shhh^.^. it's our little secret

8/3/2019 Shhh^.^. It's Our Little Secret

1/57

Chapter 1

First Day Part 1

Senior Year! Finally! was the first thought that ran through my head as I walked from my

bathroom to my closet to get ready for school.

Im still trying to figure out how Im going to break it off with Tyler. I cant keep pretending that

I like him and he gets a little annoying after a while, but still I dont want to hurt him.

Snapping out of my thoughts I open my closet and pull out some light blue faded ripped skinnyjeans and pull them on. I search through my closet and find a cream halter type tank with a lace

back and a bra built in. I pull on some tan leather knee-high 3-inch heel boots and topped

everything off with light natural looking make-up leaving my jet black hair, that looks blue in thesunlight, in sexy playful waves down my back.

I smile to myself as I go downstairs. The house is empty since my parents are in France again

and wont be back until the end of next month. I grabbed a mineral water and a granola bar aheaded out to my car which was a heartbreaker read 2011 Mustang GT. I love my car!!! I open

the passenger side door and throw my stuff in the passenger seat. I walked around to the drivers

side door and got in.

Starting the car I hear the engine roar and I smile in satisfaction. I pull out of my driveway andhead to school. As I pull in to the parking lot all eyes turn to me. I park in my reserved parking

spot, grab my stuff and get out.

Arianna!!!!

I turn around and see Sarah Gilbert, my best friend since grade 1, running towards me.

Sarah!!! I hug my best friend.

Tylers here have you decided how to end it yet?


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You only want me to dump him so you can have your shot with him. I said back to smiling. I

knew she liked him and oddly enough I didnt care with this guy so I have absolutely no problem

with her going after him once I dump him.

Uh-oh. I see Sarah looking at something over my shoulder.

What? I ask as I turn around to follow her gaze and I see Chastity and Tyler basically suckling

each others face off. Well, well, well that makes this just makes it that much easier to do what

Im about to do. I say as I walk towards him.

I pull Chastity off of him with ease since I work out for volleyball and softball every now and

then. I look up at Tyler and say calmly as his face turns from pissed to shocked to guilty, Were

through. I turn away and start to walk off.

Tyler grabs my arm turning me back towards him. Its not what you think she kissed me.

I laugh sarcastically, Yeah, Ill believe that the day hell freezes over cause the hand that was

sliding up her skirt to her ass told a whole other story. I pull my arm away and walk into theschool building smiling sweetly at everybody.

I look down at my schedule to see what class I have first.

SCHEDULE

1st block AP Calculus Mr. Hanover

2nd block Music Mrs. Harris

3rd block Lunch N/A

4th block English IV Honors Mr. Stone

5th block Free/ TA Physics Mrs. Daniels


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Heading toward AP Calc I smile at everyone flirting with the guys. I walk in a sit near the front

so I dont get distracted. And as all math classes it was slow on the first day.

My fingers are snapping rhythmically on the desk when the bell rings. I jump up and head to

music. My favorite class ever.

The teacher Mrs. Harris, is late as always and everyone is begging me to get up on stage and sing

until she comes. Who am I to deny them? I smile and stand up and get up on the stage and sit atthe piano running my fingers lightly over the keys. I smile and begin to play 1000 Miles by

Vanessa Carlton.

Makin' my way downtown,

Walkin' fast,

Faces pass and I'm homebound.

Starin' blankly ahead,

Just makin' my way,

Makin' a way through the crowd.

And I need you,

And I miss you,

And now I wonder...

If I could fall into the sky,

Do you think time

would pass me by?

'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles

If I could just see you...

Tonight.

I see Mrs. Harris walk in and I continue.

It's always times like these

When I think of you,

And wonder if you ever think of me.

'Cause everything's so wrong


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And I don't belong.

Livin' in your precious memory.

'Cause I need you,

And I miss you,

And now I wonder...

A person comes in behind Mrs. Harris with his head down. I dont recognize him, he must be anew student but then again I cant really see him all that well. When he looks up I wink at him to

catch his attention.


Do you think time

would pass me by?



Tonight.

I, I, don't wanna let you know

I, I, drown in your memory.

I, I, don't wanna let this go.

I, I, don't.

Makin' my way downtown,

Walkin' fast,

Faces pass and I'm homebound.

Starin' blankly ahead,

Just makin' my way,

Makin' a way through the crowd.

And I still need you,

And I still miss you,

And now I wonder...


Do you think time

Would pass.. us by?



oh oh


5/57

When he looks straight at me I cant help but gasp silently getting caught in his gaze. His eyes

are as green as a forest and deep as the ocean. I continue to sing as Im looking at him and start

to shake just barely. I look away blushing slightly hoping no one noticed.

If I could fall into the sky,Do you think time would pass me by?


If I could just see you.

If I could just hold you....

Tonight.

Everyone in the class starts clapping and shouting. Mrs. Harris walks up onto the stage and takes

the mic.

Well be expecting you at the talent show Arianna. Just like the last three years only this time

you will show up. She says sternly, but you can tell shes joking by the smile on her face.

If you say so Mrs. Harris, but might I say you said the same thing last yearand the year before

that.. someone in the class shout interrupting me.

And the year before that! The class erupts in laughter and I stand up from the piano and I

curtsy dramatically.

Quiet! once the class quieted down Mrs. Harris continued, Now will someone please show

Mr. Stone here where the teachers lounge is?

I will!

No I will.

Oh, me, me!!!


6/57

I look up and see the guy smirking like hes all that and hes hot. Well Ill give him the last one

but I would never admit it to his face. He looks like the cocky arrogant type. I already dont like

him.

I hear the cheer leaders (A.K.A. slut squad) shout with Chastity being the loudest. I wonder whyshes even in music. Shes a tone deaf b to the itch who cant tell a D from a d flat. Oh and did I

mention her name man her parents must have been out of their minds to name her that. Her name

means the complete opposite of what she does.

No because you girls will be harassing the poor man if you take him so anyone else want to

volunteer? Mrs. Harris asks.

Nope definitely not me. I say as I step off the stage taking my seat.

Well thank you for volunteering Miss St. Claire. Mrs. Harris says smiling.

What?! No! Why would I want to walk someone who looks like an over confident, arrogant

prick who thinks hes a pretty boy when hes not to the teachers lounge? I say smartly.

Because hes all of yalls English teacher and you have detention with him after school now.Mrs. Harris replies.

What?! Ive never had a detention before! And its not like I knew he was a teacher. I nearly

shout.

The only reason youve never had a detention is because you never show up to them and if you

keep it up its two detentions.

Exactly and Ive made the world a better place by not showing up and harassing and torturingthe poor teachers, so actually you should be thanking me. I smile and turn to Josh one of my

closest guy friendsa high five laughing vibrantly.


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I look up when I hear someone else chuckling and I look at the new teacher and get trapped in

his eyes regretting ever looking up. He looked at me right after I looked at him as if he had

sensed my eyes on him and locked eyes with me. I shudder slightly.

Im not an arrogant over confident prick who thinks hes a pretty boy. Im a confident,sometimes arrogant prick that knowshes a sexy beast. The teacher says.

Gee I cant remember his name he must be really forgettable.

I notice the class is busting out laughing.

Mr. Stone! (Thats his name!) Mrs. Harris scolds icily, Shes a student and youre snooping

down to her level and acting juvenile yourself and nagging her on!

I laugh loudly throwing my head back and grabbing my sides as they start to hurt from me

laughing so hard.

And a weeks detention starting foryou young lady and If you skip this time youre

suspended! Mrs. Harris shouts over my laughing.

My laughter dried up the second she said that.

But but Im your favorite student youre not supposed to be mean to me!

As that may be youre my student and I have to treat you the same as I would any of my other

students Arianna. She smiles, Now do as I said.

Fine., I grumble as I stomp to the door. Are you coming or not Mr. Stone? I say as I push my

way out of the door.


8/57

Why? Why did this have to happen to me? Maybe I should think about what I say before I say

it No that cant be. For heavens sake I didnt even know he was a teacher he looked to young.

All I know now is that he is my least favorite teacher and this school year has already shaped

into a hard one.


9/57

Chapter 2

First Day Part 2

Mr. Stone's P.O.V.

I grinned and chuckled as I followed Arianna out the door. She was stomping up the hall like a

five year old.

"You got something to say?" she asks when I chuckle.

"No, no. I was just thinking about how your stomping up the hall like an immature five year

old." I reply smirking.

"I am not. I'm mad and it's my outlet so I don't take it out on my teacher and get expelled."

"Was that a threat Miss Claire?" I ask mockingly.

