Chapter 13 - Worlds Apart

Es wird langsam dunkler um Elena und ihren Riku... denn die Vergangenheit, eine längst vergangene Zeit, holt sie ein...

Chapter Thirteen

 
The time with Samu turned out to be far too nice and short and Elena felt her bad conscious gnawing when Riku finally arrived at the bar. She felt so close to Samu right at this second that Riku almost interrupted. He was a disturbing factor. Quickly she got up from her seat, nodding at Samu. “Thanks for keeping me company.” She tried to sound neutral but she almost felt her heart skipping another few beats when he got up as well, smiling down at her.
“Anytime dear!” he bent down to kiss her cheek. “You are indeed a very interesting person!” hesitantly he ran his fingertips over the thin snakes on her wrist. “You know what you should have?” he asked out of a sudden and stepped back, blushing a little. “Those snakes are too archaic for you.  You should have lilies.” His mouth curved into a shy smile. “Lilies would be perfect for you.” Still smiling, he patted Riku’s back. “See you guys tomorrow!” he waved them goodbye, his eyes still focused on Elena’s face. She saw him blushing even deeper but he quickly averted his gaze and rushed outside.
Lilies? Elena felt her heart pounding in her chest. How on earth did he hit on that? A shiver ran down her spine and she suddenly felt the outlines of the lilies burning on her flesh. It was impossible! This was real life! She had only dreamed about the lily-tattoo, nobody knew about it, not even her sister or her mother!
“So...?” Riku put his arm around her shoulder. “I’m really sorry for being late!” he kissed her cheek. “But now I’m all yours.” Smiling he pulled her along. “Hungry?”
“Yes... I... Actually I’m starving!” she let out a shaky laugh and put her hand on her stomach, snapping back into reality. “Whisky on an empty stomach wasn’t the best idea I assume!”
Smiling broadly he pressed the button for the elevator. “Let me produce relief, Mylady!” he kissed her softly. “Everything is settled.”
And he kept word. His hotel room was nicely set with a table by the window, napkins, flowers and food from the room service.
“Have a seat!” he pulled out the chair for her, kissing her neck. “Again, I’m so sorry for being late!”
During dinner with him, Elena felt herself returning from her short journey with Samu. Maybe his comment about the lilies meant nothing. She was here. She was with Riku. Everything was exactly the way it was supposed to be. And it wasn’t weird any longer. She reached out her hand over the table, smiling and listening to Riku’s jokes, completely ignoring the strange urge to jump up and run to find Samu. There was nothing between them but a few words, a conversation, maybe deep and thoughtful, but still... She was here with Riku. He was real and he really liked her. It was written all over his face, in his smile, his voice and his laughter.
Somewhere along the way she even forgot about Samu. Riku had opened a bottle of red wine, telling her with a grin that he had actually no clue whether it was good or not, but the taste was nice, a little dry, just the way she liked it. They kept sitting at the table, talking, joking and drinking. And when Riku got up after a while, offering his hand to her with a smile, she got up without hesitating, letting him kiss her and drag her over to the huge bed.
It felt familiar to kiss him and touch him. Elena had never been more confident with a man, and he let her lead the way, obviously enjoying it. After what felt like hours of well-known intimacy, she fell asleep in his arms, her forehead rested to his shoulder. Samu seemed far away, left to his own dreams. She wrapped her arm around Riku’s chest, caressing the soft skin of his stomach. “I love you.” She whispered, feeling him pulling her closer.
“Love you too.” He whispered in response, kissing her hair.
Everything was exactly the way it was supposed to be and Elena felt the soft waves of sleep rolling over her. Life was easy. So easy without weird dreams.
 
“What the fuck d’you mean, no results?” she suddenly heard a low voice. “She’s been in this state for almost two weeks now! I’m not a doctor, but this can’t be normal.” He sounded desperate.
“I’m really sorry, Mr Haber.” Another man’s voice came in, sounding calmative. “We still have a few tests running, but up till now we have no idea what exactly happened to your wife!”
Samu snorted. “Well go and find out then!”
“I’m truly sorry, Sir! We do everything we can! We have already screened out a couple of possibilities such as stroke or an epileptic seizure, even cerebral haemorrhage and there is nothing to be found. All her blood results are normal, so...” he obviously shrugged. “Most probably the problem is psychological. At the age of two, long ago during her childhood your wife experienced a short phase of something we call catatonic schizophrenia. It was only a onetime event right after the sudden death of her youngest sister but the predisposition is given.”
“A psychological problem causes COMA?” Samu was clearly about to lose his temper. “How’s that possible?”
The other man cleared his throat. “Well, we... obviously you and Mr Rajamaa had some... well there must have been an issue between the three of you.” He tried to frame his answer as decent as possible. “You have been fighting for the last two weeks and... Well, I talked to one of our psychologists and also to... to your mother in law, and they both agreed that... most probably your wife’s brain is... her consciousness might... it might take a break.”
“A break?” Samu suddenly yelled. “Her brain is taking a break? You are kidding! Tell me you are fucking kidding!”
“Maybe you should try to sort this out first.” The doctor suggested, making Samu snort again.
“Sort it out, hum? Sort out that I convinced her to fuck my best mate? Now that’s easy!”
Elena felt a hand, shaking her. “Love? I’m sorry I convinced you to fuck Riku! Will you please come back and open yer eyes?” he cleared his throat. “Not helping.” He exhaled. “Are there some more brilliant ideas you wanna share? If not, I’d politely ask you to leave now.”
The hand was back, stroking her hair. With a low sound the door was closed.
“Love?” his voice was close to her ear now. “Please, hun, I... I’m so sorry!” he whispered, starting to sob silently.
She wanted to move, wanted to open her eyes, tell him that everything was fine, that it all had only been a bad dream, but she couldn’t. She couldn’t blink, couldn’t force her body to move, to do anything. Samu! The words formed on her mind. Samu I’m fine! Everything is fine! Samu!
She awoke with a start, gasping in shock. “Samu!” finally his name escaped her mouth and she felt her body shivering. What the hell was wrong? Schizophrenia? She had – as far as she knew – always been perfectly healthy! Mentally and physically. And now a schizophrenia-induced coma? She had not dreamed about Samu for so long and now it... it turned out that her dreams had stopped because in her dream she was... mentally ill?

“Samu!” she screamed his name again. Her legs almost gave in when she tried to get up from the bed. Something was very wrong! What had the doctor said? Her consciousness took a break because it refused to face the upcoming fights with Samu and Riku? Because of a predisposition for catatonic schizophrenia? God! She had made a terrible mistake. Sleeping with Riku had been wrong and now...
Stop!
Right now.
It was only a dream!
She had a life. She had a life with Riku! And she enjoyed living it! She wasn’t sick, she had never been anything but healthy!!
Maybe...
Maybe all of this happened now to her dream-self because she had made her decision. She had chosen Riku. Was it possible that her choice now affected both her dreams and her life?
But how?
And why?
Why hadn’t she just... well she could have chosen Riku in her dream as well! Everything would have been fine then!
Wait. Stop. She had chosen Riku, hadn’t she? She had slept with him at the beach... but... No. She had not chosen him, but given in to her feelings. Feelings of the moment. She was bound to Riku in real life, but she had never truly chosen him in her dream. Samu. Samu was the only one she wanted.
Elena gasped with shock, realising the extent of her decision. She HAD chosen Samu. Right now, right here. In Riku’s bed. In Riku’s bed after a night of love they had shared.
It would have been fine! Everything would have been fine...
A sudden ache in her heart made her gasp and she pressed her hand to her chest, trying to breathe against the pain.
It wouldn’t have been fine.
She was convulsed with pain and sank down on her knees.
Samu
Nothing was fine as long as she loved him.
She flinched.
As long as she loved him.
His picture occurred on her mind. His shining eyes, the boyish smile and his hands, strong but yet so soft.
As long as she loved him. With a lot of effort she managed to get back on her feet. She loved him. Her heart started to beat faster, fluttering in her chest. He was her husband. The love of her life!
What the fuck...?
She tried to breathe steadily.
He wasn’t, for Christ’s sake!
He wasn’t! He wasn’t her husband!
She had only talked to him a couple of times!
He wasn’t!
Yet... she had never felt better. Whenever he was around she suddenly felt whole again. Only thinking about him calmed her down. She... she loved him...
No!
No, she didn’t!
Dream, Heikkinen! What the fuck?!
Again she gasped from the pain in her chest, wrapping her arms around herself. She sank down on the bed. Fuck.
Nothing was right.
She loved him.
No!
‘Hell, I’m about to lose my mind!’ with shivering hands she picked up the phone on the bedside table, feeling eased, that Riku wasn’t around to see her in her current state. There was a note and a rose on his pillow, but she ignored it, grabbing the telephone receiver with both of her hands. “The next flight to Helsinki.” She managed to whisper. “Credit card?” gazing around the room she got back on her feet, trying to find her purse. “Here you go, it’s...” she gave the number to the staff member of the airport. “Thanks a lot.” Still breathing heavily she got up, getting dressed. Without even thinking about it she rushed outside, waving for a cab.
She loved him...
One hour later she was sitting on a plane to Helsinki, trying her best not to fall asleep. She felt exhausted. Tired. Scared. Everything passed by in a blur. She didn’t want to think about it. She didn’t want to think about Samu, Riku, this whole mess. Burying her face in her hands, she tried not to freak out. She was losing her mind. Breathing against the pain in her chest, she closed her eyes. Nothing was right. Everything was upside down.
 
