27. Chapter 26
Chapter 26
Alisha
T he day had been extremely adventurous. Spending quality time with Ophelia was just what I needed. We were now just walking side by side, eating some vanilla ice cream, which was deliciously creamy. It reminded me of the 99p ice cream back home.
We’d enjoyed venturing around the town, taking photos and seeing the museum. The town itself was absolutely stunning and when the sun had started to set, there was a beautiful backdrop. It was a perfect photo opportunity, in fact, I had taken many today, and I wondered whether or not to include them in the article, as a few had me and Ophelia in them. I had plenty to write about later so I couldn’t wait to sit down in front of my laptop and write until my heart was content.
The museum itself was unique, built with glass plates in the 1990s. There were a few exhibitions on, that showcased real talent and we were lucky to see them. After visiting the museum, Ophelia and I then grabbed dinner at Zum Kornmesser, a hearty popular restaurant where I ordered a creamy risotto and Ophelia had boiled beef with fried potatoes. We exchanged hilarious stories about work and also about our favourite movies; I’d learnt that Ophelia was a big fan of Casper, something she hadn’t told me about until now.
The sun was already set by the time we got back to the car and I was thankful I had taken a coat as it was definitely chilly. Ophelia turned on the heating in the car and then rubbed her hands together, blowing on them.
“I’m so tired but in a good way,” she said as the car was starting to warm up. The ice that had built up on the windscreen was also melting away.
“Me too, it was nice to explore. Thanks again, Lia.” I gave my friend’s arm a squeeze, making a mental note to do something nice for her in return. We had a look ahead at the traffic on our phones and were relieved to see it was looking quiet on the roads. There was going to be snowfall tonight though, so we needed to try and get back before it got worse.
I hadn’t heard from Felix since earlier this afternoon and I hoped he was okay, he had said he would be spending the evening with his family. Family time was important, I knew that much.
“Can’t believe we have just a week left in Austria. I feel like there’s so much more to discover,” Ophelia said, keeping one hand in on the steering wheel as she drove at a steady pace.
“I know. I like it here,” I said, with a hint of sadness to my tone. I knew I didn’t want to leave, especially Felix just as we were starting to get closer. I felt ready to open my heart and maybe even give it to him.
***
I had made Ophelia and I some hot chocolate once we got in and the two of us decided to do some work. Grayson had replied to my email, attached with an updated version of my work and I could see he had highlighted and added comments. He mainly mentioned that my descriptions were better but that I needed just to work on some of my sentence flow, as some of my words ended abruptly. As I read through, it did make sense. To be a great writer, you had to accept your weak points and work on them. I had grown quite a backbone since working at Culture Horizon so any criticism now, I could take on the chin.
I had written a section about the history and arts that were available in Austria, but thought I’d add more to it. I wanted to plan a day out with Felix, and it would be perfect timing since he’d be on his holiday in two days. I wanted to try ice skating with him, as I’d never done it before, and it seemed romantic, a sweet moment for us to bond. I’d imagined it was similar to skiing, but the ice was harder and more of a chance of breaking a bone or two.
“Right, I am done,” I muttered to myself and stretched my arms above my head as I’d been slouched for about an hour. A bubble bath sounded inviting. My muscles were now sore.
With the bath filling up and bubbling away, I discarded my clothes in a neat pile and took a moment to check out my body in the mirror. I’d never had a problem with my figure, I liked my shapely thighs, which had a few stretchmarks and then a huge birthmark on the inside of my left thigh. Originally, I felt insecure about this and Caden had made a few comments about it. I wished I’d realised back then how much of a douche he was. Too little too late but at least he wasn’t in my life anymore.
Earlier in the day, I had spoken to Ophelia about Felicity’s text and her response had been to ignore it. Felicity had had plenty of time to contact me and if she had wanted to, to even come and see me in person to apologise. She was a coward just like Caden and I had no energy for someone like that.
So, I deleted her text and moved on. Whether she’d contact me again, who knows. I’d probably choose a different outcome.
Happy thoughts now, Alisha.
I turned off the bath tap and sunk into the heated water, knowing my limbs would thank me for it.
