Open Your Mouth And Close Your Eyes

By Sean O'reilly

This is a story of love and adventure that, I guarantee, will be worth reading. You know that situation where you got interested in a movie just because of the poster, because it wasn t much publicized, but when you finish watching, you are happy, overflowing with satisfaction and enthusiasm to recommend it to friends? This novel will make you feel like that. It s a story you won t rest until you reach the end. Yours sincerely, Sean (independent author) Note: This is an adult novel. (contains spicy scenes) SYNOPSIS In 2025, Juliana Blum, 17, a senior student at OHS - Oklahoma High School, falls in love with Paul Lawrence, 44, her teacher, after he divorced. Admitting she s in love after a hot erotic dream, Julie decides that she wants to date him at all costs, and calls for help from her best friends. But her father is Paul s best friend. Strict school rules also prohibit dating, which would lead him to termination for cause. In addition, he is a righteous follower of ethical norms and principles. Even so, the beautiful young Julie, for whom he has deep admiration, respect, and friendship, is determined to conquer him and plans to seduce him, until Paul falls uncon­ditionally in love and the idea of hidden dating becomes desirable and he gets willing to drop everything in the name of the love for her. There is a mysterious phenomenon between them that interferes with the unfolding of everything in the story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clube de Autores
• Release date: Aug 1, 2022

Book preview

Open Your Mouth

and

Close Your Eyes

Sean O'Reilly

2020

© 2020 – Sean O'Reilly

All rights reserved to Sean O'Reilly. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic, audible or mechanical, without the permission of the author.

Foundation NATIONAL LIBRARY - Copyright Office in Brazil

Registration number: 832.286 - Book: 1,619 - Sheet: 383

Request Protocol: 2020RJ_1350

Type: Romantic novel

Title: Open Your Mouth and Close Your Eyes

Author: Sean O'Reilly

Cover: Sean O'Reilly

Layout: Sean O'Reilly

Proofreader in Portuguese: Luciana Rodrigues

The English version still needs proofreading by a native English speaker.

Cataloging-in-Publication Data

O66o O'REILLY, Sean

Open Your Mouth and Close Your Eyes / Sean O'Reilly – 1st edition – Published on January 27, 2020

460 pages.

Original Title: Open Your Mouth and Close Your Eyes (in Portuguese: Abra a Boca e Feche os Olhos)

ISBN: 978-85-917181-6-0

1st edition - 2020

1. Romance 2. National Fiction 3. Brazilian Literature 4. Erotic Stories 5. Fantastic Realism I. Title.

CDD: 869.3

THANKS

To the world that, even by leaps and bounds, brought me here.

To Luci Rodrigues, for making voracious criticisms contributing to the improvement of the text with a helpfulness that I never expected.

To Danilo Carvalho, for his excellent task of revision.

Other books by this author

Deus, O Programador Desconhecido (God, The Unknown Programmer)

Category: Programming Philosophy (forbidden book)

Note: The production of this book is on its way. Information about its release will be on the author's website: www.learnthefunway.com

Services provided by Sean O'Reilly

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Advice for those who want to learn Portuguese by Having Fun reading this book

a) All the methods and tips the author suggests for you to learn Portuguese are based on The Fun Theory, a Volkswagen initiative, which has proved that with fun you always will be more willing and enthusiastic to do something that is considered hard to do. So, everything you do to learn any language, you must do it having fun, then you are gonna learn much faster and efficiently than with any other method.

b) In the footnotes, in most of them, there will be references for fictional products, that will be used to refer to real products from sponsors in an Online Enigma Game, where everything will start in my books. Also, in the English version, there will be, in some occasions, information about Portuguese language, Brazilian songs and culture and places. Only the bilingual version will contain all the footnotes from the Portuguese and English versions.

c) Underlined parts of the text refer to parts in the Portuguese version where the text is different because in English it hasn't any meaning, like some jokes for example, so it was changed to be comfortable for English readers, and vice versa. It is also underlined parts where there are idioms and false friends, for both languages.

d) If you want tips and advice on how to learn Portuguese quickly while having fun, contact the author at www.learnthefunway.com

e) In this English version, some Brazilian expressions will be kept as they are spoken, and, if necessary, a footnote will be there.

f) Both for those who want to learn Portuguese and for those who want to learn English, the bilingual version of this novel will be the one recommended.