She took another cab from the airport to her parent’s house. It was only two in the afternoon and she hated the house to be empty. Slowly she walked up the stairs and put her bag in her room before she picked up her mobile to call her mother at the hospital.
“Elena! I’m sorry dear, I’m about to see a patient, can I call you back?” her mother answered the phone of her office a little out of breath. Two fifteen. Her mother’s first patient after her lunch break. Elena took a deep breath, sitting down on her bed. “I’m at home, Mum.” She whispered, feeling her voice shaking. “Came here only a few minutes ago.”
“You are... you are...? What happened? Are you alright?” her mother shrieked.
“I’m not actually. That’s why I came.” Elena lay back, putting her free hand over her face. “Listen, Caty, I... I’m gonna take one of the bikes, I’ll be at your office in 20 minutes. Can you... can I talk to you after your appointment? I really need... some advice.” She tried to sound more confident. More strong. Her mother shouldn’t worry about her. This was her own fight; it had nothing to do with her family. All she needed was some advice and maybe the phone number of one of her mother’s colleagues to have someone to talk to properly. “Listen, Mommy, don’t freak out, ok? I’m alright. It’s just... I met this guy and... his... his best friend... he... I broke up with Rob and... achhhhh! Everything’s a little upside down, so I really need someone to talk to, ok? But I’m ok, you hear me? I’m good!”
Her mother sighed with relief. “I’ll be with you at quarter past three, ok? Just... just drop by, maybe get yourself some coffee before, bring one for me and we chat, alright? Everything’s gonna be ok, you hear me, hun?”
“I hope so. Thanks, Caty!” Elena took a deep breath, still not feeling relieved. It was actually a lot more complicated than it sounded...
“Hey! Comes with the package of being Mommy and Psychy, ok?” her mother giggled. “Come over, I’m happy to have you and your little love-troubles around!”
“Alright.” Elena whispered and sat up. “Talk to you soon.”
“See you, Kitten! Don’t worry too much, will you? We will sort this out. Love you!” her mother hung up and Elena put her mobile aside, rubbing her face with her hands. She wasn’t too sure about the sorting out part, but at least her mother would be there for her. Picking her mobile up again, she tried to text Riku. Had to leave without leaving a note because I think that I’m crazy?
Tempting.
And true.
But not the words she should actually send to the man that was supposed to be her boyfriend! ‘I had to return to Helsinki.’ She paused, staring at her message. ‘Need to sort out a few things here. Talk to you soon.’ Again she paused, adding ‘sorry I had to leave so quickly’ at the beginning of her text message. A little hesitant she also added ‘love you’ in the end, pressing the sending-button.
He was quick to answer. ‘Take your time. Hope you are alright, love! Miss you around. Even more now ;)’
Slowly Elena got up, trying to balance herself with her outstretched arms.
Alright. What a lovely word. Easily used. She wouldn’t tell him she wasn’t. Taking a few deep breaths through her nose, Elena closed her eyes.
Lunatic.
Another lovely word.
And suitable. Very suitable.
 
“So this was... love, you... are you telling me that you are in love with this guy from your dream?” her mother raised her coffee cup, forgetting to sip it. “Or are you actually in love with the friend of your new... boyfriend?”
“That’s the point, Mom!” Elena shook her head. “I have no idea!” she buried her face in her hands. “I lie awake in bed at night with him by my side and I... I really... I love him, Mom! I really do! He’s amazing! But somehow I feel like... I feel like he’s just... this whole relationship is only... it’s a lie to be honest! It feels perfect but underneath the surface, I... yes, I feel that I’m more in love with this guy from my dreams.”
“Maybe... maybe Riku, his name’s Riku, right? Maybe he’s not the one for you. Maybe this Samu-guy is!”
“MOM!” Elena let out a moan, leaning back. “That’s the whole point! We already had this! I was with Riku, breaking up with him because somehow Samu was the one for me!” she rubbed her eyes. “And that was how this whole mess with Riku in my dreams started! I tried, Mom, I tried so hard! But... somehow... I don’t know, I love him, but there’s Samu and he... He’s my husband, Mom! And he is right now sitting at my hospital bed and he is devastated because I fell into a coma after I.... because we had a fight and I... I ran away to spent the night with Riku!”
“In your dreams!” her mother affirmed. “It all happened in your dreams, dear!”
“I KNOW, Mom!” frustrated Elena threw her arms up into the air. “But somehow dream and reality seem quite close these days! Tell me: Do I see my future? Do I actually see my future in my dreams? Is it possible?”
“Please, love!” Caitlyn took her daughter’s hand. “Try to stay calm! I know it must be confusing, but you have to try to stay calm and focused, alright?” carefully she squeezed Elena’s hand and smiled encouraging. “We need to get to the bottom of this, you hear me?” she leaned forward. “I know it must be hard for you to talk about this with your mother, but I need you to tell me more, ok? Is there anything else I need to know?”
“Like what?” a little irritated Elena wrinkled her nose. “I have not smoked pot since high school if this is one of our next topics! And I never took anything else!”
“That is actually one point I needed to exclude from my list.” Caitlyn leaned back. “Would you feel more comfortable if I’d refer you to one of my colleagues in town?”
“Mom!”
“Please, love!” her mother grabbed her phone from one of the side tables next to her armchair. “This is nothing personal, I know! Maybe it would be a bit easier for you! Easier to talk to a stranger, a professional stranger of course! I have a colleague; she has a very good reputation. I’ve known her for years and she recently specialised on hypnosis as well. From my point of you this would bring you closer to the core of your problem.” She signalised her nervous daughter to be silent for a second and dialled a number. “Holly!” she leaned back in her chair. “Thank you, I’m good. Listen I need to ask you a favour. Yes. No, it’s not a big deal. Remember Elena? Yes, she finished university and is now doing her doctors degree. Listen, she just came by because she had some really disturbing dreams and I thought that she would be in good hands with you. Maybe your hypnosis technique could help her to find some answers.” Caitlyn smiled at her daughter that was now nervously twisting her hair between her fingers, chewing on her lower lip. “I could send her over right away!” she threw a gaze at her wristwatch. “Four o’clock sounds great. Thank you so much! Yes, greetings to Gregory and the kids! Sure. How about next Saturday? Just give me a call then, alright? Thanks Holly! Bye!” Caitlyn put down the phone, smiling encouraging. “Perfect timing! She will wait for you at her office at four.” Quickly she made a few notes, handing them over to Elena. “This is the address.”
“Caty, d’you really think that this is a good idea?” a little unassertive Elena moved around in her armchair. “Maybe it’s only a waste of time!”
“Of course not!” her mother leaned forward, grabbing Elena’s hand. “I can’t help you, I wish I could, but I know you too well dear! No surgeon in this world would agree to carry out an operation on his own child! I can’t do this for you, but Holly can! Trust me!” with another heartening squeeze of her daughter’s hand she got up. “Come on, try it! There’s nothing to lose for you, right? And I’ll see you at dinner. Maybe we can talk about your session. In private of course, your father doesn’t need to know, hum?” smiling she winked at Elena. “Now come on, love! Stay for a couple of days, maybe you can solve this quickly and go back to your life with everything sorted out!”
Still hesitantly Elena got up as well, staring down at her mother’s notes. “Riku will only be in London for a few more days.” She pointed out in a low voice, feeling her heart aching in her chest again. “And then I won’t be able to see him for a very long time!” looking at her mother she found Caitlyn shaking her head.
“Maybe that is a good thing, love! Take a break. There’s plenty of time after your return!” she affirmed, hugging Elena. “Now go, will you? I really wish I could do more for you.”
“You did enough, Mom. Thanks for helping me out of this mess!” Elena returned her mother’s hug, grabbing her bag and jacket. “I’ll see you guys tonight, ok?”
“Alright, love. Say hello to Holly, will you?”
“Of course.” Elena tried to smile, waving her mother goodbye when she headed for the elevator.
Caitlyn remained standing on the corridor, staring after her oldest daughter. There had never been any kind of problem with her! She had always been a good student, not as communicative and outgoing as her younger sister, but she never needed help with anything and was very self-confident and goal-oriented. The short rebellious phase during her high-school time with black hair, punk music and piercings had only lasted for a couple of years and left her with a lot more life experience and a few tattoos she still claimed to like. This was the first time Caitlyn had seen her daughter confronted with problems she couldn’t solve on her own. Dreams. Feelings. Problems of the heart and mind. Shivering all of a sudden, Caitlyn wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her shoulders. Rose came to her mind, the baby she had given birth to so many years ago and that had died only a few days later. Cedric had been old enough to talk about it and explain everything to him, almost five, but two-year-old Elena had been in complete shock when she had suddenly lost her little sister. She had been diagnosed with schizophrenia but soon they were told that she was cured completely. Only a mental shock, nothing to worry about.
Now again, Caitlyn hoped for the best. Holly was one of the finest persons and psychiatrists she knew. Maybe she could get to the centre of Elena’s problems and with it hopefully help her to avoid another seizure of schizophrenia after all those years. They had never really talked about it with Elena. The doctors had advised against it. Maybe she had to tell her sooner or later... Maybe Elena needed inpatient care for a while... Another shiver ran down Caitlyn’s spine. ‘We should have talked to her about it.’ She thought, fighting her tears. ‘About Rose and everything else that had happened before.’
Walking back into her office, Caitlyn closed the door, trying to concentrate on her next patient, but her mind was still far away working on her daughter’s problems. 