"My last name is St. Claire not Claire and trust me I don't threaten I just act." she says then turns

on her heel and stalks away up the hall.

I chuckle quietly so she doesn't hear me, and follow her to the teacher's lounge.

"Thank you." I say as I walk by her and go to one of the drink machines in the lounge.

"You're not welcome." I hear her mutter as she turns away.

"Did you have something to say, Arianna?"

"Nope" she says popping the p.

"Hmm... cause it sounded like you said you're not welcome. Now isn't that disrespectful?"

"You heard that?" she says grimacing slightly.

"Yes and I believe it calls for at least three more days of detention." I smirk.

Her eyes become a flame with anger and for the first time I get a good look at them. They're

black with golden slashes that look like claw marks. Just looking into her eyes I become

hypnotized.

"Hello?!" she snaps her fingers in front of my face. "How can you give me detention? I don'teven have class with you."

"Yes you do. 4th block." I grin as her shock registers on her face.

"Wait your the new English honors teacher?!" she just about shrieks.

Nodding I say "A little slow on the uptake there Ari."


10/57

"It's Arianna to you and don't mock me I'm not stupid. It's just that normally we have one teacher

for the regular English classes then a different one for the English honors classes and I just

assumed it would be the same this year."

"Well I didn't know that. I'm..." I didn't get a chance to finish because she cuts me off.

"And don't act like we're friends cause we're not. I absolutely loathe you and I can't makedetention because I have practice."

"What do you mean you have practice?"

"Volleyball. I'm the star player." she says as if the dumbest person in the world even knows it.

"Now I have to go." she turns and walks out of the teacher's lounge.

Arianna"s P.O.V.

God he's so infuriating!

Why do I have to have class with him? I'm thinking as I walk back to the music room, entering

just as the lunch bell rings.

I rush to the cafeteria after getting my stuff and meet my friends at the usual table from last year.

I look up near the end of lunch and see Blake walk in with his guitar. I clap and starts to jump up

and down in my seat.

"Hey Girly." Blake says once he reaches me.

"You know I hate that nickname."

"Yes but you love me." he smirks after he says it.

"No it's just your guitar. Now let me play!" I give him my puppy dog face.

"Pleeeeeaaaaasssssseeeeee!!!!"

"No fair! You know I can't say no to that face." he says pouting and handing the guitar over to

me.

"Yay!"

Taking the guitarfrom him I set it on my lap and start to strum and tune the guitar.

Everyone in the cafeteria turns towards me knowing I'm about to play.

"Sing with me." I whisper to Blake.


11/57

"What song?"

"Just a Kiss by Lady A"

He nods and I start to play then sing.

(I'm gonna make this easyArianna singing, Blake singing ,both singing)

Lyin' here with you so close to me

It's hard to fight these feelings when it feels so hard to breathe

Caught up in this moment

Caught up in your smile

I've never opened up to anyone

So hard to hold back when I'm holding you in my arms

We don't need to rush this

Let's just take this slow

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight

Just a touch in the fire burning so bright

And I don't want to mess this thing upI don't want to push too far

Just a shot in the dark that you just might

Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life

So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight

I know that if we give this a little time

It will only bring us closer to the love we wanna find

It's never felt so real, no it's never felt so right

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight

Just a touch in the fire burning so brightAnd I don't want to mess this thing up

I don't want to push too far

Just a shot in the dark that you just mightBe the one I've been waiting for my whole life

So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight

I look up smiling and see Mr. Stone smiling at me and I look back down.

No I don't want to say goodnightI know it's time to leave, but you'll be in my dreams

TonightTonight

Tonight

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlightJust a touch in the fire burning so bright


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And I don't want to mess this thing up

I don't want to push too farJust a shot in the dark that you just might

Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life

So baby I'm alright, oh, let's do this right, with just a kiss goodnight

With a kiss goodnightKiss goodnight

"Woo-hoo!"

"Yeah!"

"Amazing!"

Everybody is screaming and I smile to myself.

Mr. Stone's P.O.V.

Wow. She has and amazing voice.

I look over at her wondering who that song was for. Was it for the boy she was singing with --

Blake I think his name was?

All I know is right now I jealous of him.

I start to walk over to Arianna and she stands up after giving the guitar back and she walks out

justas the bell signaling the end of lunch rings.

I grumble and walk out of the cafeteria heading to my classroom.

I start placing the info packets on every desk for the students to ill out then use when writing

their essay about themselves.

I sit behind my desk completely forgetting that Arianna was in my class and the students start to

file in.

Arianna's P.O.V.

I walk into my English Honors class and ignoring Mr. Stone, I go to the back of the room. After

sitting down at one of the desks I start to fill out the packet.

I look up when Mr. Stone starts talking.


13/57

"Okay as many of you already know I'm Mr. Stone and I'm your English Teacher. Everyone

should have a packet in front of them. I want you to fill it out and when your done you can use itto help you write an essay about yourself. In your essay I want you to reveal your deepest darkest

secret. Now, don't worry the class will not find out who wrote these papers. So get to work."

I go back to the packet and after I finish I start working on the actual essay typing it on my

laptop.

I keep going until the bell rings and I get up and I go to Mrs. Daniels class for T.A., but she just

tells me to take a free period that she's just doing an introductory day.

So I head to the gym to ask Coach Williams about practice be he says practice was canceled.

Forgeting all about detention I go home.

Once get home I throw my bag on the table and I take my laptop into the living room to finish

my essay. I start to doze off as I'm typing and eventually I fall asleep.


14/57

Chapter 3

Detention

Mr. Stones P.O.V.

I was sitting at my desk going through my lesson plans for 4th block while the students were at

lunch. I apparently have them writing papers today.

As Im trying to come up with a due date for the paper the students start filing into the

classroom. I push up from my desk and move to the center of the room.

After everyone is seated I want you to start working on your papers. I tell them.

One of the students, Chloe I think, raises her hand.

Yes, Chloe?

Cleo. She corrects me, What is the format we need to write in? she asks.

I was fixing to get to that once everyone is settled. I want you to double-space it. It needs a

creative title and an opening sentence that will grab someones attention. Twelve point TimesNew Roman font. And any other questions can wait until I get to you as Im walking around. I

say.

The class goes quiet except for the scratching of pencils on paper and the tapping of computer

keys.

I start making my rounds starting at the back of the classroom.

Do you have any questions Arianna? I asks and she jumps stopping in the middle of typing.

Umm yeah three actually. One, do we have to put out deepest darkest secret in the paper?

Two, is there a length requirement? And three, when is the paper due? she asks as she ticks the

questions off on her fingers.

Question one, yes. Question two, no. Question three, tomorrow. I say quickly then speak up sothe class will hear. Everyone be sure to work hard today because these papers are due tomorrow

typed.

Okay, and you said you would keep these confidential? Arianna looks at me with a littleanxiety in her expression. Hmm I wonder what thats about.

I said no one will find out who wrote the paper because Im taking them up and Im grading

them. No one else will see them. I reply.

Okay. She says as she goes back to typing and I see that her paper is already three pages long.

Oh, and dont forget you have detention today.


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Practice.

Nope I talked with your coach yesterday and she said practice was canceled for the rest of the

week. So I expect you to show up. I say.

Yeah, yeah okay.

I finish making my rounds getting stopped by every single girl in the class.

Sighing, I sit down in my desk and lean my head back putting my hands behind my head trying

to figure out why Arianna was anxious about anybody knowing which paper is hers. Suddenly an

idea pops into my head and I smile. Tomorrow is going to be fun.

Suddenly the bell rings and the class jumps up.

Wait! Dont forget the papers are due tomorrow typed. Now have a good day and dont forget

about detention Arianna.

Ariannas P.O.V.

I walk to Mrs. Daniels class in a hurry. When I got there she put me to grading her studentspretests that she had decided to do yesterday afternoon and this morning. So far everybody knew

almost nothing on these pretest.

After I finish grading the pretests I pull out my laptop and finish typing my paper wishing Ididnt have to put my secret in the paper. I walk up to the front of the room and hook my

computer up to the printer and print my paper off. Just as I start to put my stuff up the bell rings.

I sigh and walk to Mr. Stones classroom for detention. Hes not there when I walk in so I go andsit in his desk chair spinning around in circles. As I was spinning a phone starts to ring and I look

over at the desk to see Mr. Stones phone ringing. I slide over and pick it up deciding to answer it

since I didnt see him or him in the hall.

Hello? I ask quietly.

Who is this? A male voice asks.

Arianna. Who are you?

Brett. Is there a reason why youre answering my brothers phone?

