My hot mentor

Chapter eighteen - Truth hurts

Ethan's POV:

Ashley was clear about what she wanted. I can't do anything about that. I understand she cares about me, but this is not her job. I'm old enough to make decisions on my own. No matter what I do, I won't change her mind. The problem is that I can't stay away from her. I can't look at her only as a student. She is much more than that. It has happened since the day I met her. Now, I wish I hadn't agreed to go to that party. It was my idea, but I didn't know what could happen. She changed my life. Of course, it was for something better. That's why I started my novel because of her. She has helped with every chapter, even if she doesn't know it. My problem will be if she gets distant from me. The inspiration will disappear. I'm a good writer, but Ashley was giving me ideas. In the end, I started writing about our life. Yes, she is in the book. I can't imagine myself without her. If she likes someone else, I will be happy for her. I won't like it, but I can't do anything. Well, I won't let this happen. No matter how much I should wait for her, I'll win. This girl will be mine. I never had an ideal type of girl, but she is everything I have imagined. I can talk to her about everything. The only thing I can do is to keep strict professional relations. I hope that I will be able to do it.

Dear Ashley, I have no idea what you did to me, but I can't stop thinking about you. At the same time, another girl appeared. I received another note yesterday. I have read the book. It can be in the top ten. That is if another one doesn't come up. I have no idea who she is, but I like the quotes she picked out. Here is the thing. It would've taken me less time to find her if I paid more attention to the handwriting than the quote. I feel like she is so close to me. I'm too blind to see her.

I woke up with the thought of Ashley. Lately, I can't get her off my mind. I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. I look and feel terrible. Well, I can't do anything about it. When I was ready, I went for breakfast. Waking up with her would've been a miracle. Sadly, this won't happen. After some time, I took my laptop and went to university. I found a quiet place to continue with my novel. I don't know if this is a novel or a diary with my feelings. I was writing when one of my teachers came.

- Hello, Ethan. How are you?

- I'm good, mister Paterson. You?

- Same. I see you are busy. Will I read another story soon?

- I don't know. My inspiration is slowly getting distant from me.

- Why don't you do something to get it back?

- Because I have to do what my inspiration says. It's not the same as what I want.

- I don't know who inspired you. Lately, you have published one of your best stories.

- You think?

- Yes. I asked my wife as well. I gave her one of the first stories you did and one of the recent ones. Guess which one she liked.

- The last one.

- Yes. You have talent. Use your feelings to guide you. Express the pain with your words. All you have to do is find them.

- It's easy to say it.

- Since you care, it means she is good. Make sure to keep her.

- Trust me, this is impossible.

- Nothing is impossible, but you have to believe in it. Not everything will happen the moment we want it, but it will.

- I know when it can happen, but I can't wait that much. The problem is that if I do something, I risk losing it.

- You should be patient. Good things take time. What is your next story about?

- Oh, it's not a story. It's for one of my classes.

- The contest will happen this year. We'll have one spot reserved for you, and the first hundred students who put their names on the lists will participate. Otherwise, we'll never finish checking so much work.

- I see. Thanks. I'll look forward to it.

- You still have time. We haven't decided when the contest will happen.

- Can I present a short story?

- Yes, you can show everything. There is no limitation. Even a novel is accepted. It has to be a good one to have a chance to win. The first three places will get rewards. This year, we partnered with one publisher. Second and third place will receive money. First place will have a chance to publish their story as a book.

- That's great.

Imagine if my novel gets published. Sadly, I don't think I will be able to finish it. After some time, I went to my next class. I sat at the back so the teacher wouldn't see me working. I want to finish my current chapter. I have some ideas that I should write down. For now, it's going well. Chloe was looking at my work. I know what she thinks about now. I won't tell her anything. The other thing is that I should write another short story. I spent too much time writing this novel.

- Won't you tell me what this is about? - Chloe asked, whispering

- It's nothing. I want to write some things.

- I won't tell anyone. Is this another story?

- Yes. Something came up to me last night. I don't want to forget it.

- Does this have something to do with Ashley?

- No. I decided to change the direction. She doesn't want to have anything with me.

- She told me different things.

- What? You talked with her!

- Yes. I wanted to know what was going on.

- What did she tell you?

- Ashley wants you to graduate. After that, she is all yours.