Right after the next session she called her husband, telling him in a shaky voice everything Elena had just told her. Blowing her nose she finally managed to sit down after pacing up and down the room for the whole call. Andrew fell silent for a few brief moments. Then he sighed. “You are right, we should have told her.” He admitted, sighing again. “God.” He whispered. “Do you think it might be a new attack? After more than 25 years? Is that possible?”
Slowly Cait shook her head from side to side, still trying to calm down. “I have no idea. Medically, yes, it is possible. But I’m afraid that there is more.” She took a deep breath. “We also never told her about Kylah.”
“What does Kylah have to do with it? They were unborn children, you weren’t even seven months pregnant!” Andrew interrupted, sounding rigorous.
“I know.” Cait tried to stay calm and reasonable even though her heart was beating out of her chest. “But the latest results in twin research suggest that they can feel each other, they know about the other and even communicate in very early stages of pregnancy. I’m afraid she... I’m afraid that Elena is now living two lives. One of them is completely full of studies and flowed with responsibilities in this world and the other one is full of life and love and fun. She created a whole new life, a husband, she... She created it for Kylah.  And I’m afraid that she started to drift away and now descends deeper and deeper into this other life, the life she unknowingly wants her twin-sister to live.”
Again Andrew fell silent. “Is that possible?” He whispered, completely taken aback.
Helplessly Caitlyn shrugged, feeling tears welling up. “I have no idea, love.” She whispered in response, sobbing silently.

Chapter 5 - Lost in the Dark

Chapter 5

Meanwhile Samu pulled me along and upstairs into the room where we had spent the night. Without saying a word he sat me down on the bed, grabbing hold of my arms.

“I have no idea if this is only some weird interpretation, but what the freaking hell was going on down there?” he asked sternly and I suddenly felt tears burning in my eyes. Shrugging and sobbing, I buried my face in the palms of my hands.

“How am I to know?” I managed to say after a few seconds and snuffled. “These stupid bones or stones meant nothing to me and when I cast them… God, I hate this place and I hate their Gods! Can’t they see that I am completely useless?” utterly lost I stared down at my hands. “Thor and Tyr, the protector of Asgard and the God of war! Them of all Gods!”

“What if we tell them that you are sick or exhausted?” Samu suggested and I could see that he had his anger under control again, knowing as well as I did that we were nothing but helpless background actors in a very dark play.

“To what end?” I asked, taking spontaneous refuge in his warm embrace when he lay down next to me on the smelly furs.

“So we can stay.” He ran his fingertips over my cheek. “We could use the time of their absence and walk the forest, maybe we find… maybe we manage to find this gate back into our dimension, our time.” He fell silent, resting his chin to my forehead. “Maybe you could tell them to ride with only a few warriors to sound out the situation. That would give us a few days to sort out our own.”

I nodded slowly. “I will try everything.” I promised, looking up into his beautiful eyes. “We won’t leave this place and we won’t be separated.”

“Come along, jente!” Yorick broke in on us, silencing my protest right away. “You are coming with me.” He rode roughshod over me. “If your dearie is able to handle a horse, I might consider taking him along as well.” He stated coldly.

“Why don’t you ride with a reconnaissance troop first and we follow you when everything is safe?” I tried again. “You don’t wanna put us in danger, right?”

Yorick grimaced. “I have direct orders and I will hold your hand in battle if it is necessary to keep you safe.” He grunted and it sounded short-tempered. Waving at me to get up from the bed he pointed at Samu. “Quite obviously you can’t handle a woman properly, what about a horse?” he snapped at him and Samu flashed a careful gaze at me.

“Can you ride?” I asked in a very low voice, removing my hand from his arm even though I felt the desperate need to touch him.

He nodded immediately, sitting up next to me. “The matter seems to be settled once and for all, so let’s grasp the nettle and do as he says.”

Looking up at Yorick I made one last attempt: “I should stay.” I stated cautiously. “At least until you have settled at Wicklow. You know that he will keep me safe. The Gods will keep me safe. Don’t make me go there.”

The grim face changed when he looked down at me but he controlled himself quickly. “The Jarl says we are riding, so we ride.” He closed the subject, nodding at Samu again. “So does your dry-humper have any kind of riding-skill?”

I shot a stern look at him and furrowed my brows. “He has.” I retorted stiffly. “The Gods wouldn’t send a useless creature, don’t you think?”

He muttered something I didn’t quite understand and simply turned around.

“Seems like your bond is broken.” Samu got up from the bed and offered his hand to me.

“I said something stupid and didn’t have the chance to apologize just jet.” Sighing I rubbed my face, feeling indeed very stupid and insensitive all of a sudden. Being in a fight with Yorick was a luxury we definitely couldn’t afford. Sensitivities aside, he had found me, saved me and apart from Samu he was definitely the only person in this world that had been on my side completely. We needed him.

Holding on to Samu’s hands I looked up at him. “I have to fix this.” I said lowly. “Will you be alright on your own for a while?”

He gave me a small grin, squeezing my fingers. “I’m gonna be fine, I’m a big boy. But promise me to be careful, will you? I don’t trust any of them.”

“I will.” Smiling I patted his cheek. “Wait here for me, big boy, I’ll be back.”

It took me quite some time to find Yorick. He sat in one of the half-open stables, drinking. When I approached he lowered the brown flask and I saw his eyes darken in the dim light of the room.

