Bound To you

Chapter 17

After she and Rika were finally able to leave that pool chair, ELI jumped back into the pool while her girlfriend went to have another shower. Twenty minutes later, ELI got tired of being alone in the huge swimming pool and finally decided to take a shower too. After showering for at least one whole hour, ELI put on a hoodie and sweatpants because Rika had said it was usually cold at night. She was almost finishing to brush her hair when she smelled something very delicious coming from the kitchen. She quickly finished getting ready and ran to the kitchen, where she found Rika watching something in the oven.

“Hey, Gina, what did you cook?”

She approached the blonde and kissed her softly on the lips. “It’s a surprise.”

“Hmm, I like surprises.”

The teacher put her hands around ELI’s waist and said, “I know you do. Now, I was thinking that we could have a bonfire while we have dinner. What do you think?”

“I think it’s awesome! I love bonfires.”

“Good.” Rika smiled. “Can you grab some wood and prepare the bonfire for me?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks,” the brunette said before going towards the oven to watch what was inside again.

ELI quickly started looking for some wood in the house’s backyard and when she finished grabbing a good amount of it, she put them in the circle of rocks surrounding a small pit of earth. After that, she went to the kitchen to find Rika, and the brunette gave her some blankets, pillows and a match to light the fire. She prepared a comfy space with the blankets on the grass and soon was able to light the fire easily. She added more wood and poked it with long sticks, noticing that the flames grew hot, making ELI feel warm instantly.

As the sun went down, the fire became bright and vivid, as though someone had shown a spotlight on it. The intensity and excitement of the flames were like they were dancing in the moonlight, and the ocean nearby had the reflection of a distant glow, like a bright sun on land. She sat on the blankets and watched the ocean, getting lost in its immensity while waiting for her girlfriend to bring dinner. “Look what I made for my little teenager,” the teacher said mockingly, causing ELI to turn and look at her quickly.

“Oh my God, you made pizza?” ELI asked looking intently at what Rika had in her hands.

“Yes, dear. And it’s Margherita.”

“I can’t believe you cooked junk food for me.”

“I can’t believe it, either. However, you have been a very good girl today, Miss Swan,” she praised, putting the hot pizza on the blanket, close to the fire.

“Yeah?” ELI asked provocatively, pulling Rika down so she’d sit on her lap. “Even when I irritated you and provoked you all day with my teenage hormones… I’ve been a good girl to you?”

“You should be grateful that I am saying that, dear.”

“I am very, very grateful for having you. And pizza.”

Rika started laughing, but the blonde interrupted her with a passionate kiss, squeezing her ass at the same time and causing her to gasp.

“Okay, okay, let’s stop there. We need to eat, otherwise, the pizza will get cold.”

“I can eat cold pizza,” ELI said as Rika was getting off of her lap.

The teacher wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Ugh, Miss Swan, that’s disgusting!”

“It’s not, Rika. Have you tried it before?”

“I would never eat any hot food cold.”

“Yeah, you’re too fancy for that.”

Rolling her eyes playfully, Rika grabbed a slice of pizza while ELI did as well.

“One of the reasons I wanted to have a bonfire is because we can look at the stars,” Rika said looking at the sky.

ELI looked at the sky as well, and suddenly became shocked by what she was seeing. “Oh wow! There are so… many of them.”

“Haven’t you noticed that before?”

“Yeah, I mean… living in the city, I don't get to see these beautiful blinking fairy lights in the night sky with all those skyscrapers. But here is just… magical!”

“Indeed it is, my dear.”

A few minutes in comfortable silence, both of them chewing pizza whilst laying under the stars, which were like a beautiful, surreal blanket above their heads, ELI felt the need to say what she was feeling, “I think I’m in love with the stars,” she said, looking fixedly at the glowing sky.

“Me too. They don’t say anything, they don’t judge, they just… watch you.”

“It’s really magical. Knowing that there is an immensity of them just watching us right now makes me feel so special.”

“You are special with or without stars, ELI.” The blonde grinned at her teacher, feeling her heart race inside her chest.

Appreciating the comforting silence again, they finished eating their pizza. ELI ate three slices while Rika only one. They were laying on one side now, staring intently at each other’s eyes; both getting lost in the sea of chocolate brown and emerald green.

ELI was surprised when cold hands tangled in her hair and pulled her face closer. Smooth lips covered her thin ones, starting a tender kiss. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words would never be.

ELI instantly realized that this moment was turning into a very significant one. When she felt the beat of Rika’s fluttering heart so close to her chest, she realized they are completely alone in the universe, kissing and maybe even loving each other as if nothing would ever break them apart.