- The same thing. I thought it was something new.

- Try to understand her. She cares about you a lot. That's why she is doing all this.

- She said that if I try something, she will change her mentor.

- Ashley needs someone who will check her work professionally, not someone who will like everything because he likes her.

- I can be professional.

- Are you sure?

- Yes. I have read things from her. She is good.

- I know, but put yourself together. Don't risk losing her. Since she said it, I believe she will do it.

- You are a great friend.

- I know.

I finished my chapter and paid some attention in class. I have to focus on my class with Ashley. I don't know what to do with her. I want us to do many things, but she will never let me. Later, I went back to my apartment. I started making lunch. Ashley texted me that she would come a bit early. I don't mind. We can have lunch together. I'm making pasta today. I don't have much time for something more complicated. I heard the doorbell and let her in. I wish this had been my everyday life.

- You are cooking again.

- Sit down. We can have lunch.

- I'm not here to eat. - Ashley said, chuckling

- I won't teach you on an empty stomach. It's your choice if you'll eat.

- Fine. You have good cooking skills.

- Thanks. Here you go.

- It looks good. Steamy.

- It's hot. Make sure you won't burn yourself.

- Don't worry.

- How were your classes today? Anything new?

- Not really. I keep up with my studies.

- Good.

- Yes.

- So.

- What?

- Nothing.

- Do you want to tell me something?

- No.

- Ethan, you can be honest. I won't judge you.

- Were you serious when you said you would change me?

- Yes, and I still am. I hope you can understand me.

- I'm trying. I don't see anything wrong in what I'm doing.

- Because you don't care about yourself. I won't run away. I'm a patient person. - she said, chuckling

- It's not about that. No one has to know what is going on with us.

- I'm not taking the risk. Neither will let you do it.

- Ashley.

- Don't try to change my mind. You won't win.

- Why do you have to be like that?

- If you don't like me the way I am, the problem is yours.

- Don't talk like that. I like you the way you are. I was clear from the beginning.

- Me too. Can we drop this already? I don't want to keep talking about this.

- Fine, but you won't get rid of me.

- It depends on you.

Ashley and I studied after lunch. I'm glad that she liked my food. I would've cooked for her every day if she had been here. It will be like a dream come true. I don't know if she will stay with me longer. No matter what I say or do, I won't change her mind. Ashley doesn't want to be with me now, and I should accept it. I was ready to let her go to her dorm, but she didn't do it. Maybe I can keep her here for a bit longer. She can help me with another story.

- Do you have plans? - I asked

- No, why?

- I was thinking that you can help me.

- With what?

- I am writing another short story. The problem is I don't know how to continue. I have different scenarios, but none of them fit well. I would like to hear a different opinion.

- Let me see what you have.

- Here is the draft. Can I post it after we finish it? I'll give you credit.

- Don't you dare that. I don't want people to connect the story they hate with me.

- They won't hate it. The last one was good. It was one of my most successful ones. That is why I'm asking for help. You can make me get more readers.

- I would love to do that. Here is what I think. What you wrote is good, but the narrative is wrong.

- What do you mean?

- Why don't you change the direction?

- How?

- I don't know. Make a turn in the events.

- How do you think this should happen?

- Let's say that something will happen to one of the characters. They will feel something inside.

- I never thought of that.

- They don't need to fall in love with each other in every story. Let's not make them repetitive.

- Then?

- Dream big. Chase what you always wanted. Make this the moral of the story. Go for something that you care about.

- I might do it. Thank you. Do you want to finish it?

- You only asked for an idea. I know what you are trying to do, but it won't work.

- Fine. Thanks, anyway. If I'm stuck again, I'll come for help.

- You are always welcome. I won't say my ideas are the best.

- But they fit with my stories. That is all I care about. Well, and you.

- I have to go.

That was. I was sure that Ashley would reject me whenever I tried something. I had to do it. That is how I feel. I can't escape from that. Something is making me come back. I never thought that I would have requirements for a girl. That changed when she appeared. Ashley is the same as me. I will do everything to keep her close. I can't make a mistake. Sadly, I did. I kissed her before she left. That was my last chance. I'll be dead. I have to do everything possible to keep her as my student. I can't lose such a good girl. I hope that she won't change me as her mentor.