I leave the library with my thoughts still scattered, trying to come up with a way to fix something that wasn't even my fault after all.In the corridor, towards the exit and on the way to the republic, Loretta leaves one of the classrooms, her extra class had ended less than a minute ago." Aria, what a coincidence to find you here! - She calls me, making me jump." Coincidence? Um... why?" Can we go to the cafeteria? I'm hungry and I have a good gossip to tell you.I clear my throat lightly and say yes, no problem. Apparently, she had no idea what I had just learned from Peter." Ready, speak! - I ask, feigning custom and animation."It's about Peter!I widen my eyes, my heart stops for two seconds."What happened? - I ask, trying my best to hide it." He texted me just now, I was in class and I only saw him after class ended. He says he wants to talk to me later today, in the cafeteria. What do you think it could be?My hands start to sweat. All I want is to piss off Loretta. It w
"But here? No, too risky. Come on.”Max pulls me by the arm and I feel like a kid who's just got up to no good and is being taken by his father to the corner of his mind. He always looks around, attentive as a rabbit with its ears pricked."You always surprise me”. I whisper as I follow him.And after a few steps, always on the prowl looking like fugitives, I arrive at a new hiding place he has shown me. Okay, it's not exactly a hiding place, it's a room, a little bigger than the storeroom and the cafeteria bathroom, spaces we were already getting used to frequenting. And yes, it was no less risky than anywhere else within the university. I soon learned that it was nothing less than the faculty advisors' room. Can I already consider myself a student from another level? I smirk at the idea.We go in, he makes sure no one is behind us and then locks the door. Max starts to speak and I take the initiative before him. I leave the books and diary on one of the tables in the great room and
I can't come up with a decent answer listening to it. I let out a smile as I'm hit again by flashes of memories of my last dream. Delicious dream that we starred in that room, just a few centimeters from where we bumped into each other.As I didn't answer and we stayed in that kind of awkward silence when no one says anything else, he made the enigmatic invitation, always careful to see if anyone was close enough to us to denounce us."What are you going to do next weekend?" Um… me? I don't know, nothing at first. Why?" I wish I could be with you in a quiet place, without the risk of us being ratted out all the time." You're talking like a teenager, professor... - I imply, with a deliberately more sly voice." I'm serious, Aria. I want to get to know you better. I think I've already said that, but we haven't had the opportunity yet.In fact, we did. But they were always taken advantage of in a non-verbal way…" That would be wonderful. I don't know anything around here, I mean, bey
"So you know each other"." More and longer than I'd like." Max answers me, clearly troubled, his jaw clenched.As soon as I saw him storming out of the cafeteria, I followed him. On the one hand, I was finding it kind of cute that he was showing a slight jealousy flare. On the other hand, I rolled my eyes. We were too old for that. Or rather, he was too old for that kind of attitude. What did he expect from me anyway?" I don't know what you're thinking or what you expect from me, but nothing much happened. You saw a conversation between a teacher and a student".He looks at me like he could shoot me." Do you swear, Aria? Do you really swear?". He questions, in a mocking tone. " Teacher and student, just like you and me?There's nothing I can do but roll my eyes one more time."Max, I can't believe this is a blatant display of jealousy". I say, trying to look serious, without success, of course. The laugh escapes me and he looks even more furious."Look here. You need to understand
I arrive late to class and feel several eyes on me. I hate being the center of attention, at least in these specific moments, and soon I take my usual place next to Loretta and also now next to Mellanie." I left, you were still in the room. Why did it take so long? - Loretta questions, curious, in a whisper." I lost track of time writing.In part, this was true. In part, the truth was that I was deciding whether to come or skip this class. I knew it was going to be almost an hour of tension and awkward stares averted by Stephen. Especially after what he confided to me in the cafeteria. And especially after I learned that being close to him was a source of irritation and jealousy for Max.But, let's get to the facts. I couldn't always run away, right?I'm just a freshman, I have things to learn. I have a course to complete for at least the next four years. I wasn't going to let a cheap line or two get me off track.Was it a daily challenge? It was.But I confess that the adrenaline o
One thing was fact. We had a knack for going from college girls to hot babes in a matter of minutes. Once again, I borrowed a look from Loretta. I needed to go out urgently to go shopping and renew my wardrobe, my clothes were mostly casual, jeans or leggings, baggy blouses, some business-style button-downs. I could even say that I'm very relaxed and eclectic when it comes to dressing, but that simplicity now left me with no options when it came to enjoying some partying." This one was perfect on you! - Mellanie comments, as soon as I finish zipping the black dress, whose fabric adjusted perfectly to my body." It does you a lot of good to change your style a little, you know? You need to value that body that God gave you… - Complete Loretta." If I had that little belt... But God doesn't give wings to the snake, right! - Mellanie implies." They want to stop you two, if I'm not going to be feeling too much. - I joke, slightly embarrassed by the sequence of compliments.Loretta and M
