"Good morning everyone! I just woke up and I'm quite excited for this day."

I stretched a bit.

"Now let me just prep a bit, 'cause I'm so excited to give you a tour of the city. Well...not that I know much about it, so let's explore together!"

I just woke up, but I immediately reached for my camera to film the first part of my vlog.

I may not look flattering, but I really love giving my vlogs a more "up-close and personal" feel. I want to be more relatable, or personable, whichever way you'll call it. Probably one of the reasons why I was able to capture the heart of my viewers.

And since I'm not in a hurry, I just stayed in bed and checked my phone.

Checking my phone right after I wake up has become a part of my daily routine. Not being able to do so makes me feel like something's lacking. Not to the extent where I can compare it to losing a meal, but I'd say it's close enough.

Immediately, I went to check the comments on my vlogs. I'm glad that I didn't see a negative comment yet.

Every now and then I'd get, probably one or two negative comments, and usually it's because of the way I speak—awkward, trying hard, nonsense. It's usually any of those three or whatever their synonyms are.

At first, it really fazed me, but eventually, I got used to it. I don't get it all the time anyway, plus it's not as bad as what the other vloggers are getting. I just choose to ignore it.

I then noticed this comment from an ejazz199x:

"Hi Avery. You really do have a nice content. Your shots, the transitions, the way you time the music is brilliant. It's quite obvious though that you can still be a bit awkward when you talk, but I really commend you for the effort you're putting here. I hope you don't take this the wrong way."

Interesting.

That person complimented my videos but somehow made a comment on my speaking ability. Well, he does have a point.

Growing up as a shy kid, I was never really a good communicator. When I picked up vlogging as a hobby, that's probably the time I really learned how to talk to others—well, in front of a camera that is.

I then replied, "Oh, wow. Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback. I can't promise that I can talk well anytime soon, 'cause I've always been a crappy speaker. 😂"

After a few minutes, I noticed that that person replied.

ejazz199x: "You're NOT a crappy speaker. Don't think that. Just keep on vlogging and keep on having fun with what you're doing."

I didn't think much about it, and I just liked his comment and replied, "Thanks!"

I also checked my other social media accounts, replied to and liked some comments. So far, there wasn't a lot of negativity. It was a great way to start the day.

"Hi everyone! I'm now here at the Fortworth Museum of History. I actually had a hard time thinking of where to go first since there are lots of attractions here in Fortworth, but I realized that since I'm still getting to know this city, might as well get to know its history first."

I then went in and started vlogging—showing the area and talking about the things that fascinated me.

After filming, I decided to take a break at this park just right outside the museum. There are a couple of food stalls available and I bought some snacks first before trying to find a seat.

Just a few meters away, I saw a tree house that looks empty. I decided to climb it with all my stuff.

"Bl-, ah, Ethan. Ah, hi", my eyes widened when I saw who was sitting in the corner while having a pizza in hand.

Again, he's in his signature black ensemble—black shirt, black jogger pants, and black runners.

"You almost called me Blackie again", he chuckled.

"Sorry. I just...", I pointed at what he's wearing, "it won't happen again."

"It's fine", he just shook his head.

"I...I'll just look for another place", I stuttered.

"It's okay. It's public property, we can share."

I was hesitant, but I realized that in my few days here in Fortworth I haven't really talked to anyone and made friends. Maybe this is a start.

"Okay, I'll just sit over there", I pointed at the opposite corner.

To be honest, I'm really nervous being in this small space with him. I haven't been nervous around people in a long time now, but being with him makes the butterflies in my stomach do their routine.

"If you don't mind me asking...", he started talking.

"Hmm?"

"What brings you here?"

I was trying to find the right words to say, "I, uh, I'm taking videos."

"For what?"

"For my vlog", I answered shyly.

"Oh, wow."

"Yeah, embarrassing."

"No, I don't mean it like that. I actually find it cool."

"Really?", amazed with what he said.

