Returning from his hotel room, Ricky pulls out his laptop to tell his family and friends about what had just happened. Meeting Jewel was something that he wasn't expected as he didn't want to be in a romantic relationship for the time being and at least have a relaxing vacation for the time being. Bailey was the first person that he fell in love with and nothing can come between that. He hasn't spoken to Bailey in a month which was painful to bear since they were childhood best friends since she moved to Louisville from Georgia in elementary school. Not ready to speak to Bailey just yet, he decides to call his family who may or may not have returned to Louisville since he left Florida days earlier.

"Hello?" Duke asked gruffly.

"Hey, Dad. It's me, Ricky." He spoke.

"Hey, Ricky. How was the flight?" Duke asked.

"Long but worth it." He replied before a scream could be heard in the background.

"Who was that?" Ricky asked.

"It's your mother. She's just happy to hear your voice." Duke groans.

"Morgan, honey. Can you keep it down 10 notches?" Carl complains.

"My Lindy baby! How are you doing?" Morgan asked.

"Mom, I told you not to call me that." Ricky facepalms himself.

"I'll never stop calling you that! You're still my child." Morgan screams.

"Great." Ricky thought.

"We landed in Louisville yesterday afternoon and trying to keep with everything that happened here while we were visiting you in Florida," Morgan said.

"I'm sure nothing happened while you guys visited because let's be honest, nothing interesting happens in Louisville," Ricky said.

"Don't be silly, Ricky. Something interesting always happens in Louisville, you just don't know it." Morgan said.

"Whatever, Mom." Ricky rolled his eyes.

"So, how are you enjoying Australia? Met anybody yet?" Morgan asked.

"I have, but it's not what you think," Ricky said.

"Richard, dear, who was it? Was it a girl or what?" Caroline asked.

"Please. Do I have to?" Ricky groans.

"Yes. We want to know this person you met is shady or not." Morgan said.

"All right, fine. First of all, this person is a girl. Two, she's not shady. Happy now?" Ricky scoffs.

"If she's not shady, then what does she do?" Duke asked.

"Well, she's a model from Australia. She also suffers from spina bifida." Ricky explains.

"Does this girl have a name?" Caroline asked.

"Jewel," Ricky said.

"Then I suggest you say her name. It's rude to point out her disability before giving out her name." Caroline said.

"Yes, Grandma," Ricky said.

"What's Jewel like?" Duke asked.

"She's either black or biracial, I didn't ask her about her race. But she's beautiful, though." Ricky asserted.

"That's good. As long as she's genuine to match her outside beauty, that's all that matters." Duke said.

"She's nice and weird at the same time, but we'll see what happens," Ricky said.

"Make sure you can keep in touch with us so we can meet Jewel," Morgan said.

"I will. I wish Grandpa could be involved in this conservation." Ricky said.

"You know how your grandfather is. He loves his beauty sleep in the morning. Never poke a sleeping bear." Morgan said.

"Right. Anyway, I'll talk to you guys later. I love you guys." Ricky said.

"We love you too. Have fun in whatever you're about to do." Morgan said before hanging up.

After the call ended, Ricky decides to group chat with John and Frank. His two best friends along with Bailey, he can tell them anything regardless of their opinion on the situation. Mark does the same thing, but John and Frank know Ricky longer.

"Hey, buddy! What's up?" Frank asked.

"Hey, guys. I just wanted to call you guys. We haven't spoken since I landed in Honolulu." Ricky said.

"That's great. So how are you enjoying Broome? Any problems, weird people, anything?" John asked.

"Well, I met someone for breakfast," Ricky replied.

"Was it someone we know or just a random person?" Frank asked.

"Just a random person. She was suffering from a panic attack." Ricky replied.

"Oh my God! That's terrible! I hope she's doing okay." Frank panicked.

"She's fine now. I just got her phone number." Ricky exclaimed.

John and Frank look at each other for answers before turning to Ricky.

"Wow, Ricky! That's great!" Frank exclaimed.

"Ricky, I hope you're not going too fast with this because whenever someone gives their phone number, there's something more developing in their relationship," John said.

"John, we just met. I'm not ready for a relationship, not for the time being." Ricky corrected.

"You're thinking way too deep into this. Give Ricky time." Frank convinced.

"Okay, whatever you say. But if my predictions come true, don't come crying to me." John raised both of his hands in defeat.