Note: These instructions in the Portuguese version are slightly different, 'cause they are directed to the public of Portuguese native speakers. The initial idea was a bilingual book to help Brazilians learn English, but as interest in the Portuguese language has grown, I decided to adapt the book to both possibilities.

PRESENTATION

This story is told in the third person by an omniscient narrator who uses formal language, while the characters use everyday language that sometimes includes vulgar and profane language.

Many details about the characters are revealed throughout the plot, but not everything is explicitly shown or explained: some things are hinted at subtly, such as the fact that Juliana and Paul are not genetically typical humans. Additionally, this novel falls within the realm of magical realism. And perhaps ironically, real-life masculine attitudes, as well as some men's secrets, which do not exist in the fantasy politically correct world, are very present in this story.

There are some ideas about futuristic technology, after all, the story takes place in 2025. Throughout the plot, fictitious brands and companies, services and products, are mentioned for purposes not explicitly revealed, such as the adhesive condom for use in whirlpool, which aims to address concerns about STD prevention. Unfortunately, many people think that condoms cut off eroticism, and here I make an attempt to change that perception.

This novel doesn't intend to be categorically erotic, but it certainly is part of its content, since it is about a girl who seeks to seduce her teacher, therefore containing very explicit spicy scenes, and I think it is important to point out that eroticism, here, has a very masculine perspective.

Good reading.

Sean O'Reilly

P.S.: In the English version, everything ‘in single quotation marks and italic’ is something that someone is thinking, in quotation marks and normal text is something that someone is speaking or a reference to it, or something that is written. For those who want to learn Portuguese language by having fun, read the advises page.

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SYNOPSIS

In 2025, Juliana Blum, 17, a senior student at OHS - Oklahoma High School, falls in love with Paul Lawrence, 44, her teacher, after he divorced. Admitting she's in love after a hot erotic dream, Julie decides that she wants to date him at all costs, and calls for help from her best friends. But her father is Paul's best friend. Strict school rules also prohibit dating, which would lead him to termination for cause. In addition, he is a righteous follower of ethical norms and principles. Even so, the beautiful young Julie, for whom he has deep admiration, respect, and friendship, is determined to conquer him and plans to seduce him, until Paul falls unconditionally in love and the idea of hidden dating becomes desirable and he gets willing to drop everything in the name of the love for her. There is a mysterious phenomenon between them that interferes with the unfolding of everything in the story.

INDEX

CHAPTER ONE: Pop Star Style

CHAPTER TWO: Subconscious Love

CHAPTER THREE: Busted

CHAPTER FOUR: Unexpected question

CHAPTER FIVE: Throwing fuel on fire

CHAPTER SIX: Missed call and a macho chat

CHAPTER SEVEN: The perfume smell

CHAPTER EIGHT: Confessions

CHAPTER NINE: A Question That Touches Paul

CHAPTER TEN: A studious girl deserves help

CHAPTER ELEVEN: Unexpected Feelings

CHAPTER TWELVE: At this time

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: At VIP's Girl

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: At this time, at the same time

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: The Plan for the Beach

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: How to train a virgin

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Hacker and Linux

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: The penny drops

CHAPTER NINETEEN: Concerns and uncertainties

CHAPTER TWENTY: Conversation about dreams

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: The Theater, the Declaration and the Diary

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: Interview on TV and Juliana's invitation

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: Suspicion of other woman

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: Kisses and Dreams

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: Discovery

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: By leaps and bounds

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: Matilda

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: Determined

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: All's fair in love and war

CHAPTER THIRTY: Danger in the shadows and the VIP's Luna

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: Can't be too careful

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: Now what?

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: Roberto's reaction

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: Fury

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: What to say to Roberto

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: Sad farewell and unexpected visits

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: Discovery of a treasure

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: Surprise in Cambridge

CHAPTER ONE: Pop Star Style

This is a very hot year in Rio de Janeiro, still spring, but the heat is already enough to fry eggs on the asphalt. Rio is a beautiful city, with fascinating sights and warm nights. The beaches are packed almost every day of the week, teeming with beautiful women in their low-cut bikinis. Although charred by violence, Rio de Janeiro can still be called the Wonderful City.

