I've taught seventh grade now for several years following a tour of duty in the primary classes. I'm a single bisexual woman who, since my divorce some four years ago, has actually preferred women and normally women around my own age. I was not prepared for the feelings that overtook me during this last school year when Melissa joined us a month into the term.

I'd had an occasional if fleeting flash of desire before for exceptionally pretty young girls in my classes but the feelings passed quickly and I thought nothing about them. With Melissa it was different. It's not as though she were extraordinarily pretty although to say she looked good would be an understatement. As far as looks goes she wasn't that much better than the girls I'd had brief naughty thoughts about, rather it was her personality and the obvious crush she seemed to develop on me that hooked me into a very unexpected fixation on this beguiling and beautiful twelve year old.

That fixation bothered me for any number of good reasons. I could just imagine the scandal if we were caught, the loss of my career, and the very real probability of jail. Neither had I ever felt this way towards a girl Melissa's age. The whole thing was preposterous, not to say down right dangerous. But the more I fought it the more her big blue eyes looking up at me, framed by long carefully cut black hair, would melt all my resolve to resist her.

For the first few weeks I didn't act on my feelings in any way In spite of Melissa's obvious attempts to dress up for me and always look her best. That I knew these were for me came from the little poses she'd make each day at me as she entered the class room. I found it very precious and sometimes deeply arousing but I was still very much afraid to go anywhere with these feelings.

Melissa was a very bright girl. She needed no tutoring or extra time with her school work, which allowed me to keep my distance at first. Then piece of her work i noticed was truly exceptional and I wanted to talk to her about it. This wasn't a ploy to get her alone. I was genuinely impressed and wanted to know how she'd managed to put together a project like this. At least that was the plan.

"Come in Mellissa. Thank you for staying after school to talk to me. It's about your project on Ancient Greece. It's very impressive! Did you have some help with it?" I asked her politely as she neared my desk.

"Oh no ma'am! I only asked the school librarian about books on Ancient Greece and she gave me the names of two that would be really helpful, but I had to get them at the public library. Honest, I didn't cheat or anything!"

I could see the fear in her eyes, thinking I'd called her here to accuse her of having someone else write her paper for her. Nothing was farther from my mind and I hastened to reassure her.

"Oh no Mellissa! I believe you wrote every word. It's obviously in your style. It's because I was so impressed that I asked you here, not to scold you honey!"

A look of relief crept over her face. "Oh, so you really liked it? I was hoping you would."

"Yes honey. Your analysis of the causes of the Peloponnesian Wars goes way beyond what I expect from the average seventh grader. You truly seem to understand your subject," I praised her while looking adoringly at the dark blue velveteen dress she wore. It had a square little bib covering her little breast buds, with straps going over her shoulders to support it. She wore a crisp white semi-sleeveless blouse underneath buttoned to the collar. Her look was beautiful but seemed a little old fashioned as, oddly, did many of her outfits.

Meanwhile we chatted about her paper but all the while we were both relishing being in this private time together. I did my best to remain the objective professional but I knew the way I was looking at her was totally subjectively unprofessional and I knew that she knew it too. Her pretty face was flush with excitement and she sometimes spoke breathlessly as she picked up on all the romantic, sexual, facial, and body language I was throwing at her; like gently patting her arm as I spoke to her, dropping my eyes demurely when she'd look at me, and returning a stray lock of hair back behind her ear as my fingers gently scraped her cheek. I seemed almost unable to stop myself from doing these things.

When we had finished I offered to drive her home. I knew that she had a bit of a walk everyday from where she lived and my offer was completely innocent. Watching her struggle with the seat belt made her suddenly look so vulnerable to me and I realized that I loved Melissa in a way I'd never loved anyone else. I suddenly felt like a teenager on her first date, unsure, scared, and afraid I'd say or do something stupid. Get a grip! I yelled at myself.

