Almost Lover

[RealisticFantasy]

Surprise is evident in her expression when the unfamiliar woman enters the room. "Oh, I'm just--" Before she could even finish her thought, the woman was already starting to back out of the room. Bradley, Professor, Mr. Black, or whatever she was supposed to call him now enters the room and they carry on with their exchange with little attention to her. Soon a small child runs into the room. Victoria smiles and waves at her but the girl pays her no attention either. Talk about a hectic day...





She gives the woman - Liz, her name was? - and the unidentified man exit the office. Victoria stands and drops her file into the trash. Where it belongs, I suppose. "Now for you. What were you doing in my office?" Victoria chuckles at the sight of him trying to manage the child and maintain the same demeanor he usually displays. "I was waiting for you... Perhaps it wasn't my most brilliant idea." Victoria says somewhat distantly, her attention clearly on the child. "I believe we have an awful lot to discuss, Bra-- Black...?" She clears her throat and sits on the edge of his desk, still debating on what to call him.


"You didn't think I was going to just vanish after..." Her gaze falls on the child. She thought it best to choose her words carefully. She didn't need the child repeating something she said and getting Black in any trouble, work related or otherwise. "...what happened, did you?" She slightly smug smirk finds its way to her mouth. She had to pause a moment and remind herself that most likely course of action - that being nothing coming out of it. Of course, Black was going to blow it off and pretend that it meant nothing. That's how men are and Black took that philosophy very strongly. Maybe she should take that route, too? Maybe it's best...

 

[shygirl3]

Black looks at her "you can call me Bradley...you're not my student anymore." The child keeps touching things on his desk. He rolled his eyes "Sophie, why don't you go draw me a pretty picture?" He rips out a piece of paper from his notebook and hands her some highlighters. She smiles and hops down from his lap and goes and sits on the floor in the corner. He looks at Victoria "What could we possibly need to discuss? You don't go here anymore." He said plainly as his gaze would move to occasionally check on Sophie.


He had an idea about what was going to be discussed but he decided to let her bring it up. He looked up at her and leaned back in his chair. "Discuss away." He waited for a response and Sophie came running over waving her paper. "Ta da!" She looked up at Victoria "Do you like flowers?" she asked curiously, "if you do you can have it. Uncle Bwadley's a boy so he doesn't like flowers." She whispered to Victoria. Black watched as Sophie seemed to take liking to her. He leaned down "Hey Soph, Victoria and I are having a grown up conversation right now. I'm sure Victoria would love another picture of a flower." he said to her.


Sophie crossed her arms "I'm a grown up." Bradley chuckled "I'm sure you are, but you have to be this tall to be part of a grown up conversation" he said holding his hand over her head. She frowned and stomped off. "Alright we have approximately 5 minutes until she finishes her next flower. What did we need to discuss?" he asked.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

She watches the child run off with a small smile unconsciously present on her face. There was always something in the innocence of children that made her smile. Maybe it was 'motherly instincts.' She lifts her gaze back to... Bradley. It was still a foreign term to her, even in her mind. "What could we possibly need to discuss? You don't go here anymore." She sighs, drumming her fingers on the desk. "You know that my attendance at Whitehill is the least of our problems... Bradley." The word still came out awkwardly, the informality of the situation an entirely new world to her.


Sophie runs over to her, clearly excited about her drawing. "Do you like flowers? If you do you can have it. " Victoria feigns enthrallment, pressing a hand to her chest. "I absolutely adore flowers. Thank you very much." She takes the picture from Sophie with a huge grin plastered across her face. She watches Bradley - still weird - sort out Sophie. "Alright we have approximately 5 minutes until she finishes her next flower. What did we need to discuss?"


"Fine. Screw subtlety. Us. Kissing. Like that." She moves from the edge of the desk back to the chair across from Bradley. "You can say that it was nothing and that's fine. I can't just leave not knowing. If it was nothing, then there really is no reason for me to stay any longer and I'll be on my way home." She smiles politely with a small nod, crossing her legs.

 

[shygirl3]

A small smirk cam across his face "Victoria...clearly it didn't mean nothing to you or else you wouldn't be here right now." He said as he leaned his elbows on the desk. Black looked at her "Look, I don't kiss people for sh-...for the heck of it." he said censoring himself since Sophie was still in the room. He ran his hand through his hair "But...I also can't tell you if it meant something to me. It didn't mean nothing, but it may not be the something you want." Bradley said quietly.


He sighed and watched Sophie draw, "Victoria if you're waiting for me to ask you to date me, it's not going to happen." He rubbed his face with his hands "I hate this line...but it's not you Victoria it's me. I don't have the best track record with girls, and the last thing I'd want to do is hurt you." Sophie hopped up and came running over. She handed Victoria another paper "Look! that's me and that's him and that's you." she said proudly.


