Teach Me (18+)

Chapter Twenty One

Gianna's Point Of View

The waves crashed on the beach below us, sending a breeze through the restaurant. We sat on the patio, sipping our cocktails and enjoying the warm Miami sun.

Since getting back from Aspen- which felt like a whole other continent once I stepped off the plane, I've been wrapped up in lesson plans, grading papers, and trying to incorporate the new spring curriculum into what I already had planned for my students all before the first day back.

The last few days had been a whirlwind, and I was still trying to catch my breath. But despite the overwhelming amount of work I had to do before Monday, I couldn't help but fawn over the memories of Eden and our time together in Aspen.

Every moment we shared, from deep conversations to silly jokes, played on repeat in my mind like my favorite movie. I couldn't help but smile as I thought about how she made me laugh, how she held me, how she looked at me with such kindness and adoration, how she could see through what facade I was trying to show.

Sitting on the patio with my friends, sipping my cocktail, and watching the waves roll in, I felt grateful for this little slice of normalcy. It was nice to forget lesson plans and curriculum for a while and just enjoy the company of my friends, who grilled me about what happened in Aspen.

"Aww, that's so cute," Phaith cooed as I told her about the little ice skating date. "I'm so happy for you, love."

"Thank you. She's like no one I've ever met." I said, suddenly falling into the memories of her,
"She's so different; she sees me for me. Which feels good for once, you know? Like I could lie to her and say that I'm okay, and she wouldn't believe it, and she'd know exactly what was wrong."

Alicia nodded. "That sounds so good. To have someone see you for who you are, without pretenses," she said, bringing her half-empty mojito to her lips.

I nodded, "Exactly! It's like she has this sixth sense that can see right through me. And it's not just that she sees me. She accepts me for who I am, flaws and all."

Kelsey smiled, her voice soft and delicate. "That must be an amazing feeling. To be truly seen and accepted."

I smiled, "It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not. I can just be myself."

Alicia nodded, her eyes shining with understanding. "That's what we've all been searching for, Gianna. Someone who truly sees us and loves us for who we are," she said with a giant smile growing over her face, "and I'm so glad you found it."

A sense of gratitude washed over me as I smiled back at Alicia. I was grateful for my friends, who had been my anchors throughout the last few years of my life. I was thankful for Eden, who had come into my life unexpectedly and treated me like no one else ever had.

We sat there momentarily, basking in the warmth of our conversation and the joy of my newfound relationship. It was a moment of perfect contentment, one that I would treasure forever.

But as we sat there, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would Eden and I be able to make our relationship work despite our busy lives? Or maybe she would get bored. Only time would tell, but for now, I would just savor the moment and enjoy the feeling of being with her.

Just as we were finishing our meals, our plates of fresh salads and warm fish tacos were nearly empty as we consumed our lunch. Her warm voice flowed through my ears, "Hey, beautiful." I turned to see Eden standing there with a bright smile. My heart skipped a beat as I took in the sight of her, looking stunning in a white pantsuit.