Hello! I thought I'd be taking a break from FF my Senior year but, apparently not. Oh well. Really look forward to seeing the response to this story, it's my first modern day fic. PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! Thank you 8D

Guide and Guardian

Well, here goes nothing.

"Good morning everyone. My name is Christine Daae, and I will be your new second grade teacher." There was a round of 'good morning's from the students before I smiled and continued, "Now, I realize that this may be a little unusual, but I would like it if you all simply called me Christine, or Miss Christine if you like."

Most of the children nodded as I walked up to the white board and wrote my name at the top left corner in a blue marker. Once I had done that I gathered up the three baskets of blue, pink, and green markers I had brought in and announced to the class, "For our first activity of the school year I thought we should start off by learning everyone's name. Just a fun activity to make the first day back a little easier. It has been awhile since I've been in second grade, but I can still remember the first day back with new students being really scary. Having to remember all of those names, on top of having to learn my multiplication tables?"

That received a round of laughter from the kids as I placed the three baskets on the large desk in front of the rows of miniature desks. Returning to my spot by the white board I instructed, "Now, I want you to select a marker from one of the baskets and come up here and write your name on the board. Once you've done that I want you to get in a group of the same color marker and we'll begin the game."

I counted a total of twenty-one kids, putting seven kids in each color group. As they all bounded from their seats to grab a marker I watched in amusement as they all tried to grab their favorite color. I had to stifle a laugh as one girl grabbed the last two blue markers before a boy could, keeping one for herself and handing the other to a girl in the back of the room. The boy was left to grab a bright pink marker, something I'm sure he wasn't too thrilled about. One-by-one they all wrote their names on the board and then split into their three groups.

I noticed the pink group had not one, but two boys in it. I was a little surprised, but happy that the boy who hadn't had a choice in the matter had someone to talk to while they waited. Once I was sure everyone had finished I produced a large jar full of (sugar free) bubble gum, placing it on my desk with a mischievous smirk.

Everyone's eyes widened and I put a finger to my lips as I explained, "I'm sure everyone knows the rule of 'no chewing gum in school,' but if you all promise me to throw the gum in the trash when you're finished, and not stick it under the desk, then this can be our little secret for the whole year."

Everyone quickly screamed, "We promise!"

I laughed, nodding my head once, "Alright, now I'm going to try to guess your name by your color of marker on the board. If I get it right, I'll give you a piece of gum and you will choose a seat to sit in for the rest of the year. If I get it wrong, you'll get two pieces of gum and stay up here until I get it right. Does everyone understand?"

Everyone nodded their head excitedly as I approached the first group. I studied the blue group, which consisted of four girls and three boys. I pointed to a little girl with long brown hair and green eyes, recognizing her as the one who had grabbed the last two blue markers. She stepped forward and I looked at the board before guessing, "Your name is...Casey."

The girl's eyes grew wide and she nodded as before asking incredulously, "How'd you know?"

I handed her a piece of gum as I answered, "You just look like a Casey to me. It's nice to meet you Casey, I'm Christine. What do your parents do in the arts?"

Casey smiled as she unwrapped her gum, "My dad is a pianist and my mum dances."

I smiled, "That's wonderful, and what do you want to be?"

"I want to be a dancer like my mum," Casey replied before picking a seat in the middle of the class.

It went on like this for a good thirty minutes, I would get a student's name right and then ask the same two questions before having them sit down. This school specialized in the performing arts; children of all ages whose parents were active in the performing arts, or who had been, and had high hopes for their children would be sent here. The school was massive, and uniquely designed in my opinion. The main building was three stories, splitting the grades into groups of three, while also having two different teachers per grade. Kindergarten to Second grade was on the first floor, Third grade to Fifth grade on the second floor, and Sixth grade to Eighth grade on the third floor. The high school, which connected to the main building on the third floor, was five stories.

In many ways the school reminded me of a hospital, so many rooms that connected to each other, and the walkway that connected the two buildings across the street from each other. I had only seen the first floor of the high school, which was solely dedicated to the Auditorium, with the exception of the main office of course. I wondered constantly what was on the fifth floor, even though I asked, nobody seemed to know themselves. Some teachers had even deemed it 'The Attic,' since nobody ever went up there. I hoped I would eventually get a chance to see for myself what was hidden up there.