Yeah, Im in his room for detention andhes nowhere to be found and he left his phone on his

desk. I say.

Oh your one of his students. Let me guess freshman who was texting in class? He asks.

Nope. Senior who called him and Arrogant over-confident prick who thinks hes a pretty boy

when hes not to his face. I correct him.


16/57

The guy starts busting out laughing on the other end of the phone. You said what?! He

says between laughs.

I start to laugh with him trying to say it again but failing miserably because looking back on it

now it is kind of funny.

What are you doing on my phone? I here an all to familiar voice say from behind me.

I swivel around in the chair my laughter drying up automatically. Um talking to your

brother.

Oh man he caught you didnt he? His brother says through the phone. Wait lets have some

fun.

Sure. I say back.

Okay say that I was just asking for you to send me a photo. His brother says.

Looking up at Mr. Stone I say, He was just asking me for my phone number and a photo.

What kind of photo? Mr. Stone says from between clenched teeth.

Tell him just a picture of you and then if you know what I mean and then put me on speaker

phone.

Just a picture of me. I wink pressing the speaker phone button. If you know what I mean.

What?! Tell himthat youre my student and its illegal. Mr. Stone says.

Tell him yourself its on speakerphone.

Hey bro! Brett says.

Dont hey bro me! Shes under age and its illegal for you to be with her so dont get the idea.

I smile up at Mr. Stone as he says that and I interrupt whatever Brett was saying, No its only

illegal for you to be with me cause youre my teacher but Im 18.

You are? Both of them say at the same time.

Duh, I just said that didnt I?

Right.. they said again at the same time.

Wow did yall plan this out or something? Cause I didnt think it was possible for people to saythe exact same thing at the same time twice in a row.

No! Same time again.

Thrice!

Wow she must be a good English student considering she just said thrice. Brett says.


17/57

No I just read a lot. I say back.

Why did you call brother? Mr. Stone says sounding almost irritated.

I just wanted to call.

Well then bye. He takes the phone and hangs it up.

Looking up at the clock I see that its 4:30, time to go. I stand up and grab my things walking

towards the door.

Where do you think youre going? I hear Mr. Stone say.

4:30 detentions over. I say as I walk out the door.

I head outside to my car and get in and head home. Once I get home I throw my stuff down and

pull out my AP Calculus homework and I get started on it.

After Im done with all of my homework I head up to my en-suite bathroom and take a shower.

After taking a shower and getting into my pajamas I blow dry my hair straight for once.

Once done I go downstairs to fix me something to eat deciding on pizza. After eating three

pieces I go to the living room and I curl up on the couch watching Titanic and I fall asleep.

Somewhere around three in the morning I wake up and I head to the kitchen and I eat another

piece of pizza. Then I head up to my room and I go to my closet and pull out the clothes Im

wearing tomorrow.

I lay down in my bed and I go back to sleep after choosing my clothes.

Waking up the next morning at seven I get up and pull on the white denim skirt and teal tank top

and a pair of teal and white wedges.

After downing a bowl of cereal I head out to my car and I go to school.


18/57

Chapter 4

Essays

Ariannas P. O. V.

The day went by so fast I swear I didnt even remember half of it. Music was fun as always but it

was still a blur. Lunch was spent in the library finishing and printing my English paper.

When the bell rings for fourth block I rush out of the library to Mr. Stones class. I arrive just as

the late bell rings.

Okay! Everybody bring your essays to the front and sit them on my desk. Mr. Stone

immediately demands to the class.

Everybody rushes up to the front of the room and places their papers on his desk. After everyone

is settled back at their desks again he picks them up and starts to shuffle them.

Okay, I promised no one would know whose paper is whose, so I wont tell the names. Mr.

Stone says as I sit there horrified.

He starts reading one at random, one thats not mine. I sigh and relax a little hoping hell run out

of time before he gets to mine.

Much to my horror the next paper he pulls out is mine and I close my eyes and lay my head

down on the desk trying to ignore what hes reading to the class.I love my mother but she doesnt understand me. She always takes my fathers side over mine.

My father is a whole different story than my mother. I hear him read. He is often abusive to mephysically and emotionally. One time he broke my arm and I was forced to lay saying that I fell

down the stairs when we didnt even have stairs his voice trails off.

I look up as he stops. He looks almost angry.

Does anybody else have a paper that contains a secret like this one? He asks.

There are a bunch of mumbled noes before he puts the papers down.

Movie day. Sean go pick a movie from the back.

I put my head down on my desk as Sean gets up and picks a movie. I pay no attention to the

movie thats playing because I feel sick to my stomach.

Finally the bell rings signaling the end of class. I get up rushing to get out of the room.

Arianna could you please come to my office? I have to speak with you about your detentions.

Mr. Stone calls to me just before I get out the door.


19/57

I turn around slowly and I make my way to the door that leads from the classroom into his office.

I walk in and plop down in one of the chairs waiting for Mr. Stone.

Tapping my fingers against the armrest of the chair, I wait until I hear the door open and click

shut.

Arianna you are aware that I am required to call your parents due to the seriousness of this?

Please dont Mr. Stone Please.

I also have to tell the principle. He says and my back stiffens.

No! No, no, no, no, no! You cant tell! Please! Itll ruin me! Ill get kicked off the volleyball

team for heavens sake because Ill need the time to go to counseling I say jumping up from

the chair and all but screaming in his face.

I have to Arianna. He says stepping back.

Please dont tell the principle. I beg.

Why shouldnt I?

Because itll only get worse and Ill get kicked off the volleyball team which means more timespent at home with my so called father. I say looking him straight in the eyes. Do you really

want that to happen?

Of course I dont want that to happen, but

No, no buts. Donttell.

Fine I wont tell the principle but I must tell your mother so she can get you some counseling

about this and call the police about your father.

Whatever you obviously dont care if I get beaten or not. I grab my bag and I storm out of

there.

My life was ruined if he made that call to my mother.

Mr. Stones P. O. V.

Her last words kept repeating in my head,you obviously dont care if I get beaten or not. But I

did care nobody should have to go through that.

I had to call her mother. I walked out into my fifth block class.

Everybody put your papers on my desk then someone pick a movie from the back and you all

can watch a movie today. I tell them then walk out into the hall and down to the main office.


20/57

I open the door and see Mrs. Rose, the receptionist, sitting behind the counter.

Good afternoon Mrs. Rose. I greet her, smiling.

Good afternoon to you as well Mr. Stone. She says smiling warmly up at me.

I pass her walking into the student records room. I go to the Ss and I pull Ariannas file and Istart looking for her mothers number.

After Ive got the number I put her file back and I walk back out to the main office. Waving to

Mrs. Rose on my way out I make my way back to my classroom.

I walk behind the students so I dont disturb the movie and I go to my office.

Sitting down in my desk chair I pick up the phone. Dialing nine first then her Ariannas mothers

number, I sit back and wait for her to answer.

Hello? a woman answers.

Yes this is Mr. Stone your daughter Ariannas English teacher. I introduce myself.

Oh, is something wrong with Arianna? she says sounding concerned.

No not necessarily Mrs. St. Claire, but I would like to talk to you about something your

daughter wrote in her essay. I say.

What is it that she wrote?

Well in the essay I asked the students to reveal their deepest darkest secret about themselves.Your daughter revealed that her father is both physically and emotionally abusive to her and that

you love her but you dont understand her and you take her fathers side al the time and never

hers. I say slowly.

Yes, well Ill book a flight home and come to talk to her about it to see exactly what is going

on. She says stiffly.

Well thank you Mrs. St. Claire. Have a good day.

As should you. And thank you for informing me of this. Goodbye. The line goes dead and I

place the phone back down in the holder.

I really hope I didnt just make the biggest mistake of my life. I thought as I made my way out to

the classroom realizing that the bell had already rang and the students were gone.

Grabbing my stuff I make my way out to my truck and I drive home.

Later that night as Im trying to go to sleep Ariannas words keep running through my head.

Whatever you obviously dont care whether I get beaten or not. And so that was my last thought

before falling asleep.


21/57

Chapter 5

Confrontations

Mr. Stones P. O. V.

Waking up everything from yesterday comes rushing back to me.

My gut tightens because I know I made a mistake. Theres just that feeling in my gut telling me

it was a mistake to have made that call yesterday.

I keep on thinking about it as Im getting ready to leave and go to the school. I dont know how

Im going to face her today.

The guilt is eating at me as I drive to the school. Maybe her mother will understand her and take

her side just this once.

For some reason that thought just made my guilt rise up about ten notches and my gut to wrench

making me feel sick.

