Flipped: Back Again (L.T. Sequel to Flipped)

Chapter 17: Somewhere Only We Know

<ELIZA'S POV>

The buzz of the car hummed lightly as I sped through traffic. I had forgotten how freeing it was to be behind the wheel. I've grown accustomed to Xxavier's way of life, never having to lift a finger for anything I wanted. Back when I first came to London I was on my own a lot and had to fend for myself. Yes, I flew here with Gabriel; but with his ego skyrocketing every time he met with his vocal coach, I slowly faded into the background of his career goals. He only remembered my name whenever he got lonely or heard a rumor around the campus about me. To think, I thought being with that bastard would be tolerable. I was so wrong. He's incapable of loving anyone but himself; but I knew better than to expect such commitment from him. I'd only felt that with one person and he was beside me now.

Louis had dozed off in the passenger seat about an hour ago. His soft breaths could be heard occasionally and each time it took my breath away in return. My body ached to touch him, to feel the warmth radiating from him as he sat all coddled in the leather seat. I had to stay focused on the road however, and that kept me from straddling him in his sleep. I simply had to hope he'd move just an inch to brush up against my arm on the console. The slightest touch could ease my fix for him.

My dear Tommo, he has no idea. I thought I'd never get a chance to see him and now here he was, all mine. For only a weekend unfortunately, but I knew this was just the beginning of what was in store for us. I spent years searching for a replacement, anyone who could remotely make me feel the same pleasure and security he did in a single glance. I needed that passion he'd shown me, the raw emotion we had shared with each other that gave us this infinite bond I can still feel now; that fire inside that laid dormant until lit again by his presence. I could feel my self starting to really feel again. My body was regenerating and I was experiencing life in a whole new way. I was actually getting frustrated again, I was getting reacquainted with excitement, and my walls were buckling and slowly falling down. My heart could be seen beating through my chest and it was all because of the possibility and promise that this boy- this man now, carried with him.

To make this weekend perfect I needed a place where we could relive history. I needed a space where Louis could remember those old feelings and make them spring into new ones. Somewhere only we know that could easily let our romance blossom. I had found a cottage far in the English countryside that was remote and undisturbed by the noise of the city. It was so rural and isolated that the town's people survived off of their local market and whatever they could trade or grow in their own backyard. It was like traveling back in time. But I didn't choose it because of the simplicity and isolation. I chose it because of the resemblance it held for another house. Louis' grandmother lived in a similar one; I was lucky to stumble upon one that looked so exact. I squealed at my desk when Hayden reported back to me about it. I would've kissed him if the idea didn't make me want to vomit.

Seeing that house was symbol of hope for me. That house held so many precious moments that built the structure our relationship. Falling asleep in Louis' arms was the first time I really felt safe in the company of a man. It was the first time I was actually able to relax and know that I was in good hands without any second thoughts. That night.. Looking up and seeing Louis next to me, I realized just how much he meant to me. I was in love. Full throttle, heart-wrenching, Cupid stricken for that damn boy and I would never be the same; nor did I want to after finally seeing what all the stories fussed about. I just had to make him remember, I had to make him have the same revelation as myself. It was the only way to set things right and how they're supposed to be.

I knew I didn't have much farther to go when I turned onto a gravel road and the trees started to become more dense and the cars lessened. I prayed Louis would appreciate the area. All I want is for him to have a good time, truly. Because if he does, he'll know it was my doing. The couple who was kind enough to loan me the place told me about the local attractions like the creeks and hidden wells that were in the woods. Louis always had a knick for adventuring so we should get some nice alone time. Together I'm sure it could be magical.