Sophie smiled up at Victoria "you're pretty." she said happily and decided to climb into the chair Victoria was occupying "Sophie." he said sharply "Did you ask Victoria if you could sit on her lap." The small girl shook her head "Maybe she doesn't want you sitting on her lap." he said softly. Sophie reluctantly climbed down off the chair and went and pouted in the corner. Black rolled his eyes and groaned, "Soph...come on. You can sit on my lap." he said trying to make her feel better. She shook her head and turned her back to him.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

"But...I also can't tell you if it meant something to me. It didn't mean nothing, but it may not be the something you want. Victoria if you're waiting for me to ask you to date me, it's not going to happen. I hate this line...but it's not you Victoria it's me. I don't have the best track record with girls, and the last thing I'd want to do is hurt you." She sighs, biting her lip and tapping her foot on the ground as she processes the words. "The issue is that I don't know what it meant to me. I don't know what I want. It's really hard to imagining wanting--" Sophie runs over before she finishes. Maybe that was for the best considering she wasn't really that confident in how she wanted to end that sentence.


She gladly takes the paper from Sophie. "Look! that's me and that's him and that's you." She grins at it then at Sophie. "That's great. You're a wonderful artist, Sophie." Sophie says, "You're pretty" and suddenly, there was a child in her lap. It was surprising, but she was content with it. "Oh, you're very pretty as well..." Her smile deepens. There was something incredibly soothing about the presence of a child. "Sophie, did you ask Victoria if you could sit on her lap?" Sophie is off her lap and pouting in a heartbeat. Bradley tries an attempt at cheering her up, which is unforunately in vain, "Soph...come on. You can sit on my lap." Victoria glances at Sophie and then back to Bradley before hopping off the chair.


She walks over to the small girl, kneeling in front of her. "Hiya there, Sophie." She lowers her voice so just Sophie can hear. "Aw, come on. Don't be like that..." The girl continued to pout so Victoria flashes a frown. "Okay, Sophie. I'm gonna tell you a secret. But, you gotta promise not to tell anyone, okay? Your Uncle Bradley, he likes to act all big and tough but I'm sure you know as well as I do that he's just a really big teddy bear on the inside. Sometimes it may seem like he's being really mean but he only does it because he cares about you. You just gotta trust him. Grownups are really weird and you won't always understand why they do the things that they do. Sometimes they don't even understand. So, I'm gonna ask you to do me a favor. I want you to forgive your Uncle Bradley and go over there and give him a big, big hug because he's a really special guy. Can you do that for me?"

 

[shygirl3]

Sophie thought about it for a minute and shrugged. She stood up and marched over to Black, who was standing over by a filing cabinet searching through files. He felt a tug on his pant leg and glance down to see Sophie standing there. "And what can i do for you?" He asked as he knelt down in front of the child. Sophie opened her arms wide without a word.


Bradley smirked and began tickling the girl. She screamed and started laughing. "No! Stop!" He stopped and looked at her as she laid across his lap. "I wanted a hug" she said softly. He chuckled and picked her up, giving her a hug. Sophie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. He flinched slightly when she kissed him then patted her head. Sophie let out a big yawn and Black looked at her "uh oh, looks like somebody needs a nap." She shook her head. "I don't want to nap." Black looked at Sophie "not even if I let you nap in a really cool fort?" Her interest was peaked.


Bradley walked over to the closet in his office which he usually just used for clothes and the occasional box here and there. He moved somethings around and made an entrance where she has to crawl through the box, and he made a small bed from his clothes. "Your bed awaits you." She had ventured over to the corner where his sweatshirt was and cuddled up with it, fast asleep. He scratched the back of his neck "or that works too." He said softly.


Bradley looked over at Victoria "sorry about all this...i sort of forgot i was playing babysitter today." He looked at the clock and realized he has class shortly "crap...hey Victoria...you want to do me a favor? I can pay you..." he asked with a cunning smile "you want to keep an eye on the kid while i teach my last class for the day?" As he looked at Victoria something inside felt different. He wasn't sure what it was, but it felt nice. He shook the thought from his head, he had a habit of hurting girls in the past and didn't want to hurt her. Black walked towards Victoria without thinking he gently brushed her cheek with his thumb, he began to lean in to kiss her but stopped and pulled way. He turned and shook his head "what are you doing to me?" He asked frustrated. "I...we...can't be a..thing. All i do is hurt people. You don't need someone like me in your life. You need that knight in shining armor who'll bring you chocolates and flowers and protect you from all the bad things...like me." He walked over and picked up Sophie, you was still fast asleep with his sweatshirt wrapped around her. "Just go home...follow your plan and make something of yourself. I have a class to teach" he muttered as he walked out with Sophie in his arms.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

Watching Bradley with Sophie causes a soft grin to be constantly evident on her face. There was a thought of I want kids. Then, a even briefer flash of I want his kids which causes Victoria to blush lightly and look away from the pair. Whoa, whoa, whoa. I think that's a little ambitious, Victoria... Wait, no. Ambitious? I shouldn't be thinking about having kids. I shouldn't be think about having his kids. He 'doesn't want to hurt me.' If he's so set on that, then there's nothing I can do.