With a beautiful smile, her girlfriend pulled away a few inches from her face to say, “I never thought I would be kissing a student under the stars.”

“And I never thought I would be kissing my history teacher under the stars.”

“It seems like we’re both surprised with fate.”

“Fate? Do you believe that we are together because of… fate?” ELI asked curiously, gazing at swollen lips.

Rika avoided her eyes, laying on her back again to look at the stars. “It could be. I like to believe that is fate… That everything happens for a reason.”

ELI’s elbow lied on the blanket while her hand supported her head to look better at Rika. “That’s sweet,” she replied with a smile.

“You don’t believe that, Miss Swan?” Rika turned and stayed in the same position as the blonde, staring at her with a small smile on her face.

“Maybe I do. I believe in shooting stars, though.”

The teacher let out a laugh. “Really, Miss Swan? You prefer believing in shooting stars than fate?”

“Nah, I’m just making fun of you.”

“Sure you are.”

“Come here, I wanna feel your body against mine,” ELI asked. “I’m cold.” Rika moved a few inches closer and ELI quickly lied on top of her body, laying her head on her chest. “Oh, you’re so warm.”

“You’re using my body as a blanket, ELI,” she said amid laughs, causing the blonde to smile and close her eyes for a second.

“I know. You’re amazing.”

“You’re amazing, too.”

A few seconds in silence, ELI was almost falling asleep laying on top of her girlfriend when the latter shook her arm carefully.

“ELI, wake up.”

“Sorry, fell asleep for a few seconds.”

“We should get inside. It’s getting colder here.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

They stood up and walked towards the master suite, where ELI and Rika quickly laid down and pulled the covers over their bodies. Soon later, they fell asleep with their arms and legs wrapped around each other as if their lives depended on it.

Saturday

Rika’s Point of View

Stretching her body slowly, Rika searched for a warm body to snuggle with, but was rewarded only with cold sheets. Her eyes quickly opened as she sat straight on the bed, looking around her. No sight of ELI.

She stood up and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Looking at herself in the mirror, Rika felt some mixed feelings by not finding ELI by her side.

Panic shot through her body as those insecurities of dating a student came to torment her again. Shaking her head negatively, she soon sent those sentiments away when she entered the bedroom and saw a paper note with her name on it, laying on the bedside table. She hastily opened the material and started reading the very clumsy writing she knew all too well.

Good morning, Sunshine! Don’t freak out yet, I didn't run away. I had to wake up early because I wanted to do something special for you. It’s very cheesy, so be prepared. Just follow my rules, Miss Mills. 

There’s a small paper note on the floor, near the front door of this suite. I want you to read attentively what’s written in there and then follow the path of small paper notes on the grass and read one by one, so you can reach me in the end. I have a surprise for you. 

ELI, 

Xoxo 

Feeling her heart fluttering with excitement, Rika quickly walked to the front door of the bedroom and found the small paper note with the same clumsy writing:

Last night I was looking at the stars with you and realized I had one just laying by my side.

Grinning stupidly, Rika looked at her backyard and saw the huge line of paper notes on the grass, making a path that seemed to lead to the open living room. Feeling even more excited, she moved on to read the next:

Your eyes are so expressive and beautiful I can’t help but get lost in them.

My favourite smell is your scent.

Your voice makes me melt.

You make me feel weak in the knees when I touch you.

I love the way your skin feels so soft when I run my hands over it.

You take my breath away.

You have this incredible way of making my heart happy.

Your smile brightens my day more than the sun can.

Every day would be as beautiful as this moment if you were with me.

You are more beautiful than all the beauty of this world combined.

I wonder how I got so lucky as to get you in my life.

Rika found the blonde sitting on the couch of the living room, her cheeks slightly red and a shy smile on her face. The teacher was open-mouthed, feeling speechless by her student’s gesture.

“You found me.”

“I did. ELI, I- that’s so beautiful!” Rika said while exchanging looks at the blonde and the paper notes in her hands.

“Did you like it?”

“I loved it! I wasn't expecting something like this, especially because-”

“Those thoughts, I know. But I’m not playing with you, Rika. I care too much about you and I mean what I wrote.”

The teacher grinned and bit her lower lip, feeling a little bit overwhelmed with all these declarations. She walked towards the blonde and sat on the couch beside her. “Thank you… for doing this,” Rika said while caressing ELI’s angelic face. “I believe in you, ELI. I know that you meant it.”