As she directed me home I noticed that she lived in a nice neighbourhood but that her house looked a little bedraggled and unkempt. I didn't comment on it but I was curious. Such an appearance usually spoke of some inner turmoil and trouble in the home and my heart ached for Melissa if that was the case. Maybe we did need to talk about many things besides school and us.

"Thank you so much for the ride!"

"You're very welcome and thanks again for that great paper Mellisa!" With that I couldn't resist but bent over and kissed her cheek. She flashed a brief look of astonishment then blushed furiously. Then she threw me a big grin and was out of the car and gone. She waved from her porch as I drove away. I was amazed that I had acted so boldly but so glad she didn't mind.

On the way home I was on a pink cloud, bringing up the image of that big smile and sighing. I was getting pathetic with this insane puppy love at my age, I chastised myself. Oh well, I thought, we're okay if it doesn't go farther, I thought to myself. But of course love has a logic all its own!

When I got home I showered before changing into more comfortable clothes. Looking at myself in the mirror I could say honestly that I still looked pretty good. I had a trim figure with solid B cup boobs and a nice round ass and I was still at my college weight. My long dark hair framed what I thought was a pretty face with little signs of aging. All the workouts and dental appointments had been worth it, I thought.

Climbing under the steaming spray I luxuriated in the warmth and release of tension it brought. As I washed I thought back to my time with Melissa and shivered with delight at the little peck on the cheek I'd given her. It wasn't long before my hands strayed to my breasts and hardening nipples, then down to my tingling pussy. Thoughts of Melissa ran through my head as I masturbated to a shuddering climax. If that was all the satisfaction I would get from our relationship then that would be fine. And I believed it.

The days rolled by and there was a subtle change in the way Mellissa and I interacted. She was more relaxed and less uncertain, more self confident. She now knew I returned her feelings and that there were bound to be more times together like the last. I certainly tried to arrange them. While I did schedule a couple of after hours meetings with her I also got in the habit of driving her home most days. The good bye kiss on the cheek became our little ritual that I could tell we both loved.

Then one day I stopped in her driveway and could hear two very loud and rather intoxicated sounding voices from inside the house arguing bitterly, obviously her mother and father. I looked at Mellissa and saw a look of complete mortification on her face and with an ache in my heart I could imagine exactly what she was feeling.

"Honey, let's go home to my place and I'll fix us a nice snack," It was the best I could think of. Mellisa and I sat in silence as I drove home. A lot of thoughts were going through my head. Now I think I knew why she'd sometimes refuse my offer of a ride home. On those days both parents would be home together I'd have bet, and she didn't want me to run into exactly what I did today. They must have surprised her and one or both happened to come home early without her being aware of it.

When we got to my place I put my arm around Melissa's shoulder as I walked her to my front door from the car. I hung up both our coats and showed her into the living room where she sat on my sofa with downcast eyes. I went into the kitchen and put the kettle on. I had a pretty good idea of what I was going to hear when Melissa started talking

"Here hon, I've made some tea and laid out a few biscuits and things," As I sat the tray down I could see that Melissa was crying. "What's wrong honey? Is it your parents fighting that's upset you?" I asked softly. "I hope you know that whoever or whatever they are doesn't in the least cause me to think anything less about you, sweetheart."

"Thank you," she said softly.

"Besides, I think I grew up in a home much like yours so there's no need to be embarrassed."

"You did?" she said, a look of wonder on her face. I knew that, like me at her age, she probably thought she was the only one in her position and that she was all alone inside her crazy, violent family.

"Yes, both my parents were alcoholics and my father would rage at mom and I when he was drunk. I was an only child like you and I would hide away in my room and absorb myself in reading or anything else to take me away from what was happening outside. Is that how it is with you honey?" I asked her.

"Oh my God, yes!" she cried as the tears burst forth in full flood this time.

