Chapter 2 Email To My Benefactor

"She gave me a B plus, but I thought this was the lowest possible grade." Lora's bewildered blue-green eyes stare at me.

"Yes, and you know I need straight As to keep my scholarship," I say, sipping my Frappuccino.

"I'm sure that your benefactor would understand. It's not a bad grade," says Kristoff.

"What did she give you?" I ask him.

He pauses a moment before answering. "A-plus. Sorry, babe."

"See?" I groan and clench my teeth. "She doesn't like me."

"Maybe she's frustrated that Saint Maria still ranks below you in other academics." Lora munches her muffin.

"Saint Maria. That's hilarious." I snort a laugh. "But still, number one is the best." I bump my boyfriend's shoulder with my fist. "What does it feel like to be always on top?"

He grins. "It's been the same since the first year."

"Cocky." I slowly exhale the tension building up in my chest, remembering my benefactor. "Okay, but I can't keep sending Mr. Pitch excuses. It's likely one of the reasons why he never answers any of my emails."

"Perhaps he isn't reading them. That's cool, though, right? He won't know your grades," Lora asserts.

I shake my head. "What if he really is reading them?"

Silence follows my question, but then Lora asks Kristoff. "What do you think of Julian Sebastian? You said he's close to your family."

He mentioned this once. I sometimes forget that my boyfriend comes from a prominent family of musicians.

His father, Phillis Stevens, used to be an A-list rock star and is now a big businessman in the entertainment industry. His mother, Melissa, is a veteran stage actress and violinist. America Stevens, his sister, is a pop singer. However, when he brought me to their house to meet them, they just weren't friendly.

"He's been my mentor for as long as I can remember," Kristoff continues. "He taught me to conduct, play five musical instruments, and compose and write songs. Without a doubt, becoming a professor suits him."

"But don't you think he's ridiculously hot?" Lora asks me. I'm a little shocked. Even though I agree with her, I'm always hesitant to remark on another man's appearance in front of my boyfriend. When I had wet dreams about Julian Sebastian, I wasn't in a relationship, and he still wasn't a professor.

"I... I guess so," I say.

"My family will celebrate Christmas eve with the Sebastians. Maybe you two could come with me to meet him," Kristoff offers.

I'm hesitant. "I'm not prepared. You know why." His parents don't like me.

"I don't give a damn what my parents think of us. I'll defend you." He smiles sweetly as if it were an easy matter.

"You already did." I clasp my hand around his biceps.

"Really? How?" He seems pleased.

"Do you remember when I first came to your house? Your mother asked me about my background. Instead, you told her that backgrounds aren't always important."

He gently pinches my chin. "Because it isn't. I don't care about who your parents were or whether you're an alien."

"Except I don't have any parents anymore." I pout.

Kristoff's gaze softens. "Anya, I like you just the way you are. So, please, let's just ignore them. Come celebrate Christmas with me."

"Aw, that's so sweet." Lora lays her chin on her palm and brushes her long, wavy blonde hair with her fingers. "You guys look wonderful together."

I flash a smile. "Yeah. It took some time for me to realize," I joke. Kristoff had been stalking me for months before we really started dating.

Kristoff chuckles. "The prize is worth it. So, what do you guys think? Will you come with me?"

"My parents are traveling to our cousins in Berlin on Christmas, and I don't feel like seeing them this year. Sure, I'll come," Lora agrees.

"Excellent! You'll like the party theme. It's a masquerade," Kristoff says.

I grab him and kiss his cheek. "Fine, we'll come, but I'm writing Mr. Pitch an email today."

"Do you tell him everything all the time?" Lora ponders.

"I don't have to, but his assistant, Mr. Melnard, encouraged me to discuss anything I want in the emails."

"Did you talk about me to Mr. Pitch?" Kristoff asks.

I bite my bottom lip. "I don't think I have to. It's not like I needed his approval to have a boyfriend. But he knows you two are my friends."

"Mm. Good point." Lora nods. "But Mr. Pitch is basically just like your... dad. Don't you think so?"

I grin. "He is something like that."

While Kristoff and Lora continue talking about the party, I take my phone from my handbag and write an email.

To: main@johnpitchscholarship.edu

Dean Melnard (deanmelnard@johnpitchscholarship.edu)

Subject: My grades and the holidays

Dear Mr. Pitch,

It's snowing in Manhattan right now. Christmas is coming, and so is the holiday. I wish to inform you I passed all of my subjects except I received a C in my songwriting course. I keep breaking my promise, but I'd like to be completely honest with you. I'm not pleased with my performance, so I understand I must study songwriting more. I've attached an e-copy of my grades and the song I wrote.

I do not wish to disappoint you and will not make another promise. But I will work harder and become better.

PS. Kristoff invited Lora and me to celebrate Christmas with him at one of his family's acquaintances. It's a masquerade party. Take care.

Sincerely,

Anya

_______________________________

Dean Melnard (deanmelnard@johnpictscholarship.edu)

CC: main@johnpitchscholarship.edu

Subject: Re: My grades and the holidays

Dear Ms. Scott,

Mr. Pitch wishes you good health during this cold season. A student may receive a low grade in one subject, but this is a valuable experience. To truly understand what success entails, everyone must go through a setback. He believes you will do well in the future.

Regarding the lyrics you sent us, he also agrees that the song is not the best. He noted it had been overwritten to where the meaning had become unclear. He does, however, perceive your great potential.

Please have a wonderful holiday. A package will be delivered to your door this week. It's an early Christmas gift. Take care as well.

Sincerely,

Dean Melnard, Executive Assistant

John Pitch Scholarship

I'm always grateful for my benefactor and his assistant's generosity. Mr. Pitch appears to me as a wealthy, considerate man in his late forties with a deep knowledge of music. And as expected, he didn't respond to me himself. He never has.