Smiling from ear to ear, the blonde pulled Rika into a calming kiss. They both couldn't stop smiling while kissing each other. Everything seemed to be good for them; Rika always felt invincible when she was with ELI. It was like nothing else existed and, once in a while, she found it easy to pretend that this whole relationship with her student wasn't illegal. It’s a lot easy when you are far away from the school and it’s just them two. It’s a lot easy when they’re alone in the universe as if nothing else matters.

“I made you breakfast,” ELI said as she stood up, grabbing a huge tray with lots of food on it. “I hope you like this, too.”

“I’m sure I will, dear. Thank you for making this morning so special to me.”

“Thank you for being you, Rika,” and they kissed again, enjoying this beautiful romantic morning.

ELI’s Point of View

Later, after an enjoyable lunch prepared by the two of them, ELI realized it was really freaking hot today. Her first instinct was to jump in the pool immediately with her girlfriend, but the brunette just put on her bathing suit and started practicing yoga on the grass while ELI watched her from the pool. The blonde really wanted her teacher to be with her in the pool, but the view of watching her doing yoga was much better at the moment, especially she being half-naked with that black bikini that was not appropriate to do yoga at all. Deep down ELI knew that her teacher was trying to provoke her showing off that amazing body of hers in compromised positions. But the blonde just watched, her arms holding her floating body in the water at the edge of the pool.

When Rika turned her backside to ELI and touched her feet, the blonde couldn't help to let out a whistle. The teacher just rolled her eyes, hiding a smirk while she moved her body to the next position.

After ten more minutes of her girlfriend showing off her exotic body to her, ELI got tired of just watching. She wanted Rika to get in the pool with her. Or just kiss her. Or both.

“When are you coming to the pool again, Rika?”

“Later, dear.”

More ten torturing minutes and Rika was still doing yoga. ELI could see the sweat shining on the olive skin and the teacher’s tired breaths.

“Now is a perfect time to come to the pool, Rika. You’re sweating.”

“I know, that’s why I’m going to take a shower.”

“What! Shower? The pool is right here!” the blonde protested, splashing the water with her hands.

“I don’t like pools so much.”

“How come not? It’s hot as hell today!”

“I know. The shower is waiting for me, Miss Swan,” Rika said, walking towards the master suite.

ELI just rolled her eyes and complained, “I can’t believe you were teasing me this whole time and then decided to leave me here wanting you.”

Rika let out a throaty laugh and blew a kiss to the blonde. “Enjoy the pool alone, Miss Swan.”

And she was out of ELI’s vision.

Rolling her eyes again, ELI started swimming laps backward, her face to the light of the sun. The blonde realized she and Rika loved provoking each other, and she mostly enjoyed these moments of provocation very much. Smiling to the sun, thinking about how wonderful her life had become, the blonde felt like doing something she loved to do when she was feeling happy and inspired: sing and write songs. She was glad Rika was taking a shower, so she wouldn't listen to ELI. The blonde was still very ashamed of singing to Rika.

ELI had seen a guitar somewhere in the living room, so she went there to grab it and sat on the comfy pool chair. She started to sing a song that also reminded her of Rika, feeling her heart flutter as the lyrics came out of her mouth.

[Play on Her Lover by Ally Hills]

Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night

And wouldn’t you love to love her

Now here you go again you say

Who will be her lover

It’s only right that you should

Play the way you feel it

‘Cause all your life you’ve never seen

A woman taken by the wind

Like a heartbeat drives you mad

When dreams unwind loves a state mind

What you lost and what you had

Were taken by taken by the sky

Thunder only happens when it’s raining (Rhiannon)

Players only love you when they’re playing (Rhiannon)

Say women they will come and they will go (Rhiannon)

When the rain washes you clean you’ll know (Rhiannon)

You’ll know

She is like a cat in the dark

And then she is the darkness

In the stillness of remembering

When the sky was starless

It’s only me who wants to see

Your crystal visions

You say you want your freedom

But would you stay if she promised you heaven

Rika’s Point of View

Inside the master suite, Rika had finished her brisk shower and was changing into something comfortable when she heard a very familiar voice coming from the pool area. She opened one of the curtains and found her student singing and playing guitar by the pool. Rika smiled at that scene, loving to see and listen to ELI’s voice, singing with the passion that only she had.

Her heart suddenly got warm and started beating faster. ELI’s voice was so melodic and beautiful. Rika couldn't suppress a smile and soon walked towards her amazing student.

When the blonde saw Rika, she stopped singing immediately as her face changed from white to completely red.