"What's the girl's name and where is she from?" Frank asked.

"Her name is Jewel and she's from Australia," Ricky replied.

"Is she from Broome?" Frank asked.

"No, she's from Newman. It's a small town, I think. I don't remember." Ricky scratches his hand to collect his memories.

"Google is your best friend, you'll figure it out," John said.

"Do you know she does and why she's visiting Broome?" Frank asked.

"She does modeling and she has spina bifida. That's the only thing I know." Ricky said.

"Is she in a wheelchair or is she fine without it?" John asked.

"She's fine without it, so there's that," Ricky said.

"That's good. So, what are you about to do?" Frank asked.

"I'm going to a crocodile park," Ricky said.

"Have fun. Send us pictures." Frank said.

"Will do! I'll call you guys later!" Ricky exclaimed.

"Talk to you later, buddy!" John and Frank exclaimed together before hanging up.

Ricky decides not to call Mark and Kimama since they're in Hawaii, having time to themselves where Ricky is alone in a different country where he's just left to his vices. Instead, he decides to call Bailey despite his stomach creating butterflies from the falling out of their romance. His emotions twirl into a tornado of confusion, hurt, and loss.

"Hello?" Bailey greeted.

Ricky doesn't answer as he continues to grapple with the courage to speak to the person who is both his best friend and his first heartbreak.

"Hey," Ricky said, avoiding eye contact.

"Come on, Ricky. Don't do that to me. You're my best friend." Bailey complains.

"Bailey, you don't know what I went through after we broke up. You just didn't care." Ricky cried.

"Ricky, that's not true. You know that I wasn't ready for a relationship, but you rushed into it. So, who's fault is that?" Bailey scoffs.

"Mine." Ricky looks down at his feet.

"Exactly. Ricky, you're a nice person, but the problem I have with you is that you're too impatient and you sometimes tend to not give people a chance." Bailey pointed out.

"I just wanted someone to accept me for me, not what I have or my status," Ricky said with tears nearly about to create in his eyes.

"Ricky, I was, did, and will always accept you for who you are. I just need some time to think this over." Bailey said.

"I know." Ricky wipes his tears.

"Where are you by the way? It's very sunny." Bailey wondered.

"I'm in Australia. What about you?" Ricky asked.

"I'm in Dallas for vacation. I just want to leave Alabama so bad." Bailey groans.

"It'll happen. You just need to have faith." Ricky said.

"I'm going to need it right now. Thanks for calling me. I'll talk to you later." Bailey said before hanging up.

At least there was some closure for his relationship with Bailey Prescott because it was better for them to be friends than despise each other since a lot of the relationships he has witnessed have ended with bitterness and distrust. Hoping his next romantic relationship won't be similar, he focuses on his trip and the adventurous spirit from that.

Ricky wipes his tears to subside his sadness from his conversation with Bailey. He has been influenced by men having to hide their emotions and not cry over anything, but thanks to his father teaching him to break the status quo, he realizes that it's okay to have all kinds of emotions if something terrible happened to him or anyone else.

He pulls out his phone to get an Uber to go to the park. The Uber he picked will arrive in 5 minutes, causing him to grab his bag and head out of his room. He runs to his route despite having to go through crowds to pass by.

He looks at his phone for the right Uber identification and finds the Uber 2 cars from the exit. He enters the car and sees Desmond in the front seat.

"G'day mate. How are you going?" Desmond greeted.

"I'm doing good, Desmond. How about you?" Ricky asked.

"I'm doing great. You're going to the crocodile park, right?" Desmond asked.

"Yes, I can't wait. Have you been to the crocodile park?" Ricky asked.

"I have, it's very nice. It's just crocodiles roaming around and in the water." Desmond said.

"It looks great. Do you have any children?" Ricky asked.

"I have a 27-year-old son named Joel if you stay longer, it'd be great for you to meet him," Desmond said.

"That would be great," Ricky said.

"How are you enjoying Broome so far?" Desmond asked.

"Um, well... I...." Ricky struggles to keep himself calm by scratching his head for clues earlier.

"Ricky, what are you nervous about? There's no need to lie." Desmond turns to Ricky.

"I just met some girl but it's not a big deal," Ricky admitted.

"Do you know her name and how did you guys meet?" Desmond asked.

"We met at a hotel café and she was having a panic attack. I decided to help her because everyone else had their phones recording her instead of helping." Ricky replied.

