Beyond Music

The Morning After

I woke up the next morning with a heavy heart, my mind still reeling from the forbidden kiss that Malcolm and I shared the day before. As I lay in bed, I couldn't help but replay the moment over and over in my head.

The kiss had been everything I had ever dreamed of, but it was also everything I had been warned myself against. Malcolm and I were from two different worlds, yet, at that moment, none of that seemed to matter.

As the sun rose and reality set in, I knew that I had to put an end to whatever was brewing between us. I couldn't risk jeopardizing his reputation and my own sanity for a forbidden love.

I dragged myself out of bed, the sheets tangled around my legs like a trap. Determination surged through me as I stumbled toward the door. I needed to reach Malcolm's studio before anyone else. I had to tell him that whatever was developing between us had to come to an end. Every fiber of my being screamed for me to give in, but I couldn't allow it to continue.

"Damn it!" I growled, yanking on my jeans and struggling to pull them over my hips. "I am nothing like her," I muttered, raking my fingers through my hair in frustration. I needed an appointment at Tarisa's; my hair was a disaster. But that could wait. Right now, all that mattered was ending things with Malcolm.

I applied a generous coat of lip gloss, the fruity scent filling my senses. Grabbing my bag, I headed out, my heart flying with a mix of nerves and anticipation. This was it—I was officially going to end things with Malcolm, both as a student and on a personal level.

As I made my way through the chilly morning streets, the brisk air nipped at my skin, sending goosebumps racing up my arms. I began to consider how Shaniqua must have felt when she first started seeing William, but the more I thought about it, the more I recognized I was merely justifying her actions. Now I was in her position, and I couldn't cope with it.

As I approached the studio, I could feel my palms sweating, and anxiety building. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I had to be strong. I had to stand my ground.

When I pushed open the door, my gaze locked onto Malcolm's. His stare was intense, nearly unsettling, but I refused to flinch. I was a compound being, and I wouldn't let him influence me any longer.

My voice emerged firm and laced with emotion as I articulated my truth.

"This ends now, Malcolm," I declared, my words filled with determination. "I won't be just another one of your students or flings. I deserve more than that."

With those words, I turned and walked away, leaving Malcolm behind and taking control of my own narrative.

I avoided his eyes, knowing that if I looked at him, I would give in to the temptation once again. But as luck would have it, he intercepted me in the hallway.

"Can we talk?" he asked, his voice pleading.

I wanted to say "No", but instead I nodded, unable to form any words.

We made our way to the garden, away from prying eyes and ears.

"I know we shouldn't have kissed," he said, breaking the silence. "But I can't deny the way I feel about you. I can't stay away from you."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"Malcolm, you know we can't do this! You're a married man." I expressed with all the sincerity that I could come up with.

"It's not what you think!" Malcolm said, taking my hand. "I care about you, and I'm willing to see where this goes."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked into his sincere gaze. I wanted to believe him, to give in to this forbidden love, but I knew it was not that simple.