“Rika!” She said exasperatedly. “I thought you were in the shower.”

The brunette smiled, sitting on the same pool chair as ELI, leaning very close to her. “Please, don't stop.”

“You know I’m shy when I sing,” ELI replied, the blush still creeping on her cheeks.

“You don’t have to be, dear. You sing so well,” Rika said, caressing the wet curls of blonde hair.

ELI smiled sheepishly. “Thank you, Rika.”

The brunette grinned and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on ELI’s lips. “You should participate in the Talent Show at school,” she said casually.

“What? No way!” ELI quickly denied.

“Why not? You have to show your talent to the world, ELI.”

“I don’t even know if I have a talent! I just… sing for fun. And no one is supposed to be listening to me when I sing.”

Rika rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe her student was so insecure about herself. “You can’t be serious, ELI. I love your voice. I love it when you sing to me.”

“The first time I sang to you was very embarrassing…”

Rika chuckled. “Of course not! I don’t know why you’re embarrassed about that day. You did a great performance… I was very surprised by your actions, by the way,” she grinned causing the blonde to do the same. “I loved your actions as well as your voice that day.”

“I still don’t know where the courage to kiss you came from. I was… out of my mind, I guess. It was the first time I’ve ever kissed a woman in my life. And not any woman, I kissed you, my history teacher,” the blonde gave pause to take a deep breath. “I still don't know how you kissed me back.”

Rika smiled, the memories of their first kiss going on her mind. “Well, it’s simple. I liked you then and I still do. I don't know what you were thinking, I just know that it’s all fine now. Look what you’ve accomplished with your actions that day,” Rika leaned in and kissed ELI on the cheek, seeing the wide smile appear on the blonde’s face. “I like you even more now, ELI Swan.”

“That’s so good to hear, Rika,” the blonde clasped her hands on either side of the brunette’s face and pulled her into a sweet kiss.

“But still…” Rika parted the kiss to look intently into emerald eyes. “I think you have to show your talent to the school.”

ELI huffed annoyingly. “Only you like my voice, Rika. Only you,” she said dramatically.

The teacher crossed her arms, looking quizzically at her student. “I bet you’ve never sung to anyone besides me, am I right?”

“Uh, Ruby sneaked into my room once and caught me singing, but that wasn’t free will. I didn't want her to see me singing,” She paused for some seconds. “I’m not confident enough.”

“You’re going to participate in the Talent Show,” Rika said. “On Monday I’m going to put your name on the list.”

“What?! Rika, I can’t do this.”

“You have to lose this fear, ELI. I know you can do it.”

“No, I can’t. I won’t be able to do it in front of all those people looking at me.”

“Yes, you will.” Rika grabbed ELI’s hands and intertwined their fingers. “If you can’t do this for you, do it for me.”

“But-”

“No buts,” she interrupted.

“Damn it!” Rika pulled ELI by the chin and gave her a peck on the lips. “Okay, I’ll do it for you.”

“Thank you, dear.”

“Okay, but now answer me something: why do you still take showers since we’re close to the pool? You know it’s useless. You know what could happen.” The blonde smirked mischievously at Rika, putting the guitar that was on her lap on the chair as she stood up carefully.

“Miss Swan, don’t do anything you’ll regret,” Rika warned, already trying to step away from The Mischievous ELI.

“Trust me, I won’t regret anything.”

“Miss Swan, I-”

Rika started speaking, but suddenly she was interrupted by eager lips on hers, kissing her soundly as a hand caressed her dark hair and the other one pulled her body shape against ELI’s. Rika had her eyes closed the whole time while they kissed, and only came to sense again of what was happening when ELI jumped with her in the pool. The cold water brought shivers to her body as her lips tried to stay glued to the blonde’s.

When their bodies emerged from the water, Rika remembered that she was wearing clothes and not a bathing suit. “f**k, Miss Swan!” She cursed, trying to be angry at her student who had a smug smile on her face. “Why do you keep doing this?”

“Ohhh, watch your language, Miss Mills,” the blonde teased. “You are using the worst curse word so you must be really pissed at me.”

“You bet I am!”

“Sure you are.” The blonde leaned in and stole a kiss from the brunette, taking her time to tick and nibble the plump lips.

“Damn it, ELI. You think you can fix everything with a kiss.”

“Who said I can’t?” The blonde kissed her again, this time deeper while her hands groped Rika’s body under the water.

