"Its hard to turn the page
When you know someone
won't be in the next chapter
But the story must go on."

---Thomas Wilder
_______________________________________

His confidently proding and challenging gaze, traced, caressed, teased and tasted the outline of my trembling form with unhasty measures of skillful seduction, whilst I tried to conceal the effect of his closeness on my body, by keeping it's trembling to a bare minimum. Seated on the strong muscles of his thighs, and crooked into the security of his arms, I appreciated the raw magnificence that was Theodore Wilkinson.

How does one turn down a man like him?

Though still unsure of the least hurtful approach of denying his very flattering and tempting proposal of a romantic alliance, I began nonetheless in a careful tone,

"Theo, I don't think I've ever heard anything more beautiful than your words, or seen anything more traumatizing than your expressions." I really hadn't. "I am grateful for the place I've been privileged to hold in your heart. B.."

"Hush Hera.", The man reprimanded almost politely, and added,

"Don't give me a 'its-not-you-but-my-deranged-selfdeprivating-conscience' speech. I already know you don't feel the same for me. But there's hardly anything wrong with that. You don't know me enough to like me, but you certainly are attracted to me."

I scoffed, and opened my mouth to refute the offensive insinuation, but he only sighed and pressed me harder to himself, making me shudder.

"Deny it." He challenged and hauled me towards his face by grabbing the back of my neck. My eyes widened and I let out a loud shriek.

"Stay away.", I all but shouted frantically.

"Give me one reason why I should. You've been crying indifference for a while now, I am sure a little kiss wouldn't harm you in any way."

As his form inched closer, I pushed against him and stood up.

"Don't try that again, Theo.", I said with as much calmness my quivering nerves could muster. Suspecting another inquisition, I honestly added,

"I am engaged to be married."

"Say what?", He threw his head back in a disbelieved chortle. "I won't bother you if my presence troubles you so much, Hera. You don't have to make up such pathetic excuses. Engaged in high school? Trust me, that's one let-down-one-liners I've never heard before."

Seeking a desperate acceptance of my candour, I held his gaze with a feral plea of understanding. He stared unblinkingly, looking furiously for a lie. There was none. Bits and pieces of my own heart shattered as I witnessed the lamentable fall of his enviably lively spirit, before his face lit up again at some hopeful prospect.

"But being engaged isn't the same as being married. I still have time to sweep you off your feet."

Blindsighted by his enthusiasm, I blinked, once, twice, I don't know how many times, before I saw the urgency to clear the air regarding the futility of his pursuit of my interest.

"I love him, Theodore. I've loved him my entire life."

Even if the last bit was a slight exaggeration, it was merely an icing on a foundation of truth. I did love my fiance, and I wanted to be left alone with my fond memories and passionate desire for the man of my dreams. That I had no ambition to see that love meet it deliverance, was another matter. One I wasn't particularly fond of deliberating upon.

Searching my eyes yet again for truth, Theodore gave a stiff nod, and marched out of the deserted classroom, not without brutally slamming the door shut.
I released a breath that I hadn't realised, I'd been holding. He would find a better girl soon. I knew for a fact that men like him were a blessing too great to not be optimised. Girls would folk around him like bees, and I would soon be a distant memory. I willed myself to not feel distraught at the very thought.

***

"The sales have been splendid. Even better than what you predicted, actually.", Steve pronounced proudly, as he set the report on my desk. I smiled.

"And they'll only get better.", I heard Victor confidently declare over my shoulder. My grin grew wider as I took in one of my favourite persons in the World.

"Uncle Vic.", I shrieked blissfully and ran into his open arms. He rubbed my back fondly before pulling back to congratulate me on my success. The others excused themselves from from cabin soon afterwards.

I cleared my throat and carefully asked, "How's it going?"

His non verbal response was instantaneous, and for once, favourable. A curt nod and a chill went down my spine. He didn't have to point out anything. I could predict the proceedings well on my own. How could I not? I'd willed this to happen for years now, and though the nerves were overwhelming, the outcome was far too desirable to bother about anything else.

"I am going on a vacation. I don't wish to be bothered.", I said. Victor knew what it translated to. I didn't make it a habit to question my associates' fedility, but one could never be too sure. Fewer the people aware of truth, the better.

Exchanging the final bit of pleasantries, I walked out from my company's premises, the institution which I'd almost single handedly raised from my sweat and toil. On to the way to the high school, varied emotions fluttered through my mind, along with the thought that the blasted school was proving to be more of a hindrance than all the hardships of my life clustered together.

***

An urgent announcement regarding the sudden arrival of an effluent benefactor disturbed our lectures, calling forth immediate attendance of the entire student body in the school auditorium. I groaned internally, expecting another one of those life draining career counselling sessions, but the reception of the voice echoed by the speakers, made the blood freeze in my veins.

It was still the coldest voice I'd ever heard. Not to mention, the most emotionless one.

The one which still managed to reduplicate the sensation of death looming over one's head.

My eyes prayed for a miraculous deception, but the face which moved in skillful articulation, was alas, very familiar.

How could it not be?

I saw the same features everyday in my mirror.