Escaping

Mazikeen

I know I can’t just force them to write down stuff. I need to engage with them, but I’m so close to losing it, and I don’t know how to stay calm. Sucking in a breath, I glance up and see King watching me.

“Okay, let’s go around the room and discuss what each of you has written about Panopticon. Who wants to go first?”

Samuel raises his hand. “Prisons, they know there is a high chance they are being watched, and the reason they are designed that way is to try and force the prisoners to behave through fear.” I nod and point at Jessica.

“Those weird bank truck things, Miss, they literally say on them that they have CCTV and are monitored,” she says, and I nod.

“Schools Miss,” Jake says.

“What do you mean about Schools Jake?” I ask.

“Well, not only are the teachers in school possibly watching, but many schools have prefects, headboys, and such. Which means students feel more people are possibly watching them.” I nod and ask someone else. We go around the room, and yes, I avoided King, but I can’t forever.

I look at him, and he grins.

“Not just about physically seeing them, Miss. Havin’ knowledge over someone or a group of people means they can exercise power over them. It’s not just about cameras, Miss, but if you live in a town and know people are watchin’, it can be seen as a Panopticon because you watch how you act. Family is another,” he says, and I nod. We discuss it for a short while longer before they pack up for the day.

I watch as they leave, and as ever, King stays behind.

“King, today isn’t a day to play your games. I suggest you leave,” I say. His head tilts, and he looks at me like he wants my demons and secrets, but they aren’t his. They are mine.

“Was just gonna ask if ya was okay, Miss,” he leans closer, and I nod. “Didn’t look like it, Miss.”

“I’m fine, King. It’s just family drama, as I’m sure you’re aware. Now, can you leave, please? I have things to finish up, and then I have plans with some of the other professors.”

I watch him nod before turning to walk out. Sitting, I finish the plans for Monday’s lessons. Opening the drawer, I stop when I see the piece of paper.

The sketch makes me smile. A hand holding a heart within it, with flowers wrapping around them both. I begin to read the poem.

A voice that resonates deep

Within my bones

Seeps into my body

Embeds within my heart

Captures my soul

The key to my everything

Lies within you

K x

The poem has me smiling, and while it’s sweet, it’s highly inappropriate. I’ve no idea what King is hoping to gain, but this needs to end.

I’m his professor. Nothing more can happen. Still, I can’t bring myself to throw it. Instead, I unlock the smaller drawer, and I place it in there before locking it away.

It’s crazy how King, someone who barely knows me, seems to show he does more than my husband ever has.

---

The bar is busy, but I refuse to leave because Edward isn’t making her leave. He’s insistent that it’s the way to fix my situation, mine, like I’m the one who can’t have kids.

I mean, could it not be him, considering he’s not even in his forties?

“What do you think?” I turn and look at Irene. “About the fact Ezekiel’s father paid to ensure the university let him in? No one from an outlaw gang would be let in, but he was, and everyone thinks they bribed their way in,” she states.

I laugh slightly. “Have you ever considered that King is actually a good student? How many of you have actually had him in a class?” I ask.

“Good or not, makes no difference, the entire gang is corrupt and needs to be stopped,” Jason argues.

“It’s a club,” I shout, and they look at me in shock. “I get that you want to see the bad in everything, but have you considered that your views of the club are warped by fake movies, news stories and those with power within the city who want to run them out?” I ask.

“That Ezekiel really got you round his finger, they are good at that,” Irene laughs.

“No, I just know that the Cursed Kings are not a gang or as bad as you want to make them appear to be. Regardless, even if they were corrupt, everyone has a right to a decent education.” The table falls quiet, and they begin to talk about other things.

Standing I walk to the bar, and order another drink.

“I thought King had shown you the way and that there are better options than wine?” A voice says from behind me, turning I glance at Colt, the guy who called me a bitch like it was nothing. “That was powerful, not many will speak up and defend our club against those within the town,” he points towards the table where I was sitting.

“Even if it was a gang, Colt, not everyone in it would deserve hate. No one knows the reasons behind their choice to join,” I explain, and he nods.

“Well, someone outside wants to thank you for speaking out.” He points to the door and I step out, my body stopping when I see King leaning against the wall talking to other members of the club.

His eyes come to me, and I wonder if he even knew I spoke up or if Colt just said that to get me out of the bar and closer to King. He stands from the wall, and I watch as he hugs one of the guys. They almost punch each other on the backs as pats before he walks to me.

Standing in front of me, he smiles. “Sounded like ya had a stressful day, Miss; freedom helps,” he holds out the helmet, and I glance at it.

“If I agree, it means nothing, King. This isn’t me accepting your advances,” I explain, and he nods.

“Understand, Miss. Let’s go for a ride.” He grips my hand and leads me to the bikes. I glance towards where he was standing before and see who I believe is his dad watching us. He nods and smiles at me. I turn my gaze from him and follow King to the bike.

He climbs on, and I follow behind, swinging my leg over. I wrap my arms around his body and hold him as the bike begins. Slowly, I relax into his body as we ride through the city and out of it.