CHAPTER 15 : Alone Time

Alicia told Luna that she would clean the apartment for it’s her birthday and that she should just have fun and enjoy the rest of the night with Clell.
Clell decided to invite Luna to their beach house, telling her that it’s part of his gift for her.
Thinking that this was a way for them to step up their relationship, Luna said yes to his invitation.
“Well get going, Alicia.”
“Take care and have fun. Don’t get into too deep without protection, if you know what I mean.” She teased them, and Luna’s cheeks started to blush.
Along their drive, they listened to another album, this time it was A Rocket To The Moon, and sang along with it. They were happy in their own little word, their smiles and overall facial expression can vouch to this.
“Thank you for the necklace. I love it.” Luna said while observing and holding the pendant of the necklace Clell gave her—it was a tulip. She didn’t understand what it meant, but she, somehow, felt connected to the pendant.
“Why tulip by the way?”
“Like a tulip opening up, you finally opened up and gave yourself permission to feel and be loved.” He said, while the song Baby Blue Eyes started playing in the background.
Luna was touched with how much Clell put so much thought to his gift, she leaned in, slowly, and kissed him on his cheeks. As Clell felt her soft and tender lips on his cheeks, he couldn’t suppress his smile and he started singing along to the song again to, at least a bit, hide his giddiness.
After a few songs, they finally reached their destination. Luna was enticed with the surrounding, closing her eyes, letting the chilling breeze brushed over her face. Clell was just standing beside her, giving her little glances, admiring her beautiful face.
“It’s cold here. Want to go inside.”
“Can we just walk by the shore for a while, I kind of miss the beach.”
“Your wish is my command, missy.” Clell agreed and put his jacket on Luna’s shoulder.
Luna tugged it, fully covering her upper body, and slowly walked towards the shore while Clell was just tailing her. Upon noticing that Clell was just walking behind her, Luna went back and grabbed Clell’s hand, making him walk beside her.
“Miss me already?” He teased, his soft and deep voice sending chills all over Luna’s body.
“You and your over confidence.”
“But you like me anyway.”
“I see your head’s getting bigger.”
“Like your feelings for me.”
“And you know how to rebut now.”
“Trained by the best.”
“I wonder who might that be?”
“Hmmm. Clue. She’s a great attorney and a great teacher as well.”
“Sounds like a charming young lady.”
And they both laughed at that, and fell silent afterwards. They let the comfortable silence filled the air, enjoying the moment and each other’s company, holding each other’s hand tightly as if it their lifeline depended on it, without any distractions even from their words.
After their quiet walk, they went back and decided to rest at Clell’s beach house.
“Want some hot chocolate? I’m sure you’re cold.”
“With marshmallows in it?”
“With marshmallows in it.” he seconded with a smile plastered on his face.
“Yes, please.”
“Coming right up.”
“I’ll wait for you right here”, she replied, making herself comfortable on the sofa bed.
As she was waiting for him, she saw a photo album underneath the coffee table, and entertained herself by looking at Clell’s baby photos.
“Such a cute and happy baby.”
While flipping through the pages of the album, she stumbled upon a photo of Clell with his mom and dad. She stared at it for quite some time and wondered, “Oh, hmmm, his dad seemed familiar. I think I’ve seen him before.”, but then shrugged it off.
Finally done making the hot chocolate, Clell went back to the living area, holding two cups with his hands. “Here you go.”
“You’re drinking hot chocolate, too?”
“But with a little bit whiskey.” And winked at her.
“I saw this album and was just enjoying looking at your baby photos.”
“What??”
“Hey! What’s with the harsh reaction. I am not done looking at it yet.”
“NO!”
“What are you so anxious about?”
“Nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. Tell me. Come on, you’re a cute baby.”
“Just enjoy your hot chocolate.”
“Pffft.” Luna pouted, crossing her arms.
“Why are you so cute?”
“Don’t talk to me.”
“I’ll let you see it some other time.” He promised her, but then murmured to himself afterwards, “When I have the guts to tell you about myself.”
“What?”
“Nothing, why don’t we watch a show instead.”
“Sounds fun. What show?”
“I don’t know, you choose. What do you like?”
“Hmmmm. Romcom maybe?” she said cutely which made Clell chuckle.
“Sure.”
“Uhhhhmmmm. Search for About Time.”
“Okay. Is this it?”
“Yeaaaahhhhh! All time fave.” She squealed while Clell started playing the video.
They both fell silent, putting their concentration towards the movie, until the movie reached half-way and the characters had a heated and sexual scene. Luna couldn’t dare looking at Clell’s direction, while Clell kept on gulping and having cold sweats over him—the sexual tension was very apparent between them.
With the awkwardness and sexual tension slowly engulfing the atmosphere, Luna kept on shifting—she couldn’t stay still—and inadvertently brushed her arm to Clell's arm.
She abruptly pulled away as if she was electrified. “Sorry.” She muttered, both of them locking eyes now.
“Don’t be.” He responded, his voice giving a different kind of deep tone giving her shivers through her spines, as he leaned closer to her. Without her knowing, Luna absentmindedly closed her eyes as if giving him permission to kiss her and so he did.
It wasn’t until their lips collided that Luna realized what they were doing, but she decided to let herself be vulnerable and let him feel every emotion in her—on how much she’s falling for him.
Their kissed went deeper and deeper and Clell’s hand started exploring her, tracing her body. With gentle and careful hands, Clell started cupping Luna’s face and went down to her nape, then to her collarbones, and Luna shivered to his every touch.
They both stopped for a while, gasping for air, but Clell’s hands were still exploring her. He’s now on her breast, cupping each one and squeezing it a little. Luna felt every sensation--her body moving to its own accord, submissively surrendering to Clell.
He was about to go down, slowly taking off her clothes when he just suddenly stopped, leaving Luna confused.
“Sorry, I can’t do it.”
Luna just bit her lower lips, trying not to let him see the pain her eyes.
“Sorry.” He uttered again, but his words felt like knives to Luna, piercing through her chest and going deep into her heart. Despite it, she managed to stand up and told him, “No worries, I need to go to the bathroom.”, before her tears started cascading from her eyes.
Clell was left alone in the living, feeling angry at himself for hurting the girl he loved.
“Sorry,” he muttered to himself, “I couldn’t just do it without telling you everything about me. I need to be completely honest with you before we can be together. Sorry.”