" I can't believe this... " Loretta whispers, loud enough for me and Mellanie to hear." Yeah, neither do I. - I confirm, what my eyes still refuse to see."Didn't you mention that at the last party, the teacher also came? It seems that it's becoming something common recently. - Mellanie concludes.I wanted her words to be true. I mean, I wanted Stephen's presence there to be just a fluke. And mostly, I wish his mere presence didn't affect me as much as it does now. My God, I need to settle down, right?" Let's just drink and camouflage, please? - I ask, smiling yellowly at the two." Why camouflage? Do you owe something, Lori? - Mellanie implies, and ends up having Loretta's complicity."Hey no, I don't owe anything to any teacher. Now only during exams. - Loretta says, lowering her eyes and simulating a disgusting face, which I knew she wasn't." You guys suck, you know. - I say and drink a whole glass of beer at once.Having him there, just a few feet away from me, was causing me i
I was surrendered and, yes, troubled on yet another layer. Another one of… I don't know, I've lost count. As my tongue tangled with Stephen's, my mind traveled in several directions.“Someone will see us. If they do, screw them too. And Max? I'll see you tomorrow. What am I going to do after today? He's already had a jealous fit when he saw me in an apparently innocent conversation with Stephen, what if he found out we kissed? I mean, that I've been kissed? Oh, okay, I kind of reciprocated. I found myself ensnared somehow. I don't know how to explain it, they are different sensations. I want to be in that kiss. A hot and at the same time sweet kiss. Something touches me beyond the chill down my spine and the famous butterflies in my stomach when I'm with Stephen. It's more cuddly than sensual, you know? Already with Max, I feel alive, burning, powerful, on fire. I wouldn't say it's just a boner, but… Oh, I don't know. Did I mention I can't explain? It's crazy, it just has to be."" So
From the bus window, I begin to recognize the place where my father said he would be next to the new house. By my count, there's only another ten minutes to go.I don't know if it was reading during the trip, the many turns the bus took or everything together, but I feel extremely nauseous, hoping that the bus arrives at its destination soon.I avoid eating cookies anymore, I've come to despise them in the last few days, so these are the ones I love so much.I check my phone quickly, no messages. Screen light also gives me a headache. The truth is, I've been feeling weird with unprecedented frequency these past few days. I also felt that my hips are a little wider. I need to stop eating cookies at dawn.Suddenly, the cell phone rings. It's Loretta."Hey friend.""Hi, babe. Are you there yet?""Hmm... almost. Not long, why?""Nothing, I just wanted to know if it arrived okay."" Missing your crazy friend already, I know." Also." She nods. "Don't forget to say hello to Ethan." Never m
“This is about my first time with Doug. He was experienced and I was just a girl. I tried to describe in detail. Enjoy it!Being warm in Doug's arms inside the car was quite inviting considering the chilly Perth night. After the brief flurry of sincerities in the square, we decided to ease the tension with a lighter conversation inside the car. Talk, and some kisses, of course. We talk about different topics. College, family, future. Until, perhaps a little motivated by the effect of the beer, I decided to take the conversation to more uncomfortable paths. After the honesty shown in Doug's words in the square, and after, even after midnight and with a few pints of beer, he hadn't tried anything, I felt more than ever that I could trust him. I felt safe to the point that my desire increased every minute I stayed close to him."You must be quite experienced" I hinted.He chose to ignore it and placated the silence with a kiss. But I had to insist."Well, more than me for sure."What dif
Dear Chaos Diary,Not in a thousand lifetimes would I have imagined that everything would end up like this. My conscience is clear, I was honest all along. With myself and with them.I helped wrap up a story that wasn't even mine. So don't ask me again to feel guilt that isn't my place to bear.Loretta says I went too far. Ethan says I should be in psychiatric treatment with Peter. Everyone says something. But nobody lives for us.We are our choices.And I chose to just live. Live as you can. Live with fulfilling my desires whenever possible. Live Free. No strings attached. No label.Which is not to say without love. Love can be translated in other ways.Not just in that romanticized way, like in books and movies.The genuine love we feel for ourselves and our loved ones, that, yes, should be a priority.Then no. I will not take a fault that is not mine.I'm sorry, spare me, but no.The sick are the others.Those who hide behind trauma, I don't see courage. I see fear.I see cowardice
I get up scared, I almost lose time. Ironic how much my last readings spoke to the situation I was currently going through.A question mark insists on pondering in my mind. But after Loretta broke into a fit of laughter after my last comparison, I never brought up the subject again.It won't be now that I'll be back. I felt compelled to go ahead with my plan above all else. I do one last check of my outfit and make the last adjustments to my makeup. It is at the same time light and seductive.I grab my bag and walk discreetly to the teacher council room. It's three minutes to five o'clock, Max will be waiting for me by now. Fortunately in the conversation I had with Stephen in that same room, Max was busy, in another class, and they didn't bump into each other.Perfect.I'm in front of the luxury wooden door. I look around, assess whether there might be someone lurking in the hallway.Anything.Perfect.I give three soft taps on the door and push it open without waiting for an answer.