“What?” he snapped at me, swallowing down another few gulps.

“I come to apologize.” Carefully I sat down on the haystack next to him, but he only gave me a weird look.

“You don’t have to apologize for the Gods’ odd plans.” He replied, sipping his drink again. “They created and sent both of you but…” he broke off and I returned his look in surprise.

“Actually I was gonna tell you that I am truly sorry for my stupid remarks before.” Reaching out my hand I pointed at the liquor and he handed me the bottle with an astounded cock of his head.

“Your wife.” I put my hair back behind my ears. “I wanna tell you that I am sorry for…”

“Don’t be.” He interrupted, sounding softer all of a sudden. “It has been five years by now and… we… we hadn’t even been married yet. She was promised to me and we… we…” he fell silent. “She died of the fever a few weeks before the wedding, so …”

“I never meant to be rude or insensitive, Yorick.” Handing the liquor back, I put my hand on his arm. “I’m sorry.”

He sighed and got up, emptying the flask. “Don’t be.” He stretched his arms out and sighed again. Looking at me closely he cocked his head once more. “So this was it?” he asked and I nodded in surprise, getting up as well to brush the straw from my dress.

With a thoughtful gaze he rubbed the back of his neck. “Where’s your other half?” he suddenly asked, turning around to fasten a few blankets and other luggage on his horse.

I decided to ignore his little sideswipe and walked around the black horse to rub its nose. “Why do I have to come with you?”

“Because the Jarl said so.” He avoided my eyes, bustling about.

“Do you agree?”

“Doesn’t matter obviously.”

Aha. Weak spot. I nodded slowly, running my hands over the soft and glossy skin of the horse.

Suddenly Yorick turned to me and stepped closer. “Gimme your hand.” He said and I obeyed in surprise, watching him putting my hand on his heart without breaking eye contact. “I have a very bad feeling right here, Seeress.” Still holding my gaze he moved my hand upwards. “Actually the bad feeling is more up here, but nevertheless I have the feeling that there is something bad waiting for us. That is why I don’t want you to join us. What if…” gently he removed my hand, running his thumb over my palm. “What if I don’t manage to keep you save? What if something happens to you? The Gods would never forgive me.” He looked closely at me. “You knew quite well that we would take you along, so I don’t expect an ambush of any kind, but still …” shaking his head, he suddenly interlaced our fingers. “What d’you see? Do you feel the same?”

Confused I looked down at our hands, but before I could answer, the door of the stable was pushed open.

“THERE you are!” Idun was obviously in a bad mood. Groaning in annoyance she stood between us all of a sudden, shoving Yorick away from me. “I imagine that you have finished your little goodbye-hump, I gotta take the girl inside, Oddgeir wants to talk to her. He decided that she and the other Godsend miracle should stay and that you and Aevarr are to leave with your father.” Grumpily she grabbed the little bottle from the bag behind the saddle, throwing it to the floor in frustration when she found it empty. “Come along, Embla.” She waved at me. “I was chosen to be your personal protection for as long as the men are away from us. Come now!”

A hand was suddenly wrapped around my arm and I was pulled back. “We weren’t finished.” Yorick’s voice was low, but it was obvious that he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “You can go first.” He nodded insistently. “Give us a minute and I will bring her to Oddgeir myself.”

Turning away in anger, Idun stormed off, stopping by the stable door. “Shouldn’t you be touching your chosen one and receive some more messages from the Gods?” she asked me sarcastically and pointed at Yorick. “Or did he promise you some visions? Oh, what a bad boy! Did he show you the magic stick already? Aah!” she nodded knowingly. “Many girls have ridden that little stick, hoping for revelations. Let’s see what you find beside some lice between your legs when you climb out of that haystack.” With that she smashed the door and huffed off.

It took me a few seconds to absorb her tantrum. “Wow.” I looked at Yorick and let him pull me over to the just mentioned haystack where he simply sat down, resting his back against the wall.

“She loves me like a brother.” He folded his arms behind his head, making me giggle. “And she is pissed off because she doesn’t want to stay here. She’s always been a fighter and as my brother’s wife she’ll never be short of fights, wars and captures.”

I leaned against the cold stone wall as well, wrapping my scarf tighter around my neck and shoulders. “You wanted to know what I see.” I picked up where we had been interrupted after a while.

He nodded, leaning in my direction. “Considering the bad feeling in my guts, I actually don’t want to know what you see.” He admitted and rubbed the raven on his forehead.

A shiver ran down my spine and I looked up into his eyes that seemed to turn darker again when he watched me closely.

“So I guess Odin is awaiting me.” He then said, pinning his long hair back with something that looked like a leather broche. I saw him gritting his teeth, but then he suddenly smiled. “And I shall greet him with honour.”

His words made me flinch. My mouth opened to protest against them, but I closed it without making a sound. Of course. Dying in battle was the highest honour a man could achieve, their greatest concern.

“I’d say, make sure it is a speer that kills you. Dead by Odin’s weapon will guarantee your place in the great halls of Walhalla.” I looked up at him. “But for all I care you don’t have to rush it, he will wait for a few more years.”

Yorick laughed in surprise, tightening a few clasps on his cuirass. “Unfortunately the dry-humper is waiting for your return. But if you weren’t sacred and spoken for, I’d ask you to lie with me for the last minutes of my earthy life. And of course you’d say yes, a girl never rejects a warrior on his way to Walhalla.”

Chuckling I shook my head and got up. “Be safe.” I reached out my hand and touched the raven on his forehead. “We shall be expecting you.” Earnestly I nodded at him. “And even if I am sacred and spoken for, let Odin wait.”

Chapter 12 - Worlds Apart

Ihr Lieben, ich wünsche euch sehr viel Spaß mit einem weiteren Kapitel von Worlds Apart.

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Chapter Twelve

 
“You know what I like best about you?” Riku mumbled with his mouth full of noodles when they sat together on Elena’s couch, watching a movie.
“What?” she smiled at him, taking another spring roll.
“I can be myself. Completely. I mean,” he swallowed, sipping his coke. “You knew me back in high school when I was still a nerd and now, well... I know that you like me for what I am, that’s actually quite rare.” He took the half eaten spring roll from her hand, stuffing it in his mouth. “When I met you at the men’s room I thought, ou crap, you’re so drunk and there’s a sexy chick and she wants to get to know you! No, not you, she wants Riku Rajamaa from Sunrise Avenue. And then...” he shrugged, smiling at her. “Then you turned out to be nice and you even left and let me pee on my own! I was stunned, Helsinki-girl!” bending down he kissed her lips. “And now I’m sitting here with you, completely relaxed, having something I haven’t had in years: an ordinary relationship with a girl!” he paused, blushing slightly. “I’m sorry, you... not a relationship of course! Maybe an affair.” He furrowed his brows. “Affair sounds mean, don’t you think?”
Elena rested her face to his neck, wrapping her arm around his chest. “Call it relationship, that’s fine with me.” Kissing her way over his chin, she smiled in his surprised face. “Turns out that I no longer have a boyfriend, so... well I think we’re over with this whole affair thing.”
He returned her smile, kissing her lips again. “Alright, so... you look sleepy, maybe your boyfriend should give you some rest now.”
“Well, if he actually is my boyfriend, there’s no need to leave, right?” she cuddled a little closer, yawning deeply.
“Not at all.” He whispered back, kissing her forehead.
Again she fell asleep on his chest, realising in surprise that he had closed all the lights and carried her over to her bedroom. Carefully he put her down on the bed. “Take your time, I’ll be in the bathroom for a second. May I use your toothbrush?”
“The blue one.” She whispered, kissing him sleepily before feeling her way over the bed to find her night gown.
When she entered the bathroom a few minutes later he had taken off his t-shirt and pullover and washed his face. “Thanks!” he mumbled, taking the towel she handed over to him. Sitting down on the closed toilet seat, Elena started to brush her teeth. It felt unexpectedly normal to be with him. Just like it had in her dreams. It was, as if he had been there for a long time, as if he actually belonged to her life. Smiling she lifted her eyebrow when he sat down on the laundry machine, watching her. “What?” she got up, rinsing her mouth.
“Nothing actually. Just looking at you.” He jumped down from the laundry machine, taking her in his arms. “Sleep?” he kissed the tip of her nose.
“Sleep.” She agreed, resting her forehead to his collarbone, yawning on his naked shoulder.
Closing the door of her bedroom, she remained standing next to her closet, playing with her lower lip. “D’you want me to put on some new bedcovers?” she asked a little unassertive, opening a drawer.
“Why?” he asked astound, straightening the messed up blankets on her bed.
“Well, I... I don’t know, because of Rob?” she shrugged and tried to smile. “Remember, the guy from last night that punched you in the face?”
“Why would I care?” grinning he lay down, taking one of the pillows to shuffle it around. “I got his girl and his bed, why wouldn’t I take his blanket as well?” he opened his arms and winked at her. “Now come here and hug me!”
When he lay down close behind her she felt his arm sliding around her waist. Softly he caressed her belly with his hand and placed a light kiss on her neck. “Sleep well, Chucky.” He whispered.
“You too.” She turned her head, meeting his lips in a gentle kiss.
Actually it didn’t feel adventurous to be with him. It felt normal. And very, very good.
 
