Tristan had come here many times as a child, and wrote his very first song here. He knew, being winter, there was a good chance that no one else would be here and they could safely spend the day together with no risk of fans seeing them.
Tristan didn’t want Stella to be just another relationship. He wanted, no, needed it to work. She was everything he had always wanted to find in someone, and he was going to do everything in his power to make her want to be with him just as he wanted to be with her.
“Here we go,” Tristan said as they rounded the corner to an opening in the track. He pulled Stella to his side as they strolled forward. Tristan watched Stella’s reaction, praying she would like where he had brought her. He’d never brought anyone else out here before, and hoped she could see its beauty the way he did.
He watched Stella take in the surroundings, her eyes widening. “It’s beautiful Tristan,” she whispered, relief sweeping over Tristan at her words as they stood in front of the glistening water in front of them. The sound of the crashing water and local wildlife around them was soothing as they both took in the serenity. With the large overhanging rock creating a beautiful waterfall off its edge and the water cascading into the deep blue water, it was breath-taking.
“I’ve never been here before. How did I not know about it?” Stella asked Tristan, her face smiling with joy. He was thankful she enjoyed it just as much as he did.
“Not many people do. I used to come here all the time as a kid. It’s actually where I wrote my first song.”
Stella walked towards the water’s edge, slipping her shoe off and dipping her toes into the water.
“Is it warm?” Tristan asked from behind her.
“It’s freezing!” she squealed, then turned to him and frowned. “I hope you didn’t expect me to go swimming in this!”
“That’s exactly what I planned on doing. Now get undressed.” He winked at her while pulling his jumper and shirt over his head.
“No way, not happening.”
Stella shook her head, crossing her arms across her body.
Tristan shrugged. “Well at least come up to the top with me. It’s got a great view up there.”
“Fine, but I’m not going swimming,” she agreed, reminding him she wasn’t interested. Tristan knew once they got up there he had a better chance of convincing her to go for a swim.
One step at a time
, he thought to himself.
They walked up the path, careful not to slip on any of the rocks while Ben and Sam stayed at the bottom, they seemed content that no security was needed up there.
As they approached the edge of the rock, Tristan turned to Stella. “Time to get undressed, unless you want me to throw you in fully clothed?”
Stella’s mouth dropped open. “You wouldn’t dare?”
Tristan raised his eyebrow taking a step forward. “Wouldn’t I?”
Stella took a step back, creating distance between them. “Tristan, its freezing,” she pleaded.
“Ben’s got towels ready for us at the bottom.”
Ever since he met Stella all he wanted to do was get her to her take a chance, live a little. She seemed so compelled to never let herself let go, never let herself feel any kind of excitement and happiness with the fear of what it might do to her.
“Come on Stella. It’ll be fun. All we have to do is jump. Just trust me.”
Stella coughed and looked at him like he must be joking. “And break my neck? No I don’t think so,” she said shaking her head.
He tilted his head to the side, thinking about how melodramatic she was being. “You won’t break your neck. I’ve done it a hundred times
before,
it’s a lot deeper than you think.”
Stella looked at him, and then leaned forward peering over the edge of the rock to the drop below.
“
Pleeease
,” Tristan begged Stella, doing his best to pull a sad face.
She looked at him in disbelief. “You’re trying puppy eyes on me?
Seriously Tristan?”
Stella rolled her eyes while he kept pulling his face, determined to convince to her to go with him.
“Pretty, pretty please, with sugar on top.”
He watched as Stella considered his offer, playing it over in her head. He would never force her to do anything she didn’t want to do, but he desperately wanted her to take a risk.
After a long minute of contemplating his offer Stella finally agreed. “Fine,” she grunted. “But if anything happens to me...”
Tristan couldn’t hide his smile. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to you Stella.”
“Promise me you won’t do that face to me again?”
Tristan laughed at her comment, “I can’t promise you that.”
She shook her head at him, and then quickly started undressing herself.
