Before the night is over, Kristoff leads me back to the dance floor. I always feel at ease in his arms. The comforting familiarity resonates with me. The tension I felt while dancing with Professor Sebastian had faded. This is much better.
“So, what did you talk about? Isn’t he great?”
“He is an honorable man.”
He smiles with pride. “I told you he is fantastic. Did you get a chance to introduce yourself?”
“Yes, but nothing that relates to school. Kris, I don’t feel like discussing my academic credentials at a party. I’ll take that out during class.” I wrap my arms around Kristoff’s neck. He presses me against him as his arms encircle my waist.
“What did he say to you? He’s grinning all the time,” he observes with intrigue.
“We simply had a brief chat about his family and his eccentricities. I share bits of words of wisdom with him.”
“That sounds like Julian to me. I’m glad that he hasn’t changed.”
“But is he really so open and transparent? With anyone he just met, specifically.”
“Mm. Actually, no. Perhaps he feels he can trust you.”
“Well, it’s a privilege to interact with him. For someone well-known, rich, and smart, it’s surprising he’s not a snob.”
“Like my family?”
“I didn’t say that, but you see right through me.”
He laughs. “I won’t deny that about my family, and I like the idea that you think of me that way. Honestly, I can’t always see through you. You are a mysterious force.”
“I always tell you a lot of things. I’m sorry for kissing someone else.”
“Still feeling guilty?”
“Very. Because I shouldn’t kiss anyone but you.”
“Then that should suffice. Your honesty, Anya.”
I guess this is the perfect time to tell him. “That’s why I’m telling you who it was—that random guy I lip-locked with.” I take a deep breath. “You know him.”
“I know most of the people here—” He pauses and stares at me, puzzled. “No way.”
“Who do you suppose are the only people I’ve talked to today?”
“Adam can’t be it because he’s the host. Did you mean...”
“Yes.”
“No way,” he says again, gaping at me for a split second. Suddenly, he snorts as though he finds it hilarious. “Is it Julian?”
I nod.
“Really?” He pulls away from me a bit to cup my shoulders.
“Why?”
He burst a laugh.
I blink. His reaction astounded me even more. I suppose my confession went well.
“Why? Is this funny to you?”
“Why not?” His grin reaches his ears. “He must be flustered! Is he?”
I sneer at him. “You make it sound as if I attacked him. So you think this is funny? Me kissing another man? That’s weird, Kristoff.”
“No, no. It’s not like that. I’d hate it if you kissed another man. But this is Julian.”
“Who’s clearly a man.”
“No. I mean, it’s justOkay, maybe I’m just overly concerned. “He told me I must tell you.”
“See? This is how I like him. He’s probably the most authentic man on the planet.” He sweeps me back into his arms and plants a kiss on my forehead. “You said it was just an accident. I have nothing to be angry about.”
The guilt in my chest fades. “Fine, if you put it that way. But you still haven’t told me how close you are to him.”
“He’s like the brother I never had. It’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it later.”
“You admire him.” I closer and lay my head on his chest. Inhaling the comforting heat of his body, I close my eyes. “Thank you for not getting angry.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“That’s all I can give you.”
“Oh, Anya.” He presses his chin on my forehead. “You give me a lot just by being with me.”
“You are right about him, though,” I say, referring to the professor. “I understand why you admire him. He’s very sensible... and honest. I can’t wait to find out what kind of professor he is.”
“Oh, about that. He’s an entirely different person in the classroom.”
I chin up. “What do you mean?”
“He shows no mercy.”
***
As Lora and I walk to our first class, lounges are already crammed, performance halls and practice rooms are brimming with various sounds, and students are bustling about everywhere. I love the atmosphere of the first day of a new semester. The presence of so many students makes it lively.
