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

Chapter 18: Wondering Woods

As Eliza and Louis got lost in a world of lust and desire, reality was waiting outside. All that they had left behind in their subconscious disappeared and materialized on the other side of the old cottage's walls. There was Eleanor; who was standing by the window, pitifully watching the love of her life throw away all that they'd worked so hard to achieve and overcome together. The years they spent was despoiled by each stroke Louis pressed into Eliza, leaving every memory of them in the shadows. Then there was Hayden; who's hidden feelings for his mistress was steadily eating him alive and the thick smug of jealousy and hatred for the two clouded his frail heart and made it cold. And finally, there was Xxavier. Although much thought was never invested into him, he was still depicted to look somewhat disappointed in his partner. The girl who had been a product of his wallet and time was out sleeping with another man that wasn't him. And she knew that was fine and wasn't against the rules. But if he were to know the feelings that budded when she touched Louis, or how she nursed her love for him by risking everything, he'd be furious.

The two lovers whose scandalous affair offered them a second chance, also raised more danger and uncertainty for their future. Neither one was truly ready to sacrifice it all; both Louis and Eliza knew their present situations complicated any kind of chance they had to rekindle a true love like before. The stakes were high for both. For if they were to get caught at such an early stage and drifted apart, could they deal with the damage that awaited after?

Only time could tell what was in store for these two. Oh, and maybe a nosey little bird that was watching from the outside too.

<LOUIS' POV>

I've been in this situation before. Instead of being at Eliza's studio panting and naked, I'm at a cottage... panting and naked. And although it was an exhilarating feeling, I know I've screwed up when I look down and see Eliza snoozing on my chest. My bodily desires got the best of me and I know that's no excuse but I couldn't help myself. Eliza being the sexual predator she is now totally clouds my judgement. It wasn't even old feelings getting in the way, I just craved that wild side of her. I haven't felt so alive in years.

I shouldn't be condoning this behavior. Doing this has set a whole new level of pressure. I'm sure Eliza thinks this cements a new "relationship" between us, but my mind is still trying to settle this feud between the females in my life. I had two days here with her and it's not like I could avoid talking about it now; it was the first thing that bloody happened! I mentally slap myself for being so weak. Dammit!

Eliza is clutching onto my side, legs draped over mine. I have to carefully peel myself from her sleepy grasp and occasionally wait when she begins to stir. After some endearing patience and determination, I'm finally free and scoot away from her. Her body lazily flops over, searching for something to fill the void I've caused. I tiptoe over to the living room and steal a pillow, tucking it into her arms and covering her with a blanket I found in the meantime too. She seemed exhausted so I didn't expect her to wake up for a while. That left me plenty of time to gather myself and have some much needed space. Throwing my clothes back on, I grab my phone and shoes and head out.

I didn't really have an idea of where I was going. I still didn't have a clue where the hell I was in the first place! But remembering my prior Boy Scout training, I decided to follow the creek. When I was done, I could easily turn around and follow it back to the cottage. Simple as that. The thought occurred to me to leave Eliza some sort of note so there'd be no unnecessary worrying. But knowing Eliza, I thought she'd put it together and know I wasn't kidnapped. She was calm and didn't freak out easily. Totally opposite of Eleanor.