Victoria laughs softly when she sees Bradley go through all the effort to build a fort and Sophie decides to claim his sweatshirt as her bed. "Sorry about all this...I sort of forgot I was playing babysitter today." She glances at Sophie and then back to him. "No problem. I walked in on your prior obligations." She wishes they could talk more, actually discuss what happened. But, she wouldn't know what to say. After all, she still couldn't figure out what she wanted from him - whether it was a one night stand... or having his kids. His voice rouses her from these thoughts, which is probably best for now. "You want to do me a favor? You want to keep an eye on the kid while I teach my last class for the day?"


Before she has a chance to reply, Bradley walks over and brushes her cheek. She feels color graze her cheeks as he leans in to kiss her and she does the same. But then he pulls away, frustrated. "What are you doing to me? I...we...can't be a..thing. All I do is hurt people. You don't need someone like me in your life. You need that knight in shining armor who'll bring you chocolates and flowers and protect you from all the bad things...like me. Just go home...follow your plan and make something of yourself. I have a class to teach." She watches Bradley walk out with Sophie and she stands in his office for a moment, processing what happened.


Why do I have an aching feeling that there's more to the story than he's letting on? Victoria leaves his office, jogging down the hall to catch up with him. "Bradley, wait! Bra--" She sees Sophie stir and lowers her voice. "Bradley..." As much as she would like to say a million different things and ask a million different questions, she knew none of that would make a difference right now. It probably never would. So, she settles on, "Let me watch Sophie. The last thing you need is her waking up in the middle of your lecture. It definitely would put a damper on your reputation as the harshest professor on the planet." She says teasingly and chuckles as if nothing is wrong, as if this is perfectly normal, as if she isn't upset at him pushing her away.

 

[shygirl3]

Bradley turned when he heard her calling him, Sophie stirred a little but she didn't wake up. "Fine, just keep her in my office. Do not let her go anywhere. If she misbehaves just threaten her with the santa thing, she usually stops." he whispered and handed Sophie over to Victoria. "I'll be back after this class. If something happens, come get me immediately." he says firmly as he walks off towards his class. Sophie rested her head on Victoria's shoulder and wrapped her arms around her neck, letting out a content sigh as she continued to nap. Black glanced back briefly but continued walking.


Black walked into his class and like always was his unpleasant, intimidating self. About 15 minutes after Black left Sophie woke up, she looked around nervously then up at Victoria and he lip began to quiver. "I want Uncle Bwadley." she said with a pout. Sophie hugged his sweatshirt tightly "I want him now." she demanded as her lip began to quiver more and her eyes watered. Bradley was busy teaching his class and since no one was participating with conversation from the reading last night, he decided to give them a pop quiz. He sat back in his desk and watched most of his students struggle with the quiz.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

"Fine, just keep her in my office. Do not let her go anywhere. If she misbehaves just threaten her with the santa thing, she usually stops. I'll be back after this class. If something happens, come get me immediately." Victoria nods as she takes Sophie gingerly, cradling the child as if she was her own. She walks slowly back to Bradley's office, sitting carefully in his office chair as she holds the sleeping child. A few minutes of silence pass and Victoria's eyes flutter shut. She hadn't realized how tired she was. She hadn't slept last night, after all.


Just as she was about to fall asleep, she hears Sophie quivering voice. "I want Uncle Bwadley. I want him now." Victoria's eyes open and she frowns as the tears forming in Sophie's eyes. "He's busy right now, Soph. We gotta wait. He'll come back and I'll... leave." She tries her best to not sound sad in front of Sophie. Victoria didn't want to have her throw a tantrum and then have to go get Bradley in the middle of class. Victoria wipes the tears from Sophie's eyes. "Sound like a deal, Sophie?"

 

[shygirl3]

Sophie shook her head and stormed towards the door, his sweatshirt dragging behind her on the ground. She tried reaching for the door handle. Sophie stood on her tiptoes as the stretched as far as she could, as she screamed for her Uncle. She was a persistent child and was about to give up anytime soon. After his class finished his pop quiz he dismissed them because they were wasting his time. Sophie continued yelling. Bradley walked towards his office and heard the yelling "shit..." he muttered and his walk became a jog. He reached the door and flung the door open which sent Sophie tumbling back.


Seeing her fall he dropped his books and mutter "fuck.." He picked her up at held her "I'm sorry Soph, I didn't know you were there." She was sobbing into his chest, he hated it. "Was she screaming this whole time?" he asked looking up at Victoria. Sophie kept crying sobbing. Black looked up at Victoria "I wasn't lying when I said I hurt everyone." he mumbled as he turned his attention back to her "Hey...tell Uncle Bradley where the boo boos are." he said softly. She sniffled and pointed to her elbow, he leaned over and kissed it. "any more?" he asked. She pointed to her cheek and he went to kiss it and saw it was bruising, the door must have hit her face. She looked at him waiting for a kiss, he gently kissed her cheek "Ow." she said softly. "Sorry Soph, your cheek is going to be pretty colors for a little." He sighed, nothing was going right. He lifted her up and walked over to his desk chair sitting with her on his lap.


