"Have you had lunch?" Yvonne asked.


    "I ate at my parents'' house," Bet replied.


    Yvonne said, "Then I''ll go change now, and we can head out?"


    "Okay," Bet nodded.


    Yvonne went to her room and chose a casual outfit from her wardrobe: a white hoodie, with her hair pulled back in a high ponytail.


    The jewelry set Bet had brought was sitting on her vanity. Yvonne opened the box and put on the earrings.


    They didn''t really match her outfit, but she couldn''t disappoint Bet.


    Without any makeup, Yvonne grabbed her backpack and was ready to go.


    Bet was waiting for her by the door.


    Yvonne put on a face mask, took his hand, and they left together.


    Istra was mostly t terrain, with only one mountain range whose highest peak was just over two hundred meters.


    As it was the only natural mountain in Istra, it boasted over 90% green coverage. The peak offered scenic views, a park was built at its base, and hiking trails wound their way up the slopes.


    "The observatory''s forecast of a once-in-a-century Leonid meteor shower has caused such a stir in Istra. It seems like everyone in our circle is going to see it. Mount Crestview must be packed by now," Yvonne said, resting her chin on her hand as she watched the scenery fly by.


    "They''ve already cordoned off an area at the summit for us. The various families have set up their tents there. I had Simon go ahead earlier," Bet exined.


    Yvonne mused, "With all the families gathered in one ce, it''s going to be a lively night."


    "We''ll just do our own thing and not worry about anyone else," Bet said, turning the steering wheel.


    After nearly an hour''s drive, they reached the base of Mount Crestview.


    Therge, open park at the foot of the mountain was already swarming with people. It was easy to imagine that the crowd on the mountain itself would outnumber the meteors in the sky.


    The winding mountain road was too crowded, and as a public figure, Yvonne could easily be recognized.


    So, instead of hiking, they took the cable car up.


    After getting off the cable car, a short walk of about two hundred meters brought them to the summit.


    On the left side of the peak was arge, open area where the younger generations of the major families, those who enjoyed a bit of excitement, hade to set up camp.


    Bet led Yvonne by the hand, heading straight for the tent.


    The tent was still being set up and wasn''t fully assembled. Simon and the driver were busy at work.


    "We can take it from here. Thanks for your hard work," Bet told them.


    "Mr. Thompson, we''ll be on our way then." Simon and the driver could see that Bet wanted some private time with Yvonne, so they both took the hint and left.


    Simon had recently started seeing


    someone, and his girlfriend was waiting for him at the foot of the


    mountain to watch the meteor


    shower together, so he departedama hurry.


    After they left, Bet and Yvonne worked together to secure the tent, inte the air mattress, andy out the sheets and quilt.


    The air mattress wouldn''t be the mostfortable bed, but it would do for one night.


    Once everything was set up, Bet ced two simple chairs at the entrance of the tent, and they sat together, watching the sky.


    The observatory hadn''t specified a time for the meteor shower, likely due to the unpredictability of the forecast. So, all they could do was wait.


    Bet had hoped for some quiet time alone with Yvonne, but they had barely exchanged a few words before an unwee interruption came along.


    "Ben! I didn''t expect to see you here." Next to their tent was the one belonging to the Taylor family.