Tristan watched as she pulled her clothing and shoes off, leaving her exposed with all but the tiny fabric covering her most desirable attributes. He didn’t think he could ever get enough of Stella’s body. She was perfectly proportioned with radiant skin. Her posture said she wasn’t shy of her body and yet she wasn’t overly confident either. He hadn’t realised he’d been staring until he heard Stella’s comment.
“Finished? Maybe you should take a picture, lasts longer.”
Tristan raised his eyebrow, grinning at her. “Maybe I should, so I’ll always remember your stunning figure, although I doubt I’ll ever be able to forget.” He pulled her closer, kissing her gently on the lips.
Stella pulled herself from his grasp. “
Please
, I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of better looking bodies than mine.”
Tristan shook his head, “None have been as beautiful as yours.”
Stella coughed in her mouth, “HA
HA
!”
Tristan shrugged. “Think what you want. But right now, I’m ready to go swimming.” He grabbed her hand and led her to the edge of the rock, his pulse racing. He tried to hide his excitement, it was one thing doing it by
yourself
the thrill of the drop, but it was another knowing she had just agreed to trust him.
“Ready?” he asked with playful smile, squeezing her hand tightly, reassuring her it will be ok.
She kept her head down, and nodded. Tristan could feel her hand shaking in his.
“On the count of three.
One, two, three!” he yelled as they both leaped of the rock’s edge flying through the air.
Tristan heard Stella’s scream for a split second, gripping her tightly, just before they hit the icy water with force.
They both emerged from the water, gasping for air as the coldness pressed against their skin. “It’s freezing!” Tristan exclaimed, suddenly regretting his actions. The last thing he wanted to do was freeze Stella to death.
Stella turned to him with a wide smile on her lips. “That was unreal! Let’s do it again!” Stella exclaimed full of adrenaline. She pulled Tristan close to her wrapping her legs around his waist.
“That was defiantly not the reaction I’d thought you’d give. I’m freezing!” Tristan said in surprise.
Stella tilted her back and laughed. Tristan knew in that moment after hearing that sound out of her mouth, the pure joy she felt, the way her laugh warmed his heart, he would do everything in his power to make her feel like that every day for the rest of her life.
“Life’s about taking risks
Stel
. Sometimes it’s the little risks that have the greatest effect.”
Stella leant forward and kissed his lips. “You have this profound effect on me Tristan. With you, I’m not me. I live a life trying to avoid surprises and risks, yet I do the complete opposite with you. It’s driving me insane.”
“Life’s meant to be a surprise Stella. It’s meant to excite us, challenge us, and drive us. You just have to trust in it enough to let it lead you.”
“We’ll see.” She smiled before turning and swimming away. “Race you to the top!” she called.
“Cheat!” Tristan called after her as he swam to try and keep up. Everything about Stella made him smile, slowly he could see her wall breaking down, letting him in bit by bit. He was happy to spend a lifetime getting to know her, if that’s what it would take.
***
“If I eat any more I’ll explode,” Stella said as she arched her back, patting her tummy.
Tristan enjoyed watching Stella eat. They had spent the rest of the day, swimming, eating and talking by the waterfall. Tristan had quizzed Stella on her life before him, but she didn’t give much away. Tristan could tell she was hiding something, but he didn’t push to find out what, instead he told her about his life. She listened to him quietly as he told her how he lived an average childhood, was an only child and was close to his parents who both supported his dream to become a musician. They had helped him pay for singing lessons, as well as how to play the guitar and piano.
He was one of those people who loved high school, and become good friends with some guys growing up, but the demands of his career after he graduated made it hard for him to see them as often as he liked.
After he finished telling her about his life Stella continued to ask him more about it. He didn’t mind her questions but the way she asked him was like she was digging for something, trying to find some horrible secret about his life that he didn’t have.
“Why won’t you tell me more about your career? Your life must be a lot different now you’re famous. Is there something you don’t want to tell me, something your hiding?” Stella questioned.
