p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"As Monday came around, they decided to go see Haacht first thing. Annabelle didn't have class until later, and Catherine didn't have one until the afternoon. Walking into the building, as students looked at them. 'We must have look like we were a couple, or have they noticed how both of us have been out of character the last month' Catherine thought, glancing at Annabelle, who wasn't fazed at all by all the attention 'oh right she's been through this before' Catherine thought shaking her head to try and get herself out of her thoughts, she reached for Annabelle's hand, after all she was going to turn herself in, then they could be free to do this whenever and wherever they wanted. As they rounded the corner, she saw that Haacht's door was open. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door frame. "ah Catherine, come in" he smiled "what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked as she moved so Annabelle could come in, and shut the door. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I" she cleared her throat "we have something we'd like to tell you" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok, please sit" he motioned for them both to sit in the chairs. "I'm all ears" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"Taking a deep breath "Annabelle and I have been seeing each other" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""seeing each other like?" he asked confused, looking at Catherine /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we've been dating" Annabelle said /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""oh" Haacht said "um, wow" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""now, I have prepared this" Catherine said handing him a manila envelope /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what is it?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""it's my resignation, I'm done at the end of the year" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Catherine" he said trying to protest, but knew he wasn't going to change her mind. She was like her mother like that, bound and determined to do whatever she set her mind to. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Leonard, I know this is hard for you to hear, but this is what I need to do for me. I want to thank you for all you've done for me, you and Joan have been great. But I broke one of the rules, a big rule, and in the process, I fell in love" she reached for Annabelle's hand "we fell in love" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""why are you telling me this? Nothing has come to my attention" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""because over Christmas break she went home with me to LA, so yes, my parents know about us, but someone took some pictures of us at the beach, and sent them to Catherine, now we think we know who it was, and are hoping we are the only ones who receive copies of these pictures" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we thought just in case, we'd come talk to you, and after a lot of consideration, I decided to give you this" Catherine pointed to the envelope. He took a deep breath, not knowing what to say. He'd known Catherine since she was a baby, he was in shock to find out she was gay, let alone sleeping with students. "has Annabelle been the only one?" Annabelle and Catherine looked at each other as Catherine answered "no" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""sadly, she's not the first teacher I've been with either" Annabelle said "please Professor Haacht, I'm begging you, don't make this public, my mother will have a heart attack, I mean she knows everything, but with me being a senator's daughter, the press will have a field day" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"Haacht looked down, then in Catherine's eyes "if this is true then I have no choice but to let you go" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I want it to be clear that I resigned, I didn't get fired" Catherine said sternly /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""very well" he nodded /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what's going to happen to Annabelle?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""well" he said looking at Annabelle "you are doing very well in your classes, I've been keeping an eye on you Miss Tillman" Annabelle looked down, "I don't see why you can't stay a student here" Annabelle looked up, she thought she'd be in trouble "are you staying together?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Leonard, we're in love, after the school years over, Annabelle is moving in with me" there was just over a month left of the school year. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I'll miss you on campus, you're an amazing teacher and I hope someday you'll find your way back to it. I know you don't necessarily have to work, but you're damn good at what you do" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""maybe after Annabelle graduates, I'll be back" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""and I'll be here with open arms, until then, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask" he said standing up and walking around the desk "either of you, and Annabelle" he held out his hand "welcome to the family" he smiled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""thank you" they stood up /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""oh Catherine" he said almost as an afterthought "Joan has been after me to get you to come to dinner, how's Friday sound?" Catherine looked at Annabelle /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""sure" she smiled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""and bring Annabelle, she's going to want to meet her" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""alright see you Friday" Catherine said as she and Annabelle left his office. "well congratulations" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what for?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you didn't get kicked out of school" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""is this going to be ok, you know, you not working?