A/N: Please review!
PREVIOUSLY
''' You have a crush on him ''. She states in a matter-of-fact voice.
'' What? Me? No!'' I hide in my hair.
'' Yes you have! Oh, my god… you're blushing! Elena Watson, you're having a crush on Mr. Harrison!''
''Hush Sarah, I don't want the whole school to know about it!''
'' Okay….'' She laughs and adds with a whisper'' Oh my god. I won't lie to you. I felt this huge sexual tension when you were arguing''.
'' Sarah! ''. I raise my tone laughing.
During the week, one of my class colleagues invited a bunch of people from my class to his winter house to do a weekend of celebration for our 4th semester of Psychology. Truth be told, I have barely talked to him before and I don't know why we were invited and all. But I made a promise to myself; I said I would have my life back or whatever that was. Anyways, it's just a weekend. I can't imagine anything too grand will happen. I'll go out with the girls, have fun, drink – something I'm really not so used to - and meet new people. What could go wrong?
Friday right after class the four of us are already inside Molly's car heading to Jason's winter house. Turns out it isn't far away from the city, only one hour heading south. I take the time to relax in the sun seeing the beautiful countryside passing us by. After 15 minutes of arguing, my IPod wins the privilege of being played. Cage the Elephant plays softly in the back and I enjoy this moment with joy.
Exactly 1h30 later - we stopped at a gas station (so Ana would stop crying about needing to go to the toilet) - we arrive at his house. Turns out, Jason is as wealthy as everybody has been saying. My God his house is huge! The architecture is very modern and it's made of wood, steel and glass. A lot of cars are already parked in front of the house….
The door is open so we get inside, impressed by the house decoration. Everything is white and there are a lot of cozy couches, wooden tables and flowers. The walls are made of glass and we see gardens outside. There's also a huge pool, a jacuzzi, and a barbecue oven. I can see a lot of people hanging out there by the pool, drinking and talking.
Oh God, people.
Jason sees us from there and gets in the house opening the glass door from the garden.
''You guys came! I'm glad! '' He approaches us with a smile.
'' Thanks for inviting us'' I add smiling too.
'' My pleasure! '' His green eyes are dancing with excitement. '' Our class is so divided... I figured it was time for us hang out more! '' We say and we agree, laughing. '' Can I help you with your bags?'' he adds.
'' Yes'', we say in unison.
Getting upstairs, Jason explains.
'' So room capacity is for 3 people only but there's also suíte upstairs with 2 beds so I thought you guys could split up if that's ok '' I smirk at Sarah and she smirks back.
We leave Ana and Molly who are getting their stuff ready in their room - and are quite excited already since their window view faces the pool and some wet handsome guys.
We reach the stairs to our room and wow, it's beautiful. The room is all white and dark wooden and the ceiling is made of glass. There are two king size beds and the floor is made of white fluffy carpet. Wow, really, wow.
'' This is my room, but since my mom and dad aren't here, I get to use the Master suíte!''.
'' Clever '', I add and he smiles at me.
'' Well, I will leave you ladies to your doings. Everybody probably already ate but I will make you some sandwiches. Meet me downstairs in 15 minutes?''
'' Sure'' Sarah smiles '' How kind of you.''
'' My pleasure ladies'' he smiles back and leaves.
''Oh my god, I didn't know he was so nice. We haven't talked with him for like, 2 years... Why are we so unsocial?´´ Sarah asked.
'' We just don't like people.'' I replied shrugging.
''But we are doing a major in psychology, we HAVE to like them.''
'' Omg that's true... '' I sigh.
'' Hey Lena, Jason is like, really nice, right? He is like, really hot and rich...''
'' You know I don't give a damn about money''
''I know but when you get married you will...''
''Married?'' I interrupt her laughing '' Hey, what`s up with you and the matchmaker thingy?'' I ask.
'' What? I just would like to see my friends getting laid by hot dudes. Is there something wrong?''
'' Absolutely not! My goal is not to get laid by some random hot dude who treats girls like objects and tells stories behind their backs. If I should ever get involved with a guy again I want it to be different. More grown up. More mature…".
There's a mischievous smile starting to spread on Sarah's face and I interrupt her quickly:
"No! Don't even think about it! No more of that Mr. Dark Hair nonsense! Did we come here to have a good time, remember? To be social for heaven's sake! Now choose your bed before I do and let's go downstairs".
"Whatever you say, boss", Sarah says and winks at me. I take a deep breath as I watch my friend throwing clothes at the white and cosy king size bed on the left side of the room.
We gather our stuff and change our clothes, putting on something warmer since is getting chilly outside. I choose some long boots, dark skinny jeans, a white jumper and a leather jacket.
