Teacher with Benefits (18+)

Chapter 11

Throughout the rest of the week, each group dedicated every class period to working on their projects, meticulously refining and organizing every detail. Mr. Anderson's expectations were high, as this was his most prestigious class, and the students could feel the pressure to excel.

As the weekend finally approached, Jacqueline decided to visit Nathan. She had missed him all week, and now that she was off her period, she was especially eager to see him.

Jacqueline spent hours getting ready for her visit. She carefully styled her hair, letting it fall in loose waves around her shoulders. She meticulously applied her makeup, selecting shades that highlighted her best features. Her skincare routine was thorough, involving multiple steps to cleanse, tone, and moisturize her skin until it glowed. Jacqueline spent a full hour in the shower, enjoying the hot water and letting it relax her muscles. She followed this with another hour dedicated to shaving, making sure her skin was smooth and soft.

She picked out her outfit with great care. She chose a delicate, white lace top that accentuated her cleavage, the sheer fabric revealing just enough to be tantalizing. The top's halter neck tied elegantly behind her neck, leaving her shoulders bare. Jacqueline paired the top with low-rise, well-worn jeans that hugged her curves, accessorized with a silver chain belt that added a touch of edgy glamour. She slipped on a pair of black Converse. Her look completed with a simple, elegant necklace that rested just above the neckline of her top.

By the time she was finished, Jacqueline felt confident and ready to see Nathan, her excitement growing with each passing minute.

***

As Jacqueline arrived near Nathan's house, she parked a couple of blocks away—just in case. She sprayed some perfume on, just before locking the car and placing her keys in her silver purse. She walked toward his house, her anticipation building with each step. However, as she got closer, she noticed Claire's car, a black Tesla, parked in the driveway. Concern gripped her—why was Claire there with Nathan? Were they not getting divorced? Were they even separating?

These troubling thoughts fogged her mind, scaring her as she quietly approached the porch. She looked through the windows first, hoping to see what was happening inside. To her dismay, she saw Nathan and Claire sitting together, Claire's hand tenderly on his face, kissing him. Jacqueline waited, hoping Nathan would pull back. He finally did after what felt like an eternity, but the damage was done. She felt utterly betrayed.

Was everything he said a lie? Was he getting back with her? Jacqueline's mind raced, and her vision blurred as she leaned against the side of the house for stability. Nathan noticed her from inside, and their eyes locked. But Jacqueline was too upset, too confused. Once her vision cleared, she started speed walking back to her car, holding back tears.

As she walked away, she heard the sound of hurried footsteps behind her. Nathan was running after her, dressed in grey sweatpants and a black long-sleeve shirt. "Jacqueline, wait!" he called out, his voice filled with urgency.

Jacqueline quickened her pace, but Nathan caught up to her, grabbing her arm gently. "Please, let me explain," he pleaded, breathing heavily.

She turned to face him, tears streaming down her face. "Explain what, Nathan? That you're getting back with her? That everything you told me was a lie?"

"It's not like that," he insisted, his grip tightening slightly as he tried to make her understand. "Claire just showed up out of nowhere. I didn't want to cause a scene."

Jacqueline pulled her arm free, her eyes blazing with hurt and anger. "You didn't want to cause a scene? So you just let her kiss you?"

Nathan shook his head, his eyes filled with desperation. "Jacqueline—it's complicated. You're young... Claire and I have history."

"You're fucking unbelievable," she snapped, wiping her tears. "I don't wanna see you anymore."

Nathan stepped closer, his voice pleading, trying to defend himself. "No, Jacqueline, don't say that... you know you want this more than anything. I'm divorcing Claire, it was just a moment of weakness."

Jacqueline scoffed, feeling utterly betrayed. "God, could you be more full of shit? You've said enough, Nathan. I'm not putting up with this—goodbye."

She turned away, her heart pounding in her chest. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. Nathan stood there, calling after her, but she refused to look back. She could feel his eyes on her, filled with regret and desperation, but she couldn't let that weaken her resolve.

As she reached her car, her hands trembled while she unlocked it. She got in, the familiar scent of her perfume mixed with the new scent of heartbreak. She sat there for a moment, gripping the steering wheel, trying to steady her breathing. The tears came again, flowing freely down her cheeks. She wiped them away, determined not to let Nathan see her break down.

Finally, she started the engine and drove off, the sound of Nathan's pleas fading into the distance.

***

Everything that had happened made Jacqueline so angry that she decided to text Joan, asking if he had any party invites for her and Faith. She couldn't stand the thought of staying home and stewing in her anger. She needed a distraction.

Instantly, her phone buzzed with a response. Joan sent a location and time, inviting them to a lavish party at a downtown penthouse. Jacqueline felt a spark of excitement mixed with relief. This was just what she needed.

Jacqueline hurried to her bedroom, where she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her makeup, once flawless, was now smudged from the tears of frustration she had shed earlier. She took a deep breath and began to reapply her foundation, eyeshadow, and mascara with meticulous care. Her hands moved with practiced precision, transforming her face back into its usual glamorous state. Next, she tackled her hair, brushing out the tangles and restyling it into soft, elegant waves.

With her appearance restored, Jacqueline grabbed her purse and headed out the door. She drove to Faith's house, where her friend was already waiting at the curb. Faith looked stunning in a red dress that hugged her curves, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders.

"Rough day?" Faith asked, sliding into the passenger seat.

"You have no idea," Jacqueline replied with a sigh, starting the car. "But Joan's got us covered. We're going to a party at a penthouse downtown."

Faith's eyes lit up. "Now that sounds like fun. Just what we need."