Friday, May 22, 2020
Zero Tolerance Policies Are Ineffective And Creates More...
The premise of this paper is to discuss the definition, background, and negative aspects concerning zero-tolerance policies in high school education. The use of reports, mental development research, and examples will provide sufficient evidence that zero tolerance policies are ineffective and creates more harm than good for high school students. To address the need for attention, alternative recommendations will provide positive results if adopted and implemented correctly in school districts. No to Zero-Tolerance Policies in High Schools Education Even though the public education field is determined to end violence in schools, the continuing pressure of the negative effects of zero-tolerance policy engulfs studentsââ¬â¢ records undesirably. More than three decades have passed and zero-tolerance approaches in schools have failed. Whereas cases should be judged on an individual basis, zero-tolerance policy negatively affects the relationship of education with juvenile justice given that zero-tolerance policies do not accommodate adolescent development. Zero-tolerance policies are school or district mandates that predetermine ââ¬Å"consequences or punishments for specific offenses that are intended to be applied regardless of the seriousness of the behavior, mitigating circumstances, or situational contextâ⬠(Position Statement 46: Zero Tolerance Policies in Schools, 2014). Early tracks of zero-tolerance date back as the 1980ââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"during the State and Federal efforts to combat drugsâ⬠Show MoreRelatedMinimum Tolerance Policies : Zero Tolerance, Zero Education1879 Words à |à 8 PagesNovember, 2015 Zero Tolerance Policies: Zero Tolerance, Zero Education The school to prison pipeline is a growing issue in schools around the world today. The school to prison pipeline is becoming larger and larger each year due to the zero tolerance policies held by many schools. Zero tolerance policies have been proven to be very ineffective in bad schools who use them as a way to get rid of disruptive students. Alongside with being proven ineffective the zero tolerance policies also damage andRead MoreEducation Crisis in America2463 Words à |à 10 PagesGriffin Thomas 2/25/2014 The Education Crisis in America Currently the U.S. has a major problem on its hands, education today is constantly losing money while we put more of that money and time into our prisons rather than our schools. By showing kids that it is more important to be tough on crime than it is for a proper education is wrong. If these practices continue you can expect to see higher drop-out rates and larger prison populations. Education should be the U.S.ââ¬â¢s top priority and weRead MoreThe Effects Of Bullying In Schools1136 Words à |à 5 Pagesmental or emotional harm for oneââ¬â¢s own personal gain (Spears et el 2008, p. 6). Bullying has long and short-term effects on an individual such as alienation, engagement in violence, decline in attendance and academic performance and a higher chance of developing a mental illness (Spears et el 2008, p. 8). Recent research indicates thatââ¬â¢s one in four Australian students are bullied in school (Baker, 2015). This demonstrates that the issue of bullying is prevalent in Australian schools. Research indicatesRead MoreBullying : Are All Victims Of Bullying And Today?1873 Words à |à 8 PagesTyler Clementi 18, freshman in college. Phoebe Prince 15, high school sophomore. Jamey Rodemeyer 14, freshmen in high school. Megan Meier 13, eight grade middle school student. Mitchell Wilson 11, sixth grade middle school student. Ashlynn Conner 10, fifth grade elementary school. They are all victims of bullying and today they are all dead from suicide because of being bullied. Bullies are in elementary/middle/high/ schools, colleges, universities, and in the workplace. Being able to identify aRead MoreSchool Bullying : Bullying And Bullying2186 Words à |à 9 Pages School Bullying Susan Polk Chamberlain School of Nursingââ¬Æ' School Bullying Tyler Clementi 18, a freshman in college. Phoebe Prince 15, a high school sophomore. Jamey Rodemeyer 14, a freshman in high school. Megan Meier 13, an eighth grade middle school student. Mitchell Wilson 11, a sixth grade middle school student. Ashlynn Conner 10, a fifth grade elementary school. They are all victims of bullying and today they are all dead from suicide because of being bullied. Bullies are in elementary/middle/high/Read More School Shootings in America Essays5717 Words à |à 23 PagesConnecticut, Georgia, Colorado, Virginia, Oregon, Michigan, and Tennessee are the sites in which some of the most viscous school crimes have occurred. In this day and age it seems as if school isnt a safe haven for Americas children anymore. School shootings are on the rise more than ever in todays society with kids as young as 9 years old committing these gruesome crimes against their classmates and instructors. To see this type of action among kids is heartbreaking and sad. People w onderRead MoreBullying in the National Spotlight2365 Words à |à 10 Pagesin middle school and continued throughout junior high and high school. Given a small frame and statue, classmates would often create pranks targeting me. The pranks didnââ¬â¢t the start out as f bulling; name calling started early on my school career. Names such as four eyes, studderbox, nerd, mute, Steve Urkel, were just some of the many names I endured while in school. Entering high school as a freshmen was one of the most enjoyable and traumatic times as a young man. Going into high school with a newRead MoreCorruption Is Barrier to Development in Pakistan9592 Words à |à 39 PagesCorruption in Pakistan and barrier to its development. 