Seducing Sir

Broken Strings

Broken Strings

"So class, if you'd like to just work through the music theory textbook and finish it for homework that's all you'll have to do this lesson. No more performances, we're just getting you ready for the exam and things now"

His voice makes me want to cry.

I've been avoiding eye contact with him all lesson and pretending that things are totally okay and not complicated. I've been pretending that we're not in love and we're just teacher and student like we should be.

I find myself staring at him for about the billionth time this lesson. But I don't manage to look away in time and his eyes meet mine for the briefest second.

I swear my heart cracks all over again.

Quickly I look away and stare down at the textbook. "What did you get for number four?" Maisie asks me and looks at the blank paper in front of me. "Oh. You haven't done it yet. Hey are you okay? You seem really quiet this lesson"

"I'm fine" I say in a small voice, because I'm not.

I want to be with him. But I have to learn to look after myself before I go jumping headfirst into the relationship pool- one without any water in it. And whether he likes it or not he needs to do the same.

But it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.

"It really doesn't seem like it" Maisie tells me, a concerned look on her face. In an attempt to cheer me up she gives me a smile, the one she always uses when she has juicy gossip "Shaz told me she saw you and some man in a restaurant the other day- things going well then" Maisie asks, sliding a glance at Mr Gallagher. I shake my head.

"Not exactly... I'll tell you about it later. But I saw Shaz there with Benjamin and they seem happy enough together" I point out and from across the table Kimmy chuckles.

"Are they still together? It's been at least two days I thought they would have killed each other by now" She laughs and everyone joins in. I give a small smile but don't laugh. At least they're happy and together, I think wistfully.

But I can't think like that. I've made my decision and it's for the best. I have to stick with it. If it's meant to be between us then Tyger will come back to me and we can be together then.

If he does come back, that is.

"Shaz and Benjamin deserve to be happy together and I for one am glad they're all in love, just like we are" Chastity comments, giving Kimmy a nudge with her elbow. She responds with a wide smile and I can't help but wonder if they're in the process of actually getting together.

"And us" Maisie adds, smiling at Wayne who looks at her like she's heaven on Earth.

"Please tell me I'm not fifth-wheeling" I beg and everyone chuckles. But then I hear footsteps moving across the classroom floor and I swallow nervously.

"Vanessa, can I have a word with you outside please?" Mr Gallagher asks and I nod without looking up at him. I can't bear to look into his beautiful eyes.

Silently I get up from my seat and follow Mr Gallagher out of the classroom. He closes the door behind us and moves to the side so no one can see us.

"How are you doing?" He asks me and I shrug, tight-lipped.

"I'm okay" I reply and he sighs. His hands reach out for mine and my body rebels against my mind and lets him take them.

"I miss you. It's barely been a week but I'm going crazy without you. Please can we talk about this?" Tyger begs me and I shake my head.