Kevin Sinnet strolled out from the bustling station, a black duffle bag hoisted around his slender and sturdy frame. Years of being on his high school baseball team made him adept with carrying bags, so he poised no complaints as he made his way outside with his heavy luggage, where the last radiant rays of the setting sun graced him with a fiery splendor that coated the world in gold. He was momentarily taken aback by the sereneness of the atmosphere, and he allowed the wisps of the cool Summer air tend to his flustered skin, the young man hot after being cooped up in a cramped compartment of a very long train ride. Curious passerby's glanced at him with small smiles and gentle waves as he politely maneuvered himself to the very long line of taxis where generous drives approached the newly arrivals in hopes of earning the last of their commission for the night.
Kevin himself was approached by a middle-age man of a sturdy build, introducing himself as Ryan. "Welcome to the town of Alice, kid! Gorgeous little town, eh?" The man pounded his chest, signalling to the young man that he was a proud native of this refreshing city. Kevin grinned, tipping his blue baseball cap that had a white 'N' emblazoned on the front - his varsity Newberg High School baseball cap that was the only hat he wore. "It really is! What a place. I'm actually a little bit ashamed that I've never visited before." Kevin shook his head in wonder as the burly man let out booming laugh, leading the younger man to the back of the taxi where he popped open trunk. Kevin nodded in thanks, his grin still evident as he dropped his heavy duffle with a loud thud.
"Tha's what all the folks say after comin' here. Well, I can honestly say I speak for the rest of the town when I say Alice is honored to cater to such a polite guest! So where to, youngin'?" The older man patted Kevin roughly on the back, making the boy stumble, but Kevin just bursted out laughing. Man, this was so refreshing. He made the right choice in coming here to escape the harsher realities of his crowded city. It was awfully nice of Rayne to invite him; though the two men got along quite well, they weren't as close to each other as they were to their respective social circles. Still, with most of his buddies being out of state for the Summer, Kevin had Rayne to thank for, for hoisting him a lifeline that saved him from boredom. There was also this other person named Diana that he'd have to thank once he get there; without him, none of this would have been possible. The young man took in a deep breath, closing his eyes and just took the moment to relish in the warmth of the dying sun. He gave a hearty, satisfying stretch before turning to Ryan.
"Ever heard of the Starlight Cabin?" Kevin smiled.
The twenty minute car ride was turned into an enchanting journey that exposed Kevin Sinnet to the true beauties of the world. Never before had the young man laid his eyes on such tranquil splendor and vivid colors. For the duration of the ride, the boy had leaned against the window, elbows propped with his chin resting on his wrist and just...took in everything. His mouth was slightly agape, his eyes glazed over, and Ryan just drove onward with the occasional glance at the rear view mirror, grinning in a proud manner. But to Kevin's slightest reluctance, the surreal experience came to an end as the car unexpectedly parked at the edge of a dirt driveway that looped deeper into the woods. However, as Kevin snapped out of his trance, excitement sparked at his core as he could vaguely see the outline of the cabin.
The boy got out of the car, giving a playful yawn as Ryan got out and headed to the trunk. Kevin dusted off his black pants and blue long-sleeve that had it's sleeved rolled up, gingerly making his way to the back, trying to not get dirt on his white sneakers. With the help of the older man, Kevin managed to hoist his bulky duffle over his shoulders with ease. The two men then faced each other as the trunk snapped shut, grinning.
"Nice meeting you, Ryan. Thanks for the smooth, safe ride out here. Damn, what a place." Kevin clucked, shifting his hat cheerfully on his head. The older man laughed, reaching out a hand.
"Anytime, kiddo. You hav fun, y'hear? Be safe, and enjoy the wonders of Alice. If'ya head back to town sometime, be sure to check out the local commodities. We got young women tha' are one of a kind." Ryan winked before letting out a booming laugh as the younger man clasped the gentleman's hand with a sturdy handshake, trading over the money for the ride. Ryan winked again in thanks. With final waves and goodbyes, Kevin watched as the yellow taxi pulled out, made a u-turn, and headed back towards the city. With his signature, boyish smile still on his face, Kevin turned and made headway towards the cabin. As he got closer to the enormous building, he saw a cluster of people mingling on the porch.
"Ah, shoot. Looks like I'm one of the lasts, eh?"
Without hesitation, he strode up and notified his arrival. There on the porch he saw Rayne, and he hollered out, striding up and clasped his friend on the shoulder. He turned to the rest of the folks, beaming, recognizing some faces and registering new ones. He let out a surprised yelp as he saw Callie, a girl that he occasionally bumps into with his rock climbing group, waving at her and grinned brightly. New faces or old ones, he directed a rousing introduction towards them.
"Nice to see you all! My name's Kevin, and it looks like we're in for one hell of a Summer, yeah?" the young man grinned at the crowd, a hand resting on the straps around his shoulder, and the other adjusting his baseball cap playfully. His brown eyes twinkled like the young stars emerging from the darkening sky. "Can't wait to have fun with you all, and let's make the best of it!"