A lot has changed in recent years around here: in politics, in infrastructure, and even in education. We are in 2025, and here in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is a pioneer city in importing schools that, although they conform to a national structure, they maintain the norms of their origin countries, as well as the rigorous ethics, very different even from the private Brazilian schools. One such school is the OHS, Oklahoma High School, where Paul Lawrence works at, a dedicated and passionate English teacher. He was always full of projects about his job, but his married life never gave him chances to try any of the ideas he dreamed of, always drawing time and peace of mind from him. Now, a week after his divorce, everything has changed, he is even going back to the beaches and playing guitar in his spare time. At age 44, he feels like a boy full of plans for the future.

In this same school there is a very special girl, very young, but not so full of plans for the future, that still lives her life without knowing exactly what she wants. She's 17 years of pure uncertainty, except for the certainty that she wants to be happy. This girl is Juliana Blum¹ , daughter of Roberto, Paul's best friend. She has a boyfriend, from whom she is very tired, because he is so insecure, immature and acts almost as if he doesn't have a brain.

There is a theory about chaos and, according to that, when you significantly change the status quo of anything, the future becomes absolutely unpredictable, no matter how well planned your goals are, because it changes the way the universe interacts with you. Paul has always planned very carefully everything he wants for his future, but this time he doesn't imagine that a little butterfly is about to cross his path, which will make everything a mess. Who knows what the outcome will be?

Today is Monday, Paul enters the classroom carrying an acoustic guitar, and everyone is curious to know what he will do with that in English class. The few students, who are used to stay outside the room until the teacher starts the class, immediately, get into the classroom, moved by the same curiosity. Juliana has always loved the friendly and relaxing way Paul teaches, because it makes her pay attention to a subject that was never her favorite. She has always been moved by enthusiasm, she likes motivation, something that makes her electrified. This afternoon, what the teacher is about to do will awaken in her something more than just enthusiasm for studying English.

"Play havemetoo, teacher!" Speaking funnily wrong, what couldn't be otherwise, Jackson, the class joker, yells from the back of the room, making everyone laugh.

Heavy metal, you mean, right, Jackson? Paul says, correcting him. While he prepares the classroom audio system, he hears a buzz buzz buzz of voices, speaking and asking all at the same time.

Heavy metal, teacher? / Are you gonna play? / What is it? / Speak, teacher. / Yeaaaah teacheeer, party! ...

Juliana doesn't say anything, but she has a facial expression that reveals surprise, curiosity and interest. She notices Paul's new look, his well-shaved beard exposing the chin dimples, his unkempt hair style, almost wrinkle-free face. His clothes no longer resemble that of a married man. He wears faded black jeans, not too tight but enough to draw out his legs and glutes. It also highlights a peculiar volume at the front, in which Juliana had never paid attention. He uses a gray New Captain button shirt, tight enough to see a beautiful design on the chest and abdomen. His broad shoulders also stand out. He's not a mountain of muscles, but there is a good volume on the chest. Juliana is wondering how a 44-year-old man, who has just come out of a ten-year of marriage, still has no belly, and compares it to her father's beer belly, who is a year younger than the teacher. She knows that Paul doesn't drink too much, and she remembers an episode when he served as a driver for her parents, who were falling down drunk. That night she was in the front seat next to him, ashamed of her parents' behavior in the back seat, thinking that one day she would like to have a husband like him, to make her feel safe, unlike her father who had insisted on driving in that condition. Julie was really happy that Paul was there that night. That feeling seems to revive and blend in with new ones popping up inside her as she watches him. He looks a lot younger, and she had never looked at Paul like that. Julie notices that his black eyes and straight eyebrows, slightly curved at the tip, his not very upturned nose and his slightly fleshy mouth, form a beautiful set, and she feels that she likes the mixture of soft and deep in his voice, even though she has not yet paid attention to this. Curious on what he's about to do, Julie doesn't say anything and looks at that renewed figure, wondering why she'd never paid attention to those details.

