It was early August when Meg dropped me off for my voice lesson while she went to pick up Brian and Raoul so when I was done we could all go to the beach for the day. Knowing that I wouldn't have time to go home and change I showed up to my lesson wearing my bikini under my white sundress. The dress was a bit daring, with its spaghetti straps, V-neck line that plunged just enough to show some cleavage. Pretty white lace decorated the top of it, the skirt barely reaching the tops of my knees. It tied in the back, leaving space of my lower back exposed. I normally wouldn't have worn something so revealing in front of a grown man, I might be naïve but I am not entirely stupid, but it was August, I was going to the beach and to be completely honest I wanted to look a little flirty for Raoul.

You see, that whole summer Raoul and I had been flirtatious with one another but we weren't "official". He didn't ask me to be his girlfriend until the following Valentine's Day. It is very important to make the distinction that he was not my boyfriend at the time, but that didn't stop Erik from knowing exactly what was going on.

I walked into the studio to see Erik organizing some music, I think I startled him when I said hello, he took one look at me and dropped everything to the floor. My immediate response was to go to the floor and help him pick everything. I felt his gaze on me, I always knew when he was looking at me. I know I just said I wasn't entirely stupid and I know that men ogle girls when their parts are on display, but it just didn't seem like that was the case with him. It is my own self-diagnosis that I was in utter denial that he was a man with desires, well desires for me anyway.

I handed him the papers that I collected off the floor and he took them from me, not making eye contact before stacking them on the table, "I didn't realize we had a swimming lesson today," he said almost too seriously. I giggled at that. "I finally have a day off so after our lesson Meg, Brian, Raoul and myself are off to the beach for the day."

It was as if the record player skipped and you could hear a pin drop when Raoul's name escaped my lips. The look he gave me made me feel oddly guilty as if I had somehow betrayed him, but that was silly he was my teacher and Raoul was just my friend. I wanted him to be more than a friend but I didn't owe Erik that explanation.

"You have a date?" he asked me in a way that sounded like it was the hardest thing for him to comprehend. I laughed it off, "No, we are all going just as friends."

"But Meg and Brain are dating." It wasn't a question he was asking he was stating a rather obvious fact.

"Yes?" I didn't know where he was going with his line of questioning.

"So it's a double date." He concluded.

"Not really," I shrugged. "Raoul is just a friend of mine. All of us have been hanging out a lot this summer."

"I see." He returned his attention to the piano, leaving me very confused and slightly uncomfortable. He was making me feel like I had done something wrong. "You know; Christine you have been working very hard for your future. I would just hate to watch you throw it away on any distractions." He almost sounded paternal in his concerns. They weren't.

"Trust me, my eye is on the prize, Mr. Destler. But I am seventeen and I do need to have fun from time to time."

He nodded his head in reluctant agreement. We didn't discuss it any further and continued with our lesson as usual. The hour had passed and as I was getting ready to end our session Erik grabbed my wrist in desperation. It caught me off guard, the look in his eyes were fearful and sad, "Christine, you know if you are ever in a situation and you need to leave or be picked up you can call me." I was utterly confused by what he meant by his statement. He must have picked up on my confusion and quickly clarified, "I know you are young and want to have fun but sometimes a fun time can turn quickly and I just wanted you to know that I am here for you. Even if you just needed a ride home from work. I worry about your safety."

I believed him to be genuine in his concerns for my safety, "Mr. Destler, I couldn't put you out like that."

His grip tightened, he wasn't hurting me but it was as if he needed me to understand him, "Erik."

"Excuse me?"

"Please, we have been working together for almost a year. You may call me Erik."

The part of my brain that fought so desperately to say that I was uncomfortable calling him by his first name did not win the fight. I felt like I had finally gained some credibility with this man who I so frantically wanted to please. My cheeks raised into tight lip smile, "Ok, Erik," his grip loosened as he seemed to calm down.

"You will call me, should you ever need anything." This wasn't a question either, it was for me to understand.

He finally let go of me and my tensed body could finally relax. Again, I was touched that someone cared about me enough to drop whatever it was they were doing to make my life easier. And at the time I didn't think that it was odd that he was so protective over me. He knew me better than anyone at that time, he knew the constant stress I was in. I hated to always inconvenience Meg for a ride so that I didn't have to pay for public transit and he was offering. But what I didn't really consider was the first part of his offer. He knew way before I did that something bad was going to happen. And it was going to happen that night.