"Well, yeah. I mean, you try to talk to a lot of people. That's cool."

"Thanks then", I answered with a smile.

He offered me a slice of pizza. I tried to reject it since I also have snacks of my own, but he kept insisting, so I just took one.

We were eating quietly when he suddenly talked, "Can I ask another question?"

"Sure."

"What are you vlogging about?"

"Right now, I'm taking a tour of this city, so...the tourist attractions here."

"Where have you been to so far?"

"Aside from this museum, there's the university, the condo building...and the mall near our condo?"

"That's...not a lot. I can show you around."

"It's okay. I can...be on my own," I said lightly.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Do I make you feel uncomfortable?", he asked with a hint of dismay.

"No, it's not you. It's-", our eyes met, "I, uh, I don't feel too comfortable speaking when someone's around."

He remained silent.

"But, okay, you can show me around. It will be good to have an inside scoop on places around here", I said with a smile.

He smiled back, "Trust me. After this tour, you'll feel like a local."

He then talked to me about some places here in Fortworth. We then cleaned the area and left.

Since we both had our cars, I let him go first and I just followed him. Even when he's driving a sports car, he tried to drive slow enough so I can follow. He brought me to Le Canale—a man-made water village.

I wonder why this isn't on the list of the tourist attractions I found online, because this place is majestic. Though it looks a bit old and run down, it still is comparable to some water villages in Europe.

Right in the heart of it is a huge lake with a small island. Before reaching that, there are canals, that can be used to reach the center. There are also cottages alongside, and there are also boats in the dock that can be used to explore the whole area.

"Jared, it seems like you're with someone now, huh?", the guy on the dock said.

"Yeah, this is special", he answered.

"Is she the one?", asked the guy before facing me, "Y'know, it's the first time he brought someone here."

Ethan just kept shaking his head, then pointed to a boat, "We'll use that one."

"Okay", said the guy with a huge grin on his face.

Ethan then turned to face me and asked, "let's go?"

"Wait. I still haven't been able to film on this part", I answered.

"Okay. Do your thing."

I distanced myself and tried to think of the things I can say about this place, but nothing came out. I was a bit flustered, it doesn't help that I catch him glancing at me every now and then.

There isn't even anyone here compared to the other places where I vlog, but I guess I'm just scared I might look silly in front of him. I don't want him to see me making a fool out of myself.

When I really can't think of anything, I just went to him and said, "I'm good now."

He just smiled at me and guided me to the boat.

We were on our way to the little island and he was the one paddling while I was taking some photos and videos of this place.

"Uh, why is there no one around?", I asked what has been on my mind since we arrived. "I mean, I thought tourist spots were always crowded."

"Well, this was actually an old tourist spot. This was famous about a decade ago", he said.

He stopped paddling. "The hype just died down eventually when the establishments in the city became more developed. The tenants left and the previous owners decided to sell it. Right now, it's just a private property that's not on the priority list of things to be developed."

"But, you can still get in?", I asked, curious.

"Well, it belongs to my family now, and I guess I've always been fond of this place that's why I always go here", and he continued paddling, "especially when I need to unwind."

"Oh, okay. I see", I said.

"What else do you wanna know?"

"Why did you bring me here then?", I asked.

"Let's see...I'm a serial killer who preys on girls who know nothing about this city, I bring them in a deserted area, stab them, and throw their body in the lake?"

"Uh-huh, that's why you always wear black, so the blood stains won't be obvious", I said with a smirk.

"Is that what you want to hear?", he said while staring at me.

"Was that the real answer?", I stared back at him.

"What do you think?"

We just challenged ourselves to a staring contest, and eventually I blinked, then we both burst out laughing.

And in that moment I knew...despite the nerves, the butterflies in my stomach, I feel safe and happy being around him.

When we reached the little island, I didn't expect to have a picnic set up lunch waiting for us.

"I asked him to prepare it 'cause I know we'll have our lunch here", he said.