Returning to the present, I noticed all of the blue group had taken a seat. Only a few in the pink remained, and I hadn't even reached the green group yet. Deciding to move around I noticed the only girl in the green group. She was one of the taller girls in the class, with long auburn hair and amazing amber eyes. They almost seemed to be glowing, but I brushed off the thought and credited it to the bright lights of the classroom. When those eyes locked with mine out of her group I pointed to her and smiled, "I bet I can guess you name."

The girl just smiled shyly at me before looking back down and cracking her knuckles. I scanned the board and found the only girl name, or at least the one that seemed like a girl's name, and asked, "Anya?"

She looked up quickly and explained, "It's Russian."

The few boys in her group began to babble gibberish, trying to sound Russian and forcing the girl to look down in embarrassment. I gave the boys a stern look and their laughter ceased immediately. I returned my attention to Anya and asked, "Russian, that's really cool. I originated from Sweden, my father was a famous violinist, though I'm sure you haven't heard of him. What do your parents do in the arts, Anya? Russian ballet?"

Anya nodded, "My mama did. My papa was a composer, too."

I nodded as I handed her a piece of gum, "And what do you want to be when you grow up, Anya?"

Anya tried to crack her knuckles again, a nervous habit I supposed, before she mumbled, "I suppose I'll be a singer... but I would like to write though. Like I do now."

"Really?" I asked, "What do you write? Plays? Musicals? Operas?"

Anya shook her head adamantly at each before replying, "Books... or at least pieces and plots of a story that will eventually turn into a book. Stories like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice inspire me."

One of the girls that had already been seated, Candice, rolled her eyes and accused, "Did your mommy read those boring old books to you? No wonder you've never read anything good, you're too busy stuck in the dark ages. I mean, who hasn't heard of Twilight?"

"Candice." I warned, though it didn't seem to faze the girl.

Anya turned to the girl with a serious expression before replying, "My mama never read those books to me, but she did teach me how to read and told me about the classic books she read growing up. They taught her important life lessons."

Candice rolled her eyes again, "Well, your mother clearly needs an update. This is the twenty-first century, those old books matter just about as much as she does."

My eyes widened in shock, but before I could order her to leave the classroom Anya snorted, "I just remembered something you said a little bit ago, Candice. You know what? I have heard of Twilight, but I find that most of the people who enjoy it are exactly like the story itself... trash."

Candice rose from her seat, but before she could reply or take another step I snapped, "Candice! That is enough, sit down."

Candice blanched, pointing an accusing finger at Anya as she screamed, "Didn't you hear what she just said? Someone like her to think that-"

I quickly cut her off arguing, "Just because Anya has a different opinion than yours does not mean you are right and she is wrong. Unless you would like to take your opinion down to the principal's office, I suggest you kindly keep it to yourself."

Candice didn't reply, just returned to her seat as if nothing had happened. I felt a sort of empathy towards Anya, I was never the most popular girl in school, but I had always at least tried to avoid confrontation. I silently gave her another piece of gum as I added, "I love both of those stories very much, and I think you could be a great writer or singer one day." Leaning in so no one else could hear me I added, "Just keep being you, okay? Don't lower yourself to their level."

Anya gave me a warm smile before finding a seat in the back of the class. I couldn't say I was surprised, but I was also a little disappointed she hadn't sat up front. I wanted to keep an eye on her; I didn't want or need other students teasing her like Candice did. Once I saw Casey and Taylor immediately turn around to talk to her however, I relaxed. They were good girls, and I was sure Anya would be fine.

...

"So, how was your first day as a teacher?" Raoul asked as he twirled his spaghetti on his fork, leaning over to take a bite, only to have it fall back onto the plate before he could.

I laughed at his face and answered, "It was great! The first ten minutes was a little nerve wracking, but once I broke the ice with the students everything seemed to go smoothly." I took a bite of my ham sandwich before adding, "My class is great, I met everyone and know almost all of their names already!"

Raoul chucked after taking a quick bite, "That's impressive, way better than the day I had at least. I swear it wasn't ten minutes into class and these two girls were arguing about who had a better voice than the other."

Tapping my nails on the table slightly I confessed, "Well, there was this one feud I had to break up. I was actually in shock for a moment, this one girl in my class is just so bold."

Raoul looked at me skeptically, "Really? What was the feud about?"

I shook my head, "It was really petty, I still can't believe it."

"Really? You can't believe that second graders would be petty?" Raoul teased.