Black looked over at Victoria, "sorry...thanks for watching her. I didn't mean to keep you from going home." His cell phone began to ring, his face dropped "it's her mother." he muttered as he reached for the phone "Hey, Lizzie. Yeah everything's fine." Sophie grabbed the phone "Hi mommy, I got a boo boo. Yeah.Okay. She wants to talk to you. You're in trouble." She said handing the phone back to Bradley. Before the phone even touched his ear there was yelling. He held the phone away "Liz. Lizzie. Relax. I- I hit her with a door. Her face. I'm sorry I didn't know she was there! I didn't know you're raising an escape artist! I promise. Bye." he muttered hanging up the phone. He looked back at Victoria, "I'm sorry, we never got a chance to fully talk like you wanted to." he said sympathetically.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

"Sophie..." Victoria gets up from the chair, walking over to Sophie who is trying to open the door. Just as she was about to scoop Sophie up and carry her away from the door, it flies open. Bradley hesitating in the doorway for a millisecond before dropping his things and picking up the child. "I wasn't lying when I said I hurt everyone." Hearing this made her blood boil, now was not the time to prove a point. She sighs exasperatedly as she drops to her knees to collect his books.


She presses them close to her chest, holding her breath when she hears Bradley on the phone with Sophie's mother. She takes the moment of distraction to say goodbye to Sophie. She kneels down in front of the girl with a sad smile. "Hey, Soph. I'm sorry that you got some boo boos. That was kinda my fault. But, I gotta go now. I gotta go back home and it's a long, long way away so I might not see you or your Uncle Bradley for a long, long time. I want you to do two things for me when you feel better, okay? I want you to draw me lots and lots of pictures. Of all sorts of stuff. I really love them. The second thing I want you to do is look after your Uncle Bradley. He needs a big, strong girl like you to look after him, okay?"


Victoria rises to her feet again, setting Bradley's books on his desk. "I'm sorry, we never got a chance to fully talk like you wanted to." She keeps her gaze steady on his books, not really wanting to face him right now. "No, no. I think our little chat really put things into perspective." She nods slowly before lifting her gaze to him. "Goodbye." She exits the office. This time for good. She was a little sympathetic toward Bradley, considering how his day had gone. But, it was hard not to be a bit bitter and cynical. He chose to give her the 'I don't want to hurt you' bullshit instead of talking about it. That was his choice and this was hers. It was better this way anyway. Bradley and her would never last.

 

[shygirl3]

Black didn't even get a chance to say goodbye before she was out the door. Sophie went running after her "wait! Wait!" she yelling as she ran as fast as her short legs would carry her. Bradley stood up and ran after her. Sophie launched herself at Victoria's legs, wrapping her arms around them. "Sophie!" Black called as he finally caught up to her. Sophie frowned "she didn't give me a goodbye hug." she whined looking back at Black. "Not everyone has to hug you goodbye." He said dryly as he walked up.


Sophie looked up at Victoria and stuck her arms out "you'll give me a hug goodbye right?" she asked with a slight pout. Black ran his hand though his hair "you don't have to hug her, you know." Sophie crossed her arms "yes she does." she decided to wrap herself around one of Victoria's legs again. "I'm not letting you leave." she declared. "Ugh Sophie. Leave the girl alone. She clearly doesn't want to stay with us." he said slightly bitter. Sophie looked up at Victoria "I think he needs a hug too." she whispered. Black was visibly annoyed "Sophie, let's go. Please." he said sternly, but still trying to be polite. She shakes her head still gripping Victoria's leg.


Bradley didn't know what to do or say, he wasn't one for expressing himself. He wanted to tell her to stay, but he couldn't bring himself to it. He stood there waiting for Sophie to stop being so stubborn and walk away with him. "I don't want you to go. I like you." Sophie said to Victoria. "Tell her to stay and play with me." She whined to Black. He stood there and shrugged, "she can do whatever she pleases." he said with his hands in his pockets.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

Victoria stops at the sound of Sophie's voice and the pounding of little feet. The child was wrapped around her legs before she could even say anything. She chuckles softly as the strong liking Sophie had seemed to develop. Prying the child off her legs and picking her up, Victoria smiles at that small girl and gives her a hug. "You know Sophie there's this saying that goes 'If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours and if it doesn't, it never was.' And, Soph, I promise you I'm absolutely yours." Victoria tucks a strand of hair behind Sophie's ear before setting her down on the ground again.


The hallways were a bit crowded as the majority of classes were ending now or ended not too long ago. Victoria raises her gaze to Bradley and crosses her arms over her chest. "Now, Br-- Professor," She corrects herself with a nod as one of her 'friends' walks before, glaring at her slightly. She had almost forgotten there were other people that knew of her existence in the building that weren't Bradley. So much for 'friend'... She steps closer so she can lower her voice and her words would be lost in the murmur of the halls but not to Black. "Considering you seem to highly value your reputation," more than you value me, "I will say adieu professionally." But, you can go ahead and be your asshole self. She extends a hand for him to shake. As bitter as inner Victoria was, she wasn't going to ruin his career nor start rumors.