I left the lesson feeling a bit flustered but upon jumping into the car and riding to the beach I put that lesson to the back of my mind and enjoyed the day with my friends. It was around four o'clock when we decided to head back to Raoul's place to hang out and watch a movie. When we got there Raoul's older brother was throwing another party, this time it was the last hoorah before he went off to college. This party was even worse than the graduation party. It was hardly six and everyone was wasted out of their minds. I didn't want to be there. But Meg insisted that we stay and get some free drinks and hang out. She was my ride and I didn't want to make her leave.

I made the mistake of drinking more than I should have, I drank to the point of bravery again and I was talking to all these people I did not know. I didn't even know when I got separated from Meg and Brian. Raoul was also nowhere to be seen. Seeing that I had drunk too much I was in much need to use the bathroom, so in my drunken stupor, I thought it would be a brilliant idea to go use the bathroom that was in the guest room in the basement. Basement isn't really the word for what that expansive bottom floor was. Downstairs they had a full movie theater, a bowling alley and a separate apartment with its own living room, dining room, kitchen, full bath, and laundry. After using the facilities, I could hear voices outside the bathroom. I audibly gulped when I realized who was talking, "But, Raoul I really like you." Said the voice of none other than Carlotta Giudicelli, of course, she was going after the guy I liked. I rolled my eyes at her pathetic whining.

"And I like you too, Carls."

"So what's the problem. You're single, I'm single," her tone was seductive and smooth.

I was holding my breath for dear life, the whole situation was giving me anxiety. I knew I couldn't just open the door on them, they would probably think I was being super creepy hiding and listening to their conversation.

Then it was quiet, suspiciously quiet. I thought it meant that they had left. I opened the door to see Carlotta straddling Raoul's lap. Her lips on his. I wanted to vomit. I stood there just a tiny bit longer than I should have when Raoul finally came up for air and saw me. He didn't get to finish saying my name before I had bolted out of the room and ran upstairs.

Somehow I managed to find my things and I was out of there walking down the street crying hysterically about what just happened. I felt like my heart was broken into a million pieces. I guess it was rather silly of me to have such a huge reaction, he wasn't my boyfriend, he was free to do whatever he wanted with whoever he wanted.

I do not know how long I walked, I didn't really even have a destination in mind. My house was nowhere near walkable and I was only wearing my sundress from earlier. If you are ever in a situation and you need to leave or be picked up, you can call me.

I called Erik immediately, sobbing into the phone that I needed a ride home. I could barely hold it together telling him where I was and as quick as lightning he showed up in one of the most beautiful cars I had ever seen. It looked way too expensive for someone who taught voice lessons for a living.

I was still sniffling when I entered the passenger's seat, "Do you want to tell me what happened?" his voice was so soothing, but I could not calm down. I shook my head no and we remained silent for a while as he drove around aimlessly with me, "Is there somewhere you would like for me to take you?"

Again I remained silent, I didn't want to go home; I was piss drunk and crying and I didn't need anyone else to see me like this.

"Christine, please talk to me, darling." I just didn't know where to begin, it was as if everything that had ever bothered me in my life was all rising to the surface. I was hurt that I saw the guy I liked kissing my mortal enemy. Of course, she doesn't deal with confidence, she can walk right up to a guy and just kiss him and it's not a big deal. He should want to be with a girl who isn't so passive, someone who isn't killing themselves to support a dream that has very low odds of happening. My self-worth was plummeting.

The car stopped in front of voice studio Erik had been renting over the summer. We were silent for a while, Erik had stopped trying to make me talk about anything, most likely knowing that it wouldn't do any good. I'm not sure why I said it, or what I expected him to say but with nothing to lose I said, "Do you think I'm pretty?"

"What?" he sounded actually offended.

"Do you think that I am a pretty girl?" I demanded of him. I needed to know.

His eyes were searching mine, trying to figure out what it was that I wanted out of this conversation. He looked and looked at me but didn't immediately respond.

"Are you sure this is what you want to ask me?"

I nodded frantically, "Pretty isn't the word I would use." I felt like I could die right then and there. I knew it, I was an ugly duckling and Raul probably saw me as a little sister rather than a woman who he wanted to be involved with romantically. I started to cry again when I felt him take my hand, "You, my dear are absolutely breathtakingly beautiful."

"W-what?" I stuttered stupidly.

