Unity | Harry Styles AU

XXI: blackmail

Harry's Point of View;
One month later

"Fuck" I whispered as I heard the sound of another glass hit the ground. The intoxicating yet familiar scent of tequila infiltrated my nostrils as I picked up the shards of glass off the marble flooring.

My house was completely dark. I don't think I've opened any curtains for weeks now; there was no point. The sunlight was too blinding. I placed the shards in the sink and made the vast decision to open one curtain, just so I could see what time of day it was.

I realized it was morning when rays of sun burned my irises. I winced and quickly closed the curtains.

My phone read a time that was much too early for me. I've been forcing myself to stay awake the past few days however, because I was dying to receive a phone call from my bank...

--

*Flashback to March first, five months in the past*

"Mr. Styles. I need to talk to you." A fussy blonde lady said as she slammed the door behind her.

Her heels clicked along the floor as she approached my desk. The strong smell of cheap perfume and bubblegum making me cringe as she got closer. She placed her hands on my desk, forcing me to look up to her.

"Yes, miss...?" I struggled to find her name. I knew she was in the same visual arts class as Alaska, but I couldn't pinpoint who she was.

"Brooke Balson." She rolled her eyes. "You teach fourth period Visual Art..?"

"Yes, Miss Balson. I'm aware." I responded, hiding my sarcasm as that was too unprofessional when dealing with a student.

"I was wondering if..." Her hands moved closer down my desk, her low-cut shirt exposing her bust at my eye-level. "I know I failed my application-of-knowledge Analysis, or whatever. But that will bring down my mark by a lot, and that means my daddy won't be happy."

I moved farther back in my seat, avoiding her touch. I was uncomfortable.

"And when my daddy's not happy, he cuts off my allowance for a while. And that can't happen." Brooke said as her voice became more obnoxious. "So, Mister. I was wondering if you could make an exception this one-"

"Absolutely not." I stood up out of my desk. "This is completely inappropriate, Miss Balson. Please return to your other class, wherever that may be." I said sternly.

"You're one to talk, Mr. Styles." Brooke snapped as she stood up straight and crossed her arms.

"Don't be silly, Brooke. Go back to class. That is an order by a teacher. Follow it." I raised my voice.

"Alaska Dwyer wouldn't be too happy if you talked to her like that." She said cattily as she approached me. "Not at all, sir."

"Leave. Now." I pointed my finger to the door.

"Don't think I don't know. I don't know how long this affair-thing has been going on between you two, but it's kind of wrong." Brooke smacked her lips with every word. I could feel a mix of anger and guilt fill my body.

"What's wrong is a student coming into a teacher's classroom attempting to seduce them in exchange for better grades." I replied.