This entire situation initially caused me indescribable despair and fear.
I arrived at Alex’s house, trembling and crying. When I finally managed to explain what had happened, he looked visibly shocked, though he quickly masked it with a calm demeanor. I think he was trying to reassure me, to be my anchor in the chaos. Surprisingly, after that day, Alex and I began going out more freely, almost as if this unspoken weight had been lifted off our shoulders.
Just the other day, he came to pick me up from school. I still remember the way he leaned against his car at the entrance, exuding confidence and charm. His tailored suit and sunglasses made him look effortlessly sophisticated. It was a sight that left my heart racing. It wasn’t as though we hadn’t had the freedom to go out before, but the secrecy surrounding our relationship had made us hesitant, if not outright fearful, of the world discovering our connection. Or maybe it was just me. I had been terrified of what people would say, of how they’d judge us.
“I don’t know, maybe,” I mumbled, shrugging as I took a bite of my cupcake.
The group around me chatted animatedly, laughing as they planned how drunk they intended to get that night. Their excitement was palpable, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I silently hoped Alex would let me help him in his office so we could finish early and have a quiet, romantic evening together.
This week had been a nightmare for both of us. Alex had been buried in work, drowning in endless paperwork and late-night meetings. Meanwhile, I had been swamped with school assignments and projects. We had barely seen each other. He spent sleepless nights in his office, and while I sometimes joined him to do my homework, he always insisted I go to bed early. “You need to rest for school,” he’d say firmly, ushering me off to bed before he continued working until the early hours of the morning.
The last time we truly spent time together was four days ago, on Monday, when we studied anatomy together. Four days may not seem like much, but to me, it felt like an eternity.
—
The school bell rang, pulling me from my thoughts. I gathered my things and headed to my next class. Professor Winston entered the room and immediately began explaining the new topic. I tried my best to focus, jotting down every word he wrote on the board and answering the questions he handed out, but my mind kept wandering.
I couldn’t stop thinking about Alex. I missed him so much. I wanted to run to him, tell him how much I loved him, kiss him until I was breathless, and feel his touch again.
“Miss Moore, are you okay?” Professor Winston’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I blinked, startled, and nodded quickly.
“I’ll need to see you in my office after class,” he murmured, his expression laced with concern. My eyes widened, but I nodded again, feeling a knot of frustration form in my chest.
I wanted to refuse. I needed to see Alex! But I kept quiet, knowing he might punish me with detention if I disobeyed.
The class seemed to drag on endlessly. When the bell finally rang, I grabbed my things and prepared to dash toward the front door. Then I remembered Professor Winston’s request and sighed.
I texted Robert, the driver Alex had hired to take me around when he couldn’t, letting him know I’d be delayed. Then, with reluctant steps, I walked to Mr. Winston’s office.
—
His secretary gestured for me to enter, and I stepped inside, finding him seated behind his desk.
“Good afternoon, Miss Moore,” he greeted, gesturing for me to sit down. I obeyed, though I couldn’t shake the feeling of his eyes scrutinizing me.
“Mr. Winston, I don’t mean to be rude, but I have an appointment, and I don’t want to be late. Could you please get to the point?” I asked, keeping my tone polite but firm.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my directness. “Of course,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “I wanted to ask how everything is at home.”
I frowned, confused. “Excuse me?”
“You’ve been distracted lately,” he began. “You look tired and stressed. Over the past few weeks, you’ve been unusually quiet, and I’ve noticed you distancing yourself from your classmates during breaks.”
I stiffened, feeling uncomfortably exposed.
“I don’t understand,” I said, shaking my head.
“I’ve also heard rumors,” he continued, his voice lowering slightly. “If I were accused of dating a student, I’d be pretty upset myself.”
“What rumors?” I asked cautiously.
“The ones about you and former professor Alexander Gray having a romantic relationship,” he said. “I don’t know whether they’re true, but I want you to know that, as your teacher, I’m here for you. I care about my students’ well-being.”
I stared at him, momentarily stunned. Then I leaned forward, resting my elbows on his desk.
“This tired and stressed face you see,” I said, pointing to myself, “is purely because of schoolwork.” My tone was firm. “If I’ve been quiet, it’s because I’m trying harder to improve my grades, especially in your class, which you know hasn’t been my strongest.”
I paused, locking eyes with him. “As for the rumors, they’re not just rumors. They’re true.”
His jaw dropped, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph.
“Excuse me?” he stammered.
“Yes, I’m dating Alexander Gray,” I confirmed. A weight lifted off my shoulders as I said the words aloud.
The look on Mr. Winston’s face was priceless. I wanted to laugh but resisted, keeping my composure. For the first time, I felt free-completely unafraid of judgment.
“We’re tired of hiding,” I continued. “Yes, I’m in a relationship with him, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Mr. Winston seemed to struggle for words, his expression shifting between shock and disbelief.
“Well,” he finally said, clearing his throat. “I hope you understand the implications of what you’ve just admitted.”
“I do,” I replied calmly.
He stared at me for a moment before nodding slowly. “Very well, Miss Moore. You’re free to go.”
I stood, thanked him, and walked out of his office, feeling lighter than I had in weeks.
As I stepped outside, I spotted Robert waiting by the car. Climbing in, I texted Alex to let him know I was on my way. My heart raced with excitement at the thought of seeing him again.
For the first time in a long time, I felt completely at ease. The truth was out, and I had no regrets. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew we’d face them together.