This love (Teacher/Student)

Chapter 52

"Are you going to that party?" My dad asked as he sat down next to me on the sofa once he'd finished work.

It was new years eve. I'd spent the last week in the house with my family as my mum was off work and we had nothing else to do but binge watch the shows my dad didn't like and bake. I'd not heard from Daniel. His family all sent me a Merry Christmas text and I'd spoken to the Ben and Jamie a little. Megan and Scarlett checked in every day like normal, but nobody had put pressure on me about tonight.

"I think so." I decided. The week of normality had been good for me. I had some space, some time to think. I was ready to face him again and I planned to apologise for the position I put him in. It wasn't fair that I wanted his emotions back on. He made a choice, and he did it because I asked him too. I had to respect that. "I'll be staying at Megan's."

I hadn't told them yet that I was planning on going with them, but I didn't want to put pressure on what time to be home considering it was new years eve. And a party at Zach's garage could last all night for all I know.

"Well don't forget Sunday dinner tomorrow." He warned while sipping on his tea. "It's been nice having you home this week."

I rolled my eyes but didn't bother entertaining him. He had made countless digs over the last couple of months about how often I was out. I know he thinks I'm still dating someone but I'm not anymore and I shouldn't have to justify that. "Mums doing beef." I said turning back to the telly. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Zach's party was in full swing when I arrived with Scarlett and Dwayne. Megan had already gotten here earlier with Jamie, who she insists is still just a friend. Zach was by the bar he had made out of beer and wine cases in the corner while Ben and Daniel were by the DJ surrounded by girls.

Daniel didn't turn to face us when we arrived so maybe he wasn't aware. Or maybe he was too focussed on the blonde with her eyes on him to care. I let the jealousy simmer for a moment before I had to reign it in. I refused to be the drama of another holiday event. It was too embarrassing at this point.

"Beer?" Dwayne called over the music as he already started dragging Scarlett by the hand over to Zach.

I watched as Zach's smile started to fade as we approached. As he saw me here even when he asked me to stay away. When we were close enough he looked down to my bare legs. I was wearing a black sleeveless corset dress that my dad considered too short but I considered perfectly age appropriate. "You came?" He greeted with a hint of disappointment but still held out a bottle of beer to me. I nodded and accepted it. The disappointment on his face another reminder of how I do nothing but cause problems.

He handed a beer to Scarlett and Dwayne just before an arm wrapped round my shoulder from Jamie. "That dress looks slutty enough to be Megan's." Jamie laughed earning a smack from me and Megan.

"It is mine." Megan said with a straight face but I couldn't help laughing along too.

Jamie removed his arm slowly as Ben and Daniel approached. I was thankful that nobody left but I was mortified at the fact everyone fell silent, waiting to see what would happen.

Daniel kept his eyes on me as he accepted a beer from Zach and the 8 of us stood awkwardly while the beat from the DJ carried through the garage. "I'm sorry." I decided to go first and I felt all eyes turn to Daniel to see how he would respond.

To my surprise he let a genuine but small smile shine through. "Me too." I didn't know if he meant it, if he could, but I was so happy by it that it didn't matter. "Clean slate?" He asked while holding out his beer to me.