The longer their encounter took, the more eyes that would be plastered to them. No, they weren't bickering or shouting at each other. Some of the freshmen that walk by mutter to their friends about her and the upperclassmen that are all too familiar with Black's and Victoria's relationship just laugh at them. The mumble of the hallway dies down a bit as the spectators look on with bated breath to see how Professor Black will respond.

 

[shygirl3]

Bradley listened to the quote that Victoria told Sophie, is that what I'm doing to her? He watched them interact and was surprised how well Sophie took to liking her. His jaw clenched at her words, "I am my reputation, Miss. Greene." he spoke back to her with no emotions. He gave her a brief nod and turned, "Come Sophie." He stuck his hand out waiting for the child to grab it. Sophie skipped up and grabbed his hand "bye Victoria! I can't wait to play with you again!" she called as they walked away.


He walked into his office and let go of her hand, gathering his things to take home. He grabbed Sophie's pink, ballerina backpack that was left by his sister and slung it over his shoulder, "Come on kiddo. Let's get you some dinner." Sophie grabbed his hand and skipped out "Can I draw a picture for Victoria after dinner? She told me to keep drawing pictures for her." Bradley sighed at the mention of her name "sure. Whatever you want." he said as the thought of Victoria lingered in his mind. They walked to his car, and opened the back door. "Where's my seat?" Sophie asked, knowing she's supposed to sit in a booster seat. Black ran his hand through his hair realizing his sister forgot to give it to him. "Just sit here, I promise to drive really carefully." He buckled her in and got in, starting the car, and backed up out of the parking space. His mind was still on Victoria, he couldn't believe the way he said goodbye. Black realized that he truly was he reputation, an asshole. You could've at least shaken her hand. His grip tightened around the steering wheel and backed out.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

Victoria swallows thickly as she watches Black walk away, dropping her hand back to her side. She had been hopeful but she expected nothing other than what had occurred. She spins on her heels, striding down the hall with her head held high. There were whispers and giggles but none of that mattered. She couldn't have cared less about what these people thought of her. There was nothing left to lose here. Pierce passes Victoria as she walks determinedly down the hall. "Miss Greene..." His following words faded into the murmurs of the students as she brushes past him.


Again she found herself sitting in her car, blasting music to try to drown out her own thoughts. Whatever she had at Whitehill Academy she had lost left only with a shred of dignity and a truck full of poorly packed things. She pulls out of the parking lot, clenching her jaw. She should have quit when she was ahead. She should have listened to her own words. No one really cares. If they did... Well, she wouldn't be here now. She had no desire to look back but she dreaded the long drive home where she would be left with only her thoughts.

 

[shygirl3]

A couple days had gone by, Sophie was back home with her parents and Black was left with nothing but a messy apartment and about a dozen drawings that Sophie wanted mailed to Victoria. She made him pinky promise he would send them, everyone knows you can't break a pinky promise. He took out an envelope and addressed it to Victoria, assuming she would be home he put the address from her file. He stuffed the envelope full of her drawings and put it in the mailbox. He decided to send her a brief email just to give her a heads up about the drawings. It read:

Miss. Greene,


i just wanted to notify you that Sophie had a busy weekend of drawing and her materpieces are on their way to the address I had on file. Hope all is well.


-Bradley



​

He quickly sent it, and began to clean his apartment from the sticky residue that chikdren just tend to leave behind everywhere. He heard his phone ding and jumped up and went to go check it. Part of him thought it waas Victoria emailing back, but was disappointed to see it was his sister. She texted him: "are you dating someone?" His eyes widened and responded: "what? No! Call me. Now." He needed this rumor cleared up now. His sister called him and he immediately went off "who the hell said I was dating someone?" His sister chuckled "sophie, she won't stop talking about this Victoria. I figured it was your girlfriend." He tensed up "what? No. Absolutely not. She was my ex-student. There is...was..nothing between us." His sister didn't entirely believe him"right...sure..." he was frustrated "Lizzie. I'm not dating her." She laughed "but it sounds like you want to." He hated how his sister got involved with everything "the conversation is over. Bye." He hung up.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

After a few days of awkward conversations and catching up with her parents, she receives an email from Bradley. It takes her a few hours until she decides to open it. Reading that Sophie's drawings were on their way made her smile but there was no way she was going to reply. Needless to say, it was another an awkward experience of explaining when they arrived. She decides to settle with, "They're from a niece of my... friend." Which made her parents oddly suspicious that she had gotten pregnant.


Though things in her hometown were entirely different than life at Whitehill, it was pleasant to be away from the stress that had occurred at Whitehill. The peace didn't last long as her father started hounding her about when she was getting back into school and when she was going to get married and have kids - all things that didn't seem to be going to happen any time soon. She often finds herself zoning out and thinking of Bradley which irritates her father beyond belief.




"I want to get back into theatre, Dad." Victoria says into the phone pinned between her shoulder and her ear as she pulls a box of her things out of her car. She still had plenty to unpack, considering she put it off for as long as she could. "Yeah, I know. But, it's halfway through the spring semester... That means that it's too late for summer registration. I have to wait until fall anyway... I know you really want me to go medical, but I'm not saying as a career. I'm saying as a hobby in the mean time." The box slips from her grasp and spills its contents at her feet. "Shit. Dad, I'm gonna have to call you back. 'Kay. Bye. Love you." She kneels down, scooping the various things up and throwing them back into the box.