I park my car in the teachers parking lot. Sighing I make my way to my class and I wait for my

first block class to come in.

I decide to let them just have a movie day like all my other classes did yesterday as I grade their

essays.

Second block was hell. I had no class and I had finished grading everyones essays.

All I had to do was sit there and worry about what I had done.

Eventually I grab my phone and I text my brother.

(to make this easy boldJS = Mr. Stone italicsBS =Brett Stone)Man, I think I did something horrible.JS

What did you do now?BS

Something Im regretting.JS

Killing someone?BSNO!JS

Then what is it?!BS

One of my students told me their father abused her and I told her I had to at least call her

mother and she basically begged me not to and I did.JS


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What exactly did the mother respond?BS

That she would get a flight back for today to talk to her daughter about it.JS

Oh man you screwed up.BS

What do you mean?JS

Let me guess her mother sounded all stiff and a little snotty after you told her?BS

Yeah. Howd you know? JS

Youre a moron brother. She probably went and told her husband after you hung up the phone.

BS

Shit!JS

Yeah. And they say youre the smart one. BS

I got to go the girls class is about to come in and I need to talk to her. JS

Good luck with that one. Youll be lucky if the girl shows up at all.BS

Yeah thats sure to boost my confidence. JS

It wasnt supposed to. BS

I threw my phone down onto the desk and I went out to the classroom.

She wasnt there as it turned out.

Has anyone seen or heard from Arianna?

No sir. One of the girls answer.

Okay did you finish your movie yesterday?

No. one of the boys respond.

Class you can finish your movie today but we have to get back to work tomorrow. I say as I

walk to the door.

I head down to the main office to ask about Arianna.

Mrs. Rose has Arianna St. Claire been to any of her classes today?

No, Mr. Stone she called in to the school saying she was sick,

Thank you Mrs. Rose thats all I needed to know. I say as I walk back to my classroom.

What have you done now, Jace Stone? I ask myself as I reach my classrrom door.


23/57


24/57

Well act like a mother and that you have a brain between your ears. How did I fall down the

stairs if we didnt have stairs?! I yell back at her.

SMACK! Her hand hits my cheek.

Dont you ever talk to me like that again! she grabs the door handle. Ill be back later.

As soon as shes out the door and I can hear the car going down the driveway my father back

hands me sending me to the floor.

You stupid little bitch! He screams as his foot comes in contact with my ribs.

I cry out in pain.

Shut up! You should have never opened your fat ass mouth! He picks me up by the hair

throwing me back against the wall.

Stop! I scream blocking my face with my arms as best as I can and he just kept throwing

puches at me.

Finally he stops and throws me down against the stairs.

Go to your room. He mutters with disgusts.

I rush up the stairs to my room limping. Once I get up to my room I grab my suit case out of my

closet and put it on the bed.

Im sicken tired of this and this will be the last time it happens, I promise myself.

I start throwing all of my things into the suit case managing to get almost all of my clothes in it

and I zip it up.

I drag the suitcase to the balcony door. Slipping on a pair of the shoes I didnt packand grabbing

my backpack I make my way out onto the balcony.

The thing I love about my balcony the most is that it has steps that lead down to the ground,

which I take as fast as I can. I head to my car pulling my keys out of my backpack and I press thebutton to open the trunk. I throw my backpack and suitcase in the trunk and I shut it. Making my

way around to the car I quietly get in.

Just as I was backing out of the driveway my so called father comes running outside. I quickly

shift gears and Press the gas pedal and I zoom off down the road.

I didnt even look back, as I headed to Sarahs house.


25/57

Chapter 6

I Hate You

Ariannas P. O. V.

When I arrived at Sarahs house she came rushing out to me. I had already called her and told her

what had happened while I was driving to her house.

Oh, Im so sorry he did that to you! she cries hugging me.

Sarah. I gasp in pain.

Oh my God! Lets get you inside. She grabs my hand dragging me toward her door.

My stuff. I say trying to pull away from her.

Right. She lets go of my hand and goes to my trunk, which I open with the keypad on my keys

and she grabs my things.

Wheeling my suitcase and carrying my backpack she hurries past me and opens the door.

Come on!

Im coming. I say as I lock my car and I head inside holding my side.

When I get to the kitchen of her house I see that she already has ice packs and ace bandages out.

I automatically grab an ice pack and I out it on my side. Sarah lifts my shirt of slowly so shedoesnt hurt me and I see the bruises already starting to form.

Dear Lord. I hear Sarah gasp.

I press the ice pack to my ribs again. Sarah grabs and Ace bandage and starts wrapping it around

my ribs tightly. I wince a little but I dont say anything and I let her finish.

About an hour later Im laying on Sarahs couch watching reruns ofCriminal Minds.

Here you go this should help with the pain. Sarah says coming up beside me with Tylenol and

a bottle of water.

Thanks. I say sitting up and taking the bottle and the two pills from her. I put the pills in mymouth and I swallow them with some water. Then I lie back down.

Around 8 oclock I fell asleep while watching the same show.

Sarah woke me up around five in the morning to get a shower.


26/57

After I had gotten out of the shower Sarah helped me rewrap the Ace bandage.

While Sarah was taking her shower I pulled on some clothes and dried my hair. I decided to

leave it down to hide the bruise on my neck and face as best as I could.

I go out to my car and I wait for Sarah to come out. When she comes out I start the car and pull

out into the street. Then, I head to the school.

Why are we going so early? Sarah asks me.

Because I need to go see all of my teachers to get the work I missed yesterday.

Oh.

When I pull into the school parking lot Sarah jumps out of the car and heads of to somewhere.

I head to my AP Calculus class only to find out that no one had done their homework so they all

had to do it in class and finish it at home.

After that I went to Mrs. Harriss class to find out that she had been absent yesterday and her

class had just been open stage.

Finally I head to Mr. Stones classroom looking down so that the bruises on my face are hidden.

The door to his classroom was open so I walked in but he wasnt there. I go to the doorthat leads

to his office and I knock gently.

Come in.

I open the door and I walk in.

What did I miss yesterday in class, Mr. Stone?

Oh, nothing. We just finished watching the movie. He says.

Okay. Thanks. I say and turn away.

Arianna we need to talk.

Ughh What is it now?! I ask exasperated.

Sit down. We need to talk about what happened on Wednesday and why you werent here

yesterday.

Fine. I walk to the chair in front of his desk.

Why were you out yesterday? He starts off.

I was sick Mr. Stone. I say as if the dumbest person in the world should know. I mean come on

I know he probably went to the office to see if I had only ditched his class or if I was just absent,

all the teachers do.


27/57

We both know you werent sick yesterday, so do youmind telling me the truth? he asks

sounding just a little irritated.

That is the truth. I was sick. I say still looking down.

Then look me in the eye and tell me that you were out yesterday because you were sick. He

says challengingly.

No.

Why not? Are you lying to a teacher? he asks almost smugly.

"I was avoiding you. Okay? I didn't want to have to deal with you." I admit.

"Why? Look at me. Why were you trying to avoid me so badly that you skipped the entire day of

school?" he asks determinedly.

My head snaps up and I say, "Because other than Sarah, Josh, and Blake you're the only one who

knows about my secret. Oh wait also my entire English class knows they just don't know that it'smy secret."

Guilt races across his face. "Your father did that didn't he?"

"No my imaginary friend did." I say sarcastically.

"Right. Stupid question." he sighs. "Look I didn't know this would happen when I called your

mother. I wasn't completely thinking it through."

"Wait so you did call my mother even after I practically begged you not to?" I ask my voice

rising in anger.

"Yes, but I wasn't exactly thinking about what would happen if I did. I was thinking about you. Ididn't think that she would turn and tell your father. I was also thinking that maybe she would

take your side but she didn't, obviously." he says soundin sincere.

"Yeah and the only thingIcan think of now is that I hate you." I say as I stand up and lean over

his desk. "Almost as much as I hate my mother and my father. And trust me that takes a lot.

Beecause you calling my 'mother' got me the worst fucking beating of my life thus far." I lean in

over his desk so far that my face is one inch away from his. "I. Hate. You."

He paused as if distracted by something and then finally....

"I didn't mean for that to happen and you know that. I jsut wanted to help."

"Yes, and that's exactly what you did." I say my voice filled with sarcasm and venom.

"I'm sorry I didn't really grasp what I had done until I hung up the phone. Then I texted my

brother and told him what had happened and he told me what your mother would most likely do

and in short basically called me the biggest idiot on the face of the Earth. and-"


28/57

I cut him off. "You told your brother what?!" I say full out screaming in his face. "So not only

did you call my mother, but you told your brother?! Can you not keep one secret to yourself,

especially my most private one?!"

