Chapter 117: Chapter 117

Winter's POV

"Can I go hiking with you, guys?" Summer asked when Matthew, Elisse, and I were done preparing for our hiking that I planned the other day. We weren't able to do it yesterday since we went out with the whole family although Matthew prepared everything that we'll need and he was also able to call some staff.

I shook my head immediately. "No, you can't. Why don't you just go yourself? It's a family day, so you can't go with us. Also, you're afraid of heights, right? Something bad might happen there and mom would blame me for it, for sure."

"But, I haven't experienced hiking yet. That's why I thought I could go with you guys. I promise I wouldn't be a burden. I won't let anything bad happen to me."

"It's alright, you can go with us." Matthew suddenly said.

I turned around and glared at him. "She can't go with us. It's a family day."

"She promised not to bother us, anyway. Besides, she's also a part of our family since she's your sister."

"Thank you so much, Matthew! Wait, I'll just prepare my things!" Summer cooed as she walked upstairs to her room, probably to prepare everything she'll need.

"Why did you do that? She will just ruin our supposed to be a happy family day."

Matthew walked towards me and pinched both of my cheeks. "Don't worry, it won't be ruined. I promise you, we will have so much fun there."

"Daddy's right, mommy. It's more fun if we're going to do hiking in a group."

In the end, I had no choice but to just let Summer go with us. As if I could fight with Matthew and Elisse. I just need to make sure she won't ruin our day or I'll surely pull her hair out of her head.

***

We drove all the way to Queenstown hill and changed into our hiking clothes. Two staff accompanied us as we began walking.

"Just tell me when you're already tired, okay?" Matthew said to Elisse.

"Yes, Daddy."

"Of course, Elisse will be able to make it until we reach the top of the mountain. She's as strong as me, right, honey?"

Elisse nodded her head. "Of course, mommy! I'm as strong as you!"

"Fine, you're both strong now. Daddy will be the loser."

"We'll be the ones to carry you if you ever get tired walking." I teased him.

The hike to the summit was just a steady incline with no flat or downhill sections, causing our knees to hurt. Matthew held Elisse's hand to make sure she won't be out of balance. We walked by the popular 'Basket of Dreams' sculpture, as well as six information plates that explain different epochs of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. It wasn't that steep or dangerous, although it was tiring because of the long walk. It was all worth it when we finally reached the summit.

"It's so beautiful here!"

"Ah, the long walk is really worth it!"

"I have never seen such a beautiful place like this in my life!"

We had a little picnic on the shore of the small mountain lake before descending.

"Wow, you're the only one who prepared all of these?" Summer asked Matthew.

"Yes, I am. I woke up early this morning to prepare this just so we could eat while enjoying the view here."

"You really are a perfect husband. Winter's so lucky to have you."

Matthew just gave her a smile. Then he turned to me and noticed that I was glaring at both of them. He wiped the corner of my mouth. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"Winter, I'm so sorry. I know you don't want me to go with you."

I rolled my eyes and looked at her. "As f I have a choice. You're already here with us. What else can I do?"

"Thank you so much for bringing me here again."

Actually, I'm not mad. I don't hate Summer just because our parents like her more than me. I have a reason. I don't hate people just because they're better than me. She was always been good at acting in front of people more than I am. I don't even know why she didn't apply as an actress. She can manipulate things and put the blame on other people just by crying. That is why whenever she's around, I can't help worrying.

"Mommy, where are we going next?" Elisse asked me while we were descending the hill already.

"Well, all we can do now is go home and take some rest from all that walking. Then maybe tomorrow we can decide what to do next. Is that alright with you?"

"Yes!"

It took us an hour before we finally reached the manor again. Mom and Dad welcomed their favorite child, of course.

"Oh, Summer! We're so glad you're alright!"

"How's hiking, huh? Did you enjoy it there? I told you, you shouldn't have gone there with them."

"Mom, Dad, I'm alright. Besides, we really enjoyed the hiking."

Since I didn't want to hear any more drama from them, I stepped inside the manor together with Elisse and Matthew. We went straight to our room to get some rest.

"It was so fun," I said with a smile on my face as I sat on the bed.

"I wish we could do that again, mommy and daddy," Elisse said.

Matthew sat beside us and patted her head. "Of course, we can do it next time. We're going to bring more delicious food and maybe we can also do camping outside if you want."

"I can't wait!"

"That's right. I actually want to experience camping." I commented.

"Then let's do that. Probably when we have some time and things that we need."

After that, we finally decided to go to sleep. Elisse asked if she could sleep beside us, so we allowed her since the ed was queen-sized and all of us could fit in. She was lying between me and Matthew.