I swatted his arm before explaining, "Anya, the girl I had just introduced myself to, said that she liked old books; the classics. Then this other girl, Candice, just basically said her choice of reading was stupid and her mom was worthless. Well, something like that at least, I can't remember exactly what she said verbatim."

Raoul paused after taking a bite of spaghetti, swallowing quickly before asking, "Wait, Anya? As in, Anya Destler?"

"Yes, I think that's right." I replied, "If I remember her full name correctly from the attendance sheet this morning."

Raoul suddenly became very quiet, pushing his plate of food away and rubbing his eyes. I glanced at him curiously, but before I could ask he mumbled, "Poor Anya. God, you know, that other brat had no right to say that. Anya doesn't deserve half the stuff that has happened to her."

"What do you mean?" I asked, dread welling up in my stomach from his tone.

Raoul shook his head, "She lives with her uncle... her only family member. Her parents died in a house fire nearly three years ago."

My mouth fell open, quickly being covered by my hand as I gasped out, "Oh no, that's horrible."

Raoul scoffed, "That's not the worst of it. They never found the cause of the fire, and the first month afterwards her uncle didn't even want her, he tried to stick her with a friend of the family or something. Anya would always sneak off in the middle of the night and go back to him... for whatever twisted reason. Only when the courts finally told Mr. Destler it was either him or an orphanage did he decide to keep her. Keep her! As if she were a pet! That man just really irks me, do you know he never comes to any school function or play Anya is in?"

My eyes widened as Raoul finished. Blanching I asked, "My God, I didn't know any of this... how do you know this?"

Raoul chuckled fondly, as if remembering, before replying, "Anya sings, she had a small role last year in our spring musical. We had an after school rehearsal and when I called for a fifteen minute break she came over and plopped herself down beside me. So, naturally, I started talking to her, which eventually evolved into asking her questions. It was like pulling teeth, but after a week of after school rehearsals I finally found out why she was so reserved. That kid has been through so much, and she's only eight."

At that moment I remembered exactly what Candice had said, cringing as I realized how much those few words must have hurt Anya.

...those old books matter just about as much as she does.

Raoul shook his head as he stood, throwing away the rest of his food. He went to the sink to wash his plate stating, "On a lighter note, if you broke up that feud before that girl could make things worse I'm sure you're equipped for the rest of the year. It's the same as high school really, just on a brattier scale."

I shrugged, "I suppose, at least I know what I'm up against now. My other students seem pretty normal. I don't have to worry about Anya too much though, she's making friends whether she wants to or not..."

Raoul snapped his fingers in front of my face, smirking, "Earth to Chris, stop muttering to yourself. Like you said, everything will work out."

"I don't mutter," I replied. "I was just talking to myself."

Raoul returned his plate to the fridge, throwing his head back with a sarcastic laugh, "Right, that sounds so much better. Don't worry about the kids so much, they'll be alright. Your job is to teach them, not mother them."

"I love kids Raoul," I sighed. "I always have and I always will, you know that."

Raoul nodded after checking his watch, "Yeah, I know you do. You'll make a good mother one day. At least if you're taking care of me proves anything."

I laughed as I swatted his arm, "Bringing you lunch occasionally does not mean I'll be a good mother."

Raoul rolled his eyes before replying, "Occasionally? I have to watch my figure because of you!" Raoul patted his stomach before puffing out his chest, causing me to burst into a fit of laughter.

"You have been around the theatre kids to long," I chuckled. "You are such a drama queen."

Raoul pinched me on my arm before gasping dramatically, "I resent that Madame." Raoul glanced at his watch again then gave me a quick shoulder hug before chuckling, "I'll see you at three o'clock Chris, good luck with part two of your class."

I nodded and waved as Raoul and I walked down opposite hallways, hurrying to make it back to our classrooms before lunch was dismissed. Raoul taught theatre for the high school, offering three classes so each kid had a chance to take his class should they want to. Each class was ninety minutes long, with the weekly Tuesday and Thursday after school rehearsals once parts were given for their production.

I sort of felt bad for stealing him during lunch, he would have to walk back upstairs and use the bridge to make it back to his class on time. Tomorrow we would eat on the third floor teacher's lounge, as long as it wasn't too crowded. I had just unlocked my classroom door when I heard the bell ring, announcing that lunch was over. I pulled the door back and watched as my kids slowly filed back into my room.