We stop to admire the huge marble bathroom with an incredible Jacuzzi and go downstairs. Jason is already waiting for us with some sandwiches and juice. After we eat, the girls find their way to the male part of the house while Jason and I get some drinks.
'' Jason, how many people did you invite, anyway?'' I ask trying to hide the anxiety in my voice...
'' About 20 people. Some from our class, some friends I made from law School and my uncle... one of my dad's friends that ended up begin my uncle...Though I'm not sure he's actually coming, I'll be surprised if he did.'' He stops '' Oh, you probably know him, he teaches in our course. He doesn't teach the part of the class I'm in, but he might teach yours.
'' Oh really, what's his name?''I ask.
His phone buzzes.
'' Speaking of the devil – Hello uncle''. He smiles '' Yes, I'm fine... Are you coming?... No?... Come on... Hm, about 20 people... Haha ... Don't tell my dad ...Oh, just some people from uni. Actually, some of them might be your students... Aham... Shut up that's not unethical at all ... They might even not be your students. Aren't you some private professor or some shit... Haha... Ok, do you teach a Miss Watson? '' he winks at me'' ... Yes, the one... Brunette, green beautiful eyes...'' He smiles at me and I smirk back. '' Ohh! Really? ... Ok, so we'll be waiting...Ok bye''.
'' So he's coming then? '' I ask.
'' Yep, he suddenly changed his mind'' He smiles.
''Is he really my teacher?'' Suddenly I imagine my Science teacher - a very rude guy. Oh please just not him.
'' Yes, he said the name was familiar. ''
'' And where is he going to sleep? Your house is huge but it looks already crowded '' I ask.
'' I thought maybe in my old room?'' He stops. '' I'm sorry; I thought he was not going to come. Is it ok with you and Sarah if you guys sleep with the other girls? All I need is to get one extra mattress. I'm afraid you won't be really comfortable... Elena, I'm sorry.''
'' Hey don't worry about it, it's your home. I'm used to a mattress on the floor; I used to camp a lot. '' I give him a reassuring smile.
'' Ok if you say so. '' He gives me a concerned look. '' Unless you won't mind sharing the room with my uncle. He's very nice. Or Sarah could... I don't know...''.
'' Yeah, no problem, I really don't mind. Though I think Sarah won't like to share a room with a stranger. She's a sleepwalker.'' I laugh.
''No way, really?''
'' Yeah, you should have seen her on our last trip. We've only slept in hostels. She would just wake up in the middle of the night and wander around the room. I should have videotaped it ... ''. The image of her on her pyjamas walking around pops into my head and I laugh '' I actually used most of my time calming the rest of the girls – they were terrified '', I giggle '' Good times''.
'' Hmm... I wouldn't expect a girl like you to be that mean,'' he laughs.
'' A girl like me?''.
'' You know. Sweet... shy'', he shrugs his shoulders.
'' Then you haven't met me yet '', I snort.
'' Promises, promises... Let's get drunk then!''. He smiles like a very stereotype college guy.
'' Bring it on!'' and the shots of tequila begin.
10 PM. I'm inside Jason's pool with the girls and his friends. The music is loud and the water is warm and welcoming. I have absolutely lost count of the shots that I've taken and I feel my head becoming heavy and dizzy.
'' Elena, you ok? Wake up'' someone says.
'' What? I'm up'' I mumble.
'' Lena, you can't sleep now! If you do, you'll have a huge hangover tomorrow or worse, drown!''
'' Jason?'' I try to speak
'' Yeah.''
'' I don't feel very good.''
'' I can see that'', he laughs. '' Ok, let's sober you up, you need some fresh air.''
Getting out of the pool, Jason wrapped a towel around me.
'' Jason, I'm sorry, I really never ever ever do this'' I smile shyly.
'' Hey, what are you apologizing for? Getting a bit tipsy? Nah.'' He guides me through his house and up to my room.
'' How about if you get dry and changed? I'll meet you outside, kay?''
''Kay.'' I smile at him.
I have a quick shower and choose to wear some grey sweatpants and I white t-shirt. I manage to dry my hair and after I'm done I leave the room and meet Jason. He guides me through his home and we reach a wooden balcony right on the back of the house.
'' Ok now... You'll sit here... '' He puts me in a deckchair '' and don't move - I'll get you a glass of water. Kay sugar?''. I think Jason is gay...
'' Kay sugar'' I smile and he giggles.
I close my eyes and enjoy the cold breeze that touches my face. It feels so good. I feel like I'm getting sober and sober and I breathe with relief because my less foggy mind. I don't want to get drunk ever again in my life.
'' Why is that every time I meet you, you find yourself in a compromised situation, Miss Watson?''
I jump from the startle.
'' Who's there?''
Silence.
