"How would Principal Espinoza react to the image of seeing Casey Kings and Kathryn Howard kissing in the hallway when they should be in the gymnasium for the pep rally?"

My heart drops and my eyes glance up from my laptop to the man standing at the back of my classroom with that terrifying smirk. I blink a few times in disbelief, there was no way he was in here.

I try to make a run for the door but I'm stopped by the man's booming voice. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Kathryn. I have proof this time around, I'm not afraid to use it." I close my eyes and inhale before turning away from my door and towards my desk. I sigh, feeling my skin crawl in fear. "What do you want from me, Rai?"

The man smirks and begins making his way towards me. I clutch onto the edge of my desk the closer he gets. When he stops right in front of me, I can't help but keep my eyes down and away from his menacing gaze.

He uses his index finger to press against my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his dark ones. "Why, I want you of course. What else would I be here for... Kathryn."

I swallow the lump in my throat and turn my head away from him, giving myself whiplash in the process. I thought I was free from this man's threats. I thought once I left him in Utah, I would no longer see his face. I would no longer feel this fear.

"Or should I call you Ryn? That's what your... girlfriend calls you nowadays."

My eyes widen as I quickly glance at him. He's been stalking us? How long has it been since he's been back? How long has he been watching us? What kind of evidence did he have?

The man chuckles and runs his hand through his black hair. He leans into me, his nose pressing against the side of my head, he inhales my scent and I'm forced to roll my eyes in disgust. "Gosh, Kathryn. You smell so good, you look so good. I have missed you so much."

I place my hands on his chest pushing him away. "You're violating the restriction order. I can call the cops and have you arrested" I hiss.

Rai places his finger up, "Ah, ah, ah. You wouldn't be stupid enough to take that risk. They can arrest me, but I still have evidence that Kathryn Howard, the sweet innocent history teacher is fucking a student. A teenager. They'll take my evidence over whatever you say. But don't you have a girlfriend as well? I'm sure if you do anything reckless, I should pay her a visit."

His threats caused me to bite on my tongue and shut up. I was backed into a corner and all around me was Rai, threatening and harassing me. No one was going to be able to save me this time. Not even Casey.

"I want you for myself, Kathryn. You are so beautiful and all of it is going to waste on a petty 18-year-old. You are too pretty to be a lesbian."

I roll my eyes immediately. Typical straight man words. "I'm bisexual. Not a lesbian."

He smiles and grabs my face, "Whatever you want to call it babygirl. All I know is you have all this potential and it's being wasted on a girl. Someone who can't even give you a family. All she's good for is the thrill, if she wasn't a student here you wouldn't have even found her attractive."

I clench my jaw. "Are you just going to insult my girlfriend until you feel better about yourself? I am well aware that Casey and I are both women and biologically we can't produce any children. But we're in the goddamn 21st century and technology works wonders. I love Casey and no matter what you do, you will never be able to change the way I feel about her."

"Such bold statements. I have a meeting to get to. What I need you to do once you get off is head to the police station and drop the charges you have on me. Once you've completed your task, we can discuss further plans for our new relationship."

I open my mouth to protest but he interjects. "You tell Casey or Emily or really anyone about me and I won't hesitate to get rid of them. If you want what's best for your... student and friends, you'll keep your mouth shut and do what I tell you. Do you understand?"

I don't say anything, which causes him to pull my chin towards him. "I said do you understand?!" I slap his hand away, "Yes. Now get the fuck out of my classroom!"

Rai smirks, nodding his head and taking his leave. Once he closes the door behind him, I drop to my knees. My vision immediately becomes blurry as I force myself to remain silent. What was I going to do? I was trapped.

- - - - -

"Kathy" I hear behind me and the voice causes me to jump. I force myself to stop shaking as I turn towards my best friend and co-worker. Emily furrows her brows together as she smiles, "Soph and I are cooking dinner tonight since we'll have the kids. You should come, they would love to see you. Maybe bring Casey too?"