Once everyone was seated I reported, "Now that lunch is over I am going to hand out your new subject booklets. You will receive a Science, Math, Social Studies, and Vocabulary booklet that you will be responsible for until the end of the year. We will be doing activities out of these booklets as well as daily worksheets I find that I think will help you learn the material easier or faster."

I began to pass the booklets out, hearing a few groans from the boys. I smiled as I announced my secret, "At the end of the week we'll have a vocabulary test on the words we practice throughout the week. If anyone gets a twenty-three out of twenty-five or higher on that test you can pick a piece of gum out of the jar. Does that sound fair to everyone?"

Once again I received a chorus of 'yes' from my students. I smiled as I finished passing out the booklets, "Good. If you turn to page twenty-three in your booklets you'll see your list of vocabulary words for next week's test. I am assigning you to go over them during the weekend as your homework, that way everyone will be able to get some extra studying in."

...

The rest of the day I let the kids play outside, it was a lovely day after all. Days like this were to be enjoyed, especially since in the next couple of months the trees will have lost all of their leaves and it will be bitter cold. Winter was wonderful, but recess just wasn't the same indoors, I remembered as much from being a kid. Not to mention, while they play I can have a little more rehearsing time.

The Opera Guild theatre was hosting auditions for the musical Wicked, and more than anything I wanted to be a part of it. I knew I wouldn't get a lead character like Glinda or Elphaba, but I thought about auditioning for the part of Nessarose. I considered her to be a perfect choice, so many girls would be fighting for the leads that they wouldn't see her as a prime character. So, less competition, right? The only problem with that, was that Nessa didn't have a song solely for her, and the flyer specifically stated that you had to audition with a complete song that would show off your singing ability without being a small medley or duet piece.

At least the audition piece didn't necessarily have to be from the musical. So far I had it narrowed down to three songs; 'Fly, Fly Away' from the musical Catch Me if You Can, 'Funny Honey' from Chicago and 'The Wizard and I' from Wicked itself. I loved the song, and even though I wasn't auditioning for Elphaba's part I felt I could at least show off my voice with the piece... if I can hold out the end note for that long.

Sighing to myself I glanced up from the music in my lap, checking on all of the kids and doing a quick head count to make sure I could see everyone.

Eighteen... nineteen... twenty-...

My eyes widened when I realized I was missing one. I re-counted, scanning each face as I did, telling myself I had overlooked someone. When I still came to only twenty I jumped up from my bench, my music falling to the ground as I realized Anya was the one missing. I was about to approach the kids and ask if they had seen her when a voice froze me mid-step.

"You like Chicago, Miss Christine?"

I jumped and looked down. There, sitting on the ground with her legs crossed and a half eaten apple in her hand, was Anya. She was staring at one of the discarded sheets of music on the ground, her head cocked to the side. I breathed a sigh of relief before replying, "Anya, you nearly gave me a heart-attack. How long have you been sitting there, and why aren't you playing with everyone else?"

Anya shrugged as she held the apple in her mouth, using both of her hands to pick up and organize my scattered music. She scanned each piece before holding them up in the air for me take. She paused at one song in particular, 'The Wizard and I.' I saw her read the stage directions, smiling around the apple in her mouth before she, a little reluctantly, placed the music on the bench beside me. Once she had finished studying the songs she bit down harder on her apple, breaking a large chunk off and letting the rest of the twisted sphere fall into her open palm.

I stared at her, shocked for a moment before asking, "Don't you want to go play with everyone else, or swing on the swings? I'm sure you do not want to just sit here with your teacher."

Anya shook her head as she swallowed, "I like the quiet. I can't stand kids screaming and squealing like that. It's annoying. I'd much prefer to sit here and write for a little while, and besides, you're here with music."

I smiled at her and laughed, "I won't be singing anything though. I'm just looking over the songs and trying to pick a piece to audition with."

"The song 'Funny Honey'... don't sing it," Anya announced.

I looked at the piece again, wondering out loud, "Why not?"

Anya scribbled a sentence into her small notebook replying, "They won't take you seriously, it's too bland. Not to mention the producer hates that song."

"How do you know that?" I asked surprised.

Anya didn't answer me, she just continued to sit there and jot down things in her notebook. After so long I slid down the bench, patting the spot beside me as I intoned, "Sit up here with me, the concrete can't be too comfortable down there."

Without a word Anya stood from her seated position and climbed on the bench beside me. I smiled at her as she immediately started to write once more, and returning to my music I made a mental note to ask her about her stories one day.