"I didn't tell him who it was or exactly ehat your father and mother did I just said that your father

was abusive and that I had called your mother to report to her about what your paper had said."

He says defensively.

"That doesn't matter! It's the fact that you told in the first place!"

"Look I didn't -"

RING!

"I've got to go." I say pulling away and walking to the door.

"We'll finish this discussion in your detention this afternoon." He calls after me.

"Yeah whatever." I mumble to myself.

Mr. Stone's P. O. V.

After seeing the bruises on her face and neck guilt had hit me in a wave that made me feel like Iwas suffocating. Then I had to go and ask the stupidest question possible but at the time my mind

just hadn't been able to process it.

Then what she was sayiing had hit home once I finally started to hear what it was coming out of

her mouth.I hate you. The words kept running through my head over and over again.

Then I realized that she had moved and was right in my face less than an inch away and my guiltclouded mind clouded over with something completely different than guilt. Lust. My eyes hadtrailed down to her lips. What would it be like if she leaned forward just a little bit and pressed

her lips to mine? What would it be like if -

What was I thinking she was my student? I shouldn't be thinking like this especially after what I

had just done to her even if I didn't mean for it to happen.

"I didn't mean for that to happen and you know that. I jsut wanted to help." I say trying to defend

myself.

"Yes, and that's exactly what you did." Her voice was like a bucket of ice water.

"I'm sorry I didn't really grasp what I had done until I hung up the phone. Then I texted my

brother and told him what had happened and he told me what your mother would most likely do

and in short basically called me the biggest idiot on the face of the Earth. and-"

She cut me off by saying, "You told your brother what?!" Her voice at this point was a full out

scream. "So not only did you call my mother, but you told your brother?! Can you not keep one

secret to yourself, especially my most private one?!"


29/57

"I didn't tell him who it was or exactly ehat your father and mother did I just said that your father

was abusive and that I had called your mother to report to her about what your paper had said."

"That doesn't matter! It's the fact that you told in the first place!"

"Look I didn't -"

RING!

"I've got to go." She says and she pulls away and heads to the door.

"We'll finish this discussion in your detention this afternoon." I call after her.

I just stare after her as she walks out of my office mumbling to herself.

When the late bell rang I stood up and walked into the classroom and immediately started class.

"I want you to tell me everything you know about Hebrew literature and culture."

"The most famous king was King David." Justin says.

"Okay now tell me how does David connect with literature?" I ask.

"Three of his ancestors are Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi." Courtney shouts out.

"And how do they connect?"

"They're people from the Book of Ruth." Clarissa says.

"Okay what does the Book of Ruth have to do with literature?"

"It's part of the Bible." Brandon says.

"What does the Bible have to do with Hebrew literature?" I ask again.

The room is silent.

"Okay different question, how is the Bible interlaced with Hebrew literature?"

"We don't know teach us." Brant says.

"You already know this I just want you to realize the connection. So answer this one. Does

anybody know what the Torah is?"

"The Hebrew book of religion." Cale states.

"That's right, Cale but rephrase it using what we were just talking about." I say encouragingly.

"The Torah is the Hebrew equivalent of the Bible?" Cale says making it sound like a question.

"Good. Now keep on going what does the Torah consist of?" I ask trying to nudge him in the

rifht direction.


30/57

"The first ten books of the Bible?" Cale asks looking uncertain.

"Close it's the first five books of the Bible." I state.

"So the Torah equals the first five books of the Bible? It's just written in Hebrew." Clarissa asks.

"Yes. Now since no one could tell me what the connection was on their own tell me some of theauthors within Hebrew literature and I expect this to be in your notebooks when I check them

since none of you could tell me." I smile when I hear the rustling of notebook paper.

"Now someone tell me some authors from Hebrew literature. Hint hint the Bible was originally

written in Hebrew." I tell them as I go to the board and I pick up a marker.

"Mark." One of the girls say.

"Luke." One of the guys say.

I turn around after writing the names down. "What is Luke known for?"

No one answers so on the board I draw a hangman base.

"A"

I write it up there on the dashes.

"E"

"I"

"O"

"U"

I draw a head.

"C"

A body.

"S"

"N"

"M"

A leg.

"R"

"L"

"The Prodigal Son."


31/57

"Ding ding ding! we have a winner!" Beside the name Luke I write The Prodigal Son. "I expect

tha tin the notes. Next author."

"Matthew."

"Psalm."

"Okay that's enough. Everybody pull out the brown book below your desk." I wait a second for

them to get it. "Look in the the Table of contents for Genisis. Now someone tell me what page

Creation and the Fall is on."

"It says it starts on page sixty-three."

"Put a pencil or something there and turn back to page sixteen." Waits for them to get there. "I

want you to read pages sixteen through twenty-seven for homework and write a one page at least

and a two page at most summary. Then I want you to read Creation and the Fall as well. Expect

a quiz on Monday. You're dismissed."

Everyone rushes out of the classroom.

Since first block hadn't finished their movie they didn't have a quiz on it, but fourth and fifthblock had. So during second block I sat there and made up a quiz for 300 (the movie fourth block

had watched) and Finding Nemo (the movie fifth block had watched).


32/57

Chapter 7

Do you feel it too?

Arianna's P. O. V.

After stalking out of his classroom I headed to Mr. Hanover's class.

When I get to his class I go to my normal seat ignoring everybody else. About halfway through

the class I realize someone is nudging my arm.

"What?!" I whisper shout.

"What bit you this morning?" Sarah asks with a slight smirk.

"Nothing." I reply.

"It's obviously something. You're normally pretending that nothing happened and are always

smiling and at least pretending to pay attention. But today you're just staring off into space."

Sarah says looking concerned.

"I guess it's just because of what happened yesterday and then also this mornign I got into an

arguement with Mr. Stone before class started." I tell her reluctantly.

"What was the arguement about?" she asks.

"I'll tell you when we get home. I don't want anyone to over hear anything." I say a little

evasively.

"Normally she would have kept nagging me but apparently she got it that I didn't want to talk

about it right now.

Sarah's P. O. V.

What was the arguement about? I've never seen Arianna act like that. She's always so calm and

collected even after her confrntations with her father but she was acting like she was out of it

today.

Maybe she'll tell me what the arguement was about when we get home. Whatever it was thoughwas getting to. And it was getting to her in a big way.

When the bell rang I walked with Arianna to music and I sat down beside her.


33/57

I look up when Josh comes up on the other side of Arianna and I smile at him. He is absolutely

amazing but he only sees me as a friend and at most a sister. Josh is so sweet and kind and he

doesn't even see me even though I've had a huge crush on him since freshman year.

Finally, I look away as Mrs. Harris walks onto the stage.

"Everybody! Today you are all going to sing a song that reflects something you're feeling." Mrs.Harris announces. "First up is... Josh. Get on up here!"

Josh stands and walks up to the stage and grabs the acoustic guitar. He sits on the stool and starts

to strum the strings and tunes it quickly.

Finall he starts playing the song.

Girl, I been thinkin' 'bout us

And you know I ain't good at this stuff

These feelings pilin' up won't give me no rest

This might come out a little crazy

A little sideways, yeah maybeI don't know how long it'll take me but I'll do my best

If you'll be my soft and sweet

I'll be your strong and steadyYou'll be my glass of wine

I'll be your shot of whiskey

You'll be my sunny day

I'll be your shade tree

You'll be my honeysuckle

I'll be your honey bee

I grin at the sound of my favorite song and I start to mouth the words to the song along with

Josh..

Yeah, that came out a little country

But every word was right on the money

And I got you smilin' honey right back at me

Now hold on cause I ain't done

There's more where that came from

Well you know I'm just havin' fun, but seriously

If you'll be my Louisiana

I'll be your Mississippi

You'll be my little Loretta

I'll be your Conway Twitty

You'll be my sugar baby

I'll be your sweet iced tea




34/57

Josh smiles down at me and sees me lip singing along with him and he winks. I smile and wink

back at him.

Your kiss just said it all

I'm glad we had this talk

Nothing left to do but fall in each others arms

I coulda said I love you

Coulda wrote you a line or two

Baby, all I know to do is speak right from the heart

If you'll be my soft and sweet

I'll be your strong and steady

You'll be my glass of wine

I'll be your shot of whiskey

You'll be my sunny day

I'll be your shade tree



You'll be my Louisiana

I'll be your Mississippi

You'll be my little Loretta

I'll be your Conway Twitty

You'll be my sugar baby

I'll be your sweet iced tea


And I'll be your honey bee


"That was amazing Josh. But I thought you didn't think you even listened to country music." I

say when he comes back to the seats.

