Sylvie
I was in need of a cup of coffee or espresso instead but I had nothing on me. I took a spoon of cereal and dashed out of the house with my blazers barely on. I knew I shouldn't have stayed watching old TV series of 'Cheers'.
I arrived a tad later than usual causing uncomfortable stares from the students. I heard questions like: Do you know her? Did you know she comes to this school? Isn't she the student Father Vaughn is giving private lessons because of her poor grades?
"To your various classrooms everyone," Father Vaughn's deep menacing voice spoke startling the cluster of students around me. I was about to follow when he called out to the hearing of everyone. "Not you, Sylvie."
I felt the stares and glares of some of the girls who talked about him all the time. About his morning preps and exercise, his diet, his personality and what he might be like in bed. I lowered my gaze, focusing on my shoes instead.
"What's so interesting about them, little moth?" I heard him speak from behind me. I was startled, my face red and hot. "N...nothing" I say almost loud. "I'm sorry. You startled me."
"So that's what your surprise looks like," He muttered under his breath. "Care to join me for breakfast?" He said almost polite. I wanted to say yes so bad but I might come out as inappropriate so I guess the best option is to decline, okay not best but still an option.
"Thanks but I already ate breakfast." I say already turning to leave. "Then watch me eat." He said. I froze, letting him lead the way. We went outside the school's premises to the garage.
"Get in," He said. I did, too stunned to speak. How did a priest get so much money to buy a McLaren P1? The leather seat feels so soft and comfortable I almost held back a moan. "I'm glad you're comfortable. We're currently heading towards my favourite cafe shop."
We arrived at my favourite coffee shop, Whispers and Brews. I wanted to ask how he knew but I brushed it off, anyone can have this place as their favourite cafe shop too. I stepped out of the car and that was when I noticed he wasn't in his priestly attire but a well-fitted white button down shirt, charcoal coloured chinos, a classic brown leather loafers and a cashmere cardigan, all elegantly put together to contrast my dull brown out of bed hair and shabby looking clothes.
I wanted to shrink in behind him but he held my chin and looked into my eyes "Don't do that, Sylvie." He said, tracing my bottom lip with his thumb longingly.
"I don't like it." Just like that he left without saying another word leaving me to my racing pulse and thoughts.
The rich aroma of coffee hit me as I entered the threshold along with the warm scent of roasted beans wrapped around me. My stomach used this opportunity to express itself loudly before Father Vaughn. My face burned with embarrassment, I half expected him to yell at me or maybe show some sign of regret, shame or disapproval but he didn't say a word just ordered and got to his spot which happens to be my favourite seat.
"You seem very happy when I brought you here, perhaps you like it?" He asked, observing me, being attentive. "Yes I love this place. My parents used to bring me here on weekends and the food is great here." I said, with a bright smile on my face. He gave a nod without further questions concerning my parents. I wasn't ready for that conversation.
The waitress approached, balancing a tray with effortless grace. She set the porcelain cup filled almost to the brim with espresso and another plate of croissants, muffins and cinnamon rolls. While for him, an espresso with dark chocolate.
I ate all to my fill and when I looked at him, he was taking his time savouring my presence. I wanted to ignore the signs but I couldn't. "Thank you Father but why?" I asked. "Why the treat?"
"Well we have the afternoon for our lesson. I wouldn't want you fatigued and worn out. After all you are my responsibility if anything happens to you within my jurisdiction," He said. "By the way, if you're ready, shall we?"
I gave a nod and stepped up ready to leave but within me, I wished I could stay longer. We got back in time for my first subject for the day since I didn't offer Creative Writing. I didn't see Father Vaughn for the rest of the day and I hated how I missed his presence even if it was a little bit.
After the entire classroom left except Amanda, the girls' school mother and myself. She glanced at me and then him and I took it as my cue to leave. "Stay," He said, rather calm for someone in this tempting position.
Amanda rolled her eyes and then leaned forward, too close to him that he probably could see a bead of sweat between her boobs. "I have been having problems too in my studies, Father," She said sultrily. "I need a private lesson too."
"If you don't wish to be expelled yet, I suggest you step out of my breathing space." He spoke rather harshly at her. When she moved further away from him, she glanced at me and smirked, taking a seat beside me. "I may be merciful, Miss Boris, but you should know better than to defy me," He said taking off his gloves. "Go now when mercy still stands...or else."
Amanda glared at me before stepping out of the room. I took a deep breath steadying myself before putting my books out for the first lesson. I glanced at him, he seemed to be at his phone so I used that time to watch him closely. Surely every girl and guy in this school has seen how gorgeous and effortless he is. The sharp jaw line and cheekbones, the way he strides, the outfits he so effortlessly dresses in, the lashes, the dark hooded eyes, the silky dark hair, just everything seemed God-like.
"Are you done ogling me?" His smirk evident even while his eyes remained on the phone. "Read your textbooks and give me an essay of your desired topic." He said. I nodded and got to work. I wrote my essay, giving self explanatory details and outlined my opinion. I submitted it to him but this time, his eyes were on me, watching me intently. He took my paper, his fingers brushing against mine, his touch lingering for a second too long just as his gaze. "There is a canvas behind me and some paint... use it," He said "You should know what to do with it."
I took the canvas and paint like he said and moved further away from him against obvious distractions. As I painted, he worked on my essay. I got immersed in my painting that I lost track of time. The loud bang of one of the doors in the hallway snapped me out of my reverie. I checked the wall clock; I was three hours late to lunch. The sunset casted a shadow at the other end of the classroom where he sat making him look predatory.
"If you're done, we can leave," He said. "Unless you are not ready yet." I quickly stacked my books into my bag and went for the door. "Thank you...it was nice. Have a goodnight sir." I said in a hurry. He watched me leave, of course and I guess that was the best choice. I stepped out of there, the sun had already set and the roads became a tad scary.
I used the alley route I usually take. No one comes there except for some drunk college frat boys who pass through here when they drink the town dry during their initiation week. A group of guys happened to be there smoking, and turning around to run isn't quite the best idea for now since I know only this route home and not the longer one. I gave them a nod of greeting and kept my head low slowly passing their turf. I blew out a heavy sigh when I finally passed through and I began heading home.
I entered my living room and shut the door taking my shoes off and heading to the kitchen for some cookies. I sat on the sofa, my belly rumbling and just a cookie. Mark didn't even care to stock the fridge for me before he left. The doorbell rang and I went to check who it was, all out of fear of course. I gently opened the door peeking out only to see a young man with pizza boxes. "Delivery box for Miss Harris," He said. I reeled back in surprise. "But I didn't order these. They are not mine." He shove it at me instead and went on his way. "Doesn't matter kid, someone did and now it's yours."
I opened them and it was exactly how I liked my pizzas, with pineapple toppings. I dug in after I was sure no one had come for it claiming it as theirs. Whosoever it was, I was extremely grateful. I ate till my fill and I kept the leftovers in the fridge.
I switched my lights off, ready to go to bed but the streetlights flickered catching my attention. Somewhere was a man in a hoodie looking like the grim reaper himself. Smoke came out of his mouth as he blew his cigarette. I was drawn to him in some way because I couldn't look away. Then he dropped his cigarette, stepped on it and left not after giving me a chilling smirk.