She awoke early in the morning, immediately cuddling up to Riku that lay on his front, his arms and face buried in his pillow. Suddenly he moved, turning around to wrap his arm around her.
“Hey.” He whispered with a smile, kissing her cheek. “Did you sleep well?”
She nodded, shoving some strands of hair out of his forehead. “Very good actually. Even though I was afraid that you might have disappeared.”
“Your sleep was very light, how would I have managed?” he pulled her closer to his naked chest, feeling her running her fingers over his shoulders and his neck. “And besides, why would I want that?” taking her hand in his, he kissed her palm before putting it on his cheek.
“It’s still early, don’t you wanna sleep a little longer?” carefully she ran her fingertips over his dark eyebrows.
He shook his head, reaching over to pick up his wristwatch from the bedside table. “It’s almost eight, maybe I can go back to my hotel soon to have a shower and get some fresh clothes.” He suggested, sitting up on the bed.
Elena chuckled, rubbing her face with her hands. “I can’t believe that I was actually about to pout and ask you to stay.” Softly she caressed his arm. “I’m getting all clingy, see? Told you!”
He laughed and bent down to kiss her. “We still have two weeks to the day, so why don’t I just grab some stuff and move in with you for a bit? I’ll spend most of my free time with you anyway.”
“Only most?” she tried to pout, but a low giggle came over her lips and she returned his kiss.
“All! Of course! Hell, you ARE clingy! Possessive little bat!”
“Told you!” she repeated, dragging herself up on her feet. “Come on, I’ll make some coffee.”
He took her outreached hands, letting her pull him over to the kitchen. Slipping his t-shirt over his head, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, following her every step without losing body contact.
“What did you dream about last night?” he suddenly asked when they sat together in her small kitchen.
She leaned back, blowing some cold air into her coffee. “I don’t remember actually.” She cocked her head and shrugged. “There was something about... dunno, a restaurant and... I think you were there.”
He chuckled, sipping his cup. “That’s nice! I already have a little part in your dreams.”
“A big one, trust me on that!” she giggled and blushed, trying to avoid his curious gaze.
“Yes...?”
“Nothin’.”
“No, please!” grinning he reached over, taking her hand. “Tell me about it! I’ve been dreaming about you from time to time during the last weeks, so please tell me!”
“Well, I...” she hesitated, staring down into her mug. “I had some really weird dreams about you and your friends for a while.” She admitted, feeling her cheeks blushing deeper.
“After we met?” curiously he rested his elbows on the table.
She shook her head. “Actually it started before.” Taking a deep breath she looked at him. “Try not to laugh too hard, ok?”
“I won’t, honour bright!” he raised his right hand. “On the bible!”
Elena sighed, playing with her cup. “It started around Christmas. I had some really weird and realistic dreams about you guys, but... well, I wasn’t with you, I was with Samu. We were married. But you... you were my best friend and... we... we had once had a relationship but we broke up because of Samu and... well...” she tried to wave her words aside. “To cut a long story short, the two of us ended up having one amazing night together.”
“So you already had me in your dreams, hum?” grinning he moved a little closer. “Do I need to have some second thoughts about Haber?”
“Not really.” She shook her head. “I will definitely not try to get any closer to him! My dreams are weird sometimes but this is real life!” taking his hand she caressed his palm with her thumb. “Maybe I wanna have some adventure but... well... I only left a man that didn’t... well, I don’t wanna impute to him that he never really loved me but... I think he didn’t and so...” she looked up from his hand. “It feels quite good that... that you actually wanna be with me so... why would I blow this up myself by trying my luck with someone else I’ve had some kinda crush on in my dream?” slowly she shook her head.
Cupping her face with his hands he leaned in to kiss her. “I actually LOVE spending time with you!” he simply stated very seriously. “But I will definitely have an eye on you and Haber!” chuckling he kissed her again. “So tell me, was I good?”
Elena blushed and rolled her eyes. “You had to come up with this, hadn’t you?” chuckling she leaned back. “No you weren’t! You were boring and I let you shag me three times, watching the stars, trying my best not to fall asleep!”
“Stars, hum? So we were outside somewhere?”
“Beach. We... well, we were quite drunk in my dream and started making out in the water at night.”
“Sounds quite nice...” he put his head in his hand, twisting his empty cup around. “As long as I was really good of course!”
Elena giggled, getting up from her chair by the window. “Well, let’s wait and see. Dreams don’t count in this place, you know? You need to prove yerself in my bed first!”
“Anytime!” he slapped her bottom in her thin black nightgown. “Just let me know as soon as.... well, it might be a little inappropriate at the moment, you only broke up with your boyfriend and I don’t wanna be a stop-gap or make-do for you!”
“I’d never use you to keep my feet warm!” she punched him slightly. “My feet are perfectly warm on their own, Mr. Right-now!”
“That’s what I wanted to hear!” chuckling he got up to wrap his arms around her. “So will I see you tonight?”
“I’ll come to the studio again if you don’t mind.” She looked up at him. “Rob’s gonna come by and grab his stuff, so... well I don’t have plans for the rest of the day.”
“Just gimme a call, I’ll pick ye up if you want.”
 
