Chapter 1

Maximus’ Point of View

Cleveland, OH, September 12, 2011

I loved the feel of warm jets of water cascading my back. It gave me a sense of calmness and tranquility which was in contrast with my complicated life. Showers were a form of clean hygiene but I called it a luxury. It was a reminder that I should not take things for granted, seeming it was just as precious as the basic needs of man. Some may think it was strange but it was more of a figure of speech.

Lifting my head up, I realized the bathroom was now misty so I turned off the shower and grabbed a towel from the holder. I wrapped it around my waist and headed for the sink where above it was the mirror cabinet.

The mirror was fogged up so I wiped it with my hands and stared at my frozen twenty one year old reflection.

Sighing, It had been 148 years since that day. The day that my brother and I were cursed with immortality. I used to think that staying young for so long was exciting seeing I got to sleep with a lot of women. I was not affected then by the curse until Nathaniel, my younger brother, left me just because I ruined his chances for love and growing old. Yes, that was 21 years ago in Paris, France and I hadn't seen him since.

Switching my vision to my left chest, I trailed the bloody rose with my pointer finger, following its indentation all the way to the vines surrounding it.

My girlfriend, Fern, was curious about my mark. She said that it looked unique and one of a kind. If she only knew what my mark had done to my life, she would have pegged me for a lunatic. I would too, to say the least.

Speaking of Fern, I felt her sliding her dainty arms around my waist from behind and kissed my neck lovingly.

"Happy anniversary my sexy hunk of a boyfriend," Fern murmured as she trailed butterfly kisses on my neck. I groaned softly then turned my body to face her fully. As always, she was so damn gorgeous for her own good. The way her silky blond tresses glide across my chest whenever we make love, her oceanic blue eyes pierced into my dark blue ones with great intensity if we had heated discussion and that soft pink plump lips that I want to nibble...god, she was definitely a sight for sore eyes.

I cupped her face with both hands and glided my thumb across her bottom lip. "How long has it been?" I asked.

She grinned, her eyes sparkled with happiness."Two years," she declared proudly.

"Wow,” I breathed, clearly amazed by the longevity of our relationship. “That long?"

I should be surprised, as I should be. I was amazed that I stayed long in a relationship. After Nathaniel left, I tried going serious with a girl. Some I'd grown to like and had an actual relationship but never really had stuck around because they were all so...how shall I say this, boring?

However, that changed when I met Fern two years ago back in college. If you were an immortal, you had to do something to preoccupy your time or else you would go crazy with boredom. College was a reasonable distraction so imagine me doing that in different countries for so many years.

I met Fern during my Junior year in Yale University. My buddies and I just came from a frat party, drunk as hell, so we decided to sober up with coffee and grease at the local diner, Henny’s.

I usually went to that diner because it was near our dorms and convenient for grabbing a bite. At that time, Fern worked there as a waitress so you know what happens when you serve a bunch of drunk college boys, a rowdy to boot? You could imagine a couple of scenarios and mostly, it wouldn’t end particularly well. Well, mine didn’t and it was a day to remember.

Most of the employees already knew us and probably used to our obnoxiousness but Fern? She wasn't because she was new so she got annoyed with our teasing and flirting.

My buddies were busy hitting on her so I took the chance of grabbing her ass. Hey! I was drunk, okay? Intoxication does that to you but unfortunately, I got my ass kicked with her ninja moves. The next day my buddies teased me about it so I went back to the diner and apologized for my behavior .

It was the first time I worked hard for an apology.

I gave her flowers, chocolates, and the works. I even hired a singing group to serenade her just to say sorry. But of course, I got the usual shutdown so I did it the old fashioned way.

William Shakespeare.

I was well versed with his work so I swayed her with classic literature hook, line and sinker.

From then on, we got to know each other. She was also from Yale. She majored in English like myself and wanted to work in a publishing firm. She was a great girl with an amazing personality and I realized one day that I was falling for her. I plucked the courage to ask her out and to my amazement, she said yes.

After several dates, substantial conversations, remarkable sex and finally, graduation. I asked her to move with me to Cleveland because I got offered to teach English at Wakefield High. At first she was hesitant as she was used to being in Connecticut but when I told her they had a great publishing firm, that was all it took to pack her bags and squeal in excitement.

Right after we settled in, she went immediately to apply for a spot in the firm. To my utter satisfaction, she got hired on the spot and had her work immediately the next day.

I could say things were going right for us.

"You should be proud that we're going strong," she said while tightening her hold on my waist.

I chuckled. "Yes, I am proud. So got any plans later?"I asked as I tucked a loose strand of her blond hair behind her ear.

"I have a surprise for you later," she said, wiggling her eyebrows. Oh boy, when she did that, it meant something...raunchy?

I pouted and gave her my best bambi expression. "I hate surprises. Tell me."

She groaned. "Oh babe! Not that look please."

"Pleeaaaseee!" I pleaded as I intensified my bambi eyes.

She scowled then shook her head from side to side. "Nuh uh. No. Not gonna happen."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Be that way."

She grinned wickedly, a mischievous glint flashed into her blue eyes. "As much as I like seeing you in a towel, you're going to be late for your first day at work."

My hands traveled to her hips then stayed there, gripping it tighter. "What if I want to be late?"I murmured, indecent thoughts flying in my head.

“You naughty boy!" she gasped then slapped my chest playfully.

I pulled her closer to me then leaned my head to her neck aiming for that soft creamy flesh. Grazing over her soft spot, she made a soft moan that made me smirk. That sound alone had me so turned on, I felt a stir happening in between my legs. I guess she felt the twitch down there because she giggled.