"Christine, you are gorgeous. And what's more, it that you are kind and smart. You make people feel good when you are around them. You are a beautiful person, Christine." He took my chin in his hand forcing me to maintain eye contact. He wanted me to understand that he was sincere in his observation of me.

"I am so sorry that anyone or anything could make you doubt yourself like this. So no, Christine you aren't just pretty. You are so much more than that." I launched myself over the counsel that separated us, wrapping my arms around his neck and burying my face into his shoulder as I continued to cry. I was a hot, drunk, emotional mess and this man was saying the kindest things about me. He rubbed my back, shushing me as I continued to cry, "It's alright, darling."

I gave one last squeeze before returning myself to my side of the car, "I'm sorry, you must think I'm a drunken fool."

He laughed inwardly so that the air escaped through his nostrils, "Do you want to tell me what happened?"

I shook my head and proceeded to tell him anyways, "Honestly, nothing bad really happened. I just have all this pressure on myself and all I want is to be normal and be with my friends and maybe have a boy like me. You know, normal teenager things." I leaned my head back on the headrest. "I have been working all summer, and everyone else I know is on vacation or doing an incredible internship. And this is going to sound so silly, but I just want to finally be like everyone else."

"You do not want to be like everyone else," he scoffed. "They're all miserable sheep."

I had my legs curled up underneath me as I snuggled into the seat facing him, "No, not like that. I just want to be one of those girls where things are done for them. It would be amazing to not have to worry about things like money. I have to study harder than most of the kids in my class because my free time is so limited. If I had time, school work wouldn't be so hard, my time management is incredible, don't get me wrong, but I guess what I am trying to say is that for once I wish things were taken care of for me, not me always doing everything." I must have sounded like a whiny teenage brat, but he nodded his head in agreement.

He drove me home after our lengthy conversation and as I was about to get out of the car he said the oddest thing, "Christine, do you trust me?"

I was taken aback by his question. Of course, I trusted him, I had opened up to him like I hadn't with anyone else, "Absolutely," I sealed my fate.

"Then everything will work out, I promise."

The first half of senior year was a total chaotic blur. I got all of my applications in on time and the money I had saved over the summer went to each and every application fee. I opted to send in video submissions because each of the live auditions was happening on days when I needed to work. I had to pay for school after all. I started spending a lot of time with Raoul who apologized profusely for what I had seen at the party. He claimed that she came onto him and he was not at all interested in dating her. I told him it was fine, and that he didn't owe me an explanation, he was free to do what he wanted. It was then that he made the declaration that he really liked me and didn't want me to think that he wasn't interested. But with college applications of his own, and my busy schedule we began our own routine of old-fashioned dating. It was actually really nice, neither one of us were pressuring the other for time commitments and when we did get together for dinner, or a movie it was just a nice time. He didn't pressure me to do anything aside from holding my hand and the occasional kiss, it was just really nice and sweet in the beginning. I felt like he was truly trying to get to know me, unlike other boys and girls in our grade who were sucking face in the hallways. We kept it low key and I liked it that way, I needed to focus and so did Raoul. He understood the pressure of getting into school, but on a different level. His parents constantly stressed him out about being the best, and even though he made excellent marks, was the captain of the football team and was the leading man in the spring musicals it was apparent that nothing he ever did was good enough. He would lament to me that his brother got away with being a deadbeat who sold pot and was lucky to get into a state school. Raoul was under a lot of pressure to be the better sibling.

It wasn't until right before winter break that I finally noticed how cold Erik was to me, I had simply brushed off his behavior as professional and just trying to get us through this stressful situation. I cannot describe the animosity I felt from Erik when I mentioned that I would be spending Christmas with Raoul and his family, instead of Meg and her mother as I had in the past, "I didn't realize the two of you were so close." I felt immediately uncomfortable.

"Well, we became close over the summer, since we have been back in school we sporadically see each other from time to time." I could tell that my explanation wasn't enough for him, but I didn't feel the need to elaborate.

"So you are dating this young man?" There wasn't a hint of anything in that question. It was as if he was just making conversation so I eased up a bit.

"Casually, I find that I do not have the time to make a real commitment. It's nice, I like the arrangement we have." And I meant it, my relationship with Raoul was easy and fun and I needed that especially now. "Besides, we are both going off to college who even knows if we will get into the same places."

"He has applied to the same places as you?"

"Yes, he wanted to move to New York City too, well its New York or Boston for him. My heart is set on New York."

He sighed heavily, "Do you think this boy will become a distraction to you?"

