Professor Sebastian sits at the edge of the desk and clasps his hands. “Today, we’re going to talk about point of view,” he says in a firm voice. I’m curious to see how he differs from our previous professor in terms of how he instructs us on songwriting. “A point of view describes the relationship between the audience and the singer. Here’s a case: a story of a man’s selfless devotion to the woman he loves.” My eyes move around the room to look at everyone’s faces. All eyes are focused forward, mouths are sealed shut, and everyone else has their notes ready. I sit properly. “Let’s call him Joe,” the professor continues. “Joe loves this woman, but as listeners of his story, we don’t know that because we don’t know them. Only the songwriter can tell you that story...” Professor Sebastian tenses up and walks to the center. “What we want to do here is to express an idea. What am I going to say? Which approach should I take? From personal experience? Perhaps you’ve had your heart bro

Julian takes me to an exclusive nightclub on the Upper West Side, but there’s no single customer in sight. It appears it hasn’t opened up yet for the night. I tense up as I scan the vast bar area, manned solely by a muscled bartender in a classic vest and white shirt with tattoos on his arms.But seriously? He brought me here? The professor really is peculiar.Is this something he frequently does? Bringing women to nightclubs?But nope. I’m not his woman.“Mateo. My usual,” Julian says to the bartender as he approaches the bar.“Si, señor. And for the señorita?” Mateo asks, his Spanish accent precise and clear. He also has a pretty high voice for such a large and powerful man. I bet he can sing in falsetto up to a higher C5 note.“Mudslide, please,” I say. It’s my usual drink when Lora and I go to a club.“Are you sure?” he asks me again, now smiling. “Because we have something better.”I laugh. “Está bien, señor barman.”“Ah, you speak Español?”“Si, solo un poco. Mi madre era Colomb

When I come out of the bedroom, I find Julian sitting in the living room with papers strewn across the center table. And seeing him in those black-framed glasses is always a delight for me.Damn. A small grumble escapes my mouth as I chew my bottom lip. I could never tire of that sexy, smart look.I avert my eyes and stride to his dining area, which is adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling windows. I can’t help but admire his private space. It’s enormous and modern, much like his workplace. The living room’s walls are mostly glass, which overlooks the city’s panoramic view. There are no photographs on the walls, only vibrant abstract paintings.His space reflects his personality. It’s bright and well-organized. I’ve met men like him who are gentlemanly, but Lora used to say that nice guys are almost boring. I wouldn’t understand her because she prefers bad boys to nice boys.Well, Kristoff is nice...Julian, on the other hand, is anything but boring if I understand Lora correctly. The man

“After the rock-star vocalist Phillis Stevens’ hospitalization, twenty-three-year-old son, Kristoff, has temporarily taken over Stevens Media in Los Angeles. He was spotted with his girlfriend, Candice McQueen, the rising pop idol, at the press conference last night...”A picture of Kristoff and Lora’s sister looking like the perfect celebrity couple appears on the TV screen. Candice’s hand is intertwined with Kristoff’s arm.“You shouldn’t watch the news. How long has it been since? He’s been gone for two weeks now with no phone calls or texts. Anya, forget about him.”“I didn’t even say anything.” I lie down on the couch and stare up at the ceiling. “Your sister has made headlines. Did you not want to see her?”“We were in the same womb at the same time, and I look in the mirror every day, so I don’t really miss her. I’m just annoyed with myself because I can’t be with Candice and can’t fully support my best friend.”I sigh. “You’re here with me. That’s enough encouragement, but I’m

He feels something... For me...A burst of bliss rushes through me.If only I could run to him with open arms and confide in him completely, I would. But that’s not how life works.This is not a fairytale. Life can be beautiful, but it can also be cruel. I’m just tired and afraid of losing in the end. I survived life’s adversities by remaining watchful and making calculated decisions. I tried to open my heart again with Kristoff, but where did it lead me?Julian Sebastian is my professor and has accomplished things that would take me a lifetime to achieve. He comes from a good family, like Kristoff, and he dated one of the world’s most famous artists.We simply don’t mesh. I have nothing to offer him to be considered his equal.I closed my eyes and let my emotions flow. My chest is attempting to explode, and I’m not sure I can take it any longer. I have to say something, even though I know it would betray me.I meet his gaze to respond, but Lora reappears in our lounge.“There you are