Chapter 29

I awoke Saturday morning in Tancred's arms; we had stayed up late into the night talking. My heart ached, knowing that this was only temporary. I had to go back to Bloor's and pretend to be in love with Manfred. How was I going to react when I saw Tancred at school? I groaned out loud at the thought.

"What's wrong beautiful?" Tancred said softly his hands lightly tracing my skin. His breath was warm on my neck.

"I don't wanna go back. I don't want to have to pretend. I just want to be with you." My voice cracked as the tears started to fall.

"Athena, you wanted this. Remember? You begged me to let you do this and I did because I love you. If you really can't finish this then tell me now and I will get us both out. I want to be with you too, but this is important." His arms tightened around me, bringing me closer to him. I snuggled down and sighed.

"I want to finish this. I need to finish this. I just didn't know it would be this hard."

For that Tancred had not response. We stayed silent until a knock on the door brought us back to reality. My mom opened the door. "Good morning guys. Breakfast is on the table."

"Thanks, but I've really got to get going." Tancred said, sliding away from me. He pulled his shirt over his head and bent over to tie his shoes. His lips touched my forehead and he whispered, "I love you. Good luck. I'll be in touch soon." The next second Tancred had vanished and I was left alone to figure out what I needed to do next.

Stares followed me on Monday morning as I made my way up the steps into Bloor Academy; I found my path blocked by Emma.

"What are you doing back here?" She snarled, anger flashing in her eyes.

"Detention, Emma. Do not speak to Athena that way. I expect you in my office 6oclock on Friday evening." Manfred's voice floated above us, I flashed him a quick smile. Emma opened her mouth to respond but before she could Manfred cut her off "And if you want to continue to talk, you'll get another detention."

Emma frowned, turned on her heel and disappeared down the steps.

"Hello, Athena." His voice was soft, tender.

"Hi, Manfred."

"Can we talk?" The words were so simple but they crushed me beyond belief.

"Not now, I have to go to class." I stepped around him and into the castle. He grabbed my arm, "Thena, please."

"Later, Manfred." I pulled my arm from his grasp; his face fell as I turned my back and walked away.

I spent the day trying to avoid Manfred, knowing I would soon have to face him, and scrambling to come up with a plan for what I would do when I did. I couldn't focus in my classes, my mind a tug of war between what to do about Manfred and my night with Tancred. How could I stand to keep hurting Tancred?

At dinner, I avoided eye contact with everyone, choosing a seat in the far corner. Manfred's eyes swept the room and landed on me, I tried not to notice. Dirty looks came from both Emma and Zelda, I pretended not to notice. I sighed deeply; wouldn't it be great when I didn't have to attend Bloor's Academy anymore? Tancred and Lysander were sitting a table over, and Lysander winked at me and nudged Tancred when he caught me staring. Tancred didn't look in my direction. I turned my gaze back to the grey oatmeal and began planning my next step.

I waited until after homework and made my way to Manfred's office, I knocked softly on the door and an unexpected voice replied "Enter."

I opened the door to find, Zelda perched on the desk in a fashion that was previously me, Manfred sat in his chair in front of her and Asa on the couch across from the fire. Manfred's eyes met mine for a spilt second before he roughly shoved Zelda off the desk, "Athena." He breathed.

"Sorry I can see I'm interrupting." I said with as much venom in my voice as I could muster, I slammed the door behind me.

"Zelda, Asa out." Manfred demanded.

"Of course, little miss perfect comes around and suddenly I'm nothing!" Zelda spat glaring daggers at me.

"You were always nothing Zelda. And will always be nothing." I said, causing Asa and Manfred to both laugh. A book flew off the shelf and sailed towards my head, I ducked quickly to avoid it. Manfred grabbed her by her arm and dragged her towards the door, "Get out." He flung her into the hallway. "Asa."

"I'm going, I'm going. Chill dude." Asa said, leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

Manfred stood by the door unmoving; I walked towards the window and watched the rain gently hitting the window.

"Athena, I am so sorry." His voice was soft, tender.

"I know. I'm over it. I don't want to talk about it. Let's forget it ever happened." I tried to keep my voice steady and even, but it cracked over the last word.

"I know it's not okay. I'm willing to do anything to make it right." His arms slid around me and I settled back against him.

"Anything?" I asked with a slight smile.