25. Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Alisha
I hated having to go back home but Felix needed his beauty sleep and I needed to finish a few work related things. Ophelia was already asleep by the time I returned, a head resting on a pillow on the sofa. I grabbed a spare blanket and put this over her as I didn’t want her to be cold. She’d probably wake up in an hour or so anyway and then move to her actual bed.
I tiptoed into my own room, careful not to make any noise and once inside, I left my clothes in a heap and sauntered into the bathroom, not caring that I was stark naked. If Ophelia was awake, she wouldn’t be bothered anyway since she always did the same.
I hopped into the shower, relishing in the heat and patter of water down my body. I trailed my fingers down my body, circling my belly button. I imagined that Felix was standing behind me, his fingers enclosing around mine and then trailing further down my skin. It was enough to get me hot and bothered but I didn’t want to end up looking like a prune so after five minutes, I felt pretty clean.
I wanted to plan something nice for him next since he had prepared a wonderful three-course meal. I still couldn’t get over how amazing the curry and dessert was but I wouldn't mention this to my mum, otherwise she’d get jealous. The fact that he had made all the effort to cook for me and also make one of my favourite dishes made my heart melt. He really cared enough to learn about Indian dishes and how to cook them.
I felt completely clean so stepped out of the shower and swiped the towel off the hook nearby, wrapping it around my body. I wrung out my hair to get rid of excess water and then decided to let it air dry.
Next, I needed to pamper my face since it was in need of attention. I had some facial cream on the sink basin and squeezed a pea drop size on two fingers. Once my face was lathered, I headed back to my room to get into my night clothes and dive under the covers with my laptop.
It was nearly midnight but I wasn’t tired yet. I started to write, the words flowing out of me like lava. I was in a zone that I didn’t want to get out of. I reflected on my boss’ feedback too, how I needed to add a bit more detail and vividness to my words. Once I’d written quite a bit, I saved it and decided I would send this off to Grayson in the morning. Sleep was calling for me now and I wouldn’t ignore that.
***
“Wakey, wakey,” a chirpy voice sang and awoke me from my slumber. I squinted my eyes and my vision refocused on the silhouette of Ophelia who was holding a mug in her hand. I gratefully took it and took a large sip, as I was very parched.
“Thanks,” I said after a few more sips, placing the mug on my bedside table. Tea always made me that extra bit ready for the day.
“Sleep okay?” Ophelia asked, taking a seat on the end of my bed. She was still wearing her pyjamas, a pattern of blue and white stripes.
“Like a baby. Did you move back to your room eventually? As when I came home, you were asleep on the sofa.”
“I woke up about three in the morning and then moved. I think I got too comfortable, I’d worked quite a bit in the evening, so I was shattered,” Ophelia said, tapping her fingers against her mug. She had painted her nails a different colour again, this time bright orange. They were perfectly manicured too, not too long or too short. My own nails weren’t in the best condition but at least I wasn’t biting them anymore.
“Glad you’re alright though,” I told her and I could tell she wanted me to talk to her about last night, as she shifted in her position and gave my leg a shake.
“Right, young missy. How was your dinner?”
“He cooked us a three-course meal, which was so sweet of him. It’s like he knew what I liked. Then, some things happened.” I blushed and Ophelia hummed, seeming satisfied with this knowledge.
“So, is he big?” Ophelia smirked, wanting to know all the finer details.
“Y-yes. But we didn’t go all the way, just oral,” I said very casually but nothing was casual about the act itself.
“But you wanted to.” Ophelia nodded.
“Yep, I think it could have escalated but we were both conscious of time. I guess I didn’t want to keep him.”
“Girl, you should have stayed the night again. Don’t worry about time, if you want each other then go for it,” Ophelia said and maybe she was right. Maybe there really didn’t need to be any barriers or reasons why Felix and I shouldn’t sleep together yet. The desire and need was there. I supposed I just wanted to get to know him a little more before having sex with him.
“I can tell you’re thinking. Anyway, it’s your choice so I won’t judge any decision you make. It’s been a while since this old gal has had the D anyway but nothing my trusty toy can’t fix.” Ophelia winked and I laughed, appreciating her confidence in sexual freedom and self pleasure.
“I’m surprised you haven’t broken it yet,” I teased her.
