He had me right where he wanted me. It didn’t matter that I would graduate in mere months. Tessa would be at Wilmont another two years. Sure, she could transfer to another school in the district, but Wilmont was the best. It had more academic programs and extracurriculars than any other. Plus, graduating from Wilmont increased odds of being accepted to an Ivy League.

I would do anything to protect her. To protect that future.

Bastard.

“Sir,” he said.

“What?”

“Yes, sir.”

I clenched my jaw. “Yes, sir.”

“I expect a report on your progress on Monday. Bright and early.”

“Fine.”

“And, Mr. Winters?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t take too long to find this person,” he said. “For Tessa’s sake.”

“Understood.” I ended the call, the cell trembling in my hands. I stared at Tessa while I caught my breath, anger and sadness and confusion storming me.

I had no choice.

I would never throw Tessa to the wolves—aka our principal.

It didn’t matter how messed up outing this person would be. For Tessa…I’d break every law.

After a few deep breaths, I walked back into the living room.

“Took you long enough,” Sean said, reaching for the remote.

“Seriously, bro,” Tessa said, her voice so much lighter than I’d heard it in weeks. “How is Amber?”

I flashed her a soft grin.

“Whoa,” she said, straightening as I sank on the couch, leaning my head back like it was too heavy to hold up. “Everything okay?”

I rolled my head to the side, locking eyes with her.

No. I wish you would’ve talked to me. Told me.

“Fine,” I said. “Everything is fine.”

PrincessQueenB7634 asks: “I think I’m allergic to latex because, reasons. I’m terrified to ask a doc and I know for sure I can’t ask my parents. I’m too scared to go looking, but my boyfriend isn’t. Is there anything else I can tell him to buy so I’m not in so much pain?”

I’m sorry to hear that you’re in pain. That has to be incredibly frustrating. I understand the fear of talking about it, too. That’s why I’m here. Even though I know certain school officials and parents wish I wasn’t.

Luckily, there are several non-latex condoms sold by recognizable brands like Trojan, Durex, and Skyn.

Also lucky, they are in almost every store you’d buy regular condoms at, so your boyfriend should be able to easily find them. Tell him to double-check the ingredients on the back and make sure it says “latex free.” Common material for non-latex are super-intense words like Polyisoprene or Polyurethane, but don’t let that freak you out. If you feel up to Googling it—which I totes understand if you don’t—there are plenty of numbers and commenters who have used them and enjoyed them safely.