After he had left she started to rummage around her flat. There were a few shirts and some socks from Rob in her closet, some of his books on the shelves of the living room. She collected everything, putting it in a small box for easy take away. Cleaning out her apartment in one go, she also removed some of his pictures and put them in a separate box to store them in the basement. Maybe it had not been the relationship of her life, but still... she had always kept some of the stuff of her ex-boyfriends. Vacuum cleaning her place, she decided to bake a cake and make some coffee later on. Maybe it was over but she could at least offer him some coffee.
He called at about ten when she had already finished the dough, and told her that he would be over at eleven.
Quickly she took a shower, getting dressed in her favourite pullover and some comfortable and warm cord pants. In the kitchen she started the coffee machine, washing the two empty cups they had used in the morning before she sat down by the window, staring outside into the snow. She tried not to think about Riku but somehow his face came to her mind and she couldn’t help smiling. Her new boyfriend. Weird but true. Trying to figure out the changes he could bring to her life, she started daydreaming about him for a bit. Would he take her with him on tour one day? She had never seen Sunrise Avenue perform but she was curious. Some of their songs were played on the radio sometimes and she made a mental note to listen a bit closer the next time she heard one of it.
The doorbell rang at eleven sharp. Right on time as usual. Dragging herself up on her feet, she checked on her cake again, cutting off two pieces before she made her way over to the entrance door.
“Hey!” she smiled, stepping aside. “Come in.”
He handed a box over to her. “And your keys.” He simply said and remained standing on the corridor.
“Don’t you wanna come in? I just made some coffee.” Beckoning him over she wanted to close the door but he shook his head.
“No thanks, I’m fine.” He merely stated. “A friend of mine brought me here, the car’s waiting.”
“Oh.” Elena stepped back. “Well, ask him to come up and have a cup as well.”
“SHE’s actually not too fond of you and didn’t want to come up.” He averted his gaze.
Click! Complete picture.
“Oh. Well then, let me just grab your stuff.” Quickly she turned around, wondering for a second. Most probably it was Jane, a doctor he worked with. Jane had actually never liked her and Elena had always felt that she was after Rob, but well... not her business any longer. When she returned from the living room she found Rob leaning at the kitchen door.
“You remember I don’t like walnuts, right?” he pointed at her cake.
Right! There had been something about him and food... “It was actually for a friend, I... I just wanted to try a piece before.” She lied quickly, knowing exactly that he knew it.
“Well, I assume you weren’t alone for breakfast this morning either.” Sarcastically he grinned, pointing at the two cups she had put on the placement area of the sink.
Without responding to his little side swipe she put the box in his hands. “Have a nice weekend, Rob. Don’t forget to say hello to Jane.” She turned around, walking over to the entrance door, waiting for him to follow.
“Yeah, well, have fun with your new life then.” He nodded at her, turning around without giving her another look.
Finally. Slowly Elena walked back into the kitchen, wrapping her cake into some aluminium foil. Someone would appreciate it!
On her way to the living room she picked up her mobile, sending a short message to Riku to pick her up. Very well then. Some fun with her new life.
When Riku reached her place she was already waiting outside in the heavy snow. “Hey!” he smiled cautiously. “Everything alright?”
She only nodded, closing the door. “I’m fine. Got my stuff back and made some cake.” She lifted the plate on her lap. “Hope you guys like it!”
He laughed, apparently a little relieved. “We’re fed up with bad donuts and thin coffee, so yes, we definitely will!” still smiling he kissed her cheek. “Good to have you back!” driving off, he put his hand on her thigh. “It is definitely gonna be a looooong weekend full of fun in the studio!”
The rest of the lads were equally excited about her cake, Sami even adjourned his recordings, very much to the displeasure of the record people but after they had been handed a piece of cake they were thrilled about the break.
“God, this tastes so good!” Samu mumbled with his mouth still full, taking another slice. “Rajamaa you are a lucky bastard!”
Riku laughed self-congratulatory, pulling Elena closer. “I know! A girl baking and actually eating pie! I’m in heaven!”
 
After a long day of Friends, recording and pie, Riku and Elena made their way downstairs. “Ah, I completely forgot!” Riku smote his forehead. “You have to help me, I promised Ruutuu to pick him up later, he wants to buy a commode and he told me to come with him to the store to pick it up.” He opened the trunk of his car. “We need to get the back seats down for it.” He beckoned her over. “I never tried this before, so I might need a hand.” Grinning he bent over the seat.
Elena got in the car as well, trying to help him. Suddenly, when both of them leaned over the seat, pulling, pushing and giggling there was a small flash, soon followed by many others. Riku’s head spun around and he froze. “Oh!” he closed his eyes, covering them with his hand.
At first Elena was shocked, but then a small giggle came over her lips. “Wow, Rajamaa, seems like we are busted in the backseats of your tank!”
“Right now I wish it actually was a tank.” He clenched his teeth. “D’you wanna hide? I could climb over and drive off!”
“No way! That’s like a confession of guilt!” she got up from the seat. “Drive off, I’ll go upstairs again, Raul is still at the studio, I could wait for him. You wanna meet anyway, maybe he takes me along and I’ll see you at his place.”
He nodded slowly. “I don’t know... true... we... hum... He’s the only one of us with an apartment in London, I sold mine last year. But most probably they will be waiting for you at his place.”
“I’ll hide in his trunk, promise! We’ll figure something out!” smiling she squeezed his fingers, exiting the car. “Bye, Mr. Rajamaa!” she waved and rushed over to the elevator again. Flashes of light followed her but she didn’t turn around again. When she closed the doors of the lift she heard Riku driving off. Crazy new life! Still giggling she stepped onto the corridor, finding Raul and Osmo. “Hey guys!” she smiled at them.
“Elena!” Osmo raised his eyebrow. “Why are you still here? Didn’t Riku want to take you home?”
“Reporters.” She pointed over her shoulder. “We got busted in the backseats and decided that one of you should give me a lift.”
“Backseats, hum?” Raul grinned. “Do I really want to know about it?”
She laughed. “It was for your commode, Riku told me he wanted to help you.” Looking from one to the other, she folded her arms over her chest. “So would one of you please give me a lift?”
“Well, we would...” Osmo scratched the back of his neck, shrugging a little unassertive. “But now they have smelled blood I assume... so if... well, doesn’t matter whether you are with Riku or with one of us right now, your picture’s gonna be all over the tabloids!”
“Oh.” Elena grimaced. “Damn!”
“Wait!” Raul beamed at her out of a sudden. “Dan must be somewhere around, maybe we can ask him!”
“Good one!” Osmo spun around, rushing along the corridor.
“Dan’s one of the studio technicians, maybe he can wait with you for a bit and bring you to our hotel.”
Elena nodded thoughtfully, playing with her lower lip. “What if... hey, know what? This Dan-guy, he could take me to the store, where you wanna pick up your commode.”
“Hey!” Raul grinned broadly. “Rajamaa’s found himself a smart girl! Woohoo! Come on, let’s do this! I promise, we’ll be there in about half an hour at the latest, alright? It’s McGregor’s antiques, Dan knows it, he took me there in the first place.”
“Alright then, go find the little nerd and tell him about our devilish plan!” Elena nodded with a smile, waving him goodbye. He winked at her, stepping into the elevator. “I’ll distract them, promise! Maybe I’ll drop my pants!”
Chuckling Elena rested her back at the white wall. Those guys were amazing! Just like in her dreams. Sometimes she even wondered a little just how similar they were in real life.
Osmo didn’t take long. Pulling a blond man along the corridor, he smiled at her. “Here we go!” he clapped his hands. “Dan, Elena, Elena, Dan.”
Elena offered her hand to the blond. “Hey, Dan. Thank you so much for your help!”
He waved her comment aside. “No problem! Come on, my car’s outside on the car park.” Beckoning her over, he fetched his keys from the back pocket of his jeans.
 
It took Riku and Raul in fact almost 50 minutes to reach the small antiques store. Cursing the reporters and paparazzi, Riku slammed the door of his car. She would be mad at him. Still cursing under his breath, he circled the car, buttoning up his coat. It was dark already, heavy snow flurry inhibited visibility, covering the street and the cars nearby.
Suddenly he saw something moving from the corner of his eye. He wasn’t fast enough and a snowball hit him fair in the face. He heard laughter, wiping the wet snow from his face. There she was, quickly running into him, wrapping her arms around him. “That was for being late!” she kissed his wet face playfully before she stepped back, offering a paper bag to him. “And this is because I love you.”
Completely taken by surprise he broke into laughter, taking one of the little meat pies she had bought from a Greggs-store nearby. She offered the bag to Raul as well. “Come on, mate!” she winked at him. “I got sausage-rolls!” seductively she blinked her eyes, making Raul giggle and take one of the offered pastries.
“Sorry for being late!” Riku bent down, kissing his girlfriend with his salty lips before hungrily biting off another piece of his pie. “Sometimes I wanna run them over, but I’m still too human to kill reporters!” he took another hearty bite, realising in surprise that he had blanked out his hunger completely because he had been scared that she would make a scene for standing in the snow far too long. Smiling he kissed her again, watching her eating another sausage-roll.
“What?” she mumbled and returned his smile.
“Nothing.” He pulled her closer. “Just, well... thanks for not being mad.”
Elena broke into laughter and choked on her sausage. “Mad?” she gasped, coughing. “You’re only a few minutes late! And I can always keep myself busy, especially with food, trust me!”
 