Realizing that something different is about to happen, Geisa takes her brand new Galactus 2025² and records a video.

"It seems like I'll have something interesting to post on FreedomTube³ ." She says to Karol, who's filming with her cellphone as well.

Paul, without saying a word, simply plays alternating between E and A, in seventh, with an unmistakable beat. The students, although unable to sing correctly, immediately identify the song as Elvis Presley's. Engrossed by the guitar rhythm, Juliana raises her arms and lets out an excited woohoo, getting into the groove and clapping her hands. Some tap along with the beat, most of the girls clap their hands, others chant hoo hoo hoo in rhythm, and in a magical moment, a mixture of enthusiasm and euphoria takes over the class as the teacher sings:

A little less conversation, a little more action, please

All this aggravation ain't satisfactioning me

A little more bite and a little less bark

A little less fight and a little more spark⁴

Students from other classes, who are in outdoor exercise groups⁵ , wonder where that song comes from. One of the students, coming from the toilet, stops at the classroom's door 32 and watches a real party inside, so he runs to the colleagues at outdoor activity.

Hey, guys, in room 32. And he runs back to the room, followed by his classmates and the teachers who monitor them.

The pupils are piling up at the door and getting into the rhythm, clapping with howls of enthusiasm. Paul has always been a very dear and popular colleague, both among students and teachers. Perhaps, therefore, the monitors who coordinate the students, even without knowing what is happening, clap their hands too.

Throughout the second floor, teachers stand outside their rooms, facing room 32, accompanied by some of their pupils with their necks stretched out of the room, wondering what's going on as they listen to the song that goes on.

Come on baby I'm tired of talking

Grab your coat and let's start walking ...

Come on, come on

The students respond "Come on, come on", in chorus.

At this point in time, Juliana, with her free and happy spirit, stands next to the teacher, dancing in the 70’s style. As if they were a pair of pop stars, dancing and clapping, Juliana looks at Paul as he proceeds as if singing to her.

Close your mouth and open up your heart and, baby, satisfy me

Satisfy me, baby

Satisfy meeeeee Juliana sings the scream in a thin voice and shares the microphone with Paul, several times.

At the end of the song, everyone applauded enthusiastically, both outside and inside the room, although, except for the teacher, no one knew what it was all about. Juliana looks at Paul's smile as he receives the applause, and notices that his well-made dentition gives him a beautiful smile. Still excited and smiling, she approaches and grabs his arm with both hands, appreciating him with her eyes, with a subtle demonstration of who thinks ‘he's mine.’

Teacher, I've never seen you like this! You look different, look like someone else. And I didn't know you played the guitar.

Paul answers with a joyful face, happy with the moment.

I almost forgot that I played the guitar. He doesn't know exactly why, but he feels very well with Julie's interested gaze and her compliments. So, did you like the song?

For the first time Juliana pays attention to his voice. She had never noticed that it appealed to her. Spontaneous and authentic as always, she responds with shining eyes.

I liked everything! She looks at him up and down. I never thought you had such a... good voice... to sing. I loved it! And she makes a typical gesture, waiting for a hug.

In an automatic gesture, he hugs her fatherly. She holds him tight, enjoying the gentle scent of his Mountain Air perfume, La Fougère⁶ . Paul returns the grip with the same force. As a joke, she slaps his buttocks, to which he responds with a kiss on the neck and repeated squeezes on the right side of Julie's waist, as if trying to tickle.

But what is all this? She asks at the end of the hug.

I'll tell you. Paul answers smiling with a certain mystery.

Up to this point, there is no sexual intention in Paul's thoughts, nor carnal feelings toward Juliana. There is no malice or carnal thoughts from Julie to the teacher as well, who is also her friend. However, she is experiencing new and exciting feelings, that she doesn't know exactly what they are, but which stir her inside and make her pay attention to details that she had never noticed before.

Julie sits down, making room for others to greet him.

Paul notices, in surprise, the buzzing noise from outside and sees some heads peeking into the room. He goes to the door, and everyone compliments him, asking what's happening.

This is my new teaching method. What did you think?

The other teachers, with different gestures of surprise, speak out.

Wow! That's is such an innovation, huh!

Wow! Striking!