Whitlock School of Music was built in 1902 on the Upper East Side. The structure of the building connects diverse architectural designs from various musical institutions. The building’s foundation is made of brickwork, limestone, and granite. The lobbies and halls look worn but adorned with gorgeous gold and black embellishments. What I like best is that the balconies offer views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
Everyone at WSM is incredibly gifted. They are either the kids of famous alumni or prodigies from previous schools from all over the world, regardless of age, culture, or nationality. The competitiveness is high, but it’s fun. Seeing as how I am probably one of the few students here on a scholarship, I want to keep my identity a secret.
As soon as I sit into my first lecture, I email Mr. Melnard. I want to thank and tell him I received my allowance in my bank account. Every month, I’m spoiled with extra money for school expenses, instrument upkeep, books, food, and clothing. I’m saving some of them because I don’t buy books or clothes on a regular basis.
To: [email protected]: [email protected]: First day of school. Dear Mr. Melnard,Happy New Year! The party hosted by Sebastian was fantastic. I had a wonderful holiday break. There, I met my new professor, Julian Sebastian, and I was surprised by how courteous he was, so I am looking forward to our new activities this semester even more.I hope you and Mr. Pitch enjoyed the holidays as well. Thank you for the gifts and my allowance. I will use them well.Yours sincerely,AnyaAfter sending it, I set my phone on silent mode.
“Hey.” Kristoff sits down next to me and kisses my cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m feeling terrific. But you’re almost late.”
He and I had a great time together on Christmas day. My devoted boyfriend took me to Le Papillon, his favorite French restaurant, for lunch, and we ate to our heart’s content. Then we went for a stroll in a mall, watched a romantic comedy movie, and spent the rest of the evening at the Rockefeller Center rink under the Christmas Tree with other couples and families.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
“I just emailed Mr. Pitch’s assistant. Did you sleep well?”
“Not seeing you before I sleep isn’t a good idea.”
“Oh, please.”
“I’m not kidding. All I could think about was you.”
“Ew. You’re so cheesy.” Lora sits to my right. “Print Anya’s face, make it as big as possible, and plaster it to your ceiling.”
“I’m considering it.” Kristoff agrees.
“What? No. That’s totally creepy. Don’t do it,” I implore.
His laughter spreads through the room as he holds his chest. “I was just teasing you. But, hey.” He faces his body toward me. “Can I come over tonight?”
“You’re not serious,” Lora reacts.
“Why not?”
“Your girlfriend here happens to have a roommate, so I’m sorry, you can’t fuck each other’s brains out tonight.”
“Hey, don’t put it like that! I just want to spend some time with her.”
“By the tone of your question, I assumed!” she almost shouts, causing some of our classmates to look our way.
“Hey, guys. Please, no arguing,” I whisper.
Kristoff clears his throat and settles into his seat properly.
But I still sense something off with Lora.
“Hey, what’s wrong? You don’t sound fine.”
She groans. “It’s my sister.”
I knew it. “Yes, you mentioned your family was going to meet your sister’s fiancé yesterday. What happened?”
“He stood her up. Fuck him.” I know how much she adores Candice. I only saw her in photographs. She appears sophisticated and charming, much like Lora.
“I’m sorry, Lors. So you didn’t find out who he is?”
“She didn’t tell us.” She leans closer. “She even traveled all the way from Berlin to see him. She was crying and texting me the whole day. Sorry for raising my voice.” She gives Kristoff a sidelong glance. “Dude, I’m sorry, okay?”
Kristoff shakes his head. “Whatever you say.”
“Hey.” I tap my boyfriend’s arm. “Don’t.”
I wish she could talk to me about it, but we’re in the classroom, and the professor might arrive at any time.
But, just as I anticipated, a loud, clearing throat resounds across the classroom. Everyone shuts their mouths, followed by a deadly silence. Our attention gets drawn to the front, where a sophisticated, sexy, and attractive young professor in a black shirt and pants stands by the grand piano. He now has a pair of black-framed glasses on.
The most awaited man has finally arrived.
“Good morning. I’m Professor Julian Sebastian...”