A Fractured Lover (Student/Teacher)

Chapter 33

Tap. Tap. Tap.

That sound was the only thing making its way into my ears as I sat in Mrs. Smith's class for her first day back from Maternity leave.

I tapped my pen subconsciously over and over again on my notepad as I sat slouched with one elbow resting on my desk as my hand cradled my head. I found it next to impossible to put any focus into listening to Mrs. Smith's lecture today. My mind was still reeling from Greg's final words to me in our last call.

'I'll be seeing you soon, my love.'

I shut my eyes and covered my face with my hand that was not currently occupying my needless tapping pen.

It was inevitable. I had to accept that at this point if Greg wanted me, he would find a way to get me and it was just a matter of when and how. I simply had to wait in agonizing fear for that moment to come, for my nightmares to greet me at the door of my sanity, panic attack and handkerchief in hand.

And waiting was by far the most excruciating part.

My eyes flew open from their dark solitude when I felt a hand wisp at my relentlessly moving one and stop its actions.

My gaze wandered over lazily to find Ben's hazel eyes staring back sadly into mine. A frown creased his lips and worry lines were etched onto his forehead.

"Sorry," I mumbled under my breath and set my pen down to stop the temptation of starting up my actions again.

"It's fine, Cookie," he whispered, using my nickname which brought the slightest of uplifts to my lips.

"You seem really out of it," he observed.

I shrugged. "I guess. I mean what's really the point of paying attention anyway if there's a manic waiting for me out there."

His fingers clamped over mine tightly.

"Stop thinking like that. He's not gonna come within a 100 yards of you, Alex. McCoy and I will make sure of that."

I looked up into his awaiting and intent eyes and was able to meld together the slightest bit of hope as I watched his eyes flicker with such determination. The mention of Nathan brought my gaze out front to find him.

I was a bit taken back to find his stare already fixed on me and when I finally did connect our eyes, he gave me the smallest and most reassuring of smiles he could without raising suspicion.

"Okay now, I know you all have been hearing about some trip that the Arts major grad classes may be taking," Mrs. Smith's voice ripped through Nathan and I's focus on each other and drew my attention to her for the first time today.

"Those rumors are true but it is most definitely not mandatory by any means. It will be in a months' time and we will be going to the Fine Arts Center and Museum which is located in the southern region of the state which means it will be an overnight trip. As adults you can leave that night if you wish but the University has also hashed out a deal with a hotel in the area and you all can get discounted rooms, which is a steal for the quality hotel that is it."

I couldn't deny that my interest had been peaked.

"I have the list up here for you to sign up on if you are, in fact, interested in going. Please sign up after class so we teachers can start getting a rough head count. Class is dismissed!"

The minute she dismissed us I gathered up my unused materials and turned to Ben.

"Are you interested in going on the trip?" I asked with a tad bit more enthusiasm then I had been able to muster up for the past couple days.