I wanted to come up with something like this for math classes. Teacher Dálton says.

And me, for chemistry. Uhoo! Pop star! Carlos says.

Hey, teacher, are you gonna play in our class as well? One of the students asks enthusiastically.

Before he answers, Victor, the vice principal, having a serious expression on his face to that uproar, interferes.

Not before there's a teacher meeting. He was annoyed because he was outside asking questions, trying to figure out what was going on and no one had an answer. With his usual dry mood, he continues. Teacher, I was here trying to figure out what's going on. I believe you have an answer.

In the meantime, inside the room, Jefferson, Juliana's boyfriend, addresses her, dissatisfied and jealous.

Julie, I didn't like it at all!

You didn't like what, boy? She asks quietly, but with a puzzled look.

With his immature jealousy, he describes the situation, that for him was absurd.

First, dancing to the teacher. Then hugging him that way.

In what way, Jefferson? Julie is serious.

Ah, that... He compresses his lips without being able to describe.

Julie speaks emphatically before he can continue.

Jefferson, there was no way in my hug! And I was dancing with the teacher, not to him. I was just enjoying the music without any malice, even because Paul is my father's friend. Juliana was already suspicious of her boyfriend, she had reasons for it, so she continues in her growing fury. Listen here, Jefferson, do you know why I'm a girl you can trust?

Caught up by Juliana's imperative determination, he only listens as she continues to speak in a loud and emphatic voice.

Because I'm not like you! She takes a deep breath and ends up talking calmly but firmly. "Now, sit back on your chair and think about what you're doing with your life! To what Jefferson reacts with a frightened boy's face, like one who's mixed up in something, as whom is wondering if she knows something, when he hears a last order of Julie. Go!"

And he obeys.

CHAPTER TWO: Subconscious Love

The teacher meeting is ending. Orlando, the school Principal, tries to persuade Victor that Paul's act was a good idea, and gives a list of reasons to support him.

Victor, this school has always sought innovations that make students enthusiastic about studying. The other teachers liked the idea. The students are enthusiastic, and he has just presented his new lesson plan with the new method, explaining his reasons very convincingly. What looked like an improvised act is actually a very well-planned idea. It's teacher like that our school seeks to maintain. I think this has some credit. Don't you think?

Victor reflects for a second. Always trying to be formal and straightforward, he asks Paul.

Teacher, why did you implement your new method without first presenting the new lesson plan? He has a subtly serious but predominantly impassive expression, waiting for an answer.

A little awkward about this situation, and feeling a little intimidated, he responds slowly.

Well, I wanted to ... test the method ... before presenting the new lesson plan. I wasn't sure if that would arouse the students' interest, and I never expected all this uproar. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Concerned, Victor concludes with a brief speech.

Organization is an important thing for this school. That's why I have a job here. If one day organization stops being important to this institution, I will probably lose my job. That is why I must continue to show that all things can and should be done with a healthy level of organization. He stops and thinks for a moment. Your new method is interesting and I admit that it is important, of course, to arouse students' interest, it is an essential part of every modern method of teaching. However, I believe everyone here agrees that one teacher's method should not create disturbances for others' classes. At this point in his speech, the Principal and everyone else, including Paul, nods. He goes on. So, next time, try to do it without using the audio system. I believe the guitar and the human voice are enough for the size of our rooms. Do you agree?

Paul gives a soft smile, revealing his contentment.

Of course, Victor. I'm sure it's gonna work. And in a gesture that is repaid, he reaches out to greet him.

Principal Orlando ends the matter and everyone makes a point of greeting Paul before leaving.

Outside, Paul spots Juliana waving in the distance. Instead of answering with another hand wave, he goes to her to talk. There are still fifteen minutes left to finish the break. Noticing that he's coming, Juliana unknowingly straightens her hair behind her ear and checks her look with a quick glance at her clothes.

Hey, Paul, did you survive the shark bite? She questions smiling. Juliana always felt comfortable calling the teacher by name without formalities. After all, he is a friend of hers and her parents.

Paul tries to contain the laughter.

Yes, I survived. He winks before continuing. Actually, it wasn't so serious. He just asked me to sing without using the audio system, to not disturb other teachers' classes.