(One Month Later)

"Alright everyone, class dismissed. Enjoy your early out." I announced as the kids grabbed their bags off of the hooks and began to leave.

We had a scheduled two-hour-early-out once a month, which I was thankful for today of all days, giving me extra time to grade papers while waiting for Raoul to finish his last class of the day. Sadly for him, but luckily for me, the High school had their early out tomorrow instead of today. For the next ninety minutes I graded spelling tests and homework assignments until I heard my watch beep.

I quickly put my graded papers in my desk and picked up my satchel that I kept the rest of my papers in. Jumping up from my chair I ran to the door, pulling it back with a swift jerk and locking it with a quick twist of the key before flying down the hallway and up the stairs.

I came to my end of the bridge by the time I saw Raoul reach his. Too excited to wait I began to run towards him as I asked, "Did you get in?"

Raoul simply gave me a devilish smile in return, causing me to tackle him in a hug as I laughed, "Oh, I am so happy for you! And it may sound terrible but I am so glad I am actually going to know somebody when I go to audition."

Raoul laughed as he picked me up and twirled me once, "I know! I've been trying to get a position in the Opera Guild for six years! To think they finally allowed me to join! And don't worry, when you audition just remember that if you get nervous to focus on me. I think you have a wonderful voice and would never make fun of your singing... at least not to your face anyway."

I slapped Raoul on the shoulder as I snorted, "Alright, Prince Charming, the moment's over, you're back to normal. You can put me down now."

Raoul rolled his eyes and had the audacity to look disappointed, "Oh, alright. You're no fun anymore."

I laughed as he took my hand and walked across the bridge, "I can be, I have potential. I really am happy for you though, after all the kids you've helped make their start in that exact theatre, you deserve to be a part of it."

"How right you are Miss Daae," Raoul hummed. "And tonight we celebrate! You, me, and a marvelous dinner; you are not allowed to turn me down."

I mulled it over silently as we began to descend the stairs. Raoul and I had always been close, ever since we were kids, and I always wondered if he felt more than friendship for me. We had never really explored the possibility, mainly because anytime he brought up anything that remotely sounded like a date I either canceled or had something else to do. I'm always afraid that if things don't work out then I'll lose my closest friend.

"Chris?" Raoul snapped his fingers in front of me and asked, "Are you okay? You zoned out on me there for a second."

I just smiled and waved him off, "Yes, I'm here. Sorry, just lost in thought I guess. Okay, so dinner. When and where?"

Raoul stopped mid-step blanching, "Wait a minute, you're actually agreeing?"

I shrugged, "I know I can't refuse, you said so yourself. So give me some details, when and where?"

Raoul opened the door for me as he quickly said, "Bistro on the corner of your apartment, say eight o'clock?"

I nodded, "Alright I'll see you..."

I trailed off as I saw a lone figure still sitting on one of the benches out front, bag clutched tightly to her chest as her feet swung lightly back and forth. For a moment I didn't think anything of it, but then I realized school had been out for almost two hours now.

My jaw clenched as I said, "I'll see you at eight Raoul, I have to take care of something."

Raoul looked worried but continued down the street as he called out, "Alright Chris, I'll see you later."

Once I made sure Raoul was gone I briskly walked over to the figure on the bench, and once my suspicions were confirmed I softly asked, "Anya, what are you still doing here?"

Said girl looked up at me, sadness written in her eyes as she mumbled, "I'm waiting for Uncle Erik to pick me up... but I think he forgot today was an early out. Which means he should be here in about twenty minutes."

I saw red when I heard her say this. Her irresponsible uncle left her sitting out in this hot sun for nearly two hours because he couldn't remember to pick her up early?! Not really thinking about what I planned to do I fumed, "Anya, pick up your things and follow me. I'm taking you home."

Anya's head shot up and a smile graced her face as she asked, "Really?"

"Yes," I answered as I reached my hand out for hers. She gladly took it as she pulled herself off of the bench. We began to walk to my tan Mercury Mariner as I asked, "Where do you live Anya?"

Anya hopped in the passenger's side and buckled her seatbelt after I unlocked the door and replied, "It's not far away, it's 617 Greendale Avenue. Do you know where that's at?"

My mouth nearly dropped when I heard her say that. Greendale Avenue was where all of the upper class lived, the rich of the rich. I scoffed, no wonder her uncle is so pompous, he probably has more money than he knows what to do with. Raoul was right, the man is a horrible guardian, and for Anya to be stuck with a man like him just makes me sick.