"That's just terrible. The world should be more considerate to people in need. Why does everything need to be bloody recorded?" Desmond hits his hand towards the steering wheel, causing Ricky to back away.

"Sorry, it's horrible that we live in an artificial world. No empathy, no compassion, nothing. But at least we have decent human beings to keep our faith in humanity. So, what's the girl's name? You know, the girl you met?" Desmond asked.

"Her name is Jewel Kadibil," Ricky said.

"Jewel Kadibil. Yep, I know who she is because I'm good friends with her father, Lamont Kadibil." Desmond said.

"What does her dad do?" Ricky asked.

"He's rich, let me just say that." Desmond laughs.

"Okay, then." Ricky looks out the window.

"But yeah, his social status doesn't mean anything to me hence why I didn't mention his job," Desmond said.

"Oh, my parents are the same way. I grew up in an upper-middle-class family and did things that regular families did despite their background so I see where you're coming from," Ricky said.

"Well, it looks like we're here: The Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park," Desmond said, driving to the parking lot.

"This is it?" Ricky asked.

"Sure is. Whatever you do, make sure you have fun." Desmond cautioned.

"Thanks, Desmond. Hey, before I go, we should call each other sometime." Ricky said, pulling out his phone.

"Sure thing. When I first met you, I thought you were one of those rude Yanks who had no respect for other countries, especially when you nearly damaged my car but having a conversation with you, you're pretty decent." Desmond said as he writes down his number.

"Well, thanks. It's hard for me to open with people sometimes since everyone can be judgmental." Ricky sighs.

"Don't worry. As long as you have a great support system, you'll be fine." Desmond said, handing Ricky's phone back to him.

"Thank you, Desmond. Bye." Ricky grabs his bag and opens the door to leave.

He gets out of the car with his bag in tow, looking back to see Desmond drive off to see if he was at the right location since the entrance had a crocodile head. But hey, Australia is known for crocodiles, right? There's no way Ricky can doubt Desmond's word about this unusual park. He sighs and tiptoes his way into the entrance.

He skips reading the rules since he knows how to conduct himself at a park, rather a park filled with the most dangerous animal in not just Australia, but in the world. As he enters the park, he spots Jewel signing autographs for the guests.

"Oh, my goodness, Jewel! You're so beautiful!" a woman exclaimed.

"I love you guys, but I have a life like everyone else. One more autograph and I'm done." Jewel pants while maintaining her smile.

She signs the paper and hands it back to the woman only to see Ricky in the corner. She pushes through the crowd of flashing lights and eager fans to see him.

"Hey, Ricky!" Jewel exclaimed.

"I didn't think you would be here. I thought you would be some modeling assignment or something." Ricky said.

"To be honest with you, I came here to take a break from Newman because of everything that I'm going through and my family is going through it as well," Jewel said.

"Is your modeling agency based in Newman?" Ricky asked.

"No, it's based in Perth." Jewel pants.

"What happened? You know with you and your family?" Ricky asked.

"That's something I'd rather save until I'm more comfortable being around you depending on our connection," Jewel replied.

"Hey, Jewel. Is he your boyfriend?" a girl asked.

"No, he's not. Thank you. Anyway, it's just... I don't know. I have a lot going on right now. Hence why I'm here to be relaxed." Jewel runs her hands through her long wavy hair.

"I can understand what you're dealing with because I'm going through the same thing." Ricky empathized.

"You'll be okay. A place like Australia is the best place to take your mind off things. Well, at least for non-Aussies." Jewel reassures.

"Yeah, I guess." Ricky sighs in disbelief.

"Come on, let's take some pictures with crocs." Jewel runs and waves her arm for Ricky to follow her.

Ricky looks behind himself to see if there are any crocodiles, causing him to follow Jewel's route.

"Hey Jewel, wait up!" Ricky calls out.

Jewel laughs and signals him to keep going to her route.

"Come on, Ricky! The crocs might scatter!" Jewel convinced playfully.

He runs to Jewel only for her to wrap her arm around him to take a picture of themselves with the crocodiles as the backdrop.

"Come on, let's look for some more crocs! This is so much fun!" Jewel jumps up and down.

"Maybe this isn't as bad as I thought it would be." Ricky reconsiders his initial thoughts about the park.

"You never know if you don't try. Less talking, more pictures!" Jewel exclaimed as the two continue their quest.

