a gentleman's mistress

XIX. December 31st, 1986

Mira's POV:

Ever since I left Bulteria, I told myself I'd gotten rid of anything related to Immortals.

But how can I reject the handsome Earl who wants to be my friend?

I'd never expect to see Earl Alaric Desdemona as a student at my medical school. But here we are. Considering how he's in his last year, I can safely assume he isn't stalking me because I'm insanely beautiful.

I chew on the tip of my pen and glance upward. Alaric caught me looking at him, and instead of saying something, he smiled. Instantly, I look down at the textbook.

It's been three months since we became friends.

As I enter my fifth month of pregnancy, the baby bump is becoming apparent. But because of the temperature drop, I've been hiding it with thick coats.

After we finished studying, or in my delusional mind, I like to call it a date.

"See you two next time," someone says.

Okay, maybe not a date, considering how there are four other people with us.

After we said our goodbyes, Alaric walked me to Carter's car. It's one of those days where Carter has to stay late at school. Since I hadn't had an episode since last time, Steven allowed me to take Carter's car more often.

I took a part-time job at the school library, so I get to fill up my own gas tank.

How adult-like of me.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" I asked. I haven't listened to a thing Alaric said since we left the library.

His eyes are just so dreamy, and he smells really good - crazy comforting.

"The practical," he said. "It was difficult, wasn't it?"

I nodded, "Yeah. Yeah."

"What did you get?"

"I don't remember. Probably like 80-something."

"No way," he said.

I opened my textbook and pulled out the practical score sheet - 98.9.

"Wow," he said. "There is an 8 in there for sure."

I folded the paper, "I had a bit of extra tutoring." From my doctor brother and the Dean of the school.

They refused to let me even use the toilet without answering a medical question.

When we got to the car, Alaric hung out a bit longer than usual. He leaned a hand against the car but quickly removed it when he realized it was wet. I smiled at his cute antics.

"What is it?" I asked.

He wiped his palm against his coat. "I was wondering if you'd be willing to tutor me."

"You mean alone?"

He nodded, "Over coffee? My treat?"

"Oh-" I tapped my fingers against the textbooks.

"Unless I've been reading too deep into this, and you're actually not interested in me."

"That's-" I exhaled, "Look, I think you're so cute, and getting to know you - past your status as an Earl - I think you're even cuter-"

He smiles.

"But, this can't happen."

Alaric smile disappeared, "If it isn't too much. May I know the reason?"

Oh, how cute. He wants to know why.

"I...I'm pregnant."

Alaric tucked a hand inside his coat, "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were spoken for."