1. Factors encouraging corruption in Pakistan A. Poor government policies B. Arrival of foreign remittance C. Afghan War 2. A barrier to development in Pakistan A. A crime against prosperity B. A barrier to justice C. A barrier to democracy D. A crime against the environment E. A barrier to health F. A barrier to education 3. Anti-corruption agencies 4. Transparency International report about Pakistan 5. Corruption Perception Index 6. NationalRead MoreAccounting Information System Chapter 1137115 Words à |à 549 Pagessimultaneously? Or does achieving one mean sacrificing another? Several of the criteria in Table 1.1 can be met simultaneously. For example, more timely information is also likely to be more relevant. Verifiable information is likely to be more reliable. However, achieving one objective may require sacrificing another. For example, ensuring that information is more complete may reduce its timeliness. Similarly, increased verifiability and reliability may reduce its timeliness. The decision maker mustRead MoreAnnotated Bibliography: Plagiarism39529 Words à |à 158 Pageseconomies. Int J Qual Health Care 24(6): 558- 563. Appendix (Full Text of all 10 Articles) Rushby, N. (2013), Plagiarism. British Journal of Educational Technology, 44:à 3 4. Plagiarize, Let no one elses work evade your eyes, Remember why the good Lord made your eyes, So dont shade your eyes, But plagiarize, plagiarize, plagiarize Only be sure always to call it please research. (Tom Lehrer ( HYPERLINK http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.fiu.edu/doi/10.1111/bjet.12008/full?globalMessage=0
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Outrageous Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Samples Tips
Outrageous Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Samples Tips Why Almost Everything You've Learned About Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay Samples Is Wrong Covert racism is a bit harder to pinpoint, that has been suggested by the Trayvon Martin case. You'll have to answer each essay prompt strongly if you'd like to get admitted to Columbia. If you wish to join the band of Blue Jays, you'll have to be a stellar studentand you will have to compose a killer Johns Hopkins essay. You may write a paper all on your own and even now. Most samples are at no charge. The very first of UVA's two required essays is unique to the school within UVA to which you are going to be applying. To start off, make an outline or prewriting of your essay when preparing the very first draft. Possessing a very clear and structured plan is the foundation for any excellent bit of writing, and a college essay is not any different. The essay is the sole place a student has a chance to consult a college. The first thing which you ought to keep in mind whilst deciding the elongated essay topics is the length, as it's a lengthy essay then the topic ought to be something that has a wide selection of information on it. Even should you decide to apply as an undeclared major, you should have potential regions of interest in mind to completely handle the essay prompt. Moreover, the writer has once more asked for help in making certain their kid is doing okay. Stephen connects his previous experience to his present maturity through self-knowledge. So there should be a feeling of your past, in addition to of your vision for your future, together with a fantastic comprehension of Penn, all rolled into one essay. This essay is also a fantastic time to showcase your communitythe friends, family members, teammates, etc. who make up your present life. Since thousands of students apply to Johns Hopkins, you have to figure out ways to stick out from the remainder of the pack. Admissions officers are extremely eager to find students that are already motivated and driven to benefit from the resources at their new school. Students lead busy lives and frequently forget about a coming deadline. As a result, they can pursue a multi-dimensional undergraduate experience both in and outside of the classroom. In the world today, there are quite a few challenges that plenty of men are attempting to cope with. Real men and women are reading your program, and we would like to do our very best to understand and appreciate the actual folks applying to Duke. The world is full of big numbers. The all-natural world doesn't change in an instant. Don't forget, every applicant must answer both essay prompts, which means you don't get to select which essay you want to write. The only sample johns hopkins essay people who understand are numerous writers. Every one of the