You don't choose who you fall in love with (gxg, txs)

*Alex's pov*

Another explosive argument erupted between my mom and stepdad, filling our home with tension. I had no idea what she saw in him.

"I'm going out!" I yelled desperately, heading for the door.

"Where?" he demanded, grabbing my arms and pinning me against the door.

"I'm not leaving the neighborhood! Get off me!" I pushed him away, but he slapped me.

My mom screamed.

"Alex, run!" she yelled.

I fled, tears streaming down my face, and escaped into the night.

~~~

Darkness enveloped the park, the moon casting a silver glow. Benches stood like sentinels amidst the shadows. I lay on one, surrounded by silence, staring at the stars twinkling above. Music blasted in my ears, a futile attempt to drown my thoughts.

Tears streamed down my face as memories flooded my mind: the argument, the slap, the desperate escape.

Suddenly, a car pulled up, its headlights illuminating the bench.

"Hey, it's not safe out here this late," Ms. Bach's voice called out.

I froze, recognizing her voice.

"Alex?" she asked gently.

"Yeah, I'm going," I replied hastily.

"Wait, what happened?" she asked, concern etched in her voice.

I winced in pain as she grabbed my arm.

"Nothing, I just fell," I lied desperately.

She brushed away my tears.

"I know that's not true. Tell me what happened.".

"Someone grabbed me," I mumbled.

She hugged me tightly.

"It's okay, honey."

"Let's go get you cleaned up," Amanda said softly.

We settled into her car, its warmth enveloping us.

As she drove, the soft glow of the dashboard illuminated her profile.

I gazed out the window, but my eyes drifted back to her.

Her hair cascaded down her back like silk.

Her hands grasped the wheel, gentle yet confident.

I sneaked another glance, catching her smile.

"Hey, you okay?" she asked.

"Yeah," I replied softly.

The city lights blurred outside.

We drove in comfortable silence.

Amanda's presence wrapped around me like a blanket.

I felt safe.

Again, my eyes met hers.

This time, our gazes lingered.

A spark of connection.

Quickly, I looked away.

My heart fluttered.

Was I falling for my teacher?

As we turned into the driveway, Amanda's house came into view.

My eyes widened in surprise.

"Wow, your house is beautiful!" I exclaimed.