Pretend to be mine tonight (GXG)

Chapter 4

Emily's POV

Ms. Vieira moved on to the next student, ignoring my attitude and listening intently as they shared their hobbies, dreams, and summer escapades. I kept my gaze fixed on my hands, resting on the desk, trying to avoid drawing attention. The anxiety was building in my chest, and I didn't want another breakdown in front of her—especially not now.

Cam was making increasingly frantic gestures, trying to catch my eye, but I couldn't bring myself to look at her. Cam is my refuge; she's the one I turn to when I need to let my guard down, because I know she can handle it.

The classroom buzz was relentless, pulling me further from reality. I could hear Ms. Vieira thanking students as they finished their introductions. Her voice was cold, detached—a stark contrast to their excitement. Cam and I seemed to be the only ones who had issues with her.

"Alright, does anyone have any questions for me?" Ms. Vieira asked in a flat tone.

"How old are you?" a student in the back piped up.

"I'm 26. But that's beside the point. Any real questions?" she replied, rolling her eyes. No one dared to ask anything more.

When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of class, I grabbed my bag and bolted for the door, desperate to escape. I didn't wait for Cam.

"Miss Müller, could you please stay behind for a moment?" Ms. Vieira called out. I froze, my heart sinking as I looked around for Cam's help. She was too busy glaring at Ms. Vieira to notice me.

Taking a deep breath, I kept my eyes closed and my head down as the classroom emptied. The sound of Ms. Vieira's heels clicking on the floor made my heart race. I couldn't tell if my shaking was from fear or anger—probably both.

Her perfume—a cloying mix of vanilla and fruit—was unmistakable as she approached. I could feel her presence drawing nearer.

"Miss Müller," she began, but I cut her off.

"Don't," I said, my voice barely a whisper.

I kept my eyes closed and my head down, hating myself for it. I wanted to confront her, tell her to stay away, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Her voice had an unsettling familiarity to it, and her presence was overwhelming in a way I couldn't quite explain.

"You don't even know what I was going to say," she said, annoyed.

"I know exactly what you were going to say. I don't want your apology. Just stay away from me and don't talk to me about it again. I'd ask you not to talk to me at all, but given our situation, that seems impossible," I said, finally looking her in the eye before turning to leave.

"This is not what I was going to say! I wasn't going to apologize," she snapped, crossing her arms.

"Excuse me?" I said, my voice trembling with frustration.

"You think I'm going to apologize for the kiss? It was a peck—nothing more. And it was for show. What you did got me in trouble when you could have just played along!" she said, stepping closer. I instinctively flinched, backing away.

She stopped, her expression shifting from irritation to a mix of disbelief and something else—something unsettlingly attractive. My brain struggled to process it.

"I can't believe you actually... What the hell? I don't even know how to respond to that! Are you serious? Are you a maniac?" I said, barely containing my anger.

"Shhh! Keep your voice down! It wasn't a big deal!" she said, her frustration evident. "I need you to help me fix this mess. My family thinks you're my girlfriend and wants to meet you. Show up Friday night at 6 PM. Dress appropriately," she said, thrusting her business card at me.