Deadly Love

16. Tease Me

On the way to school, the day of our band concert, I feel anxious. I can't exactly pinpoint why but I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that my band conductor won't stop flirting with me.

I can't deny the fact that I crave Mr. Alessi's attention. It's been a couple weeks since I ran into him and his brother, Matt, outside of their "apartment". I'm using the term apartment loosely since it seemed more like a 3 story mansion to me.

Since then, he has touched me countless times, trying it play it off as an accident when I know it's much more than that. Every time these encounters happen my body immediately ignites. I want him, and at this point I am willing to risk much more than I should.

I take a deep breath and get out of my car to head into the school for band. I push open the doors and take off my sunglasses, pausing for a moment to put them in my backpack.

I spot one of my favorite teachers down the hall, who instructs my AP language class this year. He's a hit with the students because of his sense of humor. I can never go a class without laughing.

"Hi Mr. Bart, how are you?" I politely greet him with a smile.

"Cadence! I'm doing fine, how about you?" he replies.

"Good, good. Well have a nice morning, I will see you in a bit! " I respond and start to walk away.

"Wait!" He stops me. "I wanted to talk to you in class today, but I guess I can just tell you now. Your essay you handed in last class was spectacular. I was wondering if I could have your permission and submit it to the annual Seattle writing competition." He grins at me.

"Oh, thank you! Yes, you have my permission," I say, trying not to jump up and down in the middle of the school hallway.

I've always thought I was decent at writing but the Seattle competition is insane. Some of the pieces that get submitted end up getting published and in a few rare cases the student writers get paid to publish even more essays.

"You're certainly welcome, it's my pleasure." He chuckles. "I will submit it as soon as I get to my room."

"Thank you, thank you so much," I tell him and skip off to first period.

I round the corner and almost run straight into Mr. Alessi.

"Woah, there." He looks down at me.

I can't wipe the grin that is plastered on my face and he notices.

"Wow, Cadence, you're giddy this morning." He raises his eyebrows at me. "And that would be because?"

"My essay for AP Lang got submitted to a competition in Seattle!" I squeal.

"Very impressive, Miss Rubio. I will have to take a look at this high quality essay of yours; I would love to read your work." He smiles.

I swallow as I remember what the topic I wrote about was.

"Oh-h," I stutter. "Sure you can."

"Good, see you in a few." He nudges me and walks off.

Shit, he cannot see that essay. We were assigned to write about how we need something in our life, even though we know it can be detrimental. All of my thoughts are based off of Mr. Alessi and how I strongly need him, but shouldn't have him. He will see right through my words.

Band is intense as everyone is on edge for our performance tonight. We rehearse hard and before I know it the period is over, my mouth sore from playing constantly.

"Everyone needs to be here tonight at precisely 6:15, in this room, ready to play. See you all tonight." Mr. Alessi releases us, collects his music and steps off the podium right in front of me.