'' Who's there?'' I search for the owner of the voice in the darkness of the garden. That's when I see a dark silhouette of a man.
'' Step into the light,'' I order.
He walks step by step into the light that comes from the window glass. That's when I see the deep blue eyes looking through me.
''Mr. Harrison?'', I can feel the emotion in my voice. '' What are you doing here?''
He stares at me darkly and doesn't answer.
'' Uncle!'' Jason arrives, interrupting us with a glass of water '' You're kinda late...''.
'' Yes,'' he answers but doesn't take his eyes of me.
'' Oh, how rude of me: This is my uncle John Harrison - the one that I've told you about. '' He smiles, '' Uncle, this is Elena Watson, the one I thought was your student.''
'' Yes, she's my student ''. The way he says ''my'' makes my body shiver.
''Hm... ok. Elena, drink this up.'' He hands me the water. '' And uncle, keep an eye on this naughty girl, will ya? I'm helping the guys lighten up the bonfire,'' and he goes away, leaving the two of us in silence.
Mr. Harrison is the first one to break it.
'' Could you perhaps enlighten me about the reason why I should keep an eye on you, Miss Watson? ''. There's a smile playing on his lips and the world ''naughty'' echoes in my head.
'' Elena'' I am fast to correct him.
'' Elena'' he hides his smile and says my name with blatant passion in his voice. '' So?'' he raises an eyebrow.
'' I had too much to drink''. I smile apologetically and stop abruptly as thoughts of our first meeting come to my mind. '' Aren't you going to laugh of me? '', I ask with an angry and hoarse voice.
"What makes you think I'd laugh at you? ''. Harrison asks instead of answering my question. His face doesn't give away if he is indeed amused about my sudden outburst or maybe annoyed about me behaving like a teenager. I feel stuck. That's not what I expected him to say…
I can't think of a witty way to answer him so I quickly take a sip of water to keep my mouth from getting dry. Mr. Harrison watches my every move and seems to accept me not giving him an answer.
'' Why, would you like me to? Laugh at you?''. He wants to know.
'' No,'' I say quietly.
Silence.
'' You're a very curious creature Miss Watson'' he continues.
'' Elena'', I correct him once again while I feel my cheeks blushing faster than I'm comfortable with.
'' Elena'', he repeats and this time, he smiles broadly. Oh...
'' Why do you say that? '', I ask and pray that my sudden nervousness doesn't show in my voice.
'' You puzzle me,'' he says.
'' I'm the one who's puzzled here.''
'' How so? ''His voice purrs and I shiver. But now I'm sure it's not from the cool air in the garden.
'' John! I can't light up the damn thing! '' Jason yells from inside the house.
Harrison's deep sigh sounds slightly disappointed and he takes a few steps approaching me.
'' Come '', he says while holding out his hand and I catch myself grabbing it without hesitation.
The palms of his hands are warm, welcoming and surprisingly gentle. He lifts me up with courtesy and guides me through the house until we've crossed it, finally reaching the pool. The sparkly blue water is the only light around us. He still holds my hand as we go through the crowd of drunk students.
Arriving at the still-not-lit-bonfire, I smell the strong scent of gas in the air and I feel dizzy toppling to one side. John holds me and lets me leans against his torso. I feel the warmth of his body and I try to avoid this amazing feeling.
'' You okay?'' his voice is demanding.
'' Yeah''. I close my eyes focusing on my breathing. '' I just can't stand the smell.''
'' Jason, get these pieces of wood out of here now and get me some new ones – no more gas.''
I feel myself being dragged inside the house and placed on a couch.
'' Is this a normal behavior of yours? ''. Harrison's voice sounds a bit angry but as I look up I can see the concern on his face.
'' What do you mean?'' I ask and lean back in my chair.
''Getting wasted? '', he replies.
'' I can't believe you just said that.'' I mumble and rub my temples gently with my fingertips.
'' Said what?''
'' Nothing.''
''So?''
''No, John'', I hear myself say, the remaining alcohol making me brave enough to use his first name. '' I don't usually enjoy getting wasted.''
He sighs.
'' Good to know''
'' Why?'' I look up again to study his face.
'' Well because you aren't very good at it'' he chuckles.
'' I know'' I chuckle, feeling the tension leave my body.
'' Wait in here. Don't move''.
I do as I'm told, keeping my eyes closed inside the dark room. I can hear everyone chatting and the loud music outside but still it's quiet inside and comforting. I rest my head on the couch and I relax. I've barely realized that I've fallen asleep when I feel my body being carried and laid down on a bed. I open my eyes carefully and I find myself in my dark room. Alone.
''Sleep.'' I can't see the owner of the voice but I know it's him. My body obeys his command and I fall into a dreamless sleep
A/N: What will happen when she wakes up? Who is this Harrison dude anyway?