 

[shygirl3]

Bradley was a little put off when she never responded back. He decided to take matters into his own hands and send her another email, it was brief, it read:

Sophie has been hounding me asking if you got her pictures and if you liked them. A reply would be appreciated. -Bradley

​

Sophie had never asked about the pictures but something inside of him was incapable of leaving her alone. He was curious about what she was up to, if she was still going into medicine, he just wanted to know she was happy. However, he couldn't help but be distant from her, he didn't want to do anything that he would regret.


Black's past wasn't an enjoyable one. He was that shy awkward kid that got made fun of occasionally and no girl ever wanted to talk to. Luckily for him, he got attractive in high school and all the girls magically decided to talk to him. He wasn't dumb, he knew they were just talking to him because he was hot, but that didn't stop him from making out with every single one of them. He's had few real relationships they somehow always end badly and its always his fault. His sister made a comment that he is "impossible to love" and he's slowly starting to believe that. Bradley's only soft spot is for his niece and even that's starting to harden. He's done with emotions, they're a waste of time.


He was sitting on his couch going through files on his computer and he came across one of Victoria's projects, he pressed play. As he watched, memories of her began to return, he slammed his laptop shut and paced his living room. "You don't miss her. She's nothing. She couldn't love you anyway." He muttered to himself. Black spotted a bottle of scotch on his counter and began drinking until he felt numb.


Black had finished the bottle and pulled out his cell phone, calling Victoria. He was going to regret this in the morning. Luckily for him she must've been on talking with someone else or her phone was off because he got her voicemail. "I can't believe you had the audacity to talk to me the way you did." He yelled into the phone, his word slurring. "You were fucking good at film. Really good. You're never going to make it in the medical field, so stop trying to please daddy and follow your goddamn dreams. Daddy doesn't control you anymore, grow a fucking pair and do what you want to do. I thought you were different, stronger than everyone else. But now I see your a weak little fucking quitter like everyone at Whitehill. So enjoy your miserable fucking life as a doctor." There was a long pause almost long enough where someone may consider stopping the message because they think it's over, but his slurred speech continues. "Victoria..I-I think I'm in love with you." He slurred and then hung up. Black leaned back on the couch and slowly slipped into a drunken sleep. He was going to regret a lot when he woke up.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

Victoria pauses cramming things back into the box when her email notification goes off. She skims the email with a sigh and finishes cleaning up her things before reluctantly writing a reply for Sophie, not Bradley.

Pictures were absolutely lovely. Tell Sophie thanks. I look forward to receiving more. -Victoria

​

She sends the email and shoves her phone back into her pocket. Picking up the box with a soft huff, she takes it up to her room which is plastered with posters and furniture from her high school years. "Looks like you got a lot of work to do..." She sets the box down by the door and drops onto the bed. The entire room was an absolutely atrocity of pink and white with various stuffed animals laying about. "I definitely remember why I wanted to leave." She laughs softly and sits up at she hears her phone go off again. "Voice mail? I don't know this number..." She mumbles to herself, puzzled. Pressing the phone to her ear, she quickly recoils from it at the sudden shouting.


"I can't believe you had the audacity to talk to me the way you did. You were fucking good at film. Really good. You're never going to make it in the medical field, so stop trying to please daddy and follow your goddamn dreams. Daddy doesn't control you anymore, grow a fucking pair and do what you want to do. I thought you were different, stronger than everyone else. But now I see your a weak little fucking quitter like everyone at Whitehill. So enjoy your miserable fucking life as a doctor." There was silence. He's probably too drunk to remember how to end a call. She scoffs at the phone and writes another email to Bradley.

If I were you, I'd think before making phone calls like that. You are your reputation after all. Take care. -V.G.



​

She drops her phone onto her mattress before heading back outside to continue unpacking. It takes a while but after she's finished, the room begins to look more familiar. She walks over to her stereo and put in a CD. "Who even has CDs anymore?" She laughs as a soft acoustic song begins to play. Things were beginning to look up despite all that's happened.


Three Years Later

Victoria had moved out of her parents house and into a pleasant and sizable apartment closer to the city about a year and a half after the Whitehill incident. She had become a local celebrity at least and a D-list celebrity in the surrounding states at most. When she initially got back in theatre, her father was reluctant. But, as she began to get paid for acting and modelling, he started to change his tune. She had gotten into a few magazines with intrastate circulation, but nothing huge. Still, it was enough for both her parents to show support and chip in a few dollars for head shots. Victoria Greene was a girl of the past, though. As she began getting noticed and started looking for an agent, Tori Monroe was born. As much as she hated the childhood nickname of Tori, it seemed to stick well with her growing fanbase. Her agent had said it gave her a 'down to earth vibe.'