“Bathtub for you!” Riku smacked a kiss on Elena’s cheek and put the paper bags from the grocery store down on the counter of the kitchen. “You deserve it!”
“Thanks.” Elena wrapped her arms around him and smiled. “You could join me you know...”
Grinning he pulled her closer. “I surely could...”
“So why don’t you?”
Still grinning he cocked his head. “Give me one minute to put this all away.” He pointed at the food. “You can arrange the bath for us, alright?”
“Waiting for you in the tub.” She winked at him, making her way over to the bathroom. When she started to light a few candles, filling the tub, she smiled to herself. Life with Riku seemed incredibly easy. She felt connected to him in a way she had never been to any man she had ever dated. They shared a lot of interests, enjoying the same music and foods. He even seemed to like having long baths on cold winter evenings. Strangely enough after only a few days but he made her feel like home. She pinned up her hair, taking off her pullover. Even the fact that she would be naked with him in only a few minutes didn’t scare her. She had been naked with him in her dreams and it had never felt odd. In fact it had felt nothing but perfectly right. Sighing she pulled down her pants and slip, sitting down in the hot water. Completely relaxed she leaned back, stretching out her legs.
Suddenly the phone rang and she opened her eyes a little annoyed. She was already about to sit up again and grab her towel, but Riku stood in the doorway all of a sudden.
“Yep, she’s right ‘ere.” He smiled at her. “It’s yer sister calling. Want me to tell her to call you back?”
She shook her head and wiped her wet hands. “Hand ‘er over. Thanks a lot, love.”
“Alright, so here you go, bye Lilly!” he handed the phone over to her, sitting down on the ceiling of the bathtub to open his sneakers.
“Put them on the heater!” Elena suggested, pointing at his shoes. “They must be soaking wet! Sorry Lil, just a sec. I also got some old newspapers if you want to dry them properly!”
He got up, carefully smelling his shoes. With a disgusted sound he lowered them, smirking at her. “Yer bath smells too nice for my stinky sneakers!” he held them away as far as possible. “I’d better take ‘em outside, I guess.”
Elena laughed. “Alright, stinky-boy, take yer time! Hey there, hun!” she turned back at her sister. “How are you?”
“How am III?” Lilly shrieked. “Is that Riku Rajamaa answering your phone calls, delivering your phone to you in the bathtub? Hell, what the fuck is going on in your life, sis?”
Again Elena laughed, leaning back. “I made a few changes.”
“Changes in what? Men? Life? Reality maybe?” still her sisters voice was a little high pitched and Elena played around with the foam in the tub.
“Well, all of it I assume.” She started warily. “I broke up with Rob.”
“And now what? Are you with Riku now?” she over-enunciated his name, making Elena giggle.
“Well, kinda. We started hanging out a little when I returned to London and Rob, he... well I guess he couldn’t handle it and well, I ended up kissing Riku and also I was told that I threw up on him as well as he... well...” she waved her words aside. “Different story. But we realised that we actually feel quite comfortable with each other, so... well, now he’s here and we will see where it takes us when he has to leave again.” She pouted at her entering boyfriend, making him raise his eyebrow.
“What d’you expect? Guess you’ll be forced to start travelling, right?” he took off his pullover. “There’s a lot of nice hotel rooms waiting for you all over the world!” starting to unbutton his pants he threw a quick gaze at her. “You mind?”
Elena burst into laughter. “About what? You getting naked?”
“He’s getting NAKED?” Lilly shrieked again. “Oh my god, you’re gonna have sex with Riku Rajamaa in your bathtub!”
“I think I won’t.” Elena cocked her head. “Are we gonna have sex in the bathtub now? Lilly wants to know.”
“I don’t intend to inform your sister when, where or how I’m gonna have sex with you!”
“That’s a yes.” Elena winked at him. “Listen, hun. I’m really tired, you mind if I call you tomorrow? I need some rest now, we’ve been at the studio all day, carrying a heavy commode for Raul and doing some late shopping, I’m knackered.”
“Well as long as you promise to tell me EVERYTHING tomorrow!” Lilly insisted. “Damn, why did I even make an effort and try to get a ticket for their show for you! You’re gonna bring us in backstage! Damn, I need to call Ally right now! Love you, hun! Bye!”
“Bye, Lil!” Elena said, but her sister had already hung up the phone. Still grinning she sat up, washing her face. “She’s very excited now.” Again she put a handful of water on her face. “You’re like the brother in law she has dreamed of all her life!”
Chuckling Riku pulled down his boxers and stepped into the tub. “Gimme some space in there, big girl!”
“I am NOT a big girl!” she smirked at him. “’s the water too cold for you, big boy?” she teased, making him snort with laughter.
“Of course you’re not a big girl, love.” He leaned over to kiss her. “And very soon I won’t be cold anymore.” Grinning he ran his fingers over her shins. Then he sat back, putting his legs over hers. “God, this feels so good!” he sighed and closed his eyes but only to open them again, smiting his forehead. “Almost forgot!” getting up he wrapped a towel around his hips. When he returned he had a bottle of red wine and two glasses in his hands. “Wanna join me for a glass?” smiling he put the glasses down on the sink to fill them, when she nodded.
 
They both fell asleep quickly that night, wrapped up in each other’s arms, too tired to stay awake and do anything but kissing for a few minutes.
Riku’s mobile woke them in the early morning, making Riku grunt something vulgar instead of hello when he picked up.
“I knew you were sleeping!” Sami sounded annoyed. “Get yer arse here, mate! We got an interview at nine!”
Grunting again Riku lay back. “Ye’re kidding, right?” he mumbled, feeling over the bedside table to find his wristwatch.
“I’m not, so get here quickly! Damn, Riku! She’s getting you all fuzzy and messed up!”
“Leave her you of this, mate!” Riku dragged himself up on his feet. “I’ll be at the hotel in 20 minutes.” He hung up, sighing when he looked down at Elena in her half sleep.
“You gotta go?” she mumbled, sitting up as well.
“Have to.” He shrugged apologetically. “Will I see you tonight?”
“’f course.” She yawned. “Just pop by as soon as you are done, alright?”
“I will.” Sighing again he bent down to kiss her. “I’ll bring my suitcase along for my stay at yours, alright?”
She returned his smile and nodded. “See you later!” she whispered before she closed her eyes, drifting back into her sleep.
 
