Page 29 of A Grecian Getaway

Noelle shrugged.

They were all paired with a donkey and began their journey up the stony hillside.

Demetri leaned over and whispered to Yannis. “Is it bad I am jealous of her donkey?”

“What are you talking about?” Yannis asked.

Demetri motioned to Noelle. “I wish she was sitting on top of me, and I was pressed between her legs.”

Yannis rolled his eyes at him and laughed. “Oh shit, you are like a horny child.”

The higher they climbed, the more gorgeous the views became. They could see far out over the sea and all around the area of the island. It was a spectacular sight to share with the girls.

“Has anyone ever fallen to their death off one of these things?” Caroline seemed nervous. She was stiff as a board. The donkeys came close to the edge a few times, and there were collective gasps from the girls.

“I really hope we don’t fall down this rocky slope. Because if we do, boys, I am haunting you both in the afterlife.” Caroline gasped again.

“Me too,” squeaked Claire.

Yannis and Demetri laughed.

Yannis reassured them, “They are perfectly safe, kouklas. I think only one has died...in the last month,” he teased as he winked at Caroline.

As they reached the top, they dismounted the animals. Caroline got down on her knees and kissed the ground. “I’ve never been so happy to touch dirt.”

“Gross, Caroline. There could be donkey poop.” Claire shuddered and turned to her donkey. “Are you okay, baby? I’m sorry we made you carry us.”

“Poop shmoop, at least I’m on my own two feet.” Caroline got up and hugged her donkey. “I’m sorry too, Spanakopita.” She shrugged. “What? It’s the only Greek word I could think of in my terror induced ride.”

“I think that’s the first and last donkey ride I ever do.” Noelle sighed and petted her donkey.

Once they all dismounted, they walked around and took in the views.

Demetri held out his arms towards the spectacular scenery. “What do you think, Noelle?” he asked.

“So beautiful,” she answered.

“Ne, poli orea,” Demetri agreed, looking at Noelle and not at the setting surrounding them.

“I’m talking about the scenery, Demetri,” she nudged his arm.

“As am I.” He winked at her.

“I never asked. Have you ever been to America?” Noelle asked Demetri.

“I have. A few years ago, Yannis and I took a holiday to New York. We saw many tourist attractions. We enjoyed it very much. I would like to see more of America someday.”

The group chatted while they explored and drank from their water bottles before they began their hike down the hill.

As they descended the path, Noelle tripped over a stone and fell to the ground. Yannis, Claire, and Caroline turned to see what happened.

Demetri kneeled next to Noelle. “Are you ok?”

Noelle held out her hands and motioned to her legs. “Yes, yes, I’m fine. I just scraped my knee. I can be a bit of a klutz sometimes.” She was bleeding on her knee and both palms.

“Sometimes? I still can’t believe you made it through our teen years in one piece,” Caroline laughed.

“Noelle, are you okay?” Claire leaned over and checked out the scrapes. “Here.” Claire pulled out a couple of Band-Aids and handed them to her.

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