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""sure, I'll make do, I can finish my article and work on some projects I've been wanting to work on" Annabelle sighed as Catherine reached for her hand. "hey why don't we head to LA for a few weeks after school gets out, get away for a bit, I'm sure your parents would love that, and Collins too" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you know she threatened me" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no way?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""she said if I didn't make up with you she was going to kick my ass" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I'd like to see that" Catherine smiled "remind me to thank her, as I'm sure she was the one that knocked some sense into you" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you're right she was" Annabelle smiled, "hey I have to run to my dorm, and grab a few things, I'll see you later?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you better" Catherine leaned over and kissed her cheek, then turned on her heal and headed towards her office. Annabelle shook her head and smiled. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""so the rumors are true?" Jamie said coming into their shared dorm room /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""um" Annabelle said not knowing what else to say /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I saw you walking through campus, holding hands" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""dammit Catherine" Annabelle said under her breath /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""nothing" Annabelle said taking a deep breath, as she turned around "who else saw?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I don't know, I caught you out of the corner of my eye" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok" Annabelle sat down on her bed "will you shut the door, no one else needs to know this, at least right now" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok" Jamie said as she almost ran to the door and slammed it shut. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yes the rumors are true, we were on our way to tell Professor Haacht" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""did she get fired?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no she resigned" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""she resigned" Jamie exclaimed "damn I was looking forward to taking her class again" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""so was I" Annabelle chuckled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""did you get in trouble?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no, luckily, since Catherine resigned, I can stay here. However, I will be moving in with her once school is out" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you're staying together?" Jamie asked, from the rumors she heard Professor Stark always broke it off when it became too serious, although she knew from personal experience that Annabelle was different, she smiled as Annabelle smiled and nodded. "congratulations Annabelle, I'm so happy for you. You deserve to be happy, especially after what that dumb bitch did to you" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Simone?" Annabelle thought about telling Jamie about the pictures and what happened in LA but changed her mind, "I have to get to class I'll talk to you later" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok see you later" Jamie said, "oh Annabelle" Annabelle looked back from the door "thank you for sharing this with me, it means a lot" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no problem" she smiled and headed out the door./span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"As the weeks went by the rumors of Catherine's resignation were flying around. One afternoon Annabelle was headed back to her dorm when she heard her name being called. She turned around and saw Racheal, "hi" she smiled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I suppose you've heard Professor Stark is done at the end of the year" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""that's what I heard" 'well she wasn't one to see us' /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""do you know why?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""nope" Annabelle said looking any other direction than at Racheal /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""well I heard she got caught with a student and they fired her" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""really?" Annabelle said not knowing what else to say /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yeah" she leaned in closer "how does it feel to get 2 good teachers fired" Annabelle froze, 'did everyone know?' "have a nice day" Racheal almost sang as she skipped away. Not knowing what else to do, Annabelle almost ran back to her room, fumbling with her phone once she got there she called Catherine. It rang quite a few times when Catherine finally picked up "Belle, I thought you were on your way, to the house" she was at her office finishing up for the day. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I am, or I was, or I don't know" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what happened" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I was on my way to my dorm when Racheal stopped me. The rumors are flying around campus Catherine, I was trying to play it off like I didn't know but she asked me how I felt now that I have made 2 teachers lose their job" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you could have told her I didn't get fired" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""she's right" Annabelle said sitting down on her bed "it's all my fault" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""stop right now, where are you?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""my dorm" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""just calm down everything will be alright" Catherine said grabbing her keys and leaving her office, slamming the door on the way. "what room number are you in?" she'd never been to Annabelle's dorm /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""207 why?" Annabelle said as the line went dead. The next thing she knew there was a knock at the door, rolling her eyes, she wasn't in the mood for company, she opened the door to see Catherine standing on the other side, she moved so Catherine could enter. As she shut the door, Catherine looked around, it had been a long time since she was in a dorm room. "how much stuff is yours?