I avert my gaze from the blonde and to the ground. "No thanks." Turning on my heel, I unlock my car door and get inside the car, ignoring Emily's questioning gaze. If there was truly one thing she knew about me, it was that if the kids were involved, I never rejected an idea. I love them like they're my own.

I shut the door and insert my key into the ignition, turning my car on. Emily knocks on my window. Sighing, I roll it down and glance at her. "Are you okay? You never turn down the kids or dinner. Did something happen with you and Casey?"

Shaking my head, I shut down any ideas she's having, "I just have a major headache. I think I'm going to go home and get some well-needed rest." Blue eyes watch me carefully, before giving in to my attempt to not go over to her house tonight. She backs away from my car and I pull out of the parking lot, heading to the police station, just as Rai demanded.

I make it to the police station in under an hour. I inhale and exhale before gathering my things and heading into the place that would change my future. I walk to the desk, grabbing the man's attention. "Yes, what can I help you with today? Are you here to pick up a rebelling brother?"

I chuckle, "I wish."

The man raises his brow before giving me his full attention, worried something may have been wrong. He was absolutely right, but I couldn't tell him. I couldn't risk anyone's safety. "I would like to drop a restraining order."

He glances at me skeptically, "Okay? May I get your name and date of birth?"

"Kathryn Howard. December 26th, 1994."

He begins typing into the computer, pulling up my records. I nervously glance around, wondering how Rai would exactly know I was here or not. But I didn't want to chance it. I needed to play everything by his rules or someone including myself could be in serious danger.

"Restraining order against Rai Rossen, correct?" I nod my head and we proceed. "What is the reason you've decided to drop it? It states here that he threatened you and was charged with attempted rape. Why are you dropping the order? Is he threatening you again?"

I eye the man nervously. I wanted to tell him everything. I wanted to get this weight off my shoulders. But I can't. The fear of losing everything or everyone I love was too great. I had to stay strong until this all came to an end.

"We met again and he's apologized and even attended Anger management classes or other classes to help with his mental stability. I believe he is a changed man and I want to give him a second chance."

Eyes watch me carefully before typing into the computer. "Okay, Ms. Howard. I have set up a court date for you on March 13th at 2:30 PM. Is that a decent time and date for you or would you like for us to change it?"

I swallow the lump in my throat. "Is there by any chance I can get this over with as soon as possible? Can we up the date maybe March 9th at 10 AM?"

"Of course, once we have that all settled in, your court date will be official. Is there anything else I can help you with Ms. Howard?"

I shake my head and smile at the man, "No. That's all. Thank you for your help. Have a nice day."

Walking back to my car, I glance around for a familiar face, wondering if he was watching me. I get into my car and rest my head against the steering wheel, mentally tired. I remain in this position for a few more minutes in silence. My mind travels to thoughts of Casey and things she could be doing.

I miss her. I need to see her. I raise my head and place the key into the ignition, starting the car when a voice startles me. "You're such a good girl Kathryn. I was really expecting you to skip town or something along those lines. I'm glad you were smart with this decision."

My eyes land on the rearview mirror, meeting with terrorizing dark eyes. How long had he been in my car? Why didn't I notice him when I was getting in?

He moves to the passenger seat with a wide smile. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way. We can discuss further plans in our relationship."

Relationship.

"As of today, I am your boyfriend. You will do whatever I tell you or it will cost you someone special. I don't really like sharing, so you will break up with Casey tonight."

I furrow my brows. "No-"

"Before you say something reckless. I just want to remind you that you are a teacher taking advantage of a teenage girl. I have the proof, I am willing to share this with my good pal Principal Espinoza. The choice is yours."

How could I reject now? "Fine, I'll break up with her but you have to give me some time. I can't just out of the blue break up with her. Just give me till the end of the month and I'm all yours."

Rai's smile widens at my courage. He might've found this entire ordeal amusing, but I didn't. I hadn't even been with Casey for long and he was already ruining what I had built. How was I going to break up with Casey? I love her too much to just let her go.