Still no text from Felix when I last checked my phone but I didn’t want to worry myself or seem like I was needy for him. I loved hearing from him though and always felt giddy when I saw his name pop up on my screen. As I scrubbed my skin with some body wash and a flannel, I sank a little further in the water and wondered whether he was thinking about me right now.
I imagined his firm hands cupping my breasts, circling my nipples with his thumbs. I loved it when he teased me, his hot breath mingling on my skin, hovering above my crotch. My pussy was starting to ache and my fingers had a mind of their own as they crawled down to the area that needed pleasing.
I rested my head back against the tub as my fingers rubbed between my folds. I wanted Felix’s delectable mouth there instead but I’d have to settle for my fingers. If he was here, I’d beg for him to suck my clit and push my thighs further open as he dipped his head between them.
I was chasing my orgasm fast as I picked up the pace and I cried Felix’s name as I came, gripping the side of the tub as I did, but this didn’t compare to actually having him here.
I decided that I would text him once I got out of the bath and was dressed. I wondered what to say to him or whether to even call him.
No, just text him. He may be asleep.
I was lounging on my bed before plucking up the courage to send the damn thing I had typed.
Alisha: Good evening Mr Bauer. How was your day? x
I hit send quickly and then placed my phone on the bedside table, staring at it like it was a foreign object. I wasn’t expecting him to reply fast, and I knew it wouldn’t be a good idea to ponder or wait around, so I decided to make myself some chai before bed.
Ophelia was also in the kitchen and was on the phone to what sounded like her mum.
“Yes, I’ll be seeing you soon. Don’t worry,” Ophelia said, giving me a wink as I reached past her to grab a mug.
Ophelia said her goodbyes to her mum before hanging up and then shoved her phone in her shorts pocket. She resumed making her drink, which looked like some kind of smoothie.
“Mum apparently has met a new man so she’s really keen for me to meet him,” Ophelia said, adding a dash of milk to her drink. Her parents had split up when she was ten and she’d spend most of her school holidays with her dad, who lived about two hours away from her. She had no brothers or sisters, which she didn’t seem to mind. It meant her parents could give her all the attention and spoil her.
“Oh right, how do you feel about that?” I queried, boiling some water in a pan. I would add the tea leaves, milk and spices next. Ophelia scrunched up her nose and then crossed her arms, something she did when she wasn’t quite sure about something.
“Well, mum has had several relationships over the years and they never seem to work out. They always end up disappointing her and she gives too many chances. I don’t know what will be different about this one, so I’m not hopeful.” Ophelia shrugged and I did sympathise with her, it must be a struggle having to watch your mum have their heart broken multiple times. It was probably a reason why Ophelia hadn’t had a relationship for years, she didn’t want to become invested and then give her heart away to someone who wasn’t worth it. I valued that, her integrity and self respect.
“It’s good that you look out for your mum,” I told her, stirring a spoon in the pan as it was starting to boil.
“Someone has to,” Ophelia replied and I decided not to talk too much about home with her since it was a tricky topic. She always liked to be positive and focus on the things ahead of her.
After drinking my cup of chai, the two of us decided to get some sleep but not before I looked out the living room window, to watch the snow fall. I was almost tempted to go outside but decided against it, as otherwise I’d be a snowwoman. I chuckled at this thought, remembering the time when Aadi and Zane barricaded me with snowballs when we were children. The two of them always liked to tease me and beat me at games, but as I was getting older I was starting to get the better of them.
Kiya had sent me a few photos and a video of Chou, which melted my heart. I missed my furry friend heaps.
When I returned back to my room, I hurriedly picked up my phone, expecting to see a reply from Felix. I tried not to be disheartened when I didn’t. Maybe something had happened. Maybe he decided he wasn’t into me anymore or perhaps realised he still had feelings for his ex.
I knew I needed to stop thinking this way but it was hard not to. I willed myself to sleep as there was no need to overthink when it could just be nothing .
I thought back to what he said to me the other day in German and after working it out, I realised what he’d said.
Du wirst mein Tod sein.
He was going to be the death of me too.