"Wow. You're really ready. Where's the rope and the knife?"

"What for?", he asked.

"You really don't know, Mr. Serial Killer?", I asked him, taunting.

"Shut up, Avery", he laughed, "just eat."

We sat on the grass and started eating. However, I still can't shake my mind off of certain things.

"Ethan."

He looked up to me.

"Seriously, why did you bring me here?", I asked.

He stopped eating and stared at me, "because you were the change I've been waiting for."

Now I'm puzzled. The questions that I've had just added up. I was speechless, so I just smiled timidly and continued eating. We just ended up talking about Fortworth and our studies while we were eating. I found out that he will be on his second year of studying Architecture this upcoming school year. He also grew up here in Fortworth, but they left for the U.S. when he was in high school. Eventually, they came back after he finished high school so his father can take care of their family business. He mentioned that he has some friends here, but only remained close to a few.

We talked more and I'm starting to feel more comfortable towards him. We stopped when we noticed the sky getting dark. We cleaned up right away and went to the boat.

"Do you want me to paddle or not?", I asked when I noticed that he still wasn't paddling.

"No, wait. I'll just take a photo", he said while pulling his phone from his pocket.

"Of what?"

"Just...stay still."

"Okay", I looked to the side because I wasn't sure if I was his subject. I don't want to assume, but I also don't want a wacky photo to come out.

"Here", he showed me what he took. It was a silhouette of me, and he managed to capture the scenery and the varying shades of the sky.

"It's so pretty. You can pass as an Instagram boyfriend", I innocently said.

"Yeah, right", he said and started paddling.

"No, seriously. I bet your IG feed looks great."

"And who will I be an Instagram boyfriend to? You?", he said with a smirk.

I just rolled my eyes and shook my head, "just keep on paddling, it's getting darker."

We may not have been in one car, but we went home together. Every time I try to drive fast, he will keep on honking, a sign that I should drive slower. That's why when we reached the basement parking, I immediately went up to him.

"Don't you wanna drive fast?"

"I do, but you shouldn't."

"That's unfair, you were making me drive like I was an old lady."

"Better safe than sorry", he just shrugged.

I just rolled my eyes at his reply at went in the elevator with a few people.

When we were the only ones left, he suddenly said, "I'm free tomorrow. If you want to, I can still show you around."

"I'll think about it. You weren't very useful as a tour guide."

"I'm sorry if I failed to meet your standards, ma'am."

"Crazy. You brought me to an abandoned place and we just ate, that wasn't a tour", I taunted him.

"Then just think of it as a date."

That's what he said as soon as the elevator opened to my floor. I didn't look back while it was closing, because I'm still trying to figure out what to feel. But when I reached my condo unit, I can't help but smile, I guess I was elated. I kept on smiling and shaking my head at the same time.

I can't believe that in a matter of days here in Fortworth, I already made a 'friend' and had my first date.

Back in Hatteras, there were a couple of guys who asked me out on a date, but I've always been skeptical of being seen with a guy there. A date has never happened to me before. And right now, it just did. In an unexpected way.

I actually kinda wanna hit him up and ask what he meant, but I didn't wanna assume things. And...I just realized that we didn't manage to exchange phone numbers or social media accounts.

I tried to search for "Ethan Jared" on Instagram, since I heard the guy earlier call him Jared, but there was no match.

I then went to Facebook, and the result's still the same.

I was disappointed and I tried to shake it off.

For the rest of the day, I just kept myself busy—editing my vlog, sorting out photos to post on Instagram, and everything in between.

Laying down in bed now, I can't help but look at the few photos I managed to take at Le Canale.

I guess time really flies fast when you're having fun. I actually forgot the initial purpose of why we were there, and just got busy talking to him.

As I was about to put my phone down and go to sleep, I received a notification on Instagram.

"jaredandrada tagged you in a post."

It was that photo he took of me earlier.

Now I don't think I can go to sleep anytime soon.