But I have to. I'll lose my job, my career, my mind. I lose it all. I'll be labeled as a sex offender everywhere I go, even if Casey is of legal age. No one cared about age. What they cared about was that I-- a teacher, have been sleeping around with a student. A very illegal affair. I'll be thrown in jail, forced away from Casey for however long.

I just need to give him what he wanted until he got bored with me. Once he does, I'll be free to do whatever I needed to, to fix all the mess he's causing me to do.

- - - - -

I had gone to court this morning. The restraining order was dropped. Rai was free to come as close to me as he pleased. And all I could do was laugh at myself. Why did I attract such a man? Matter of fact, all the men I attracted were generally the same person. The only difference is, they never got this far.

I type on my laptop, remembering that after today I was going to be forced to teach for spring break. My mini-vacation with Casey was going to have to take a rain check, but it's not like I would have fun. Not with Rai back on my case, watching my every move.

A notification sounds from my laptop. I open the email, recognizing the address. . I was never one to hate anyone, but this man was on the list. Before I can open the email and take a look into its contents, the sound of my apartment door grabs my attention.

I debate whether or not I want to open the email, while Casey is in my apartment. With my eyes on the laptop screen, I hesitantly move my mouse towards the email. However, when Casey stands in my doorway, my eyes are forced to her and I quickly close my laptop.

"I'm starting to think giving you a key was a bad idea" I frown, setting my laptop onto the nightstand and giving my attention to Casey.

I watch the girl kick off her shoes before jumping into bed, the same expression on her face, "Bad idea? Do you not love seeing this face every day?" she teases, planting her lips to mine. The fear that I had felt earlier, slightly subsided by the warmness of her lips.

She pulled away a bit, her eyes landing on my lips as she licked her own. Her eyes meet mine, "You taste weird, what did you eat before I got here?"

I swallow the sudden lump in my throat. I didn't eat anything, I only brushed my teeth ferociously to get the taste of Rai out of my mouth. I was tempted to use bleach as well but decided against it. "I haven't eaten yet actually. What are you doing here exactly? I didn't know you were coming over."

My attempt in changing the subject is successful. Casey smiles before moving her head from side to side happily. "We're going to Lake Whitney tomorrow" she sings. My brows raise, not in surprise, but in realization. I haven't told her yet, have I?

"You remember right? We planned this in January."

I eye the girl apologetically. "You made other plans?"

My heart breaks at her cracked voice. It wasn't like I would pick teaching over her, but I had no other choice. "Not really. I guess it slipped my mind, the school wants me to teach for spring break. For seniors and juniors who need their required credits in order to graduate. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

The curly-haired girl sighs, nodding her head. I watch as she moves her body to sit on side of me, resting her back onto the headboard. Her gaze falling onto my opened closet door. It caught my attention as well, was Rai in there?

Suddenly, the ringing of my phone grabs our attention. I side glance at my screen, noticing the familiar numbers that were burned into my memory. Rai.

I ignore it, not wanting to interrupt my time spent with Casey. I only had a few weeks left until I had to do the most heart-breaking thing. And I didn't know if I could. I can see Casey's curiosity peek as she leans over my body to glance at my phone screen. My body reacts quicker than my brain as I cover the screen, scared she would find out.

I pull my phone behind my back and away from her curious eyes. Those beautiful eyes land on me surprised at my actions but I force my eyes forward. I couldn't look at her. I knew I was seconds away from breaking down.

"Kathryn" her voice bounces around my head. My heart palpitates at how sweetly my name rolled off her tongue. It felt right, unlike when Rai said it. I hum, not daring to glance at my lover,

A few minutes pass. We sit in silence, Casey's eyes still throwing daggers into the side of my head as I kept my eyes forward. I slowly begin lifting myself from the bed, but she stops me. Her hand catches my wrist softly, keeping me in place.

"What is it you're not telling me?" she questions.

Knowing that Casey would still care regardless of how strange I was acting, caused me to smile. I finally look at her, trying to tell her I was scared and trapped with nowhere to hide. I was on the verge of a breakdown and I wanted her to be there for me. I needed her to be there for me.