Juliana has a puzzled expression.

I still find it amazing how I never knew you played the guitar. How long have you been friend with my parents? Since before I was born, isn't it?

It is true. Before your parents got married, more than 20 years ago. I picked you up, you know?

Yeah, I remember some pictures of me with you when I was a baby.

You didn't know I played the guitar, and I didn't know you had such a tuned voice. We are even.

Me? In tune?

Julie, don't be so modest, you were great, sounded like a real singer. Ask your colleagues. Paul praises with sincerity.

Juliana melts smiling, holding her hands by her fingertips. Again, she has that strange feeling, happy with his presence, letting on a lively interested look. Without realizing, she straightens her hair behind her ear again and checks the look.

You know your favorite song, remember when you sang once in a karaoke? Love is Love? You sang very well! Remember the cheers? I want to see you sing that song in my class. What do you think?

Oh, Paul, I get nervous just thinking I'm gonna sing. She says, abnormally shy.

Yeah, but you sang with me today quite spontaneously and seemed very uninhibited. He tries to encourage her.

Paul, this is an exaggeration. I didn't sing, I just made few small choir voices and a few parts that I knew. And my lack of shyness was just because I got caught up in the party. She argues, but with a vague urge to accept the challenge.

You can't deny that you can sing Love is Love. And you did it in front of a lot of people. You didn't look so shy or nervous. Do you agree? Paul raises his eyebrows at her, convinced that he has just used a powerful argument. But Juliana always knows how to argue back.

I was nervous, yes, but I know how to disguise it. You should also remember that on that day I was not so in tune, and I only sang because it was a karaoke where we see the lyrics appearing at the moment we should sing, and ... those people were not my classmates that I have to face five days a week. She returns the same raised eyebrows, glaring at him and nodding her head up and down, as if she was thinking: ‘I know everything.’

Paul sighs, defeated.

Yeah, lady, you have arguments. But I insist. Your dad invited me to the barbecue on Sunday. I can take the guitar and we can rehearse. If you don't feel confident, we can put the lyrics on the pedestal. I assure you that you'll give a show. What do you say? Facing her, he waits for a positive response.

Juliana doesn't know why she loved the idea of having the teacher all day long at home. He had been there many times before, but this time, the idea of welcoming him to do something specifically with her is something that immediately arouses her interest. She doesn't understand why, but she's loving it. She even has a certain anxiety.

Wow! You're almost convincing me. She looks at his chest and then at his eyes. Let's do this: We spend Sunday rehearsing, but without my obligation to sing in front of the class, so I won't get anxious. Can it be?

Paul has always admired Julie's wit, so he thinks: ‘Don't commit to sing to not get anxious. Good psychological tactic.’ He has the same scrutinizing expression, as every time he sees her demonstrate her rare wisdom gift. Again he thinks over: ‘I'll find a way to make her sing.’ Since he knew he couldn't get much more than that, he replies without delay.

For me, it's perfect!

At this moment, Jefferson appears and takes Juliana's hand. Quiet and showing his jealousy, with his typical immaturity, he tries to take her away from Paul, disregarding the fact that they are talking. Juliana is embarrassed because of Jefferson, but doesn’t move her foot as he walks holding her hand. When her arm is stretched out almost horizontally, she pulls him back, complaining indignantly.

Jefferson! What are you doing?

He responds with his typical childishness, assuming a pose of someone who has rights over the girl.

I just want to talk to my girlfriend.

Is it something important you want to talk about? And what happened? Did you forget your manners at home? Does it cost to say good afternoon or excuse me? Julie reprimands harshly.

Paul, not wanting to be a trigger of lovers' discussion, interrupts.

No problem Juliana, I think you should talk. There's only five minutes left for the break and I need to eat something.

Before Paul leaves, Julie speaks authoritatively.

Teacher, we have nothing to talk about. Shaking her arm down, she loses from Jefferson's hand. This child is just jealous!

At school, Julie always calls Paul for teacher or teacher Paul when in the presence of other people. It is an old recommendation from the Vice Principal to avoid the feeling of favoritism among the other students, because he is her family's friend. Paul, surprised for a second, widens his eyes and raises his eyebrows.