I didn't think it was curious for him to be asking me this. He was dedicated to helping me become a successful performer, and after all the time and free lessons he gave me, I felt a certain loyalty to him. I owed him the explanation, "It isn't as serious as that. As for applying to the same schools, it was just nice to be able to know someone moving somewhere new. Meg has applied for the same schools as well." I tried to ease the situation by involving Meg, but that didn't seem to do it for him.

"My concern is only for you, Christine. We have worked too hard for you to be putting your social life first. Music must come first."

"But it has, really, Erik you are worried over nothing. I promise." I was a bit hysterical, how could he possibly think that this was not the most important thing to me. "Do you trust me?" I countered his question from months ago.

"I trust you, it is others that I do not trust. They do not have your best interest in mind."

And that was all we would speak on the matter. It was clear what was to be expected of me and I was not going to throw away my shot.

The New Year was not what I was expecting it to be. One after the other I received rejection letter after rejection letter. No school wanted me and I sank into a bit of a depression. I couldn't understand why these schools were not interested in me. I am not the bragging kind but my grades were impeccable, I did have extracurricular activities under my belt, it just didn't make any sense. The Alamo Drafthouse was closing due to black mold growing in the movie theatres so I was out of the job unless I could find my way to their new location that was over an hour away. The time old saying "when it rains it pours" couldn't have held truer for me. I had canceled my voice lessons for about a month, embarrassed to face the man who I have gravely disappointed. I lied and said I was sick all of January, he didn't call me out on my lies though.

Ironically enough my first lesson back with Erik was on Valentine's Day. I could tell Erik was very uncomfortable but what I couldn't tell was why. I had shown up to our lesson in a little black dress with black pumps. The dress clung to my curves and synched into my new waistline, I had lost some weight due to stress and being absolutely miserable for a month.

His eyes scanned my body, he was good at hiding the lust, because to me it was just merely an inspection of how dressed up I was, "That boy is taking you out tonight?" I hated that he never used Raoul's name, and I was in a foul mood already.

"His name is Raoul, and yes he is taking me to dinner." I was over him judging me for doing something that made me happy. Singing wasn't doing it for me anymore and he was lucky that I didn't just quit altogether.

"You are rather testy today." He seemed delighted that I was pissed. Maybe because it was more emotion then I had shown in a while.

"I just don't like having to feel like a criminal for going out with my friend." I shot back. "Not that it matters what I do anymore. No college wants me and I am running out of options."

"You can always apply for next Spring." He stated plainly.

"I do not want to apply for next Spring!" I actually stomped my foot like a child. "I want to graduate and go off to college like everyone else! I cannot afford to live here on my own! I needed those scholarships! Going to school was supposed to get me out of this place! I am going to be alone and homeless!" I was literally screaming and finally, I crumbled down into tears. God, I hate crying but it was so needed.

"Christine," he sang my name better than anyone could. I felt terrible for yelling at him like that, all he had ever done was help me and all I could do was scream at him.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to yell. I am just so unhappy. I feel like I've let you down." I whimpered but before he could reassure me, the door opened and a concerned Raoul was standing in the doorway, "What's going on?" he inquired sweetly. "Christine, why are you crying?" he raced over to hug me. Erik's energy stiffened as he saw Raoul embrace me.

"It's nothing, Raoul." I sniffled. "This last month has been hard; I was catching Mr. Destler up on the series of unfortunate events that is my life." I half-joked.

Raoul smiled and rolled his eyes playfully at me, "I am so sorry for being so rude," now addressing Erik, "I'm Raoul, here to pick up this gorgeous girl for some dinner." He extended his hand and surprisingly Erik accepted it. "Hello, Raoul, nice to finally meet you," Nice? "Christine has told me all about you. I understand you are a singer as well."

"I can carry a tune just fine, I suppose." He said running his newly available hand through his hair. "Nothing like what Christine can do." He looked over at me with all the love in the world in his eyes. I blushed at his words, I looked over to Erik trying to see what he thought of Raoul. He could conceal his feelings better than anyone I knew.

"Christine was just about to sing her piece for me," Erik stated, with the undercurrent that Raoul needed to leave in order for us to finish.

"May I listen?" Raoul asked, excitedly. "Only if you don't mind," he said remembering himself.

"I don't mind," I smiled sweetly, knowing full well that Erik wanted him to go.

"Very well," Erik said as he sat back down at the piano. "What would you like to sing?"