Now, she was wandering through the theater a few hours for a semi-large production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. There were rumors that the show had sold out as soon as her name appeared on the playbill. She didn't believe them, though. She couldn't believe them. She drops into one of the seats in the house. The theater could hold about 500 people with the balcony seating and imagining every one of these seats filled was just... wild. And, all coming to see the strange and obscure performance of Rocky Horror was even more mind blowing. She was roused by her thoughts when Charles Sterling, the man that was cast as Brad, called her. "Tori, they want you for makeup." She raises her gaze to him, peeking his head out from beyond the curtain. "There's no one here yet. You don't have to hide your costume, silly. I'll be around in a minute."

 

[shygirl3]

Black woke up with massive headache and two e-mails from Victoria. He turned the brightness on his phone down as it was only aggravating his hangover. Upon reading her second e-mail he tried recalling what he had said. Fuck...He vaguely remembers uttering how he thought he was in love with her, but part of him thought it was a dream. He shook the thought and didn't respond to either e-mail.

Three Years Later

​

Bradley had remained his bitter, single self until about 3 weeks ago. He was at his sister's house and Sophie was having a playdate with a friend. This woman, Alyssa, was the single woman of the girl Sophie was playing with. Black's sister had set them up on a date and they hit it off pretty well. As always, Black's still a bit hesitant to open up to her. Being a film guy, Black was quite familiar with Rocky Horror and was surprised to hear that Alyssa hasn't seen it yet. So naturally he brought two tickets, front row, for them. Bradley hadn't thought about Victoria in quite sometime, and he was beginning to feel like he was over her. He and Alyssa had a bunch of common interests, she is patient and handles his temper well, and he was growing to like her daughter, Lilly. Maybe things will work out for me after all.


He arrived at her house and ran around to her side of the car opening the door for her, always a gentleman. They arrived at the theater a bit early because he planned to give her a tour. Black had a connection within the theater and they let him in earlier. Black opened the door to the theater for her and then linked his arm with hers, and began spewing out facts about the theater to her and some personal stories. He lead her down to their front row seats. "Did you want a drink or something?" Black asked her as he helped her take her coat off. She nodded and told him what she wanted. She smiled and leaned and kissed him. He returned the kiss and began to walk across the front aisle, he looked up from the ground and saw Victoria. He froze "Victoria?" he said slightly confused. Alyssa looked back and stood up next to Black "who's Victoria?" she whispered as she grabbed his hand protectively. "Just one of my old students." Bradley said nonchalantly. He walked towards the row she was sitting in and stood at the end, Alyssa close next to him as she looked at the playbill "How are you?" He asked distantly. Alyssa elbowed him as she looked from the playbill to Victoria. He looked over at her "She's Janet" she whispered. Black grabbed the playbill. "You're Janet?" he asked surprised. "What happened to the med school thing?"

Spoiler

 

[RealisticFantasy]

"Victoria?" Victoria turns to face the source of the voice, running a hand through her hair. "Wow, isn't that a blast from the past? I mostly go by my stage name now." She examines the man before her with a polite smile, ready to be asked for a picture or autograph or something. Though she wasn't nationally famous, she was kind of a big deal locally. She couldn't quite place the who the man was but he did seem familiar. Three years packed with rehearsals and photo shoots had long since started to ebb away the memories she had no real desire to recall. "How are you?" She stands up and brushes off her pants. "I'm doing rather well. How about you?" Her smile widens as the woman mentions her role. Even a small bit of recognition for her passion made her incredibly happy. "You're Janet? What happened to the med school thing?" She looks confused for a moment. "Med school?" Then, it hits her. She remembers being in his class but not much else. His name is Barney or something. Brady? She couldn't really remember. "Oh, that. Yeah, it didn't last too long. I got back into theatre and realized I should be in front of the camera instead of behind it. And, quite a few other people seem to agree."


She chuckles lightly before extending a hand to the woman she's sure she's never met before. "Victoria Greene, or, more commonly now, Tori Monroe. I'm glad you both could make it to the show tonight. Opening night is always, pardon my French, kick ass." She glances at her watch. "And, if you'll excuse, I have to run to hair and makeup. Otherwise, my 'fiance,'" here she uses air quotes to emphasize that she's taking about Charles and not a real fiance, "will kill me. Anyway, lovely chatting with you. I hope you enjoy the show." She flashes a grin before shuffling out of the row and heading backstage.

 

[shygirl3]

Bradley watched her, she doesn't remember me. He couldn't believe what three years had done to her. She seemed so...Hollywood. Alyssa seemed to be loving meeting the star of the show. "Is was great meeting you!" Alyssa called after her. Black remained quiet as she walked away. "She seemed sweet." Alyssa commented softly. "Yeah...sweet. I'll go get you that drink." He commented distractedly as he walked out to the bar in the lobby. Alyssa beamed as she sat back down. Frankly, Black was angered at the fact that she treated him like nothing. He had invested himself in bettering her as a student and this was how he was treated? He had an idea. After getting his drinks he approached his friend. "Hey Luke, I don't mean to push but any chance I could get my date a backstage tour?" His friend nodded "of course, anything for you Bradley." He smiled "perfect, when will it work best for you?" His friend answered, "we got time before places, want to do it now?" Black nodded "sounds perfect, I'll go get her."