“Me too. It’s really been there for me when I needed it.” Ophelia giggled. She then mentioned she would use the morning to do some work and then go and pick up the hire car for us so we could go on our adventure. I couldn’t wait to spend some time with my friend, one of the best I’d ever had.
***
“Good progress today, Alisha. Felix taught you some tricks then.” Hilde was skiing to a halt beside me, as we stopped just outside the ski school. It was rather busy today, with lots of children skiing with their parents and then some new adult learners taking the plunge. I had about two more lessons left with Hilde and I felt a little sad that they’d be over as I’d really grown to like my instructor. I needed to give her a special shout out in my article for sure.
“Yes, I feel so much more confident,” I breathed, a mist of air escaping my mouth. It was extra cold today so I was glad I was bundled up, but skiing did create a sweat, so I definitely needed to take off this jacket soon.
“I can tell you are. Felix is a lovely man, by the way. I think he’d be a great instructor here, maybe you could talk to him about it,” Hilde told me. Felix had spoken about the fact that he didn’t enjoy his job and wanted to try something different. Being an instructor sounded right up his street; he was patient too and had the skills to teach.
So maybe yes, I would mention this to him. I wasn’t sure whether I’d be seeing him today since I’d be going out with Ophelia but I’d send him some texts. Maybe even call him as I wanted to hear his voice.
I still remembered the text that Felicity had sent me last night and debated on whether to reply. I hadn’t actually told Ophelia yet either, so I would wait until I got back before I even thought about replying.
Of course, I wondered how Felicity was doing and if she was truly sorry. I didn’t know if we could ever be friends again, she had destroyed that trust and respect I had for her. It would be hard to bounce back from that. But I hadn’t yet heard her side to the story, so maybe I owed it to myself to get some closure.
I shrugged these thoughts away for now and focused on Hilde.
“I’ll talk to him,” I replied.
“Tomorrow, we’ll be going up a different slope. It’s a little higher but I don’t want you to be afraid. Remember, you are in control,” Hilde told me before we said our goodbyes. In order to do something, you had to believe in yourself and I needed to keep reminding myself of that.
I got straight into a cable car which took me down to the bottom level, where I would place my ski gear in my locker that I’d hired. I sighed in relief once I took my boots off, as they were rubbing a little against my feet. I put on my normal shoes and then made the short journey back to the chalet, desperate for a cup of something hot and a few slices of toast. As I approached the chalet, I could see a dark grey car which must have been the one Ophelia hired. It was in excellent condition and I hoped it hadn’t been too expensive. If we could use it for the next few days, then it would be very helpful.
Ophelia was nowhere to be seen as I entered through the door but I presumed she was either taking a shower or had gone back to sleep. I knew either way she’d be with me soon as we needed to set off for our trip.
Two slices of toast and a tea later, I was ready to go. I slipped into some more casual clothes and tied up my hair into a loose bun. I made a start on a draft email, making sure it was ready to send to Grayson with my work so far. My sister Kiya also texted to ask if it was okay if she brought a friend around to the flat. She always liked to double-check with me first before inviting people around, which was honourable of her. I texted back that it was fine and if she could send me a few photos of Chou as I was missing him. His purrs and head butts especially.
“Right, are you ready for an amazing trip?” Ophelia’s voice barricaded the living room and I could see she was wearing a bright pink jumpsuit, donned with a gold belt and silver flat pumps. Her hair was curled and bounced as she walked over to me.
“I’m so ready!” I wanted to match her enthusiasm and she clapped her hands before grabbing the car key and then her duffle bag which looked full to the brim. I wasn’t sure what she had packed in there but didn’t question it regardless.
The two of us locked up and bundled inside the car, which had enough leg room thankfully. Ophelia launched the satnav to our destination. We would be travelling to Bregenz, known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Sadly, it was too late to see the festival which took place there in July and August but we would be seeing the medieval old town as well as visiting the Kunsthaus museum. Ophelia and I both loved art and history so it would be a real treat.
If we were lucky, the journey itself would take less than two hours but I wasn’t betting on it. I wasn’t sure what Austrian traffic was like, especially around the Christmas period. England right now would be a real nightmare.
“Thanks for driving us,” I said to Ophelia who gave me a soft smile.
“Anytime. Now let’s rock and roll,” she said, reversing the car and then joining the main road. I couldn’t wait to see more of Austria and its beauty, especially with my best friend.