“I’m not hiding anything Stella, honestly. Truthfully my life is pretty ordinary. Always was, until I met you of course.” Tristan hoped that was the answer she was searching for. He had spent the last four years so absorbed in his
career,
he barely had time for anything else.
“Sure...”
Tristan could tell Stella didn’t believe him. “It’s the truth Stella. Becoming a famous singer was always my dream, and it’s so amazing to have the opportunity to make music for a living. But there is always a downside to fame and mine is loneliness. I had heaps of friends before coming famous; I was always seeking out new adventures and experiences. When I finally made it, people who I thought were friends betrayed me the second a bit of money was thrown in their faces and its hard now for me to go anywhere or do anything, without being followed by paparazzi and fans. Don’t get me wrong I love the fans, but it’s hard not even being able to go to the petrol station without being followed.
“After I lost most of my friends and changed my way of thinking, my life became about my music career, never having time for anyone, never trusting anyone. It doesn’t matter how much money you have in the world, how many people hang on your beck and call, nothing cures the loneliness you feel.”
Stella was silent for a couple of minutes taking in what he’d just told her. “I can’t image life as
Tristan Woods
is lonely. I saw you at the concert, I watched how people act around you, and it was very clear to me a lot of women would be glad to give you company.”
“The only company I want is yours Stella.” Tristan wanted Stella to see how much she has changed his life, how much she meant to him.
Stella shook her head, standing up, looking over him.
“Why Tristan?
What’s so great about me? There are plenty of better looking, smarter, exciting girls out there. I’m
a nobody
.”
Tristan stood, grabbing her shoulders to keep her still. “Stop it Stella, you’re not
a nobody
. How many times do I have to tell you how much I care for you? You’re the most amazing girl I’ve ever met. Everything feels right with you.”
“How’s this going to work anyway?” He could see tears forming in Stella’s eyes. “You’ll no doubt have another concert somewhere in Australia and you’ll leave and I won’t see you again.”
“Last night was the last concert I have booked for a while. I plan on sticking around Stella, that’s why I got the unit. When I have to leave, let’s deal with it when we come to that obstacle. I don’t have all the answers, but I know that I want to at least give this a try.” He rested his forehead on hers, wiping her tears away with his thumb.
“What happens if you get sick of me?” Stella sobbed.
“I very much doubt I could ever get sick of you Stella.” Tilting her chin up with his hand he touched her lips with his, taking her in a deep embrace. His hands travelling up her jumper, tracing her back, their kiss escalating. Tristan could feel Stella’s heart beat harder against his chest. Her hands followed his lead, outlining the muscles on his back. Unexpectedly Stella pulled herself away, taking a step back.
“I’m sorry,” she apologised, shaking her head.
“It’s ok,” Tristan reassured her, interlacing his hand in hers.
Stella looked up at Tristan remorsefully. “I want to take things slow with you. My last relationship didn’t end well and I don’t want to make the same mistakes with you. So let’s keep this simple for now.”
“Ok. Define simple for me, just so I know the boundaries.”
“PG rating type of affection,” she replied apprehensively.
Tristan took a deep breath. “Whatever it takes Stella. I’m not losing you again.”
“Your fine with just this then?”
“If
your
happy, I’m happy. Although it’s going to take every bone in my body to refrain from being with you, I’ll do it. I’d do anything for you.”
Stella hugged his chest. He wanted to ask her about her last relationship, and what happened to make her so closed off and scared, but now wasn’t the time. He would wait. He would wait forever if he had to.
Tristan had made it his mission to ensure that his career and everything that came with it wouldn’t affect their newly formed relationship, so they spent the rest of the weekend attempting to have as much of a ‘normal’ relationship as possible. In an ideal world they would have been like anyone else starting a new relationship, the excitement and exhilaration that came with it, but there relationship was never going to be the simple and easy one and Stella knew it. They had the extra pressure of the complications that came with Tristan’s fame, most of which Stella was only beginning to grasp.