San Hermosa (Week 1 - Saturday)
Sophie arrived at San Hermosa around 11:45 am. She was looking forward to seeing Ryan again and showing her the town. This was her fourth visit, and she made a mental note to take Ryan to her favorite bookstore called the Tombolo, which featured a large selection of LGBTQ books, and for them to stop at her favorite café.
She thought back to the first time she visited San Hermosa. Mary, like Ryan, was trying to decide where she wanted to reside at the time. She asked Sophie to accompany her to the town, but Sophie initially wasn't interested. Sophie wanted no part in dealing with the program. After all, her mind was made up, and she chose the alternative because of her sister, Jordan. Why would she be in the program and visit any towns when she knew she wouldn't stay? But Mary being Mary, finally got Sophie to relent, and that's how Sophie eventually entered the program, even though she knew she would not become a resident. However, San Hermosa held a special place in Sophie’s heart. She loved this town and the people in it.
Sophie walked into the Welcome Center to see if there were any places she had missed on her last visit.
“Welcome to San Hermosa welcome center.” James, the coordinator, said. “How may I assist you?”
“Hi James, I have a friend I will be showing around San Hermosa today. I’ve been here several times, but I was wondering if there were any sites I missed. “
“Well, we haven’t created any new sites in a while. But we have the European Museum. “
“No, I’ve been there.”
“Ok, I assume you’ve already been down to the boutique shopping strip on main street.”
“Yes, I have.”
“How about a helicopter ride to get a birds-eye view of the town.”
“Hmm, that’s actually a good idea.”
“Yes, and after, you can rent some bikes and tour the town. We have an open house for our condos later this afternoon and a festival tonight.”
“That sounds great! Thanks, James.”
Sophie grabbed a few pamphlets James handed her and checked her watch to see what time it was. It was already 12:05 pm.
She walked outside but didn’t see Ryan, so she waited not far from the door. Repeatedly, Sophie checked her watch. It was now going on 12:30 pm, but no Ryan. I know this woman didn’t stand me up. She thought. She decided to wait for another ½ hour before leaving.
Around 12:50 pm Ryan appeared.
“I’m really sorry, Sophie; we had some... complications today.”
“Oh, girl, I thought you had stood me up!”
“I would never do that to you.”
Well, I’m glad it got resolved.” She sighed. Sophie knew that sometimes these things happen. She experienced it herself, and it took a couple of hours before it got resolved. She was relieved that she didn’t leave.
“So, I took the liberty of checking with the Welcome Center to see if any new spots weren’t there on my previous visits. I located two. But first, I thought we would take a private helicopter tour of the town.”
“Umm Ok..” Ryan said nervously.
They proceeded to the helicopter's landing zone. Ryan had never flown in a helicopter before, so she was nervous. However, Sophie was there holding her hand, which helped her to relax.
As the helicopter soared higher into the sky, the bustling town below began to shrink in size. Ryan and Sophie peered through the large windows and watched as the rooftops became tiny dots and the streets formed a maze-like pattern. From this height, they could see the entire town at once, with its buildings, parks, and waterways spread out beneath them like a miniature model. It was a surreal and breathtaking experience for Ryan. She turned her head and noticed Sophie was staring at her. Nothing was said; they both smiled and continued to gaze into each other’s eyes.
After the helicopter ride, they rented two electric bicycles to ride around town. They rode at a leisurely pace, taking in the peaceful surroundings and waving at friendly locals they passed along the way. The town was small enough to explore easily on bicycles yet large enough to offer a variety of sights and experiences. They stopped at an area where condominiums were being created for new residents. Ryan was interested in touring the inside of one of the finished condos. The condo was an average middle-class condo with a partial ocean view. It had two large master bedrooms and two baths.
“So, what do you think about the condo?” Sophie asked.
“It’s ok, but I was looking for a house.”
“Really? Why a house when it's only you.”
“I know, but I like big spaces. In a condo, I feel confined.
Sophie chuckles. “Ok…”
They spent most of the day out on the town and finally returned to the Welcome Center. Ryan entered the reception coordinator's office to ask additional questions.
“Hi, James.” I have a couple of questions. We noticed they are creating new condominiums, but what about houses?"
“They are not creating any new houses this year. That has been put on hold due to space constraints.” James said.
“So, you won’t be expanding the borders?” Ryan asked.
“Perhaps, but not until next year.”
“Ok, and my last question. Is there a waiting list?”
“No, there is not. Would you like to be added to our potential resident list, or are you still searching?”
“I’m still searching, but thank you. I will return if I decide to reside in San Hermosa.”
They exited the Welcome Center and headed down the street to the town's weekly festival. Sophie saw the shooting gallery and quickly made a beeline to the table. The attendant explained that she must hit five stationary circular targets to win a stuffed animal.
She picked up the rifle, but Ryan placed her hand on Sophie's arm to get her attention. “What am I going to do with a stuffed animal?”
“Who said it was for you?” Sophie playfully questioned.
Ryan played like she was shocked. “You mean to tell me your hospitality of showing me this town doesn’t extend to winning me that stuffed animal.”
Sophie rolled her eyes. “Didn’t you just seconds ago ask me what you would do with a stuffed animal? It sounds like you didn’t want it in the first place. How quickly we forget.”
“That's only because of where we are.”
Sophie sighed. “They will hold on to it, and when you're settled, you will receive it. I’m surprised you didn’t know about that.”
“There is a lot I don’t know. In that case, win me my bear.”
Giving Ryan a devilish grin, Sophie shot five shots, bang bang bang bang bang knocking down the circular targets. The attendant congratulated Sophie and handed Ryan the stuffed bear.
“Hey,” Sophie called out to the attendant. “That's mine.”
Ryan took the stuffed bear and began to power walk away. “Yeah, no, it’s mine.” She teased, leaving Sophie to run and catch up with her.
"You know, you can move pretty fast for a short woman," Sophie yelled as she caught up with Ryan.
Ryan stopped dead in her tracks, and Sophie almost ran into her. "Oh, we starting with the short jokes, huh.." Shaking her head. “So, what activity should we do next? “ Ryan asked.
“OOh, how about Whack-a-Mole,” Sophie suggested.
“Ok, lead the way.”
After a round of whack-a-mole, which Ryan won, they went on more rides together. First was the roller coaster, and then they headed to the haunted house. But Sophie held out the best ride for last, the Ferris wheel.
When they finally reach the Ferris Wheel, they stand in line, and Sophie grabs Ryan’s hand. Ryan looks down and then back up at Sophie.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Sophie asks.
“I suppose it’s okay,” Ryan answered as her stomach began to flutter.
The line moved swiftly. Soon, it was Ryan and Sophie's turn to board the Ferris wheel. A couple of times around on the Ferris Wheel, Ryan rests her head on Sophie’s shoulder.
Sophie smiles. “Hey, it's almost midnight. What’s your next destination?”
“You would think you would be tired of me by now. Don’t you have other women you want to entertain before your time runs out?” Ryan questioned.
“Whoa, where did that come from? I thought we were having a good time.”
“We are, and that’s the problem. We are spending too much time together only for you to disappear one day.”
“Ryan, I enjoy your company. I don’t understand why we can’t enjoy the moment.”
Why couldn't we enjoy the moment, Ryan thought. She knew the answer; it was because she was attracted to Sophie. She felt a connection, and she was concerned that her feelings for Sophie would continue to grow. She decided not to respond to Sophie’s question. Instead, she chose to tell her the next location. “Monday, San Lucia, at noon.”
“Ooh, San Lucia, never been there, but I heard it's beautiful. See you on Monday.”