“It was a fifteen-minute drive to a modest little house that was located among a few dozen trees, in an area far from the center. Louis and his brother, Gustave, were curious about our search for Jimmy's whereabouts and decided to also embark on “the investigation” after we summarized the story for them along the way." Is there anyone at home? " Paollo asked, as soon as he got out of the car, when he saw the whole place closed." Mary almost never leaves the house. Unless today is really not your lucky day. " Gustave said, trying to relax. Louis went ahead and knocked on the door, which a short time later opened. I breathed relieved. There was still hope of learning more about Jimmy after all." Hi, Mary. I've brought a visit. " Louis said, in a joking tone. The petite woman looked at us with an expression similar to that of the Indian lady. I would also be wary of foreigners on my doorstep. Louis explained the story quickly and she seemed to understand right away. In the end, she
“I also thank you for being honest with me, Professor."“And you said you had a proposal. I'm curious."“I know you're…” I smile slyly.“Okay, I'm listening."“First, I'd like to know how much you're willing to invest, not financially of course, in this pseudo relationship of ours.""After everything I just said, do you have any doubts that I would invest big? Max smiles."“High really high?”“What are you up to, Aria Thomas?” he inquired, completely anxious." I wanted to know if you would really do anything for me… including… trying a threesome."“And do you have any friends who would be up for it?” Or would it be a call girl?“No, you don't understand. I didn't say it would be with one more woman."Max briefly widens his eyes. Clearly, he hadn't expected this one."Well, I confess that it's something I've never done."“Everything has its first time."" I agree, but… it's audacious of you."“I'm proposing this to you because I figured you were an open-minded guy."“I'm open-minded.
When class ends and all the students leave the room, including Loretta who runs to the next auditorium, I remain seated to talk to Max.I see he sent a message on his cell phone."Wait for me here or in the council room, please."Geez, he really doesn't want to let me get away.But before I even got the message, I was already determined not to go out to have this conversation with him. A conversation I rehearsed several times, in my dreams, in the shower, in different places, even when awake. A proposal whose content even scares me, due to such audacity.But now I won't go back on it. I need to try. It's stronger than me."Hey professor." I start with my sly voice, which I know always drives you crazy.Max finishes gathering his stuff on the table on the small dais and looks at me over his glasses.“Hi, Aria. How are you?" He asks, seemingly unconcerned that we're alone.“Now I think I'm calmer. Some things are back to normal apparently"."And truth." He pauses. “Well, most things at
I arrive late at the auditorium, but miraculously arrive before the professor. Looks like he had to sign the end of his suspension at the rectory first before he came to teach.Unlike before, I wave to Loretta in the distance and take a seat in one of the last rows, blending in and practically disappearing behind the heads of the taller crowd.There are two reasons for this: I really want to hide from Max's gaze during class. And I arrived late, which makes the first option even more viable, as the first few rows of seats are almost all occupied.Before class starts, I text Stephen. As strange as that sounds, it's part of the plan. My strange plan, to be exact. I think of a phishing-style message, to hook him without him noticing.“I miss you and your class. I wanted to see you today, is there any way?”That's pretty straightforward.The students chat excitedly about the latest events of the week as they wait for Max to arrive. Two minutes later, my phone flashes the new message notif
Like after a long bad dream, after facing several days in the dark, Monday arrives again, with new air, a new glow. Classes resumed, the case was covered in the local press and the movement of students walking all over the campus returned with a vengeance.Peter is still in recovery. His lungs were badly affected by the water he ended up breathing in."Are you going to make it in time for the first period?" Loretta asks, finishing touching up her lipstick.I still need to brush my hair, which, now waist-length, keeps getting knotted.“I just need to stop by the closet in the main hall to get some books. But I'll meet you in the auditorium.“Okay, don't be too late. She winks mischievously.She knows I'm in an internal battle looking forward to seeing Max again after a week of not making contact. After all.It takes me a few minutes to find the key to the little padlock that opens my hall closet. I know it's in some bag, but it's that old story, which one? I turn everything over, find