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""most of it is over there in boxes already" Annabelle pointed to a stack of boxes in the corner "why?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""because you're moving today, I don't care that there is still 2 weeks left of school, and if you're with me I can keep an eye on everything" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Catherine, you think that's going to help? You can't stop the rumors" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I think I can" Catherine said, turning towards Annabelle "but first come here" she reached out her arms "I'm sorry people are so cruel, Belle" she kissed the top of her head as Annabelle looked up at her, Catherine went in for a kiss. "you know" she looked around, it's been a very long time since I've had sex in a dorm room" she winked /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Jamie could come home any time" Annabelle said /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""so? The door locks, and she knows about us" Catherine smiled that smile that made Annabelle melt, she got out of Catherine's grip and locked the door, walking back she pushed Catherine down on her bed "we'll have to make this quick" she kissed her. 'it's always quick when you touch me' Catherine thought. Catherine was just about to scream out Annabelle's name when they heard a key in the lock, Annabelle pulled back and tossed a blanket over them. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""oh, I didn't know you were here" Jamie said quickly shutting the door. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""um, yeah, we were um" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hey, it's cool, just let me grab something and I'll be out of your way" Jamie smiled seeing her Professor, knowing she was probably naked under the blanket. Just before she opened the door, she turned around "you know, I think it's really great you two are together, I've seen Annabelle go through a lot of ups and downs over the year, and it's good to see her happy" as quick as she said it she slipped out the door. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what the hell was that about" Catherine asked stunned /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I'm not sure, I'll have to talk to her later." Annabelle kissed her and hopped out of bed. "come on, we'll finish that at the house" she reached down for Catherine's shirt and tossed it to her. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""my car is still in the staff parking, I'll go get it and meet you out front" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok" Annabelle smiled as Catherine leaned in for a kiss they pulled back smiling. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I'll see you soon" Catherine whispered as she slipped out the door. Sitting down on her bed, Annabelle couldn't help but smile. She was moving in with Catherine "today" she said out loud as she heard the door open /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hey, I saw Professor Stark leave so I thought it was safe" Jamie said /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yeah" Annabelle blushed "sorry about that" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""it happens" Jamie smiled and sat next to Annabelle "you know, I'm glad we became friends this year. I hope that we can" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we will, you have my number that isn't going to change" Annabelle said cutting her off. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""do you need some help with?" she pointed towards the boxes/span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""sure" Annabelle smiled, and for the first time she realized she was going to miss living in the dorm, Jamie couldn't have been a better roommate, well besides Collins and Kristen. They both stood and reached for the two boxes Annabelle had left. As Annabelle went to leave, she turned around to take one last look at the room, she shared, although she wasn't there much. She smiled as they made their way down the hall to the parking lot, where Catherine was already waiting. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hi Professor Stark" Jamie said looking down, after what she walked in on she didn't know how to act. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hello Jamie, thank you for helping" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no problem, I'm going to miss Annabelle" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""like I said you have my number that's not going to change." Annabelle set the box in the car and reached for the one in Jamie's hand. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I know" Jamie smiled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""thank you" Annabelle turned around looking at her, to her surprise Jamie leaned in grabbing Annabelle pulling her into a hug. "I don't have many friends" she whispered, "so I like to keep the ones I do have close" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we are going to LA for a few weeks after school gets out, but once we get back I'll get ahold of you" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we can do dinner" Catherine said leaning against the car crossing her arms/span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I think I'd like that" Jamie smiled, Jamie was from Bloomington, she stayed in the dorm because they made all the freshman stay in them, for the first year. "I'll see you then" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yup, bye" Annabelle said looking at Catherine who nodded and made her way around the car. Annabelle couldn't keep her eyes off her, the way she walked, she walked like she owned the world, that was one thing Annabelle loved about her. Although they both had their doubts about certain obstacles, they both had the attitude that they could take on anything. 'this just might work' Annabelle smiled and got into the car. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""welcome home" Catherine said leading the way into the house. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""home" Annabelle whispered to herself, and looked around. As she felt Catherine come up behind her "home" she whispered in her ear "which means you never have to leave", loving the thought of that, Annabelle smiled and turned around in Catherine's arms. Looking deep in her brown eyes, she reached up moving some hair off Catherine's face. "and I never want to" Catherine blushed, she hadn't blushed in a very long time, Annabelle was doing something to her, she herself couldn't figure out, but she was more than willing to take the ride./span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"With the next two weeks being full of studying, it was a good thing they were living together, otherwise Catherine wouldn't have saw Annabelle at all. "hey beautiful" Catherine said setting down a cup of coffee in front of Annabelle /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hi, thanks" Annabelle looked up and smiled "I'm sorry this is taking me forever, I'm trying to hurry" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""don't worry, we have all the time in the world, besides there's only a few days left, and then we'll be in LA" Catherine smiled, she loved the thought of seeing Annabelle's parents again. Annabelle nodded and smiled "are you hungry?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yes, but we don't have time for that right now" Annabelle said not looking up /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I was talking about food, and as far as that goes, we'll do that later" Catherine kissed her neck "I'm going to go start dinner" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok" that was all Annabelle could get out, Catherine left her speechless, not to mention unable to concentrate. "guh" she tossed her pen onto her laptop keyboard, pushed back her chair and went into the kitchen, Catherine was standing at the stove, what she assumed to be putting something in the oven, she couldn't quite make out. Walking up behind her Annabelle wrapped her arms around her, feeling Catherine tense a little, but relax once she realized it was Annabelle. "you. Are. So. Not. Fair" Annabelle said kissing her neck. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""someone a bit worked up?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""a bit, shit, I can't even think straight right now" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hmm, well what do you propose we do about that?" Catherine asked turning around in her arms, getting lost in the pools of blue, that were Annabelle. The feeling of Annabelle's arms around her made her feel completely safe, knowing there wasn't any other place she'd rather be. Not having control of her body, Catherine leaned in kissing Annabelle, both moaning as the kiss deepened, standing there kissing in the kitchen, pulling away when the need to breathe swept over them both, resting their foreheads on each other's. "how long before dinner?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we got time" Catherine pushed Annabelle back against the counter, as she tore off her t-shirt. Tossing it somewhere back behind them, surprised to find Annabelle wasn't wearing a bra. They shared a smile, as Catherine's hand found their place on Annabelle's breasts. Loving the feeling, Annabelle moaned. As Catherine's hand ventured down to the top of her basketball shorts she had on. Playing with the elastic, she stuck her hand inside and found Annabelle's panties soaked with want. "damn" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what can I say, just looking at you gets me soaked" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""mm" Catherine moaned as she moved her hand to the right spot, as Annabelle grasps at the first contact. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I" she cleared her throat "we have something we'd like to tell you" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok, please sit" he motioned for them both to sit in the chairs. "I'm all ears" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"Taking a deep breath "Annabelle and I have been seeing each other" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""seeing each other like?" he asked confused, looking at Catherine /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we've been dating" Annabelle said /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""oh" Haacht said "um, wow" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""now, I have prepared this" Catherine said handing him a manila envelope /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what is it?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""it's my resignation, I'm done at the end of the year" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Catherine" he said trying to protest, but knew he wasn't going to change her mind. She was like her mother like that, bound and determined to do whatever she set her mind to. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Leonard, I know this is hard for you to hear, but this is what I need to do for me. I want to thank you for all you've done for me, you and Joan have been great. But I broke one of the rules, a big rule, and in the process, I fell in love" she reached for Annabelle's hand "we fell in love" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""why are you telling me this? Nothing has come to my attention" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""because over Christmas break she went home with me to LA, so yes, my parents know about us, but someone took some pictures of us at the beach, and sent them to Catherine, now we think we know who it was, and are hoping we are the only ones who receive copies of these pictures" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we thought just in case, we'd come talk to you, and after a lot of consideration, I decided to give you this" Catherine pointed to the envelope. He took a deep breath, not knowing what to say. He'd known Catherine since she was a baby, he was in shock to find out she was gay, let alone sleeping with students. "has Annabelle been the only one?" Annabelle and Catherine looked at each other as Catherine answered "no" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""sadly, she's not the first teacher I've been with either" Annabelle said "please Professor Haacht, I'm begging you, don't make this public, my mother will have a heart attack, I mean she knows everything, but with me being a senator's daughter, the press will have a field day" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"Haacht looked down, then in Catherine's eyes "if this is true then I have no choice but to let you go" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I want it to be clear that I resigned, I didn't get fired" Catherine said sternly /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""very well" he nodded /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what's going to happen to Annabelle?