"I heard you listening to it over and over again so I thought I'd listen to it." He says.

"Next person up is... Arianna." Mrs. Harris calls.

"Okay. Looks like I'm up." Arianna says over her shoulder as she heads to the stage.

"Hey, do you know what's wrong with Ari? She seems out of it today." Josh whispers in my ear.

I jump slightly and my heart starts racing because of how close Josh is. He had taken Ari's seat

instead of his own, without me realizing it.

"Umm... well she is temporarily living with me 'cause her father... you know." I whisper back.

"Yeah, but normally she acts all cool and calm llike nothing happened. Today she's just staring

off into space."


35/57

"Weel she did get into a fight with Mr. Stone, but she didn't tell me what it was about. Maybe the

song will tell us something." I suggest to him.

"Maybe I guess we'll see." He says as he leans away.

My eyes wander to him and I see him staring up at Arianna with a troubled expression. He

seems to care for Arianna... maybe more than I realized. Apparently he feels what I feel, just nottowards me.

Josh's P. O. V.

My eyes wander towards Sarah as Arianna starts playing.

Does Sarah feel the same way I feel? Does she know how much I like her?

She didn't seem to be all that affected by me. Sure she sang along with the song but it was her

favorite song. Normally, I don't even listen to it let alone learn the song on guitar and the wordsto it. But should the truth be told I did it for Sarah because I knew she loved the song and it

stated how I felt in its lyrics. Just in a really country way.

When Sarah starts to turn her head towards me I look back up at the stage and I realize what songArianna is singing. I turn to look at Sarah and she is staring at me a little worriedly. The song Ari

was singing was Gunpowder and Lead by Miranda Lambert.

I put my arm around Sarah to try and comfort her a little. Normally Ari doesn't show her anger

towards her parents publicly and she doesn't sing anything that is remotely violent or has to do

with physical abuse. So this is different and it makes me worry.

Sarah relaxes a little and puts her head on my shoulder burying her face in my neck. I run myhand down her arm gently comforting her.

When Ari finishes and comes back to the seats Sarah pulls away from me and looks up at her.

"So what did you think of the song?"

"It was different for you." I tell her trying to sound indifferent.

"It was great. You sung it better than Miranda herself." Sarah says smiling but I can see that the

smile is forced.

"Ya'll didn't like it did you?" Ari asks.

"Of course we did. It's just different for you and we weren't expecting it, is all." Sarah says

softly.

"Oh, okay. I guess that makes sense. And Sarah, Mrs. Harris told me to tell you to get your butt

up on stage and sing your heart out."

"Okay. Ya'll will love my song. I can't wait." Sarah says as she jumps up and goes to the stage.


36/57

I smile at her enthusiasm to get up on stage. I wonder what she she's going to sing. Maybe I'll get

some idea as to how she feels about me.

Sarah grabs the guitar that I used and she decides to remain standing. Then she starts to sing

staring directly at me.

Kiss me out of the bearded barleyNightly, beside the green, green grass

Swing, swing, swing the spinning step

You wear those shoes and I will wear that dress.

Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight

Lead me out on the moonlit floor

Lift your open hand

Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance

Silver moon's sparkling

So kiss me

A grin starts to creeps its way onto my lips. as i listen to the lyrics.

Kiss me down by the broken tree house

Swing me upon its hanging tire

Bring, bring, bring your flowered hat

We'll take the trail marked on your father's map



Lift your open hand


Silver moon's sparklingSo kiss me



Lift your open hand


Silver moon's sparkling

So kiss me

So kiss me

So kiss me

So kiss me

After she finishes everyone starts clapping and I hear a familiar male voice behind me.

"Way to go Sarry."

Maybe it wasn't me she was staring at. Apparently she feels what I feel just not towards me.


37/57


38/57

"What?!" I nearly shout at her. "You've liked him since freshman year and you're just now telling

me this now?!"

"Oops. You weren't supposed to hear that." Sarah says biting her lip.

"Wait. I thought you liked Tyler." I state confused.

"Never did and never will. He's a womanizing scumbag who doesn't know what the word faithful

means." she says.

"And all of your previous boyfriends?"

"Distractions to keep my mind off of him and to get a reaction out of Josh." she says and

suddenly it all clicks and makes sense.

"Oh. My. God." I say as if it had just hit me.

"Wow, you're slow today." Sarah mutters.

"If you had told me I so would have hooked you two up." I say to her.

"Hey Sweetie" Erik says coming up behind Sarah.

"Hey doushebag get this through your head. She. Does. Not. Like. You. And. She. Never. Will.

Now. Leave." I grab Sarah's hand and I drag her away toward the other side of the room.

"Harsh. I like it." Sarah whispers and laughs. I can't help but join in with her. I mean I'm not a

violent person that much but I swear sometimes I think Sarah is a Saint.

"When we calm down enough I ask he, "So that song was for Josh wasn't it?"

"Yeah but I think he likes you not me." she says frowning.

"Josh doesn't like me at all in that way so don't you even worry abput that. Right now I don'thave a guy that likes me. So..... Josh is all yours." I confess to her. "Besides I'm pretty surehe

likes you. I mean come on he was jealous when Erik showed up because the only thing he knows

about Erik is that he was your ex."

"So you don't like him and you think he likes me?" she says slowly, "So why are you telling me

this now?"

"For the first question yes. The secod question what do you mean?"

"I mean why didn't you tell me this three years ago?" she says shaking me.

"Because I didn't realize it three years ago. I just now figured it out." I tell her.

"Oh, right." she says sounding embarassed.

"Hey don't worry everything will work out just fine." I tell her hoping to God it's true.

"Okay."


39/57

"Class." Mrs. Harris says getting up on stage. Apparently everybody had already finished singing

their songs while Sarah and I had been talking. "Okay everybody has finished and class is

dismissed."

Sarah and I immediately grabbed our bags and left. She went to the cafeteria while I headed for

the library.

"hey, Ms. Earnshaw." I say as I walk into the library.

"Hey dear. How are you?" she says sounding motherly.

Ms. Earnshaw had been more motherly to me than my actual mother and when I wanted

something somehow she always found out and surprised me with it. Like my cellphone. My

"parents" had refused to get me one but when Ms. Earnshaw heard me talking about it she had

gotten me one on her cellular plan and given it to me.

"Good do you need any help in here?"

"Yes, could you put those books away and and then come up here and play librarian so that I cango and have lunch. I'll bring you something back. Your favorite, a cheeseburger with pickles and

extra crispy fries with a large chocolate milkshake that has M&Ms in it."

"Okay I'll do it." I say quickly and I get to work. I always volunteered in the library whenever I

could so I already knew the passwords to override and I even knew all of the teachers' log in

codes. So Ms. Earnshaw left after telling me goodbye and giving me a hug.

As I was putting the few books back I grabbed two for me. Wuthering Heights and War and

Peace. Sure they were classics but they were good classics.

I went up to the counter and signed them out under my name and started to read Wuthering

Heights. About halfway through chapter four somebody came in but I didn't say anythingknowing that they would ask me if they needed some help.

Ding! the bell on the counter in front of me was tapped on. I don't look up from the book but I do

listen to what the person is saying.

"Umm... is there a teachers collection ofWuthering Heights in here?" An all to familiar voice

asks.

"Did you check the teachers' library down the hall where all of the collections are kept, Mr.

Stone?" I ask him looking up from the book.

"What are you doing in here sitting behind the librarians computer?"

"Playing librarian obviously." I say smiling sweetly.

"You're not supposed to be in here when Ms. Earnshaw isn't." he says reprimandingly.

"No, seriously. Ms. Earnshaw went to lunch and asked me to 'play librarian' for her while she

was at lunch and she said she would bring me back my favorite."


40/57

"Oh, well can you help me find the books?" he asks

"Teachers' library?"

"Already checked there" he says.

"Hold on, then." I wake the computer up and type in the librarian login then I quickly go to thecheck out and placement list putting in the librarians password and I search the set. "Okay it

appears that it is in the back corner of the library where the book club's books are kept." I stand

up and motion him to follow me. "Come on."

I don't say anything as we're walking and he breaks the silence when he grabs my arm and turns

me around to face him.

"Look I'm sorry. I probably should've listened to you but I didn't I just made things worse for..."

"Your a day late and a dollar short with your apologies Mr. Stone." I say emotionlessly.

