"I'm very disappointed in your work, Katie," the teacher, Mr. Canner said. "Usually you're so much better. Your work has really dropped off."
Katie looked to the ground. She was ashamed of her poor efforts. All she wanted to do was cry and cry in her bed all day. This was a bad week. Her best friend moved to San Francisco, her mother was dating a real jerk and every time she tried to concentrate on her school work her brain went into complete shutdown.
"Is there something the matter?" Mr. Canner asked her in a pleasant, concerned voice.
"I've just been a little depressed lately. All my friends seem to be moving. And..." She paused for a moment considering if it was okay to tell a teacher about her problems. She decided it was. "I am worried about my mother. She's dating this icky guy. She's a complete jerk who treats her like shit all day."
"Have you talked to your mother about this?"
"She isn't ever home anymore. She's always with that guy. He takes advantage of her."
Mr. Canner looked down at Katie' work and flashed a reassuring smile. "I'm going to give you some extra time to work at this. Bring me a knew one in a couple of days."
"Thank you. Thank you so much."
"Don't mention it. I mean it. If your fellow students here about this one, I'll be listening to it for weeks."
Katie smiled at Mr. Canner. She was looking at him in a whole new light. His hair seemed more wild and free today. His chest and arms seemed so much bigger. She was feeling weird around him. Like she was in love with him, but not quite. Like she wanted him.
You want to fuck him, a voice called out to her. You always have.
No, that ain't true, another voice responded.
Bullshit. You've wanted him since you first laid eyes on him. Go for it Katie. Your eighteen.