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""well" he said looking at Annabelle "you are doing very well in your classes, I've been keeping an eye on you Miss Tillman" Annabelle looked down, "I don't see why you can't stay a student here" Annabelle looked up, she thought she'd be in trouble "are you staying together?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Leonard, we're in love, after the school years over, Annabelle is moving in with me" there was just over a month left of the school year. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I'll miss you on campus, you're an amazing teacher and I hope someday you'll find your way back to it. I know you don't necessarily have to work, but you're damn good at what you do" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""maybe after Annabelle graduates, I'll be back" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""and I'll be here with open arms, until then, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask" he said standing up and walking around the desk "either of you, and Annabelle" he held out his hand "welcome to the family" he smiled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""thank you" they stood up /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""oh Catherine" he said almost as an afterthought "Joan has been after me to get you to come to dinner, how's Friday sound?" Catherine looked at Annabelle /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""sure" she smiled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""and bring Annabelle, she's going to want to meet her" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""alright see you Friday" Catherine said as she and Annabelle left his office. "well congratulations" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what for?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you didn't get kicked out of school" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""is this going to be ok, you know, you not working?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""sure, I'll make do, I can finish my article and work on some projects I've been wanting to work on" Annabelle sighed as Catherine reached for her hand. "hey why don't we head to LA for a few weeks after school gets out, get away for a bit, I'm sure your parents would love that, and Collins too" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you know she threatened me" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no way?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""she said if I didn't make up with you she was going to kick my ass" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I'd like to see that" Catherine smiled "remind me to thank her, as I'm sure she was the one that knocked some sense into you" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you're right she was" Annabelle smiled, "hey I have to run to my dorm, and grab a few things, I'll see you later?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you better" Catherine leaned over and kissed her cheek, then turned on her heal and headed towards her office. Annabelle shook her head and smiled. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""so the rumors are true?" Jamie said coming into their shared dorm room /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""um" Annabelle said not knowing what else to say /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I saw you walking through campus, holding hands" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""dammit Catherine" Annabelle said under her breath /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""nothing" Annabelle said taking a deep breath, as she turned around "who else saw?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I don't know, I caught you out of the corner of my eye" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok" Annabelle sat down on her bed "will you shut the door, no one else needs to know this, at least right now" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok" Jamie said as she almost ran to the door and slammed it shut. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yes the rumors are true, we were on our way to tell Professor Haacht" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""did she get fired?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no she resigned" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""she resigned" Jamie exclaimed "damn I was looking forward to taking her class again" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""so was I" Annabelle chuckled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""did you get in trouble?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no, luckily, since Catherine resigned, I can stay here. However, I will be moving in with her once school is out" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you're staying together?" Jamie asked, from the rumors she heard Professor Stark always broke it off when it became too serious, although she knew from personal experience that Annabelle was different, she smiled as Annabelle smiled and nodded. "congratulations Annabelle, I'm so happy for you. You deserve to be happy, especially after what that dumb bitch did to you" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Simone?" Annabelle thought about telling Jamie about the pictures and what happened in LA but changed her mind, "I have to get to class I'll talk to you later" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok see you later" Jamie said, "oh Annabelle" Annabelle looked back from the door "thank you for sharing this with me, it means a lot" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no problem" she smiled and headed out the door./span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"As the weeks went by the rumors of Catherine's resignation were flying around. One afternoon Annabelle was headed back to her dorm when she heard her name being called. She turned around and saw Racheal, "hi" she smiled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I suppose you've heard Professor Stark is done at the end of the year" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""that's what I heard" 'well she wasn't one to see us' /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""do you know why?