"Miss Christine?" Anya asked timidly.

Noticing my scowl I quickly replaced it with a calm demeanor and took a breath to calm down before answering, "Yes, Anya."

The girl squirmed in her seat before mumbling, "Could I, maybe, turn up the radio? Just a little?"

I had to smile at her nervous question before replying, "Yes sweetie, you can. Go ahead and pick a radio station you like as well."

Her eyes widened as she asked, "Really?"

I nodded once and she was immediately fiddling with the dials on my radio. I smiled as I continued down the street, turning the corner into Greendale. I began to look at all of the houses going by, each one bigger and fancier than the last. I turned to Anya in awe and asked, "Which one is your house?"

Anya peered over the dash and pointed, "That one at the end of the street, with the black fence and white pillars."

I stared in the direction she was pointing in and felt my mouth literally drop. The house was spectacular! It was a beautiful two storied Spanish looking home, with a terra-cotta shingled roof and a small balcony on the second floor. Four square, white pillars decorated the doorway, with a black fence running from the front left of the house all the way around the back and ending in the front right. It looked like something you would see in a magazine.

I pulled in the driveway and parked the car, forgetting for a moment why I was here. As Anya opened and shut the car door I was suddenly brought back to reality, my anger from earlier returning. I kept my rage on a low simmer, I'll see what this man had to say for himself... and then I will chastise him.

Anya, waved at me from the door and called out, "Come on, Miss Christine!"

Shaking myself out of my thoughts I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and exited the car, briskly walking up the cobblestone walkway. Anya began to dig in the potted plant next to the door until she pulled out what looked to be a rock. Twisting the rock in half a small silver key fell into her palm, which she then used to open the door. Well, at least the man was smart about hiding his key, I'll give him that.

Anya swung open the heavy wooden door and called out, "Uncle Erik, I'm home!"

I heard a startled voice from another room growl, "Anya! Did you walk home again? I told you to wait for me, I was about to leave in five minutes."

I followed Anya down a hallway and into a small room that seemed to serve as a music room, if the piano and several other instruments in the background indicated anything. I suddenly saw Anya tense beside me as she explained, "Miss Christine gave me a ride home, because it was an early-out today Uncle Erik. I reminded you last night."

Mr. Destler had his back to us, scribbling frantically on a sheet of music paper as he replied, "That was nice of her, give her my thanks tomorrow."

Before Anya could reply I interjected, "Why don't you thank me yourself?"

In an instant the man's body became rigid and his hand stopped. Anya looked up at me worriedly before Mr. Destler replied, "If I would have known you were here I would have. Anya. Why didn't you say something?"

Anya backed up slightly, clutching onto my skirt as she stuttered, "I-I hadn't had a chance yet."

My jaw tightened once again as I stated, "You shouldn't be angry with her, she did nothing wrong here."

I felt a deep tension settle in the room after I said that, knowing I was making the man mad, but I didn't care. The fact he still hadn't turned around only heightened my anger as well, but I didn't say anything else, I waited for him to make the next move. He began to go back to his scribbling as he dismissed me saying, "Well thank you for bringing her, it won't happen again. Anya, go to your room and look over your school work."

"Yes, Uncle Erik." Anya replied respectfully. She turned to me and gave me a quick hug before whispering, "Goodbye. I will see you Monday, Miss Christine."

I waved to her and silently mouthed a goodbye. Once I saw her disappear up the stairs and assumed she was in her room I replied, "Mr. Destler, I would like to have a word with you."

He waved me off replying, "If it's about something Anya has done in class it doesn't concern me. If she needs to be reprimanded then do it, you'll hear no protests from me."

I shook my head, "No, it's not about anything Anya has done. I would like to talk to you about your involvement in her life here as well as at school."

The man growled and barked, "Woman I don't have time for this! I promise I won't forget to pick her up again, just leave me be! Can't you see I'm busy?"

I was seething by this point, my patience completely gone. I crossed my arms and sneered, "No. All I can see is self-absorbed, incompetent man that is the sorriest excuse for a father figure I have ever seen in my life."

That got his attention. As he jumped up and spun around to face me, only then did I realize why he hadn't done so earlier.

Hope you liked the story so far! Unless I get at least 10 reviews before I do not plan to update until the 31st. Until then! 8D