The bell rang, letting me know that Music class was next. I got up, parting my ways with Jamie, walking towards Mr. Baker’s class. As soon as I got there, I immediately took my seat; laying my head down. Only two more hours til’ I have to go home.

I felt Mr. Baker sit beside me. I sighed, picking my head up, and looking at him.

“Can I help you?” I questioned him. He frowned.

“You ok?” He wondered. I shook my head.

“I don’t want to go home, but I have to.” I spoke quietly. I felt his hand touch my back, I jumped from the feeling, plus I had a nasty cut and bruise there.

“Oh god, Embree. I’m sorry. I promise I won’t hurt you.” Mr. Baker retracted. I nodded, propping my head up with my hands.

“Its ok. It’s just a new cut and bruise there.” I smiled weakly to him. His eyes were saddened.

“You just remember what I said. If you need me, don’t be afraid to call.” He told me, smiling. I nodded.

“Thank you. I just don’t want you to see me as a charity case.” I looked away.

“Sweetie, I’d never think that.” He smiled, rubbing my arm. He got up, before everyone walked in, taking a seat at his desk.

I got out my phone, and texted Jamie. Everyone that was taking this class, had finally gotten into their seats.

’He knows. -E‘

’What?! -J’

He read the note. -E’

‘OMFG! Privacy much?-J‘

I know, right.. But its whatever now. -E’

Well, I love you babe. ;)- J’

;) I love you, too.-E‘

“No cell phones, Miss. James.” I heard Mr. Baker call. I looked up at him.

“Like I told you before, Miss is not needed. You either call me by my first name, or don’t call me at all.” I smiled sweetly to him. This year was going to be good.

“I see right now, this year is going to be not fun at all.” He muttered, just above a whisper so everyone could hear.

“Oh my god, I see that, too!” I exclaimed, laughing aloud.

He began teaching the class, or better yet, trying to learn the students. He finally sat down at his desk, looking at his phone. I opened a new text message, adding his number in. I quickly texted an, ‘I c u!’ and sent it to him.

I watched him grab his phone, looking at the message. He smiled to himself, then looked up at me. He laughed, shaking his head from side to side, then started typing back.

‘Boo, I c u 2. No cell phones, Miss James.’

‘Omg.. Your weird! No cell phones, Mr. Baker. :P- E’

‘Am not. U are..’

‘Am not. U are && ur feet stink’- E

He looked down at his feet, then laughed aloud.

‘nah huh. :P‘

‘yes huh. Now I want to play the guitar, sir. -E’

I looked at him after I sent it. He nodded his head, getting up.

“So, I heard from a couple of people that Embree can play, is that true?” He wondered aloud in the class.

“Oh Mr. Baker, that is so true. She is amazing!” The blonde, Christy spoke up.

“Well, I think I want to hear her play the guitar. Anyone agree?” He questioned. Everyone nodded.

I smiled to myself, getting up, and grabbing my Schecter Hellraiser. I plugged it into the amp, that was in front of the piano. I began to play Cemetery Gates by Pantera. After I finished that song, I started playing Walk by Pantera.

I looked over to Mr. Baker, who looked blown away. I smiled, playing Unholy Confessions. My classmates cheered, as they started singing along with me. After the song had finished, Chris wanted me to play Second Heartbeat. I smiled as I played. That was one of my favorite songs.

The bell sounded, yet again, letting us know that lunch was in affect. I quietly unplugged the guitar, and gathered up the cord. I handed it to Mr. Baker. He smiled, as his hand touched mine. I grinned, making my way back to my desk.

I grabbed my bag, throwing it carefully over my shoulder. I sighed, having a feeling that Mr. Baker would steady push about my dad. I turned, my face running into his chest. I backed up, and looked at him.

“Sorry, are you sure you have to go home?” He questioned. I nodded.

“Yeah, I’m still 17, Mr. Baker. There’s not much I can do.” I said, looking away, avoiding the anger that flashed over his eyes.

“Well, you haven’t told the cops or anyone?” He questioned. I shook my head.

“No sir, the only reason is because I don’t want to leave here. I don’t want to be someone else’s problem.” I spoke truthfully. That’s why I had Jamie promise not to say anything.

He nodded, pulling me into a hug.

“Well, I’m here for you, now, Embree. If things get too much for you at home, you can always come stay with me.” He said in my hair. I nodded against his chest, then pulling apart.

“Thanks Mr. Baker, lets go to lunch.” I said smiling. He nodded, grabbing his wallet from his desk.

I opened the door, letting him out first. He turned, locking his door. I waited patiently on his as he finished. We started heading to the cafeteria. As soon as we got there, we parted our ways. I found myself at the table with Dex, Cobe, and Jamie. I looked over to Mr. Baker, who had looked at me the same time.

I smiled to him, thinking to myself that this year wasn’t going to be so bad after all.