I turn to look for the books until I see a box labeled W. H. by Emily Bronte.

"Thre they are." I say and I start to climb up the sliding ladder so I can get them since they are on

the top shelf. I get to the top and I grab them lifting their weight off of the shelf.

I will not forgive him for what he dideven after I begged him not to. He had caused what had

happened and -

CRACK!!!

Suddenly I was fally to the ground which was about ten feet down considering the bookshelf was

floor to ceiling.


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Chapter 9

You Dont Know What Youre Talking About.

Mr. Stone's P. O. V.

CRACK!

I heard the ladder step Arianna was standing on snap. I panicked for a brief second then stepped

forward to catch her.

My plan decided to backfire on me. Whenever I had stepped forward to catch her I had trippedand started to fall as well. Somehow I managed to grab her and twist my body so that I took the

brunt of the fall, with her landing on top of me.

After a little while she shifted as if to get up putting her weight on her knee. I gasped when she

shifted to her knee because her knee was right over my manhood.

She looked down at me when I gasped and she shifted even more to her knee. The pain was

unbearable and I couldn't breathe let alone speak.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?" she started asking.

I lifted my head gritting my teeth against the pain below my belt and looked at her knee in

answer. She followed my gaze and realized what was wrong. She got up.

I immediately grabbed my manhood and turned slightly onto my side.

"oh, God. I'm so sorry.... wait.", A grin makes its way onto her face, "No, I'm not. Now we're

even and you are still not forgiven."She turned away and picked up the books that had dropped to the floor when she had fallen and

started walking to the front of the library.

I slowly stood up using the bookshelf for support.

How could a girl who has been through what Arianna has been through and not have even a

sliver of sympathy? I asked myself.

One who was betrayed by the person she hurt. Not to mention she hurt you acidentally and not

on purpose like you did to her. A voice in the back of my head said in response to my question.

It's not like I did it on purpose. But apparently she thinks I did. What do I have to do to gain hertrust back -- not that I ever had it before?

I shook my head clearing the thoughts away and looked around to see where she was. I didn't see

her so I went to the front desk of the library slowly, slightly waddling, and saw her standing there

checking all of the books out.


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"Look, Arianna. I'm sorry. When I made that call I had no intention of what happened to you

happening. I need you to know that. I wouldn't ever do anything to harm one of my students, on

purpose at least." I say to her.

She just stands there and continues to check the books out as if she didn't hear me. So I made an

impulsive decision.

"You know I don't know exactly what you are going through, but I do have an idea. My brother

and I didn't know our actual parents we were in foster care when we were kids until we were

adopted at the ages of 14 and 15. But the man who was supposed to take care of all of thechildren didn't care about us. He was rarely there but when he did come if you came anywhere

near his path or asked him for anything he would beat the crap out of you and I suffered through

my share of beatings..." I stopped not wanting to tell anymore details about my past to her.

She turned around slowly and I saw tears in her eyes. Damn, what did I do this time to make her

cry?

"WHy did you tell me that?" she asks slowly.

"Because I want you to know that I would never intentionally inflict that on anyone. No oneshould have to suffer what the kids at that orphanage did. But I want you to know that I know

what you are going through... though it must be harder for you considering it's the man that is

supposeed to love you and support you, supposed to be your father." I say to her looking her inthe eyes.

"It's not the same. You had someone who knew what you were going through. Someone whowas feeling everything you were feeling. Someone you were close to. I don't have that. Yeah I

have people who know what I'm going through because I've told them but they don't know what

I'm going through at the same time. I have to keep it bottle up inside and it eats away at me."

The look in her eyes as she said this was painful to see. It was what I felt as a child only it

seemed to be worse for her. I could see how her father not being like a father is supposed to bewas hurting her, but I was clueless as of how to help her. I never had a father. The person that

had hurt me was just a man that we barely knew and barely saw. Hers was the man who had

helped bring her into this world and he still didn't love her.

She turns away to face the computer again, "I don't even know why I'm trying to explain this to

you."

"I know what you're going through..."

"NO YOU DON'T! HOW CAN YOU?!" she screams whirling back around. "You don't knowwhat it's like to be beaten by the man who is supposed to take care of you and love you. The

person you're supposed to be able to run to when your hurt, I don't have that. I have a man whose

hurts me even worse when I'm hurt. Someone who doesn't give a shit if he puts me in the

hospital! So don't you dare ever say you know what I'm going through because you don't."

"You're right. I don't know exactly what you're going through but I can help you get through it

all you have to do is trust me and just talk to me."


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"That's the thing. I don't trust you. The only guys that I trust are Josh and Blake and that's only

because we've been friends ever since we've known each other." she turns around and grabs the

box of books and puts it in my hands, "There, the books are checked out and you can go."

She had unshed tears in her eyes. I had to look away because I felt guilty knowing that I had

caused those tears to be there.

"Okay-"

The library door opens and Ms. Earnshaw walks in with a bag of food from McDonalds and she

looks at Arianna. She rushes and puts the bag down on the counter and goes to Arianna and hugs

her.

"Are you alright sweetie?" she asks Arianna.

"Yes." Arianna replies to her.

"Okay. Well I have your food and your milkshake." Ms. Earnshaw pulls away from Arianna and

turns around to get the food but sees me.

"Oh, hello. You must be that new English teacher. Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Arianna had just finished checking out these books for me when you had come in and I

was headed back to my classroom." I tell her.

"Oh, well... Arianna dear? What do you have next block?"

"I have Mr. Stone's class."

The librarian looks back at me, "I'm gonna keep Arianna in here for a little bit so she can eat and

clean up before she goes to class if that's alright with you?"

"Of course." I say. "Have a good day." I walk towards the library door.

"You, too" I hear the librarian say behind me.

As I'm walking back to my classroom I start thinking about Ms. Earnshaw.

She seemed to be more like a mother to Arianna then Arianna had said her actual mother was. Iwonder how much she actually works in the library? She would have to volunteer in there a lot

for her and the librarian to be that close. The way the librarian had not only brought her lunch

when she had gotten back but also rushed to her when she saw Arianna crying was the way a

mother should act.

I reached the classroom and realized that the bell had already rang for the class was already there

and in their seats.

I went to my desk in the front of the room and took attendance marking Arianna present since Iknew where she was. After I was done with that I started to hand out the quizzes on the movie

they had watched the yesterday and the day before.


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After school was over I went out to my car and waited for Sarah. When she got in I started the

car and she turned to me.

"I have some bad news."

"What? It can't be that bad not after the day I've had." I say back to her.

Then she gave me the news.


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Chapter 10

The News And The Fun

Arianna's P. O. V.

"What do you mean I can't stay at your house anymore after tonight?" I asked Sarah.

"Well my mom got an e-mail from my teachers saying that my grades were slipping and she said

I can't have anybody over at my house until they come back up." she said looking at me

apologetically.

"Where am I supposed to stay then? You know how Blake's mom is, she doesn't let girls stay the

night because she has the notion that we're bound to do something. And I'm not staying at Josh's

what with his dad being the biggest pervert in the entire county." I ranted slightly.

By the time I was done with the last sentence Sarah was laughing her head off.

"What's so funny about the fact that I have nowhere to go?!" I started to raise my voice

panicking.

"Calm down. The librarian lady you're so close to would probably let you stay with her. She's

practically your mother." Sarah said.

"You're right I probably could ask her if I could stay at her place. I thought about that for a

second. Wait today is Friday. Ill have to wait until Monday to ask her. Theres a problem

there. I said.

Well my mom doesnt get back until Monday afternoon so I guess I could let you stay over the

weekend. She said.

Yeah and then I could just ask her on Monday if I could stay at her house for a while until I can

find an apartment or something that I can afford.

And how exactly are you going to afford an apartment? Sarah asked.

Oh I must not of told you. I got a job last week. Im supposed to start next week. I told her

grinning.

Ahh!!! You finally got a job my little girl is all grown up! Sarah said over exaggerating it and

acting like an excited mother.

Shut up. I said as I started the car and drove to her house.

When I got to her house I parked the car and got out. Suddenly and idea came to mind.

MOVIE NIGHT! I screamed.

We hadnt had a movie night in forever. We used to have them every weekend but as we got

older we kinda just stopped.


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What? Sarah said confused.

A movie night. Come on we havent had a movie night since tenth grade. We can make caramel

popcorn and chocolate strawberries just like we used to. I begged her.

Fine but you get to clean up the mess this time, not me. She said giving in.

Yay! I said jumping up and down.

Settle down. You also have to help me with my homework before we start anything. Mr.

Butthead gave us too much homework for over the weekend in AP Calc. She whined.

