Chapter 15: Chapter 15

I leave the house in a rush with my bag dangling off my forearm as I quickly put my studded earrings on.

Cullum opens the door smiling. After I get into the car. He slips into the driver’s seat, pulls on his seat belt, starts the engine, and pulls out into the early mornings' free-flowing traffic. Minutes later he pulls up in front of the Academy and opens the back door for me. I take his offering hand and slide out of the car fixing my shirt.

“Thanks, Cullum, You’re the best.” I smile at him.

“Have a good day,” I say as I step back, and take my bag from his hand.

“You're welcome Miss Maddison, I’ll be here waiting with Luca for your lunch date around mid-day.”

He closes the door, looks back at me and a scowl washes over his pleasant face as a hand lands on my shoulder.

“Malo Nessa.” I look over my shoulder to see who Cullum is frowning at.

"Sanz, Hi." I greet him, sounding a tad bit more annoyed than I should.

It's not like he's done anything wrong. It's just that I know that him waiting for me will stir the beast in Luca. His temper tends to run hot and cold like mine too. I've also recently learned my body stirs like mad for him against my will. It's like the lyrics to R.Kellys 'Bump n' Grind' song my parents use to listen to.

**My mind is telling me no. But my body, my body is telling me yes.**

He can bump and grind against me anytime he pleases....

My inner goddess sings.

“So, I.. was waiting for you to show up so I can accompany you to class and wait for Ryder together” He looks at Cullum then looks back at me with a smirk.

“Ryder,” I say to him sceptically, and turn to look at Cullum.

Oh shit! Ryder.

How could I have forgotten about poor Ryder after yesterdays incident?

I mean I know how I forgot, I just can't believe I did! Spending the night with Luca was a distraction. I should've called the police to do a wellbeing check on him. There is no excuse on my behalf!

Damn it, Vanessa!

This is why you should've stood your ground and stayed away from Luca. I scold myself.

A tsunami of guilt crashes into me.

“I’ll see you at mid-day. Thank you, Cullum.” I watch as pulls out and drives off.

I turn back to Sanz, who’s still staring after the fading car. I shake my head.

Men and their toys...

I start walking up the stairs.

"You coming?" I yell out to him.

A beat later he's by my side taking the stairs two at a time and waits for me at the top.

Show off.

I get to the top and reach for the door. Sanz clears his throat and I remember his words from yesterday.

"A woman should never open the door when she is in the presence of a man"

I gingerly drop my hand as I meet his gaze. He smiles, obviously amused I remembered what he had said. He opens the door and waits for me to walk past before he hooks it back on the latch leaving it open for the students to enter once they start arriving.

"How was your date?" He asks with a smile plastered on his face.

"Very well thank you." I dare not to make eye contact with him as I feel my cheeks heating up.

"Good for you. If it's nothing serious would you care to join me for lunch today?." I look at him with narrowed eyes.

"As work colleges." He raises both his hands and laughs.

"I already have plans for today. But, I can do tomorrow if you're keen?"

"Keen, bean." He smiles.

I laugh at his unusual reply.

"Happy to oblige Sanz."

We reach my classroom and Sanz helps me to move the furniture back to its original place. We grab ourselves a cup of coffee from the staffroom and take it back to my class. We sit down at one of the tables on the ridiculously low children's chairs.

I'd hate to imagine how silly we look.

"I'm the worse teacher on the planet." I Blurt out.

"What makes you think that Nessa? I've seen how the kids react to you."

I sigh deeply with shame and look up at him.

"I didn't bother to check up on Ryder, if something's happened to him..I... I know I am to blame because I never bothered to follow up on his wellbeing." I try to concentrate on my breathing before tears start to fall down my face.

"It's not your fault, it's not my fault, nor is it Ryder's fault. The blame rightfully falls on his piece of shit father." Sanz says quietly and infuriated.

"Men like that." He pauses momentarily.

"Don't deserve to breathe. They're a waste of space and energy.  Give me one minute alone with him in a cage and he will know how much of a low life he is."

"Poor Ryder, He was dealt a dud for a father." I agree with him...

"As was I. Hopefully, Ryder will grow up strong and learns the true meaning of what a real man entails. Unlike Thomas." His hands clench into fists as they rest on the table.

I  reach across the table and place my hands over his fists.

"Maybe our pasts don't define us after all." I smile at him.

I wish I could do the same.

THOSE THAT CAN'T DO, TEACH.

"No, they don't if you're strong enough to break the chain. He brings my hands up to his lips and presses a light kiss on each hand.

Little butterflies start to flutter around in my stomach. I take my hands from his.

"Let's touch wood and pray that Ryder is strong-willed then."

My poor little Care Bear.