“I’m going to punish-” a kiss. “…you-” another kiss. “…later.” ELI and her mischievous mouth nibbled on her earlobe and then her neck, where she teased mercilessly. “Mmm, f**k,” Rika moaned. “Oh, ELI stop… I mean, hmm, stop teasing me. I-I need you to do something for me.” Rika managed to push ELI a few inches away from her and looked deeply into her eyes. “Okay, you win. You can fix everything with a kiss, but now I want you to sing to me.”

“Rika, seriously? It’s good here, with the kissing…” ELI pressed a quick kiss on her lips. “Why do you want to stop and hear me sing?”

“Because I miss your voice, I miss you singing to me for the first time.” She paused to take a moment, her hands reaching for ELI’s face. “Please?” She pouted and right at that moment, she knew that her student would give in and sing to her.

“Okay, okay, I will.” Rika grinned with the victory. “What song do you want?”

“Surprise me.”

“Okay.” ELI rolled her eyes and then smiled sheepishly. “I can’t believe you’re making me do this again.”

“Just breathe, ELI. You know I love your voice, so there’s no need to be embarrassed anymore.”

“Okay,” the blonde said and took a deep breath. “Now come here.” She grasped Rika’s hand under the water and gently guided her to the middle of the pool. She circled her arms around the teacher’s waist as Rika automatically circled her arms around the blonde’s neck. ELI leaned in close, her mouth close to Rika’s ear. Then she started to sing, mostly like a whisper, the song Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.

[Play on Can’t Help Falling In Love With You by Hailey Reinhart - Cover]

Wise men say, only fools rush in

But I can't help, falling in love with you

Shall I stay? Would it be a sin

If I can't help, falling in love with you?

Like a river flows, surely to the sea,

Darling, so it goes some things are meant to be.

Take my hand, take my whole life too.

For I can't help, falling in love with you

When ELI finished the song, she leaned a few inches back to face Rika. The brunette was smiling like an i***t, feeling immensely surprised and admired by the sound and beautiful melody of ELI’s voice. She couldn't deny to herself that the tingle in her heart was there for nothing. She was feeling something ridiculously strongfor her student, and that scared her more than anything. But instead of hurting herself with these thoughts again, Rika just wanted to enjoy this amazing weekend she was having with her student.

“Rika, please say something. I’m trying so hard not to blush here, woman.”

The brunette laughed, pulling her student’s body against hers and hugging her tight. “I’m sorry, you left me speechless.”

“And that’s… a good thing?” The blonde asked uncertainly.

“Yes, ELI. You left me speechless because your voice is incredible and you should never be embarrassed about it. That was beautiful. Thank you for singing to me.”

“I’m starting to think you’re my biggest fan, Rika.”

“I sure am, dear.”

ELI’s Point of View

ELI was in the shower, being soaked by the hot stream of water, wanting desperately for the weekend to never end. She had finally sung to Rika again, and she really wished the teacher had said how much she loved… her. ELI realized the obvious fact that she loved Rika, and also that what they have is completely forbidden. But she can’t stop because she loves her. ELI really expected Rika to feel the same. She desperately needed to know… needed to hear from the teacher’s lips the most three terrifying words. The sentiment that she was so scared of feeling before, and thought she would never have it. However, now she felt completely devoted to this sentiment and just needed it to be reciprocated. She knew she couldn't say it right now. It was not the time yet. It was too soon and Rika would probably freak out.

Putting away these thoughts, ELI finished her shower and put on some comfy pyjamas. She brushed her hair and teeth and left the bathroom. The sight she saw right after made her go weak in the knees: Rika was wearing a short, light pink robe and rubbing moisturizer on her gloriously bare legs. One leg was dangled over the side of the bed while the other was stretched out; her toned calves and thighs were smooth and shimmering as her hands' stroke and knead her skin.

“That’s a sight I wish I could see every day,” ELI said, pointing to her teacher as the latter smirked seductively at her.

“I’m glad you like it, dear. Ready to sleep?” Rika asked casually while putting the moisturizer on the nightstand.

“Sleep? Are you sure you want to sleep?” ELI asked wryly and saw Rika rolling her eyes with mirth.

“Yes, ELI. I’m a little bit tired.” Rika laid down under the covers and when she was well tucked in, she beckoned ELI over with her index finger.

“All right, Miss Mills.” ELI laid under the covers and smiled when Rika snuggled into her body. The blonde placed a chaste kiss on the top of the teacher’s head and then started tracing her hand down on her spine to her ass, which was only covered by the pink robe. ELI’s eyes quickly turned wide when she realized her teacher was very naked under that piece of clothing.

“Oh my God, Rika,” ELI murmured with her eyes closed.