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""nope" Annabelle said looking any other direction than at Racheal /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""well I heard she got caught with a student and they fired her" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""really?" Annabelle said not knowing what else to say /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yeah" she leaned in closer "how does it feel to get 2 good teachers fired" Annabelle froze, 'did everyone know?' "have a nice day" Racheal almost sang as she skipped away. Not knowing what else to do, Annabelle almost ran back to her room, fumbling with her phone once she got there she called Catherine. It rang quite a few times when Catherine finally picked up "Belle, I thought you were on your way, to the house" she was at her office finishing up for the day. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I am, or I was, or I don't know" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what happened" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I was on my way to my dorm when Racheal stopped me. The rumors are flying around campus Catherine, I was trying to play it off like I didn't know but she asked me how I felt now that I have made 2 teachers lose their job" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""you could have told her I didn't get fired" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""she's right" Annabelle said sitting down on her bed "it's all my fault" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""stop right now, where are you?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""my dorm" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""just calm down everything will be alright" Catherine said grabbing her keys and leaving her office, slamming the door on the way. "what room number are you in?" she'd never been to Annabelle's dorm /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""207 why?" Annabelle said as the line went dead. The next thing she knew there was a knock at the door, rolling her eyes, she wasn't in the mood for company, she opened the door to see Catherine standing on the other side, she moved so Catherine could enter. As she shut the door, Catherine looked around, it had been a long time since she was in a dorm room. "how much stuff is yours?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""most of it is over there in boxes already" Annabelle pointed to a stack of boxes in the corner "why?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""because you're moving today, I don't care that there is still 2 weeks left of school, and if you're with me I can keep an eye on everything" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Catherine, you think that's going to help? You can't stop the rumors" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I think I can" Catherine said, turning towards Annabelle "but first come here" she reached out her arms "I'm sorry people are so cruel, Belle" she kissed the top of her head as Annabelle looked up at her, Catherine went in for a kiss. "you know" she looked around, it's been a very long time since I've had sex in a dorm room" she winked /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""Jamie could come home any time" Annabelle said /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""so? The door locks, and she knows about us" Catherine smiled that smile that made Annabelle melt, she got out of Catherine's grip and locked the door, walking back she pushed Catherine down on her bed "we'll have to make this quick" she kissed her. 'it's always quick when you touch me' Catherine thought. Catherine was just about to scream out Annabelle's name when they heard a key in the lock, Annabelle pulled back and tossed a blanket over them. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""oh, I didn't know you were here" Jamie said quickly shutting the door. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""um, yeah, we were um" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hey, it's cool, just let me grab something and I'll be out of your way" Jamie smiled seeing her Professor, knowing she was probably naked under the blanket. Just before she opened the door, she turned around "you know, I think it's really great you two are together, I've seen Annabelle go through a lot of ups and downs over the year, and it's good to see her happy" as quick as she said it she slipped out the door. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what the hell was that about" Catherine asked stunned /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I'm not sure, I'll have to talk to her later." Annabelle kissed her and hopped out of bed. "come on, we'll finish that at the house" she reached down for Catherine's shirt and tossed it to her. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""my car is still in the staff parking, I'll go get it and meet you out front" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok" Annabelle smiled as Catherine leaned in for a kiss they pulled back smiling. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I'll see you soon" Catherine whispered as she slipped out the door. Sitting down on her bed, Annabelle couldn't help but smile. She was moving in with Catherine "today" she said out loud as she heard the door open /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hey, I saw Professor Stark leave so I thought it was safe" Jamie said /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yeah" Annabelle blushed "sorry about that" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""it happens" Jamie smiled and sat next to Annabelle "you know, I'm glad we became friends this year. I hope that we can" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we will, you have my number that isn't going to change" Annabelle said cutting her off. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""do you need some help with?" she pointed towards the boxes/span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""sure" Annabelle smiled, and for the first time she realized she was going to miss living in the dorm, Jamie couldn't have been a better roommate, well besides Collins and Kristen. They both stood and reached for the two boxes Annabelle had left. As Annabelle went to leave, she turned around to take one last look at the room, she shared, although she wasn't there much. She smiled as they made their way down the hall to the parking lot, where Catherine was already waiting. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hi Professor Stark" Jamie said looking down, after what she walked in on she didn't know how to act. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hello Jamie, thank you for helping" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""no problem, I'm going to miss Annabelle" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""like I said you have my number that's not going to change." Annabelle set the box in the car and reached for the one in Jamie's hand. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I know" Jamie smiled /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""thank you" Annabelle turned around looking at her, to her surprise Jamie leaned in grabbing Annabelle pulling her into a hug. "I don't have many friends" she whispered, "so I like to keep the ones I do have close" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we are going to LA for a few weeks after school gets out, but once we get back I'll get ahold of you" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we can do dinner" Catherine said leaning against the car crossing her arms/span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I think I'd like that" Jamie smiled, Jamie was from Bloomington, she stayed in the dorm because they made all the freshman stay in them, for the first year. "I'll see you then" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yup, bye" Annabelle said looking at Catherine who nodded and made her way around the car. Annabelle couldn't keep her eyes off her, the way she walked, she walked like she owned the world, that was one thing Annabelle loved about her. Although they both had their doubts about certain obstacles, they both had the attitude that they could take on anything. 'this just might work' Annabelle smiled and got into the car. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""welcome home" Catherine said leading the way into the house. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""home" Annabelle whispered to herself, and looked around. As she felt Catherine come up behind her "home" she whispered in her ear "which means you never have to leave", loving the thought of that, Annabelle smiled and turned around in Catherine's arms. Looking deep in her brown eyes, she reached up moving some hair off Catherine's face. "and I never want to" Catherine blushed, she hadn't blushed in a very long time, Annabelle was doing something to her, she herself couldn't figure out, but she was more than willing to take the ride./span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing" /p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"With the next two weeks being full of studying, it was a good thing they were living together, otherwise Catherine wouldn't have saw Annabelle at all. "hey beautiful" Catherine said setting down a cup of coffee in front of Annabelle /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hi, thanks" Annabelle looked up and smiled "I'm sorry this is taking me forever, I'm trying to hurry" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""don't worry, we have all the time in the world, besides there's only a few days left, and then we'll be in LA" Catherine smiled, she loved the thought of seeing Annabelle's parents again. Annabelle nodded and smiled "are you hungry?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""yes, but we don't have time for that right now" Annabelle said not looking up /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""I was talking about food, and as far as that goes, we'll do that later" Catherine kissed her neck "I'm going to go start dinner" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""ok" that was all Annabelle could get out, Catherine left her speechless, not to mention unable to concentrate. "guh" she tossed her pen onto her laptop keyboard, pushed back her chair and went into the kitchen, Catherine was standing at the stove, what she assumed to be putting something in the oven, she couldn't quite make out. Walking up behind her Annabelle wrapped her arms around her, feeling Catherine tense a little, but relax once she realized it was Annabelle. "you. Are. So. Not. Fair" Annabelle said kissing her neck. /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""someone a bit worked up?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""a bit, shit, I can't even think straight right now" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""hmm, well what do you propose we do about that?" Catherine asked turning around in her arms, getting lost in the pools of blue, that were Annabelle. The feeling of Annabelle's arms around her made her feel completely safe, knowing there wasn't any other place she'd rather be. Not having control of her body, Catherine leaned in kissing Annabelle, both moaning as the kiss deepened, standing there kissing in the kitchen, pulling away when the need to breathe swept over them both, resting their foreheads on each other's. "how long before dinner?" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""we got time" Catherine pushed Annabelle back against the counter, as she tore off her t-shirt. Tossing it somewhere back behind them, surprised to find Annabelle wasn't wearing a bra. They shared a smile, as Catherine's hand found their place on Annabelle's breasts. Loving the feeling, Annabelle moaned. As Catherine's hand ventured down to the top of her basketball shorts she had on. Playing with the elastic, she stuck her hand inside and found Annabelle's panties soaked with want. "damn" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""what can I say, just looking at you gets me soaked" /span/p
p class="MsoNoSpacing"span style="font-size: 12.0pt;""mm" Catherine moaned as she moved her hand to the right spot, as Annabelle grasps at the first contact. /span/p