They had been dating for almost a week. Most of the time Riku had stayed overnight but nothing serious had happened between them and Elena was torn between excitement and impatience. No doubt, she wanted him and she knew that he wanted her but somehow he had decided to give her time. Time they actually didn’t have, so Elena felt herself getting more and more impatient the more time they spent together and the more their precious time was running out.
He called in the early afternoon of the next Saturday, promising to come and pick her up around half past five. “Dress up a little we’re gonna have an early dinner.” He simply stated before he hung up the phone, leaving her standing in front of her closet completely puzzled. Dressing up? She had not dressed up in years! After trying on a couple of dresses and desperately throwing them onto the bed, she finally found the old graduation dress she had been wearing when she had finished university. It was beautiful but still casual enough to give her the feeling of not being overdressed. Slowly she turned in front of the mirror, running her hands over the small gleaming pearls of the dark blue strapless dress. Perfect. She smiled at her reflection, throwing a quick gaze at the clock on the corridor wall. Half an hour to go. Sighing she sat down on her bed. She was dressed, everything was fine.
No!
She jumped up. Nothing was fine! Hair and make-up! Damn! Half an hour to go! She rushed over to the bathroom.
Only short after half past five when she grabbed her purse, giving herself one last look before applying a second layer of lip-gloss. Her shoes were a bit too high-heeled for her taste, but they matched the dress perfectly. Hoping for a clear sidewalk she stepped outside, finding a middle-aged blond man standing in front of a dark Mercedes. He smiled at her, taking a small bow. “I’m most delighted, Miss Heikkinen.” Again he bowed, opening the door of the car for her. “My name is Jonathan. Mr Rajamaa sent me to pick you up, because he has been delayed by a few phone calls, asking your forgiveness.”
‘Asking my forgiveness?’ Elena bit back a little grin and nodded thankfully when Jonathan helped her to sit in the back of the car. Well, forgiveness for keeping her curious and now even sending a car as if she was an ambassadress! Excitedly she wrapped her coat around herself, leaning forward to watch Jonathan driving off.
He turned his head for a second. “Is everything alright, Miss?” he asked astounded, making her blush and sit back immediately.
“Sure.” She blushed even deeper. “I’m not used to sitting in the backseats to be honest!”
He let out a little laugh. “I apologise for the inconvenience, Miss! It is only going to take a few minutes, so you might just sit back and relax. I’ll take you to the main entrance and drop you off if this is agreeable to you.”
“It is.” She assured quickly, pressing her handbag to her chest flutteringly.
Another chance to make a different choice. She would go out for dinner with Riku and... most probably she would stay overnight, so... maybe it was another chance to avoid the weird threesome she had once had in her dreams. It was Riku. It had to be Riku. She would never hurt him in real life.
Wondering a little, she thought about her dream-mess again. The dreams had stopped out of a sudden. One night with Riku and puff! Everything was dark and quiet and peaceful. The whole fitfulness had been over all of a sudden. Maybe it was a sign from somewhere above. She had made the right decision by choosing Riku. Even though... some strange little part deep inside of her was mourning. It was hurting, feeling pain and grief for losing Samu. How could there be dolour? She was happy! She had finally made a profound decision by leaving her ordinary life behind and taking a risk. She had finally found a man she felt happy to be with. What was it that made her sad? A dream??
She had to talk to her mother. This wasn’t normal! And it wasn’t healthy either.
Deep in her thoughts she stared outside into the heavy snow, flinching when Jonathan suddenly opened the door of the car for her. “The Hilton, Miss.” Smiling he took a small bow and offered his hand to her to help her exit the car. “You’ll be alright, won’t you, Miss?”
“I’ll be fine. Thank you, Jonathan.” Elena arranged her coat, trying to return the driver’s smile. “Thanks for picking me up!”
“My pleasure, Miss. Maybe you could take a seat in the lobby or the hotel bar. Mr Rajamaa will be with you as soon as possible.” He took another bow before her got into the car again, driving off.
Alright. Here we go. Elena ran her hands through her hair, entering the huge hotel. The bar was easy to find and she felt like she needed a little drink right now. When she sat down at one of the centre tables she thought about having a cup of coffee, shoving the thought aside. She was far too excited to have coffee now! Ordering Scotch, she took off her coat, leaning back on the soft black leather couch. You could never go wrong with good old Scotch.
The waitress smiled down at her. “Any preferences, Miss?” she asked, giving Elena an odd smile, most probably wondering about a woman drinking Whisky.
“Glen Morrangie.” Elena tried to sound annoyed, returning the snappish smile of the young woman.
“Glen Morrangie on ice. Just a second, Miss!” she was about to turn around, but Elena stopped her by clearing her throat.
“EXCUSE me?” she gave the girl a charming smile. “Did you just say ON ICE?”
“Of course, Miss, d’you have different preferences?” the girl blushed.
“Actually I have.” Elena put her purse aside. “Double Scotch and one spoonful of table water please.” Picking up her mobile, she signalised the waitress that she wasn’t needed any longer. Stupid little pet!
Suddenly a low chuckle was heard close behind her. “The same for me please.” A husky voice yelled after the waitress and Elena’s head spun around.
Samu!
Her heart almost skipped a beat. She had met him very often during the last week. Mostly during recordings but from time to time she had joined the lads for a little party at local pubs with Riku. She had always tried to avoid Samu, trying not to be impolite, but drawing an invisible line with her behaviour towards him. Always nice and polite, but never close. Much to her disappointment he had been the perfectly good looking, charming guy she loved with all her heart in her dreams and sometimes it even made her feel like choking in his presence. He seemed to shrink a room by only being in it, and with it he seemed to minimize all the space she was fighting to keep up.
Still chuckling he sat down next to her. “Never met a girl, drinking her Whisky your way. The RIGHT way.” He added, comfortably leaning back with a little sigh. “Damn it, you look fit tonight!” he suddenly stated, making her blush.
“Thanks.” She mumbled in a thin voice and allowed herself to run his gaze over him. Damn it, he looked amazing with his lose baggy pants and his shirt with rolled up sleeves. “You too.” She added after a few seconds, making him burst into laughter.
“Thank you, Mylady!” he sat up, resting his elbows on his knees. “So, here’s the deal: You have to be satisfied with me for a while, because Riku is still busy, but I assume that we will make the best out of it, right?” he took the two glasses the waitress brought and handed one of them over to Elena. “That one’s on me.” He smiled broadly, winking at her.
Elena felt her hand shivering when she took the glass from his fingers, trying her best not to touch him. She failed miserably and the bolt of electricity shooting through her body almost let the glass slip through her fingers. Quickly she took a deep breath, trying to return Samus smile when she clinked glasses with him.
Taking a deep swing, Samu sighed again and leaned back, putting his arm around the backrest of the little couch. “So...” he smiled again, winking at her. “Tell me something about you!”
Elena tried to hide behind her glass, feeling the liquor burning in her throat. She moved away as far as possible, arranging her long dress. “Well...” she mumbled, completely out of words for a second. “I think I told you guys almost everything about me.”
He laughed, pointing at her with a grin. “You didn’t!” he simply stated, watching her closely with his intense eyes. “There’s more.”
“Well, you... you know about my work and... and my family and my life... right?” she stuttered, feeling her cheeks blushing again.
“Work and family don’t make a whole life, do they?” he ignored the distance she tried to keep between them, moving closer. “I wanna know more about what is actually in here.” His index finger touched her forehead. “Dreams, plans, life experiences. Everything.” Checking his wristwatch his smile widened. “From my point of view we have about an hour at the least, so... why don’t you just get started and we’ll see where it takes us, what d’you say?”
NO! Everything inside of her yelled instantly, but she tried to work up all her courage, emptying her glass. Quickly she signalised the waitress to bring another one. It was definitely required for this grilling Samu was about to start.
“Dreams and plans, hum?” she forced a smile, working up all her strength and courage once more, fighting against the smell of his familiar cologne. Damn, why did he even have to smell the way he used to in her dreams?? What a perfect topic, her dreams. She could surely tell him a little story! Taking a deep swing from her new glass and a breath, she turned around to face him and extend the distance between them on the small couch. “I always dreamed about travelling.” She started, relieved to have a neutral topic.
“Where?” he asked quickly, leaning back.
“Everywhere!” she chuckled bashfully. “I never had a lot of time to travel really.”
“Why?” again he focused on her face, cocking his head.
“I’ve been busy.”
“This is not a proper conversation, girl!” he laughed.
“Well, you are not helpful!” she shot back, feeling her cheeks blushing even deeper, much to her annoyance.
“I was supposed to be the interested listener in this conversation, dear!” he sipped his drink. “Please, go ahead, you were saying?”
“I have always worked far too much.” She admitted without even thinking about it properly, twisting her glass between her fingers. “School, university, PhD... it all happened so fast, you know?”
“I don’t actually. I always wanted to study more, maybe become an engineer or a doctor, but... well, I was young and then Sunrise Avenue came along, recruiting charming boys.” He threw a quick smile at her, staring down at his drink. “It’s a good life, believe me!” he added hastily, taking another sip. “But sometimes...” he left the sentence unfinished, looking at Elena.
“Sometimes.” She repeated in a low voice. “Sometimes you wish that you... well... could start over again, right?”
“What would you do if you got this chance?” he scrutinised her face. “What decisions d’you regret?”
“I don’t know.” Getting deeper into the conversation, Elena felt herself relaxing and moved a little closer. “Maybe I would work instead of doing a doctor’s degree. Maybe... well, maybe combine it with travelling... working in Africa, doctors without borders, you know? Just for a while, maybe settle somewhere in Europe for a while. Maybe have children. I don’t know. What would you do?”
“Study.” He answered without hesitation. “Make a difference. Have kids right away. Maybe join you on your doctors without borders dream and change the world. Do something with my hands.” He raised his hands, stretching his long fingers. “I’d be good at that.”
“What is it like? Being part of this band?” Elena gestured with her free hand.
“It’s... stressful... and... and nice.” He smiled warily. “Sometimes more stressful, sometimes nice overweighs the stressful part.” He shrugged. “Two sides of a coin. Flip it and hope for the best.” Again he shrugged, putting his arm around the backrest of the couch once more. “What about your plans? D’you have any for the near future?”