Chapter 3The Zion Itinerary

The next morning, I was up before sunrise. When Liam and his crew stumbled into the lobby with their suitcases, Jenna and I were already there, waiting with our backpacks.

Liam, who had been looking around nervously, broke into a smug grin when he saw me. He clearly thought I’d seen the changes and caved.

He cleared his throat, addressing the group like a camp counselor. "Hey guys, quick update. Chloe's been feeling a little under the weather, and the forecast for Utah is showing some rain. Bit risky for hiking. So, we've rerouted the grad trip to Cancun for some R&R."

Chloe, standing behind him, pulled on his sleeve and offered me a weak smile. "I'm so sorry, Maya. I know you wanted to go hiking. It's just a little cough, really. Liam's just being overprotective."

Mark chimed in immediately. "Chloe, you're too nice. A vacation is supposed to be fun for everyone, right? It's not fair for one person to dictate the whole thing. That's just being a tyrant."

A tyrant? After all the hours I’d spent planning, coordinating schedules, and fronting my own money for deposits, I was the tyrant for not wanting the entire trip changed at the last minute? A bitter laugh escaped my lips. I looked straight at Liam, my voice dangerously calm. "The plan was set. You don't just change the core of it overnight. I'm sorry, but my plans haven't changed. I'm going to Zion."

It must have been the first time I'd ever openly disagreed with him. His brow furrowed, his expression souring. "By yourself? Don't be ridiculous, Maya, it's dangerous. It's just a flight change. You saw the doc, it's not a big deal. Besides, Zion will always be there. I'll take you next time, I promise—"

"I made the plan," I cut him off, my voice flat. "I'll be fine on my own. You can trade your adventure for a beach chair, but I won't. I have my own views I want to see. Mark, Jenna, your choice. Zion with me, or Cancun with them."

Jenna stepped to my side without hesitation. Mark scoffed and shuffled over to Liam's group, shooting me a defiant look.

Only Liam stood there, his face turning a blotchy red. "Maya, are you really going to be this stubborn? Do you have to ruin it for everyone?"

I smiled, a real one this time, and turned away from him, grabbing Jenna’s arm. "Ruin it? I'm pretty happy, actually. You do you."

As we walked away, I could feel his incredulous stare on my back. He couldn't believe I was actually leaving. "Maya, you're going to regret this!" he yelled after me. "Don't come crying to me later!"

Jenna leaned over as we headed for the security line. "Is he twelve?"