After a whole day of crocodile hunting, the two exit the park, laughing and walking wobbly.

"That was amazing, wasn't it?" Jewel asked.

Ricky nods his head, unable to contain himself from standing still.

"Good, I'm glad you had fun. It was more fun with you." Jewel smiles.

"Thanks, it was fun being with you too," Ricky said as he hugs her.

"So, are you taking an Uber back or do you want me to take you back?" Jewel asked.

"You have a car?" Ricky asked.

"I have a rent-a-car. I can take you." Jewel suggested.

"Cool, I'll go with you," Ricky said, following her.

The two look behind for the dangers of possible strangers and walk to Jewel's car. He was hoping to get Desmond to get him, but Jewel was kind enough to offer him a ride where it was more convenient despite their brief introduction earlier. Ricky being the introverted self-conscious person he is enters the car and finds the space small.

"You like it?" Jewel asked as she enters the driver's seat.

"It's fine," Ricky said, smiling to hide his discomfort.

"It's not luxury, but it's whatever," Jewel explains, turning on the car engine.

After being silent, Ricky sighs and arches his back towards the seat.

"Hey, Jewel. Can you ask a question?" Ricky asked.

"Ask away." Jewel allows Ricky to speak his mind.

"Do you know Desmond?" Ricky asked.

"Definitely! He and my dad went to school and are very good friends! I'm very close with Joel!" Jewel exclaimed.

"It's like he's very popular," Ricky said.

"Famous by association." Jewel joked.

"What's his last name?" Ricky asked.

"His last name is Orkins. You'll possibly remember him once you return to the States." Jewel said.

"Okay, then. Well, let's listen to music." Ricky said, turning on the radio only to hear a strange but familiar noise.

"I know this is the didgeridoo, but what song is this?" Ricky asked.

"It's an instrumental, it's not really a song," Jewel said.

As the song continues and Jewel hums along to the radio, he looks out the window to take in the Broome landscape. Despite going to Australia multiple times, Broome stood out for being different with the beaches which were natural for Australians, and the homeliness of the residents like most of Australia, but really, it is simply a small beach town with little activity for their tourists.

"Hey, Jewel. Have you ever been here before?" Ricky asked.

"I have, it's a tradition for my family to go to Broome in the spring and summer since I was 5," Jewel said.

"Interesting." Ricky nods his head.

"Do you have travel traditions in your family?" Jewel asked.

"I travel to different parts of the world during the summer and stay with my grandparents during the spring," Ricky said.

"Where are your grandparents from?" Jewel asked.

"They're also from Louisville, but they live a couple of blocks from my parents and me," Ricky said.

"I don't have a bond with my grandparents because they passed away when I was younger. I wish I had that as a kid." Jewel choked up.

"Oh, Jewel. I'm so sorry to hear that." Ricky opens the glove compartment to give Jewel a tissue.

"Thank you. Everyone around me had a close relationship with their grandparents while I didn't, which people would make fun of me for it." Jewel cried.

"That's horrible. It's just sad that people would make fun of people over some stupid shit. People are so judgmental." Ricky's voice rises with rage.

"I know, it's terrible. Hopefully, the world can be less judgmental to others that aren't as fortunate." Jewel agreed.

"Speaking of judgmental, what's being a model like?" Ricky asked.

"It's complicated, to say the least, especially if you're black and disabled." Jewel sighed.

"Want to talk about it?" Ricky asked.

"No, not at all. No one will believe me if I  speak about my complicated relationship with the modeling industry." Jewel sighs.

"I'll believe you if you feel comfortable talking about it." Ricky consoles.

"She's apple. I prefer to keep it that way." Jewel said as she wipes her tears the final time.

"She's apple? What does that mean?" Ricky asked.

"It's Australian slang for it's fine," Jewel replied.

"It sounds weird calling a woman an apple." Ricky scratches his head.

"It is, but that's how we Aussies talk sometimes," Jewel said.

After the conversation ended, the rest of the drive was just pure silence. Ricky looks out of the window to process everything that Jewel had told him. She might have been the beautiful quirky girl at the hotel café but just as the saying goes, there's more to someone's story than their appearance. He might not get the full story, but what she told him was everything that he need to save in his memory for the time being. It's already the first day of him entering the land down under and he got a brief glimpse of Jewel's life which was odd for the introverted American.