Molly P.O.V.

My dads are delighted at the idea of Mr Stump giving me extra lessons. They babble excitedly that they are so glad I am taking my studies seriously and of how good a teacher he is to devote so much of his time to me and that I really should take advantage of such an opportunity. When Pa gushes that last bit I can't stop an involuntary blush.

Ray and Pete's reactions, when I tell them at registration the next day, are a little different. Ray is mostly surprised, though agrees it is a super nice offer, but Pete just smirks and wriggles his eyebrows, saying he's sure I'll have a lot of fun. That boy...

I still sit next to him in history as usual, trying to concentrate on the work but with limited success. The class has barely started when Pete slides a note across to me.

So, what do you think will happen at these lessons then?

My eyes narrow as I read it and write back.

Guitar playing.

Oh you're no fun. You like him, don't you?

He's a very good teacher.

Urgh, you know what I mean. You find him attractive... ;)

Pete, shut up, seriously. What does it matter if I do? Teacher, remember? Besides, no, just no.

Gently wrapping you in his arms and guiding your hands to move in the way that will create beautiful noises... :P

Pete, 1) That last bit was so messed up I barely understood it, 2) I am going to stab your tonsils out with a pencil.

Don't worry, I'm just teasing you, need something to keep me entertained in this class ;)

What about, you know, HISTORY?

Urgh, Alexander II is so boring I want to kill him all over again.

I can't disagree. Tell me about that guy.

What guy?

That hot one you saw on the first day. Any news?

OMG yes actually!!! His name's Gabe Saporta and yes he was new this year, he's in Mr Johnson's form. And I asked around a bit and found that he's old friends with Alex Suarez, you know him? And Alex told me that Gabe broke up with his BOYFRIEND a month ago but he's currently single!! God clearly wants this for me.

Have you asked him out yet??

No, not yet. You think I should?

Err yeah, why wouldn't you?? Maybe just try and chat to him a bit, warm him up to you, then ask him to go for coffee?

OK. I'm gonna do it. I'll try and see him later.

Good luck!!

Thanks :) and I know I tease too much, but seriously, hope the guitar stuff goes well :) With all your very serious and proper guitar playing :P

Thank you. I'll tell you and Ray all about it tomorrow anyway.

---

When school is over, I grab my guitar and head straight to the allotted practice room. Mr Stump is already there when I arrive, carefully tuning an acoustic of his own. He looks up and smiles as I come in, greeting me warmly. Removing my guitar from its case, I settle down in a chair next to him.

"How are you today then, Molly?"

"Good, sir. You?"

"A lot better now for seeing you," he blurts out, before flushing slightly, looking stunned at what I guess he didn't mean to say out loud. "I- I mean, it's always better teaching able students who, um, want to learn, y'know? Err, anyway..."

He's acting very awkwardly and I'm not sure where to look. Did that actually just happen?

"So yes, now, I was thinking we could have a quick run through of the basics first, see what level you're at before we try anything new."

"Um, yeah, OK." Both of us put our guitars over our laps and I proceed to copy all the little exercises Mr Stump shows me, his unexpected discomfort fading quickly in to his calm teaching facade and absorption in the task at hand.

The phrases get increasingly more challenging, the bits I'm meant to be repeating getting longer, with my teacher needing to intervene and assist more frequently. "You're doing really well," he beams. "Shall we have a look at some sheet music now? I brought along a few bits, I think...this...yes, this one would be good to try now."

He fumbles in his messenger bag and pulls out a few pages that he props on the stand between us, pointing out where he wants me to start, noting the parts to pay closer attention to.

"Ooh, OK, OK, for this bit you're going to need your hands more like this..." Mr Stump puts his guitar to one side and drops to his knees in front of me while moving my fingers to the right place on my own guitar. "Yeah, like that. Can you try yourself?" His beautiful eyes flick up to catch mine, his long lashes fluttering and causing my breath to catch in my throat.

The chord sequence is quite an awkward one and I'm struggling to do it right. I grimace, fumbling with the strings, and he reaches out to me again.

"Hmm, it would be a bit easier to show you...err...can I just..."

Then he stands up and moves behind my chair. His arms wrap around me, the whole length of them brushing against my own as he puts his hands over mine. There's barely half an inch of space between his chest and my back and I can feel the warmth radiating from his ivory skin. His breath whispers right next to my neck and when he speaks his voice is husky and deeper than usual. He's so close I can almost taste the scent of him: some kind of aftershave, sandalwood maybe, plus coffee and peppermint.

"Is this OK?" he whispers, and I nod jerkily. He guides my fingers gently, going through the movements carefully a few times until I can do it on my own.

"There," he murmurs. "Perfect." I think he swallows then, but that could have been me, I'm too giddy to tell.

I don't realise I've been holding in my breath until it's let out when he moves away, my heart beating fast and heavy in my throat and my skin tingling with unexpected electricity.

He moves back to his seat and smiles again. "You alright?"

I just nod shakily, desperately trying to process what had just been a serious senses over-stimulation.

Not long after that, I make my excuses, and leave with my head buzzing.

Notes

I might end up posting chapter 8 tonight as well. Maybe. Hope everyone's still enjoying this :)