Black walked into the theater "Love, I have a surprise for you." He said handing her drink to her. Alyssa smiled "another one? What is it?" He held out his hand as his friend followed him in "he got you a backstage tour, because he's just the best boyfriend in the world" Bradley chuckled and Alyssa stood up excitedly and grabbed his hand. He led them on the stage and she stared around in awe. He showed them everything, occasionally introducing them to cast members. They stopped near hair and makeup since Luke had to talk to a supervisor briefly. Alyssa wrapped her arms around his neck "you're the best boyfriend ever" she said and kissed him passionately. "Alyssa..." he whispered with a chuckle a little surprised by the kiss. Luke was showing stuff to Alyssa and Black found his eyes had wandered over to Victoria in makeup. He looked at her momentarily then pushed her out of his mind and placed his arm around Alyssa's waist. Victoria made it very clear to him that he meant nothing to her, so she meant nothing to him.


Luke finished the tour and Alyssa and Bradley took their seats back in the front row, waiting for the show to start.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

She smiles at the Brody, Benny, whatever his name is and his date when they walk by makeup. He didn't seem to give her move than a glance. Is he mad at me? She waves to them with a smile anyway as she's escorted down the hall to costume. She chats with Charles until the show starts. He was a bit more 'rugged' than the usual casting for Brad but he was talented and attractive, both of which encouraged a larger audience.

Spoiler

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Spoiler

Because I imagine Victoria sings more like this


[media]

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After the show, most of the cast walks into the house to chat and sign autographs or whatever. Charles wraps his arm around Victoria's waist and she pushes him away playfully. Charles and Victoria pose together for most of the pictures people want. Some people try to convince them to kiss for a photo but Victoria won't have it. She eventually settles for Charles kissing her on the cheek as more and more people ask for it. She waves to Bobby and his date when she sees them.

 

[shygirl3]

Alyssa watched the show with a smile plastered on her face the whole time. He couldn't get over the fact that she didn't even remember him. Black had completely forgot about the Toucha Toucha Touch me song and he was sort of taken back by that scene. Despite the feelings he may have had for her, it was still weird seeing one of your students more on the promiscuous side. The show ended, he had a couple of critics but he'd keep the negativity to himself since Alyssa seemed to enjoy it a lot. She hugged him and thanked him. He led her out to interact with the cast. He hung back against the wall as she went around mingling. He kept his eyes locked on Alyssa trying to analyze how he felt about her.


She came running over to him "Come on, I want pictures." she said grabbing his hand. She dragged him over to take pictures. He took her phone and took pictures of her and the cast. She walked over to Victoria and Charles "You guys were fabulous!" she said eagerly. "Do you mind taking a picture with me?" she asked. Bradley took a picture on her phone. "Bradley, do you want one with your student." He shrugged and went to politely decline, but Alyssa wouldn't take know for an answer. She pushed him towards Victoria. Keeping his hands in his pockets and space between them he looked at Alyssa and gave a slight smile. She frowned "Really Bradley? She's your student. You should be proud, put an arm around her or something." He reluctantly put an arm around her shoulder, not really touching her "sorry about her, she's really...excited" he muttered. He smiled and Alyssa took a photo. He stepped away from her "well congrats on your part Victoria...oh uh I mean Tori." he said correcting himself to use her stage name. Alyssa walked over and held his hand.


Black's cell phone alerted him of a text he briefly glanced at it, "Sophie wants to talk to me..." he whispered to Alyssa as his phone began ringing "If you'll excuse me, my niece requests a conversation" he excused himself and walked to a quieter area. to take the phone call. Alyssa smiled at Victoria "His niece is the cutest little girl ever, she loves drawing." she said with a smile.

 

[RealisticFantasy]

"You guys were fabulous! Do you mind taking a picture with me?" She smiles at Alyssa. "You're too kind. We don't mind at all." Charles and Victoria pose with Alyssa as Brantley takes a picture. "Bradley, do you want one with your student?" Bradley. That's his name. She should've remembered considering it was so close to the male lead's name. Why didn't she remember? He was reluctantly to get close to her and she definitely noticed. She wraps her arms around his waist and kicks her leg up behind her, turning her body sideways to face Alyssa. She flashes a huge grin seeing as this seemed to be more of what Alyssa wanted for the photo. "Sorry about her, she's really...excited." Victoria laughs softly. "No worries. I've dealt with much worse."


"Well congrats on your part Victoria...oh uh I mean Tori." Her smile deepens. "Thank you. And, the name is all the same to me. You don't have to worry about it." He quickly checks his phone before hurrying off to call his niece. "His niece is the cutest little girl ever, she loves drawing." Victoria nods, her dazzling smile ever persistent. "Yeah? I think I met her a long time back." The crowd had died down a bit and Charles had wandered off - probably to go flirt. "I don't know what your plans are like tonight, but Charles - er, 'Brad' - and I were going to skip out on the opening night party and head down to this quaint little karaoke bar I know. You're welcome to come with us if that's something you're interested in. I'd love to catch up with Bradley and get to know you better."