An
Eden's Explorations
story
TEACHING EDEN
CHAPTER THREE -- THE MISFIT
Eden fell asleep some time after three in the morning. She woke feeling anxious, as if a cold void had opened in her very being. She was desperate to talk to Michele, to try to fix things. She realized that the coach probably needed time. But she had to say something. Reaching out, she turned over her 'phone, half hoping for a message from Michele. There was none.
Her fingers worked rapidly. Then she deleted her work and started again. Trying to be honest. Trying to make it OK.
I screwed up. Big time. You are right to be angry. I'm so sorry. When you are OK to talk, message me. I meant what I said about loving you. Please forgive me. Eden
She deleted 'Eden' and wrote 'Sums' before sending.
And then she waited. Cross-legged in bed. Cradling her 'phone in both hands. Hope and terror fighting in her heart. She jumped when the 'phone beeped.
Can you leave me alone? I need time. I don't want to see you right now.
Eden felt the tears returning as she typed a simple, unadorned 'OK.' She had no idea how she was going to get through the weekend. Let alone school next week. And Luke. Seeing Luke.
Eden rapidly typed a new message.
It's not Luke's fault. It's mine. He's dealing with some shit. Don't take it out on him, please.
She waited.
Just fuck off, won't you!
Eden buried her head in a pillow and cried as if she would never stop.
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Eden stayed in bed until after noon. Fitfully sleeping. Crying again. Self-recriminatory thoughts flashing through her mind. Guilt. Then anger, she knew not at who. Then guilt again.
Sick of herself, Eden got up and decided to do something positive. She found her running clothes and shoes. Her hydration pack was still in the trunk of the car. A run might clear her head. And stop her checking her 'phone for a while.
As she retrieved her pack, Eden saw her. Michele never looked her way. Instead she got into her car and headed out of the school. Eden's legs felt week. She steadied herself against the car and tried to calm down. Eden slumped down on the grass and gave herself up to thought.
What was wrong with her? Sure, she and Michele had had a lot of fun. She liked her a lot. But it had only been a month. As for her declaration of love? Well Michele had clearly maneuvered her into that. She was only twenty five. Did she really want to be someone's girlfriend? And why the tears, she'd survived college and grad school by herself just fine. Pull yourself together Eden. It's going to be OK, whatever happens.
Wanting to believe the lies she told herself, Eden got up, took her pack inside to fill, and headed out for her run. It was just the breeze blowing dust in her eyes that made her squint. Nothing else.
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Eden managed three miles. Not bad. It would have been a stroll for her a few years ago, but she had let things slip in NYC. Too many other distractions. Still, it was a start.
She had intentionally left her 'phone on the kitchen table. She now checked it, in what she told herself was a cursory manner. Nothing. That's OK. She was just fine.
In the shower, it was hard not to bring memories to mind. Soapy fingers trailing over skin. Kissing as warm water sprayed over them both. Slippery flesh sliding against slippery flesh.
No! Eden wasn't going to give into this. She refocused. The courtyard garden of the New York co-op. Her on all fours on the grass. One cock deep down her throat, another pounding her pussy. And eyes. Knowing that multiple eyes watched her. That was better. Much better.
Yes!
Eden came. And it was good. Really good. So satisfying. She was Eden Baker. She had seen stuff, done stuff. She didn't need a glorified gym teacher. She certainly didn't need a girlfriend. She was fine, just fine.
Walking back into the bedroom, wearing only a towel around her head, Eden heard the beep. She launched herself onto the bed and grabbed for her 'phone.
Hi. I still need some time. Need to figure out some stuff. But can we talk tomorrow? It's not OK. I'm not OK. But we should talk. Maybe over lunch.
Eden rapidly tapped a reply.
Sure. Take as much time as you need. I'm so sorry, again. But lunch is good. Where?
The reply was quick.
OK. 12:30. My place. See you tomorrow.
Eden thought she would try something.
See you tomorrow 🫂
She prevaricated about the hug. Then pressed send.
And that was it. End of convo. Well, thought Eden, like my running, it's a start.
She spent the rest of the afternoon reading. Things on her Kindle that she had started and never finished. Then pasta from a jar. Then more Kindle. Then she crashed.
Eden was emotionally and physically exhausted. She slept, but was plagued by bad dreams. But not ones she could recall any details of after waking.
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"Take a break? What the fuck, Michele?"
This was not how Eden had expected things to go. She knew that Michele was angry, but this was an overreaction surely.
"But, you said you loved me. Was that a lie?"
"No, Eden. It wasn't a lie. I do love you. But I don't think I can be with you, not right now at least. I'm not an exhibitionist. It brings back..." Michele faltered, then gathered herself. "I don't mind you doing that for me, but I don't want to share either you or us with other people."