I quickly ran over and sat beside her. Taking her in my arms I let her cry her eyes out as I gently hugged and rocked her for several minutes. My heart went out to her as she shook and sobbed in my arms. I knew exactly how she felt and thought how much I would have appreciated someone like me being there for me at her age. Memories came flooding back to me of the horrible screaming matches my parents would get into, the broken dishes, sometimes the furniture upturned, and me quaking in fear hiding in the closet in my bedroom hugging my teddy. Yes, I knew exactly what she was going through.

Throughout the evening we talk,cried together, and even laughed. As I recounted my own experiences and how I'd overcome them Melissa visibly relaxed. It was clear this venting and self disclosure for her was working. It certainly helped me. We also bonded in a very strong way. Nothing would be the same between us.

I asked her what she wanted to do. I'd take her home if she wanted or she could stay the night with me instead. I could phone and pretend to be the mother of a friend, drive her home in the morning to change and take her on to school if she wished. Melissa jumped at the opportunity and it was arranged. I got her set up in my spare room and it wasn't long before she was fast asleep.

I lay awake that night thinking about poor Melissa and wondering what on earth I could do to help beyond being there with her. I decided there really wasn't at the moment and, realizing that reporting her parents would only result in her being placed in some likely unpleasant foster care situation, decided to just see what developed over time. She had, of course survived up to now.

Our days continued much as they had but Melissa became a frequent after school guest. She kept me informed of her home life and our feelings for each other only increased leading sometimes to some very frustrating moments for me when I'd hug her or kiss her cheek good bye, our parting ritual. I had many a steamy session in the shower and in my bed before sleep imagining us naked together in passionate embraces, kissing her deeply and bring her to a shattering climax with my mouth. I knew this was wrong but I couldn't seem to help it.

Then one night late near Christmas came the phone call that changed everything. I'd just gone to bed and fallen asleep when it rang. Being after eleven I couldn't imagine who it would be.

"Ms Stevens?" came a woman's voice I didn't recognize. "I'm a police officer at the home of a Melissa Stuart who says your her teacher, is that right?" I replied that I was, my heart in my mouth. "Sorry to disturb you but Melissa has asked for you. She's all right but there's been an accident involving her parents. Could you come over? There's no one else she wants us to contact." Alarmed, I replied that I'd be there in fifteen minutes.

Dressing quickly I raced for my car and tore off at break neck speed not sure what to anticipate. When I arrived there was a police car in the driveway and no sign of her parent's car. I hurried to the front door to be greeted by a young woman police officer. Over her shoulder I could see Melissa being comforted by her partner, another woman. She seemed very kind and attentive.

"What on earth has happened?" I asked anxiously.

"I'm afraid her parents have both been killed in a car accident tonight just a couple of miles from here. A single vehicle accident. Mr. Stuart appears to have lost control." She told me matter of factly.

"I assume he was drunk, was he?" I said, the level of anger in my voice surprising me.

"We don't know for sure yet but from what I hear probably. It's so sad isn't it?" her demeanour breaking slightly.

"Sarah!" I heard Melissa cry as she ran into my arms and began sobbing. I held her tight and rocked her not knowing yet what to say.

As I held her the officer explained that I had been the only one Melissa asked to call. I told her that the Stuarts were new in town and probably didn't know anyone and that it was okay she called. I explained too that they had relatives back east but that they weren't close, his brother and sister. I told her I'd get contact information for her soon.

As we talked a very pleasant older woman from Family Services arrived and introduced herself. I told her who I was and that Melissa could stay with me until things got settled at least. She looked at my ID and wrote down the information she needed. then asked to speak to Melissa in my presence. Being assured that Melissa was in accord with these arrangements she helped her gather some things together, gave me her card and said she 'd be in touch tomorrow. "Will you be able to cope, do you think?" she asked me. "Because we have plenty of help to offer both you and Melissa." I thanked her, grateful for her offer, and gathered up poor Melissa and bundled her into my car.

On the way home I could see that she was in shock, her eyes wide open staring at nothing. I said what kind words I could but she didn't answer. The shock was hitting me too. Poor Melissa indeed. What are we to do?

Thus began an entirely new chapter in our lives.