"Max, you're such a horn dog. I might be late for work." she said huskily as she was craned her neck for better access. I could tell she was losing all her coherent thoughts.

I kissed the corner of her mouth and said. "Only for you baby. Only for you." and with that, I tugged her towards the shower and you know the rest.

I loved this woman so much and planned to tell her later. For two years, I didn't had the courage to say it for I was afraid that she might not be the one but...still, I’d only hope she would be the one when I did say those three words that not only seal my love for her but also, my chance to live a normal life as a mortal.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Blessed with Nascar driving skills, I made it to school just in time. That stunt I did at the bathroom with Fern almost had me late for my first day but I couldn't help it. She was turning me on so bad and I just had to ravish her all over.

"Max, mind out of the gutter. You can think about your sexy girlfriend later but for now, you need to put on your professional face,"I chide myself inwardly.

Taking deep breaths, I grabbed my leather suitcase from the backseat and got out, locking it with my car remote. I adjusted my tie, trying to be sure it was not crooked or anything then why bother. I was just going to untie it later when I felt suffocated.

Come to think of it, I never knew what high school looked like. I never had experienced it back in the 1800's because Nathaniel and I were home schooled till we got older. As I looked around the area, I thought It was just like college but the students looked younger and carefree.

Somehow, I couldn’t hold a grimace as I never thought teenagers were this vulgar and um..open. They freely make out in public or flirt relentlessly without a care in the world. I mean not to sound hypocritical because I started playing with girls when I was 16 but back then, some teenage girls were shy and reserved. I guess time has changed people's view on moral fiber. After all, this was the 21st century and you know what they say, you got to keep up with the times.

With one whoosh of air, I started to walk towards the school building.

I was thoroughly amused with all the flirty stares I was getting from the girls in the hallway. I took my strides confidently, trying not to get creeped out by these throngs of teenage girls giggling and whispering as I walked past them. They really should control their hormones seeing I was an older man. If luck was on my side, I’d hope they wouldn't flock outside my classroom or worst, start a fan base. Wow Max, that was cocky.

I went directly to the Administrative Office to meet Principal Donovan. He was in his late 40's with balding brown hair, intelligent hazel brown eyes and surprisingly burly. He was happily married and had a daughter who also attended this school. He showed me around since he told me my class starts in the 4th period so that was before lunch. He informed me about the school regulations and he specifically and might have insinuated a no teacher and student relationship considering I was a young addition to the teaching staff. I assured him that I will treat my students with courtesy and show professionalism.

.

I had two classes for Freshman on Tuesdays and Thursdays and one for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. It was a big building well, Yale was bigger but this was high school. They only had 500 students but it was still quite a number. He was impressed with my credentials mainly because I graduated from an Ivy League school. If he only knew how many there were, he would be in for a total shocker.

When 4th period rolled in, he led me to my designated classroom. I had to say, It was big and decent with walls painted with deep forest green.

"Okay Mr. Townsend, good luck on your first day. I believe my daughter will be in your class. Let me just warn you that my daughter has a continuous streak of tardiness," Principal Donovan warned me with a frown.

I chuckled. "Don't worry about it. I think I can handle a tardy teenager."

He shook his head. "Believe me I tried every possible way but that girl is just so...” he scrunched up his face trying to find the right word, “I don't even know what it is,”

Students were starting to trickle in the classroom. He checked his watch for the time. "I have to go. I have a meeting with the board in 10 minutes,” he looked up to stare at me in the eye, “My daughter's name is Pandora Donovan. I trust that you keep tabs on her tardiness."

I nodded. "Sure thing Principal Donovan."

He smiled. "Please, call me Harry."

I chuckled again. "Call me Max as well."

Principal Donovan let out a laugh, shaking his head and walked off heading back to his office.

The final bell hadn't rung yet so I still had a few minutes to spare. With a sigh, I wandered towards my desk then dropped my suitcase on the floor as I reached the side of it. I noticed that the class roster was laid out from the right side so I picked it up and scanned the names on the list. My mind drifted to Pandora. Maybe she was this rebellious teenager that was why her father couldn't do anything to rectify her habits. I could picture her out in a grunge look; ripped jeans and leather jacket. I shrugged. I just have to find out soon enough.

The classroom was now full except for one seat which I assumed belonged to Pandora. The final bell shrilled so I called the class to order.

"Hello everyone,” I chirped happily to the entire class although inside, I was practically nervous. “ I'm your new AP English teacher Mr. Max Townsend. I'm assuming all of you are seniors?" I asked and they all nodded so I continued,"I'm not exactly your typical corporal punishing kind of teacher slash malevolent dictator," a round of chuckles and giggles were heard then I went on, "I can be cool if I want to be so don't abuse my good nature."

"You're so hot Mr. T!" a girl from the back yelled without shame. That was something.

I smiled. "I'm flattered but please refrain from making those comments to yourself and I like the sound of Mr. T," the girl blushed a beet root while the rest laughed at her expense.

I cleared my throat. "Since it's my first day, let's just get to know each other first. I'll pick a random order from the roster and once I call your name, you stand up and introduce yourself. Cool?"

I heard a collection of "yes", "yeah" and "hell yeah" but the latter had me chuckle a bit. Teenagers.

"I'll start first. My name is--" I was halted midway as the sound of a loud bang followed by an out of breath female voice cut my introduction.

"Sorry I'm late!" she breathed out.