Me, My Teacher and Lies

Chapter 22

Disbelief is what I felt, I can’t believe that I’d agreed to this madness, sheer insanity is what it is that drove me to waiting for Greyson, like he said at the spot where he brought me home at the corner of my street. I got there ten minutes early hoping for some thinking time but to my intense surprise, he was already there and waiting.

I guessed the reason for his early arrival was due to his anticipating my thinking time, which I’m pretty confident would have led to me walking away before he got there. We didn’t say anything on the drive out of town, although he did throw me smiles every once in a while.   

Nerves were getting the better of me quickly, I could feel my whole body shaking in the tight hold that I had it under. I took a few steadying breaths and tried to think through what I’d chanted to myself for half of the night, just pretend you’re listening, don’t look him in the eyes and say that you’ve thought about it but you still feel the same. I mean he promised he’d drop it after that, but I was more worried about the large part of me that didn’t want him to let it go.

It’s kind of weird to be in this car again, when I think about all the times I’ve been in here already, when Freddie got hurt, after the kiss, my kidnapping... it seems a little odd to be here for something as casual as getting a coffee, but then I guess this anything but casual because I’m with my teacher and we’re not exactly discussing school.

Taking a minute out of my serious thoughts, I looked over at Mr Greyson to take note of his clothes and the sad thing is that he really doesn’t look that much older than me dressed as he is, in dark blue jeans and a grey shirt pushed up to his elbows, he was even wearing Vans, no one would bat an eyelid if we walked by together... and the internal battle continues.

I’m not exactly sure how long it took before I felt the car stop, I looked up from my lap and smiled when I found that we were outside of a Starbucks, at least I could have a good coffee before I run like a bat out of hell.

I unclipped my seatbelt and opened the car door, slipping out gently till my feet safely met the concrete walk. My legs felt like jelly under my weight, I walked to the door and stopped in front of it, unable to make my hand push on the door, I was too afraid, it felt final to me that once I stepped in this place I’d be completely at Luc’s mercy, I’ve grown up that knowing having the upper hand is crucial and I’m about to go into something that I have no control over.

Lucas came to stand next to me, also just looking at the door until he turned his face to look down at me, he knew just as well as I did that whatever happens after going into that place, when we come out there is no going back.

Bravely he offered me his hand and through my fear alone at it being the last time I could, I took it and walked inside while he held the door open with his free hand. The familiar smell of coffee made me at ease as I walked on the small few paces more that got me to the counter. A guy around my age greeted me with a smile, he was checking me out and didn’t even have the grace to be embarrassed, what an ass.

With an insult on the top of my tongue I was silenced as an arm wrapped itself around my waist, I looked up in surprise at Lucas who was giving the kid a death glare, not that he cared.

“So cutie, how can I help you today”? He asked me, I really wanted to laugh at his optimism but I had too much respect for his unwavering confidence given that Lucas looked in half a mind to jump the counter.

“Uh can I get an espresso, please”?

“An espresso? That’s kinda strong for a little thing like you”.

“She’ll be fine, thanks” Lucas but in looking a little hostile.  I stared at him until he looked down at me and I honestly didn’t realise how hard his stare was until his eyes softened on me, so for Lucas’ sake at least that’s what I told myself it was for, I wrapped my arm his waist too and leant my head on his chest before looking back at the guy behind the register who was now clearly disappointed.