I walked up behind him with my binder, "I actually brought something new in for you to hear me do. It's a little different." I said shyly. I did want to try an expand my repertoire beyond just legit soprano stuff. The past month I was listening to a lot of musical theatre songs since they tended to be more fun and it was a good distraction from my failings as a vocal performance major.

He assessed the music, I don't think he really knew what to make of it, "Sorry to interrupt. But I am actually pretty good at sight reading things. I could accompany her so you can truly enjoy it." Raoul said as respectfully as he could. I knew he was trying to be helpful, but I could see Erik about to form a fist. I placed my hand on his shoulder, calming him. "Please, Erik? I think it would be helpful if you could look at me while I sing instead of trying to play the music correctly." That seemed to work and Raoul and Erik traded places and I took my place just in front of the piano, facing Erik I started to sing,

When I was a child, my eyes were clear, I saw the good side

That's the kind of second sight that doesn't last too long

Erik was sitting on the edge of his seat, with his hand clasped together in front of his mouth. Listening intently.

But when I was lost, I heard a voice that brought me healing

That's the kind of special hope he brought me with his song

I held the note as prescribed and began to walk away from the piano, commanding the room and ready to tell the story.

People only saw the doctor, lawyer, Indian chief

But he was just a lonely little boy to me

With his sweet and gentle touch, he sure unlocked my soul

So in return, I surely want to help to set him free

For the first chorus, I sang sweetly, mixing my voice when I could to save the belting for later on in the song. Erik had taught me well.

Yeah, now I wanna see him fly, fly

I'll be your alibi, my baby

Fly, fly, fly away

We didn't get to say goodbye, goodbye

No need to tell me why, my baby

Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

Ready for the next verse I really found my spots on the back of the wall and delivered my message.

Men who they call real were really fakes who left me nothing

But this man they call a fake gave me something real

I've known cruel, cruel men with Christian names who taught me manners

But this man without a name taught me how to feel

They only saw the magic tricks, the smoke, and mirrors

Was I the only one to ever see the boy?

I surprised even myself with the sound of my belt, but without missing a beat I spoke the next few lines melodically and with all the passion I could muster up.

So now they want to clip his precious wings and bring him down

But in his heart and soul's the kind of good they can't destroy

Yeah now I wanna see him fly, fly

I'll be your alibi, my baby

Fly, fly, fly away

We didn't get to say goodbye, goodbye

No need to tell me why, my baby

Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

Baby, when you're in the clouds, please keep a lookout

Maybe, darling, find a hideaway for you and I, you and I

I never felt so free singing in this newfound part of my voice, the key change was about to come and I was ready to let Erik have it.

And now I wanna see you fly, fly

I'll be your alibi, my baby

Fly, fly, fly away

We didn't get to say goodbye, goodbye

No need to tell me why, my baby

My voice cracked with emotion as I sang that last line.

Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

Maybe it's because you'll fly back home to me one day

And I'll be waiting for you there

You'll fly back home to me one day

The song was over and I was actually nervous to look at Erik. I had no idea if he would like the song, as it was so different from everything we had been working on all this time. I knew I had to look at him eventually, the silence in the room was deafening and I didn't want Raoul to think that we were really weird.

To my surprise I think I saw some tears in Erik's eyes, he was proud of me. My heart couldn't take it, "Did you like it?"

Unable to speak he simply got up and took my hands in his, "Where in the world have you been hiding?" I started to tear up. I just remembered that my soon to be boyfriend was even in the room, "How about you, Raoul?"

"Christine your voice is just stupid." I don't think Erik liked that too much, even though I knew exactly what Raoul meant. Us kids have a lingo all our own and stupid in this case was a very positive adjective. I just laughed at his stunned expression. "I actually had a thought for you, and maybe Mr. Destler could weigh in with his opinion." Both of our attention was transfixed on Raoul, "Instead of the college route, have you ever thought about training through a conservatory? I don't know a lot about them but I am sure New York City must have programs that just offer classes in singing, dancing, and acting. I think that would be a really good idea for you." He said sweetly. I think my heart squeezed in my chest at how thoughtful he was to think of ways to get me not to quit altogether. I looked to Erik to see what he thought about Raoul's suggestion, "I could do a little research and let you know what I think at our next lesson." I was a little disappointed at his lackluster response, "We are over our time together and I am sure you two would like to get to dinner."