Hey, Jefferson, I saw this girl born and I carried her on my lap. Don't worry, I won't take your position. He laughs imagining the situation.

Juliana puts her hand over her mouth to suppress a sudden laugh, but then she kills the laugh with a serious look at her boyfriend.

See, Jefferson, the shame that you put me through?

Julie, you both have to talk. And I need to eat. Paul says, in his effort to get out of that situation.

Oh, sorry, teacher. Julie says while feeling a slight guilt, and turns to Jefferson sternly. And it's true, Jefferson, we have something important to talk about. With the attitude of a policewoman, she takes him by the arm and leads him into the classroom.

Do we have something serious to talk about? Jefferson asks curiously.

Julie, looking into his eyes, abruptly goes right to the point.

"I want to know what you have with Jennifer. You both have been talking a lot alone. What is going on?" With her hands on the hips waiting for an answer, she keeps her eyes fixed on Jefferson, as if she is about to fire a laser beam.

Disconcerted by Julie's authority, looking around and unsure of what to say, he argues.

What is the problem? You were talking to Paul alone as well.

Juliana snorts in anger.

Jefferson, I was talking alone to the teacher in public, in an open area to everyone's eyes, not in that secluded corner behind the maintenance cottage. I've seen you with her there twice! What were you doing there? I want to know!

In one of his rare moments of reasoning, Jefferson responds quickly.

We were just talking, ok?

Talking? What were you talking about in a hidden place like that? Juliana questions, looking him into his eyes.

Jefferson again uses the teacher as an escape from the inquisition.

And what were you talking to the teacher?

Now her expression looks really demonic, visibly furious. Julie lowers her voice so as not to create a scandal, but she is serious, in a harsh tone that Jefferson has never heard her use before.

Jefferson, the teacher was just trying to convince me to sing at the class, nothing more. Don't use the teacher to change the subject, don't change the subject at all! For God's sake, it looks like I'm talking to a child! I want to know what you were talking to Jennifer in that secluded spot! She pauses for a second and shouts with an impatient tone of authority. Now!

Jefferson has a surge of creativity.

It was her own business, a problem with her brother. I must not tell.

With ironic expression and tone, Julie speaks up.

Ah, now you and Jennifer have private business to talk about. Confidences. But what a generous act of yours, to give your shoulder to a high school friend with family problems. I didn't know that side of you.

At that moment, the school bell rings, some students begin to enter the room, and Jefferson breathes a sigh of relief. But Juliana is still unsatisfied.

Don't think this conversation is over. And she goes to her desk.

CHAPTER THREE: Busted

Julie is a girl who enjoys reading, in love with books. At 17, she has read more than two thousand books, a habit that greatly increased her knowledge of the human beings, and despite being very young, she can understand people and the interaction processes among them. No wonder she has a very mature posture for her age.

This is a happy day for Juliana.

During recess, she is sitting on the edge of the patio, leaning against a column, recalling the way the teacher made her sing in front of her classmates. She wonders how he persuaded her, trying to understand what happened. She remembers Paul's sweet black eyes watching her.

In her thoughts, Julie makes an analysis of what happened. ‘How did he get me to sing? He comes with the guitar and puts the lyrics on the music stand. Looking at me, he shakes his head as he plays... and I sing along yet sitting, the same way we did at home when we were rehearsing, shaking his head looking at me. This is it! What a naughty! He used psychology with me. I don't even remember when I got up and started singing to the class... But I liked it, it was really cool. He didn't ask me, nor tried to persuade me. I wanted to. Or was it him the one who made me want to? How does Paul do this? He messes with me... uhum... and I've been feeling weird lately, especially in his presence. I have never experienced this before. Why do I feel so happy when he's near? Am I in...’

Just then Karol appears and, snatching Julie from her thoughts, whispers quickly.

Julie, you better take a look behind the cottage. And discreetly goes away, as if she was trying to disguise that she just reported Julie's boyfriend.