"I would like to eat" I spit softly. Casey eyes me for a few seconds longer before letting me go. I escape the room, taking my phone with me just in case he would call or message me. I enter the kitchen, setting my phone on the counter. I open the cupboard, grabbing a glass cup, suddenly feeling thirstier than ever.

My mouth felt dry.

I open the fridge, grabbing the half-empty container of orange juice. I set it down next to my phone and reach for something to consume. My vibrating phone grabs my attention. Already knowing who it is, I ignore it and grab the glass cup, about to pour myself a glass of juice.

The phone continues vibrating and out of annoyance I unlock it and open his messages. On the screen is a picture of Casey and I in the hallway, lips locked with no one around us. Just under it, is another picture from my birthday.

My vision is unfocused as my grip on the cup loosens. The sound of the shattering glass forces me to my knees in a hurry to pick up the broken pieces. As soon as I reach out for a piece, my vision is blurred by tears. Fear coming over me once again as I realize there was no getting away from him. There was no getting away from this.

"Kathryn," I hear. Casey moves closer to me. Before she can ask me anything I wrap my arms around her slender frame. I bury my head into the crook of her neck, taking in her scent and trying to calm myself down.

- - - - -

Days had passed since I broke down and I was trying my hardest to remain as normal as possible. But each day was feeling harder and harder. I would cry all night if I wasn't in bed with Casey. I cried when I was leaving the school just before I was forced to meet up with Rai.

I was growing depressed and I knew my lack of communication and honesty towards Casey, was driving her mad. I knew she cared about me, but I couldn't tell her. It was like the weight of the world was on my shoulders, the longer I kept everything away from her and Emily.

"Kathryn are you still there?" I hear, bringing me from my stupor. I glance around the living room of Casey's apartment. "Yeah, I'm tired though. Is it okay if I get some rest?" I whisper into the phone, sure that my girlfriend wouldn't hear.

It was bad enough that I was sneaking around but it was like Rai knew when I was with her. He always called at the worst times and it would only heighten her worry. "Of course, baby. Have a good night's sleep. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

I don't say anything as I end the call. I inhale and exhale. Casey was leaving for her senior trip tomorrow morning, which of course, Rai knew about. While she would be away, he was going to force me to stay with him for a few days. I wasn't at all excited about that idea.

I head towards the room, just ready to forget about the day. I just wanted to lay in bed with my girlfriend and sleep, peacefully. It was going to be the best sleep I would have for days. I knew my near future consisted of me having insomnia and feeling too scared to actually shut my eyes around Rai in fear he would take advantage of my unconscious body.

I sit on the edge of the bed, keeping my back to Casey. "Important phone call?" she questions. I don't dare turn my head and look at her as I set my phone on the nightstand. "I guess you can say that. Why are you up? You have the senior trip tomorrow. You guys are leaving before 10. Shouldn't you be getting some rest?"

Casey doesn't respond.

She remains quiet for a minute before speaking up. "Tell me what happened." I let out a breath, afraid that we were finally going to have that fight I knew had been brewing inside her. "Kathryn," she groans scooting closer to me. I feel the bed dip, where she sits.

I feel her hand rest on my shoulder but I fight the urge to turn and kiss her. I shrug her hand away as I stand from the bed. I exit the room, forcing my feet to the living room. Casey follows me, not letting anything slide this time. She had been so patient and the anger was slowly getting to her from not knowing.

"Tell me" she hisses, her voice low. I look at her. I just wanted to kiss her, hug her, love her. "Who did you call? Who have you been sneaking around with? Are you cheating on me?"

I eye her in shock and hurt. I never knew that's what was going through her head. "Why would I cheat on you Casey? You know I love you."

The brown-skinned girl shrugs, "It's the only thing that makes sense! I thought maybe Rai was back but you would've told me. Just tell me what's going on with you! You're so jumpy and scared. What happened Kathryn?"