After he dismissed us, Raoul could not stop talking on the car ride over to the restaurant about how incredible I was and how amazing it would be if I could come to New York after all. I truly loved Raoul's positivity and optimistic attitude but I was burned before when I was confident in my abilities.

Like I mentioned before that was the night Raoul asked me to be his girlfriend, but what I didn't mention was that he gave a promise ring that I wore on my right hand's ring finger. There was a part of me that agreed with Erik, that there really was no sense in getting involved with a boy, but with all that has happened maybe, I needed to be realistic. Maybe performing wasn't in the cards for me, I knew only one thing and that was by this summer I had to move out of my house. But now being jobless and without any future plans set in stone, I was absolutely desperate to have some kind of stability in my life.

My senior year spring went by way too fast, with Erik's permission I went ahead and auditioned for the conservatory programs in New York, they started a little later in the Fall so I wouldn't get to hear back until close to graduation, which was a little scary but I was becoming confident once more now that I decided to sway from strictly classical and started to explore musical theatre repertoire.

I am ashamed to admit how desperate for money I became, Raoul and Meg never knew but during Spring Break I spoke with Raoul's brother and he got me set up to start dealing weed myself. I know, I know it was super dangerous and I could have gotten into a tremendous amount of trouble if I had gotten caught. But I didn't get caught and I made a lot more money dealing weed than I ever did babysitting. Raoul and Meg both got into NYU and as freshmen were required to stay in the dorms, so I couldn't room with either of them even if I wanted to. No, if I was going to move to New York City I needed money.

I had changed a lot, what with disappointments and stresses I began to party a lot more with my classmates. No one thought it was weird that I was drinking and smoking weed, in fact, they thought I was weirder when I didn't do those things. It seemed like I was getting exactly what I wanted to be just like everyone else. I had less and less meetings with Erik, and I could sense that it bothered him that I wasn't as passionate as I had been when we first met.

My last lesson with Erik was the day before graduation, I wanted to see him one last time before I moved away. The lesson went on like normal, there wasn't even a hint of what he was going to lay on me.

"When do you leave?" he asked solemnly.

"Next week I get to go look at some apartments and hopefully I will be all set to move in on the first." I wasn't trying to show any kind of excitement or anything. I hadn't heard back from the conservatories and I had already made the commitment of going to the city with or without school. I was lost in thought when I thought I heard, "I love you."

"Hmmm?" I mused.

"I said, I love you." Where had that come from? What were we just talking about? My hands started to sweat and I began to giggle nervously, "That's funny, Mr. Destler." I used his last name to remind him where we were, what we were. He wouldn't have it. He put his hand on my arm and made me face him, "Christine, I love you. Please don't go chasing after that boy."

Chasing? Is that what he thought I was doing? Following my boyfriend to New York like some lovesick puppy? Did he not understand that New York was what he wanted from me? I didn't understand why he was doing this. Love me? How could I have missed this? I was frightened and confused, he ruined everything.

"Don't do this to me." Was all I could manage to say. I tried to turn from him but he grabbed my hands and got down on his knees in front of me.

"I am begging you, stay with me," he pleaded, oh god his eyes were so sad. "You can have anything you ever wanted. Please let me take care of you. That's what you want right? To have someone take care of you."

I was stunned. It was what I wanted, but I didn't know it would be like this. I didn't want this.

"Please, Erik you're scaring me. Let me go." I was fighting back tears with all my might.

"I love you, Christine. I always have. Don't you see what I've done for you? I would give you anything you asked for. You would want for nothing."

I couldn't believe this was happening, I couldn't believe he was doing this. How long had he had feelings for me? I thought of every time I wore a low cut shirt or a short skirt, I wanted to vomit I really did. The horrible thing was that I did have a love for him, but as my teacher as someone I trusted. This was the betrayal of the century and I couldn't take one more disappointment.

I broke free and ran out of the room. I locked myself in the girl's bathroom and cried, I cried for us. I cried for all the hopes and the dreams we had. I had confided in this man and he was just using me. I felt so dirty like I had been taken advantage of. I mourned the relationship I thought we had, it killed me to know that it was all one big lie and I was one big joke. I was never really talented, he told me what I wanted to hear so that I would sleep with him no doubt. How could I be so dumb?

I felt some comfort in knowing that I would be out of here come tomorrow, I wouldn't have to see him ever again. Or so I thought.

Authors note: Holy moly that was longer than I expected but I figured we wanted to get into the good stuff. Next chapter we get into it. I am so excited! Thank you for your encouraging reviews.