Alex insisted she thank him in person.  Also an excuse to catch a fish or two.

When Larry came to thank Alex for a wonderful time in the mountains, he came on strong.  Alex was apprehensive.  So… she sat him down and explained that she was nervous, she really liked his company and she couldn’t technically be his girl until he met her frogs.  They had dinner, Larry was introduced to the frogs, washed up the dinner dishes and he promised her before he left that he would not disappoint her.  No more emails? No more emails.

Back home, Alex spent some time identifying some of the plants and bugs she collected in the mountains and brewing up some remedies for various ailments.

Alex and Larry were having a great time enjoying the mountains in the company of each other.  From early morning, stimulating campfire conversations to burnt mouths from too hot marshmallows, bug invasions and some friendly competition playing horseshoes.  Alex is convinced that tickling her while it was her turn was totally cheating.  Alex is also convinced that Larry is a pretty awesome guy for respecting her boundaries without question.

Larry learned some things about Alex as well.  He learned her real name is Alexandria Marina Oceana Drifter.  She loves nature, reading and geeking out about science fiction shows and fish.  She’s never been lucky around people and is terribly awkward around men in particular.  He also discovered that behind all of that, there was a gentle soul longing for the touch of a man. 

Or so he thought…..

Alex preferred separate tents.

Alex learned a lot about Larry on their first night in the mountains.  She learned his entire name was Lawrence Lloyd Lakes.  Alex found this hilarious, the sucker for alliteration that she is.  She also found out why he sent that email.  Apparently he thought she wouldn’t be interested in a guy who lives with a bunch of drunk roommates and can’t find a job.  Alex thought it was rather nice for a man to admit his insecurities even if the delivery failed.

Somehow Larry managed to convince Alex to take a trip to the mountains.  He said he’d explain his recent behavior when they got there.

Be careful Alex.

It was innocent enough.  Ellis just wanted to know if his neighbor noticed the abundance of bears at the local pubs.  While Alex had no idea that “Come on in” meant a strange man would see her in her night clothes.  She thought it was Larry.  In fact, when this Ellis guy showed up she was checking her emails for a response from Larry that never came.  Alex entertained Ellis the best she could.  Alex hoped he’d be the last stranger to come waltzing up to her door.

Ellis has only been in the neighborhood for a week.  After almost setting his house on fire he figured he’d check out the bar and have a much needed beer.  Ellis has concluded that this town is creepy as fuck.

Alex receives a very cryptic email from Larry.  Apparently he doesn’t want to lead her on while he ties up some loose ends in his life. 

At least they had the sunset.

Goodnight Alex.

Good morning Alex.

Larry asked to take Alex out.  Expecting the typical dinner and a movie, he was shocked when she suggested they watch the sunset from the Bluffs.  Alex is very shy.  Alex is awkward around people. Larry appreciated that.  Alex allowed her shell to crack just a tiny bit.  As you should Alex, as you should.

Alex’s early morning yoga sessions are clearly paying off.  Alex is pleased.

It would appear that Alex has a new neighbor.

Alex achieves a higher level of consciousness.

Alex officially crosses “go fishing in the mountains” off of her bucket list.

Alex spent her afternoon (and well into the evening) exploring haunted mansions, beautiful vistas and ancient ruins.  Alex, a nature lover, appreciates this less social part of her new world.

Good morning Alex.

Alex was oblivious to the extremely high levels of creepiness in this town.  The guy who sat down with the book was pretty nice though.  Alex is a bookworm.  Alex appreciates that.