Oh, shut up he gave us one page and Ive already got it done. I told her acting like I was

whining as well.

Shut up. Youre way too smart for your own good. Sarah said begrudgingly.

Awww do I have a fan??? I said acting as if I was an adoring pop star or something.

Shut up and go inside.

Okay Cranky butt. I said smirking at her.

She stomped up to the door and unlocked it. I followed her inside and went straight to the

kitchen pulling out the stuff to make caramel popcorn.

Hey! Youstill have to help me with me homework! Sarah slightly shouted.

Just get my paper out of my bag and copy down the answers. I told her as I was starting to melt

the caramel over a double-boiler.

Fine.

At about 9:00 we were sitting on the couch flipping through the Netflix instant queue looking for

a movie to watch.

Deadline! Sarah screamed when she saw it.

No I already saw that and so did you. I said and kept on flipping.

Fine, how about Paranormal Activity 2. She said.

No youll end up having nightmares. I said.

Fine then if youre so picky you pick the movie. She huffed crossing her arms over her chest.

I will. I went down to the new releases and scrolled through and at the same time we screamed,

Prince of Persia!

You have hot guys. She said.

A good plot line. I added.


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And undying love. She finished.

Looks like we have found our movie. I said and hit play on the movie. Now shut up and

watch the movie.

About halfway through the movie Sarah was asleep and snoring on the other side of the couch

and I was half asleep.

I leaned over and nudged her. Get up and go to bed. I said and pushed her off the couch.

Youre a b**** you know. She said drowsily as she dragged herself up the stairs and to her

bed.

I slowly followed. And laid down on the blow up mattress and pulled the covers up to my chin

and falling asleep immediately.

In the morning when I woke up it was already light outside. I sat up and turned quickly to look atthe clock and ended up getting a crick in my neck.

12:49.

What?! Gosh I am so late for school. I hurried up and took a quick shower. I rushed getting

dressed then went downstairs to get my shoes and my bag.

When I get downstairs Sarah was sitting at the bar eating a bowl of cereal.

Hey Sleepyhead. Took you long enough to wake up. She said around a mouthful of cocoa

puffs.

What are you still doing here? School started like four hours ago. I said quickly stumbling over

a couple of the words.

No it didnt. Arianna its Saturday. We dont have school. Remember? She said slowly as if I

was mental.

Oh. I said my mind slowing down.

No school. Right. Saturday.

You thought we had school today didnt you? Sarah asked grinning like a fool.

No s*** Captain Obvious. I retorted.

Looks likeSergeant Sarcasm woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Sarah replied back

looking like she was about to burst out laughing. Then she thought about what she said. Wait

you didnt sleep on the bed you slept on the blow up mattress.

I grinned at that. Just shut up.

You shut up. She said picking up a cocoa puff and throwing it at me.


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You did not just do that. I said glaring at her.

Yes, I did. Just like I did this. This time she took a spoonful of cereal and flicked it at me

hitting me in the face.

Aarrrrgh! Im going to get you! I said running at her.

She just laughed and ran the other way towards the living room.

You cant catch me! she taunted in a sing song voice.

In truth I could catch her any time I wanted to. I mean there is a reason Im on my schools track

team. But instead of chasing after he I walked outside and around the porch to the water spigot

and turned it on.

I knew that if I didnt chase after her eventually she would get curious and come after me. So, Igrabbed the water hose and pointed the nozzle towards the front door waiting for her to come

out.

The second she stepped outside of the door I sprayed her with the water soaking her completely.

Aargghhhh! she screamed and ran towards me to get the water hose away from me.

Oh no you dont. I said and turned the water up to full blast and continued to spray her.

Stop! she screamed starting to run away.

When she started to run away I lowered me guard just a little and she took advantage of that and

ran at me. She grabbed onto the water hose and we started to fight over it. I ended up getting

soaked my white shirt becoming see-through and my jean short shorts were soaked as well.

I managed to get the hose back and aimed the spray of the water back at her and she startedscreaming again.

Stop! Help me! Help! she said as she tried to run away but she kept on slipping on the muddy

ground.

I was standing there almost bent over laughing while still spraying her. I was so distracted that I

didnt see the person that walked up into Sarahs yard.

Whats going on here? I heard a familiar masculine voice say.

I turned around and ended up spraying the person with the water. When I got a good look at the

person I gasped. What was he doing here?


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Chapter 11

Surprise Encounter

Jace's P. O. V. (Mr. Stone's P. O. V.)

I heard somebody screaming for someone to stop and also for someone to help a few houses

down from my new one.

I jumped up from the table leaving the papers that I was grading there and running out the house

and towards where the screams were coming from.

When I got there I realized I was about two houses down from my own.

I saw a dark-haired girl that had her back to me spraying another girl with the water hose and shewas laughing so hard she was almost bent over.

"What's going on here?" I asked loud enough that they could hear me over the laughing,

screaming, and the sound of the running water.

The second the words were out of my mouth I got a faceful of water. I turned my face away from

the flow of the water.

When the water stopped hitting me in the face I turned to look at who it was.

It was Arianna. She was wearing a white shirt that was wet and now see-through so I could seeher bright red bra through it and my member down below obviously saw this too. I just stared for

a little while then I shook my head and my eyes continued downward. She was wearing really

short blue jean shorts and was bare footed.

Finally I dragged my eyes back up to her face and our gazes locked. We stood there just looking

into each others eyes for who knows how long. Then someone cleared their throat noiselybreaking the spell.

I turned my head towards the person and realized it was another one of my students. Sarah washer name I think.

I remembered the reason I was here at that moment.

"Is everything okay here?" I asked grinning slightly trying not to laugh at the other girl. She wassoaked and covered in mud.

"No it's not Mr. Stone. Ari wouldn't stop spraying me with the water hose." she said actinginnocent.


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"You're not telling him the whole story! You flicked cereal and milk into my face. The least I

could do was pay you back it was simple courtesy." Arianna said smirking.

"nu-uh. You're just saying that so you don't look like a bi*** in front of Mr. Stooooonnnnnne."

Sarah said making kissing noises.

At that Arianna started making gaging noises bending over to act like she was throwing up.

I rolled my eyes and lifted my eyebrows.

"Is this all I came out here for because if it is I need to get back to grading papers girls." I said to

them.

"We could help you grade papers Mr. Stone." Sarah offered instantaniously.

"Speak for yourself, I'm going to take another shower then I'm going back to bed." Arianna said

starting back towards the house.

I grinned an idea coming to mind.

"I would appreciate both of your help and if you would I will give both of you five extra creditpoints on your papers or on the next test it would be up to you..." I said trailing off.

At that Arianna turned around grinning.

"Okay, I'll do it." she said overly cheery.

"Okay both of you can help me but first change your clothes and get cleaned up I don't want myhouse in a mess or covered in mud and water." I said grinning

Sarah just said sure but Arianna turned around flipped me the bird and walked inside the house

ringing out her hair.

"Hey you're getting the floor all wet!" I could hear Sarah screaming at Arianna.

I laughed and turned around going back to my house. I went in and went straight up to my

room and changed my clothes so I was wearing a pair of worn jeans and a white singlet. After I

had changed I went back downstairs to the table and started to grade the papers again.

About half an hour later I heard a commotion outside the front door and went to it to open thedoor.

I stopped just as I was about to open the door.

"Come one you know you like him....." I heard one of the girls, obviously Sarah, taunt.


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"No I don't." Was the retort from Arianna.

"Yes you do. I mean y'all totally had a moment back there. Y'all just stood there and stared into

each others eyes for almost five minutes! Not to mention he was kinda checking you out.

Especially the from of that white tee." Sarah said matter-of-factly.

"So that just proves that he's a barbaric man-whore who slobbers over his students. Which Imight add is illegal and he could lose his job for that." I heard her say and I winced slightly. she

was telling the truth with that one. i could lose my job for that.

I quickly opened the door so that she couldn't say anything else.

"So I'm a barbaric man-whore, am I?" I asked slightly sarcastic.

What I din't expect was for her to reply to that.

"Yes, you are and you're also an egotistical jerk that doesn't know when he needs to shut up. Youobviously need your ego deflated a little. And just so you know having an ego larger than the

planet itself is so not attractive" she said as she walked through the door.

I stood there slightly stunned that she actually said that, but... then again she did say basically thesame thing in front of her music teacher and basically her entire class. So I just snapped out of it.

"Sure you can come on into my house." I said sarcastically.

"Oh did I mention you're a sarcastic a**hole." s

shhh^.^. it's our little secret

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