –shaped –puddle, I get soaked there.

Then I continue driving to Hilltop Hot –springs, my second time get soaked. It was too crowded there, so I just got my leg warm for about 10 -15 minutes.

My last journey is, The Red and White Mountain, which is a beautiful, serene, hidden gem. I enjoy sunsets there. The time of sunset is defined in astronomy as the moment when the upper limb of the sun disappears below the horizon. The night occurs when the sun reaches 18 degrees below the horizon and no longer illuminates the sky. I closed my eyes, inhaling the positive energies of the nature as it reminds me more about Los Angeles. I was having so much fun outside the town, but there's still a little thing from inside here, I touch my chest where the heart's beating as fast as I remember Noah. I miss his presence.

I'm going home tomorrow, is he going to miss me ?

No Steffi, don't be silly.

***

I take a drive early in the morning since it will take a few hours to arrive in L.A. I turn the speaker on, switch the song into my song –list.

I'm so tired, it's fun and amazing out there, but damn my body aches. Is that mean I am getting older ? No, I'm 26 by next month, I'm still young. I will take a long long rest when I arrive home. I stop by Vier Café to order a Hazelnut Coffee before I get home. I parked my car and rushed inside the shop. The bell jingles as I push the door, then Cara, the one that subs my duty greeted "Welcome to Vier Café", she was a little bit shocked when I appeared from the entrance.

"Steffi !" she whispered, but in a high volume, everyone can hear it. I walk towards the counter and order a cup of Hazelnut Coffee.

"You know... that celebrity.. that actor..." she whispered.

I lift my eyebrow and say "Yes? Do you mean Noah?" since the name Noah keep blinking inside my head. Cara nodded.

I didn't see James here, I think he has business to do so Jane's replacing him for a while. Jane tilted his head and come approaching me too, in a very excited way. I'm still in confusion, what are they about to tell me. I lift my palms, demanding more answers.

"James was so jealous yesterday" Cara whispered. James? Why James? What happen until he gets so jealous?. Jane continues "Noah was here yesterday in the morning like usually, maybe he was curious where is his favorite employee. Yesterday...." pointing at me.

My gosh, I became more curious, "come on Jane. I'm dying right here"

Jane snorted a laugh.

"Noah was here asking about you, he did this .." Cara gestured Noah, hands inside the hoodie, "Hey.. Cara.. Do you know where Steffi is?" she makes her voice deeper to copy Noah's. I can't stop laughing.

"Then?" I asked, still very curious. My heart beats faster when it comes to the topic of Noah. The bell jingles, make us stop talking.

A tall figure from the entrance, the only customer I'm always waiting for every.. single.. day.. today he appeared not in the morning. Is this a coincidence?