William's Tale by Regina Morris

her wine glass down on the coffee table as she removed her high heels and folded her long legs beneath her. The oversized, stuffed couch in the teacher’s lounge molded to her body, making her realize just how comfortable the old, donated furniture to the school could be.
    She licked her lips as she eyed him. What was it going to take to find out this man’s identity? They had talked for such a long time. Was he really going to have her wait until midnight to find out?
    Sipping another glass of wine slowly, she enjoyed Mr. Vampire’s company, and bided her time. Moving their conversation into the lounge, and away from prying eyes, had been her decision — and she was grateful for the opportunity to get to know the masked man. For starters, he wore no ring on his finger. He looked hotter than Denzel Washington, spoke silkier than James Earl Jones, and had a personality sweeter than honey. For all intents and purposes, he seemed like the perfect package.
    But who the hell was he?
    She stared longingly at him. If she could believe what he told her, he was searching for a Mrs. Right. The idea of family and growing old with someone appealed to him. Other than her father, Jackie didn’t think such men existed anymore — at least none had ever looked her way before.
    The clock couldn’t count down time fast enough for her to get to know who he was.
    She peeked down at her watch and realized nearly an hour had passed since they had entered the room. During that time, she had confirmed he had granted the money to the school and that he somehow knew her, but she didn’t know who he was.
    Not having the upper hand made her a bit uneasy, but he was so easy to talk to that she put her fears to rest and opened up to him. She shared with him her heartache of not being the best art and music teacher for the school, especially since the kids deserved a whole lot more from their teacher than she could give them. Even as the words escaped her mouth, she couldn’t believe she was confiding that information to him. She had suppressed the truth of her inadequacy deep down, not wanting it to come out. And now, she was opening a floodgate.
    She shared her fears about her father’s happiness, well–being and health next, followed by any apprehension she felt towards what direction her life was heading and how she felt powerless to take control. Jackie rolled her eyes, even her job had been a gift given to her and not something she had earned.
    A job given to her by the very same masked man sitting across from her. A man who’s name she didn’t know.
    During all the time Jackie rambled, she noticed how good of a listener this man was. How he had nodded and allowed her to lean on his shoulder, even offering bits of his own past when his stories ran parallel to hers. Through his stories, Jackie got to know her masked man. He wasn’t much different from many of the boys she taught at the school who were being raised by foster parents and trying to balance responsibilities and life.
    She gazed over at him and felt a tingling in the pit of her stomach. He sat across the couch from her, smiling in such a way that his brown eyes reflected his thoughts and feelings. Her arm lay draped across the back of the couch, and she was pleased when he mirrored the position and softly touched her hand, caressing her skin softly with his fingers.
    His hand felt cool to the touch, even though she found the room quite warm. She tugged at the neckline of her costume where sweat had beaded. Yes. It was definitely warm in here. She wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol taking effect, the actual temperature of the room, or perhaps the gorgeous man sitting next to her. She gave a longing look at his full red lips and wondered if he kissed tenderly or passionately. Either way would be fine.
    And even with her overt gaze, he did not make a move towards her. Why hadn’t he tried to kiss her yet? She had played with her hair a countless number of times, and had even