Abruptly aroused from her sweet reflection, Julie simply mutters an um to Karol as she sees her goes, and the penny drops. ‘Jefferson... and Jennifer!!’ She gets up immediately and leaves willingly towards the cottage, determined to kick asses and break every bone. With a furious expression, walking fast like a locomotive, she doesn't even notice her classmates greeting her for her performance in class. With her closed fists, all she wants is to punch them both. As she walks, she can't see anyone in front of her, the only image she can see is her scene holding both of them by their hair, and bumping their faces against the wall. Approaching the cottage, as prudently as she likes to act, she looks out from behind the shrubs on the Round Garden to see exactly what they are doing.

She catches sight of them kissing each other on the mouth, Jefferson with one hand on Jennifer's buttocks and the other one on her hair. Jennifer takes his hair with both hands. Julie gets seasick. Oh, how disgusting! How can he touch like that on that greasy, filthy hair full of dandruff?! In disgust, she immediately gives up her punishing plan, refusing to touch that foal hair in order to beat up Jennifer, or even touch Jefferson's hair, dirty with Jennifer's hands, so she has a slight craving for vomit. She knows that Jennifer is not in the habit of washing hands when she goes to the restroom. Pausing for a moment, she realizes that she isn't feeling jealous of Jefferson, and as a jigsaw puzzle piece that fits in, she notices that her feelings are no longer the same, realizing that she no longer likes him. She remembers that it's been a long time since she calls him by Jeffy, and she actually has a sense of relief and freedom, seeing it is the perfect opportunity to kick him out. Julie is happy to conclude that he will never touch her, and she has a shiver of disgust at imagining him doing so. No longer able to see that scene, she simply leaves without doing anything, wondering when would be the best time to dump him. ‘As soon as possible!’

Less than twenty minutes later, Jefferson appears and argues with Julie, saying he didn't like to see her sing Love is Love with Paul, suggesting that she has being very insinuating to Paul, and begins another series of childish arguments.

I don't like the way you look at the teacher. Are you trying to cheat on me? I don't wanna be a cuckold!

Julie looks at Jefferson for a second, wondering, ‘Geez! How did I end up dating this idiot?’ And when Jefferson tries to take her by the arm, she hits his hand hard and speaks with a facial expression that mixes anger and disgust.

You don't touch me! Never touch me again! Seeing Jefferson’s retarded face as someone unable to understand what is happening, she tries to be clearer. Why don't you stay with the potbellied Jennifer? Forget me!

Jennifer appears and enters the discussion.

Who's potbellied, honey? She turns sideways, forcing a flat belly.

Oh, I had forgotten, they are just localized fat. Julie quips gesturing quotes. You can have Jefferson for you, you busty. Who likes kids are babysitters, go breastfeed him!

I'm much better than you who don't have boobs! She speaks holding the melons.

I have breasts, honey, just not giants like yours, the queen of Titjob! Julie answers calmly but emphatically.

Jennifer speaks wildly and pulls Jefferson by the hand.

"Queen of Titjob for sure, dear! This is something you can never do!

Ew! Disgusting! Julie says with a nauseated face. You know what? You deserve each other! So, she starts walking.

Julie, I wanted... Jefferson is interrupted.

Wished! You wished, boy! From now on you can not want anything from me. Slowly, she ends up speaking with emphasis and disdain. Stay there... with Jennifer... the Queen... of Titjobs. Then she fast walks away.

Juliana is a girl who hardly has this kind of childish discussion, common among teenagers. With self-esteem well above average, she is hardly affected by negative comments about her appearance. But this time, an extra reason will cause her thoughts to be affected.

CHAPTER FOUR: Unexpected question

After recess, in the second English class, Paul talks about poetic licenses in the songs. Juliana is sitting, looking at the teacher, not understanding why she feels insecure about herself. Nor does she understand why she has a sense of loss to Paul, she has nothing to do with him, but something disturbs her from the inside, making her unable pay attention in class, which never happened. In her mind, the question that doesn't leave her alone is: ‘Does the teacher think my breasts are small?’ She can't think of anything else. She changes her gaze from the teacher to her own breasts, checks them and looks back at him with a sad expression.

Paul notices her depressed look and wonders what would've happened, since Julie seemed so happy to sing in the previous class.

Julie sees Paul's serene but intrigued look. She has always been comfortable with him, and that look seems inviting to express. Then, with an impulse inside, in a rare