employees are liable for payment of insurance. Whatever you submit with your application ought to be meaningful and impactful. College essay samples are everywhere over the net and in a lot of subjects. Make your essay unique to the university so that it is going to be a strong supplemental essay. Essays are a fantastic chance to present yourself as a well-rounded individual. The admissions essay is part of the application that may force you to stand out as unique even among a sizable group of similarly qualified applicants. Thus, finalize your school list and make a list of supplemental essay prompts you need to respond to. Question marks go outside the finished quotation mark in the event the full sentence asks the question. It's possible to access the full list here. A quick sentence is utilized to make the emotional resolution of the admission essay.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Succubus Shadows Chapter 22 Free Essays
I wandered into the hotel, still a bit stunned by the situation I found myself in. Seth wasâ⬠¦in Mexico. Presuming Jerome was holding true to his bargain, of course. We will write a custom essay sample on Succubus Shadows Chapter 22 or any similar topic only for you Order Now I had to believe he was, but the question was if heââ¬â¢d actually sent me near Seth. That was a wording in my request that could be blurred a little. Glancing up at the hotel, I hoped Jeromeââ¬â¢s minions had gone as far as to search local hotels for Sethââ¬â¢s name when they tracked the plane ticket. With a quick smile to the man whoââ¬â¢d helped me, I headed toward the hotelââ¬â¢s entrance. In a place that catered to so many tourists, plenty of the staff spoke English, not that it mattered much to me. I went to the front desk, asking if they had a guest named Seth Mortensen. The woman working there looked it up, and when she found him in their computer, I caught my breath. He was here. Iââ¬â¢d really found him. Well, kind of. When I asked her for his room number, she told me the hotel couldnââ¬â¢t disclose that information. She could, however, connect me to his room. I hesitated before accepting. If Seth truly didnââ¬â¢t want to be found, he might change his hotel or even city once he knew Iââ¬â¢d located him. Still, I didnââ¬â¢t necessarily have any other way to get in touch, so I let the woman connect me. It did no good. There was no answer. Thanking her, I headed out to the back of the resort, figuring Iââ¬â¢d walk off my frustration and hopefully clear my thoughts as I determined my next course of action. The pool and beach stretching out behind the building were intended for guests only, but it was easy enough to slip past security. I even took the opportunity, when briefly alone in a hall, to shape-shift into more appropriate clothing: a red bikini and sarong. Outside, the heat hit me once again, and I paused, letting the sun soak into me. The time zone wasnââ¬â¢t far off from Seattleââ¬â¢s here, but even in early evening, the temperature was intense ââ¬â which I loved. Beyond the pool and its bars, I could see a stretch of soft golden sand curving around blue, blue water. Still not as vivid as what Iââ¬â¢d grown up with, but beautiful nonetheless. Lounge chairs and cabanas were scattered along the beach as sunseekers tried to grasp the last of the dayââ¬â¢s rays. I walked toward it, hoping to find a chair of my own and maybe a mai tai. If I wasnââ¬â¢t going to find Seth right away, I might as well ââ¬â There he was. I came to an abrupt halt, nearly causing a young, giggling couple to walk into me and spill their drinks. I couldnââ¬â¢t believe it. God might work in mysterious ways, but Hell worked in efficient ones. I murmured apologies to the couple and started toward Seth, stopping again after a few more steps. What would I do? What would I say? Seth had broken an engagement and fled from everyone he knew. Now, here I was, intruding on his escape. Iââ¬â¢d run through a few mental scenarios but hadnââ¬â¢t decided on anything concrete. With a deep breath, I decided to just push forward and wing it. I came up behind his chair, my shadow falling over him as I grew closer. He lay sprawled out in shorts and a Tootsie Pops T-shirt. A drink that looked suspiciously alcoholic sat by his side, and he was reading a book whose cover I couldnââ¬â¢t see from this angle. Once more, I halted, confused over how I felt. ââ¬Å"The perfume,â⬠he said without warning. ââ¬Å"Even out here, I can smell it. Iââ¬â¢d know you anywhere. Tuberose and incense.â⬠I walked around, coming to stand off to his right side. I put my hands on my hips. ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t seem surprised to see me.â⬠He took off his sunglasses and studied me, one of those small, amused smiles on his face. ââ¬Å"I amâ⬠¦and Iââ¬â¢m not. I thought I did a good job of disappearing. But I knew if anyone did find me, it would be you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Because Iââ¬â¢m well connected?â⬠ââ¬Å"Because youââ¬â¢re you.â⬠Searching for a clear spot of sand, I lowered myself to sit, but Seth scooted over on his lounge chair and indicated the space beside him. Hesitating only a moment, I sat next to where he lay, looking over him as our legs touched. He reached for his drink ââ¬â a peach-colored monstrosity with enough sliced fruit for a salad in it ââ¬â and took a sip. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s that?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"They call it el Chupacabra.â⬠ââ¬Å"They do not.â⬠ââ¬Å"They do. I think itââ¬â¢s got about fifty kinds of vodka in it. Youââ¬â¢d like it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m surprised you like it.â⬠ââ¬Å"If youââ¬â¢re going to become a villain, you might as well go the whole way,â⬠he replied, gesturing for a waiter to bring another drink. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re not a villain,â⬠I said softly. ââ¬Å"Yeah? Is that what theyââ¬â¢re saying back home?â⬠I glanced away and watched small waves break on the shore. ââ¬Å"I havenââ¬â¢t really talked to that many people. Mostly your family is worried.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢ve neatly dodged the question.â⬠ââ¬Å"Do you want to talk about it?â⬠I turned back to him. He gave a small shrug. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s there to say? I broke her heart. I broke your heart. I donââ¬â¢t think someone like me is meant to be in relationships.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s ridiculous. Youââ¬â¢re not the one who sucks peopleââ¬â¢s souls away.â⬠ââ¬Å"Depends how literally you take the metaphor.â⬠ââ¬Å"Seth, stop. Stop making a joke out of this. Whyââ¬â¢d you do it?â⬠ââ¬Å"You have to ask?â⬠The new drink arrived remarkably fast, and he handed it to me. He was right. It did taste like it had fifty kinds of vodka. ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t feel it. Not the way I should. You know that.â⬠I did, and I was surprised at the frank and honest nature of our conversation. We hadnââ¬â¢t had anything like thisâ⬠¦well, not since we were dating. It had all been awkwardness and guarded feelings since things fell apart. ââ¬Å"But why now?â⬠It was his turn to look away, gazing off at the postcard view without seeing it. The sunlight hadnââ¬â¢t quite turned orange yet, but it was bringing out the copper in his hair and amber of his eyes. I stared at him, taking it all in, hardly noticing how long it took him to answer. ââ¬Å"Georgina,â⬠he said at last, eyes still elsewhere. ââ¬Å"When I ended things with us at Christmasâ⬠¦I did it so I wouldnââ¬â¢t hurt you someday. And, I suppose, so you didnââ¬â¢t hurt me. I went to Maddie for the wrong reasons then, but it didnââ¬â¢t seem so bad since I actually cared about her ââ¬â I mean, aside from the fact you had to live with it in front of you every day. I never meant for that part to happen.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s okay,â⬠I said automatically, hating the sadness in his voice. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Shh,â⬠he said, holding up a hand. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll actually talk for once, so you better let me before I lose the nerve.â⬠I smiled ââ¬â though none of this was all that funny ââ¬â and nodded. ââ¬Å"Anyway, I wish Iââ¬â¢d chosen someone I didnââ¬â¢t like or respect. It would have made things simpler. But as time went on, I found myself growing closer to her ââ¬â but not farther from you. My plan wasnââ¬â¢t working. I was only hurting the two of us more and more. Maybe I should have disappeared then.â⬠I bit my lip on any comments. ââ¬Å"The only one who wasnââ¬â¢t hurting was Maddie ââ¬â because we were keeping her in the dark. And after you and meâ⬠¦well, you know. After we were together, I felt so horribleâ⬠¦so guiltyâ⬠¦I hated myself for what Iââ¬â¢d done to her. I wanted desperately for one person to come out of this happy. I wanted her to stay in blissful ignorance. I wanted to make it up to her.â⬠Iââ¬â¢d deduced as much. And I also knew about the guiltâ⬠¦the guilt from the sin that had left a stain on his soul. Seth didnââ¬â¢t know about that part and probably shouldnââ¬â¢t ever. ââ¬Å"But whatever happiness I could give her wasnââ¬â¢t real,â⬠he continued. ââ¬Å"And I realized that the other day when we were at Erikââ¬â¢s, and Iâ⬠¦hell, Georgina. I donââ¬â¢t really know what happened or even what I saw. There are only two things Iââ¬â¢m sure about. One was that when Jerome came and said he needed me to come with him to help you, I did. If heââ¬â¢d said he had to take me to Hell itself, I would have.â⬠I closed my eyes. ââ¬Å"Seth ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"And when I was there and Erik sent me wherever he did, I feltâ⬠¦well, it was beyond anything Iââ¬â¢d experienced. At first, I was so confused and disoriented. I didnââ¬â¢t get what they were saying about finding you. It seemed surreal. Then, it was the easiest thing in the world. I just looked for you, and there you were. In all that space and all that chaos, reaching you was like looking into myself. We were so closeâ⬠¦it defied physics and every rule of nature I knew. It didnââ¬â¢t seem real that I could be together with anyone like that. ââ¬Å"And when it was over, itââ¬â¢s like I said ââ¬â I wasnââ¬â¢t sure what Iââ¬â¢d just been a part of. But I knew that I had never experienced any bond like that with any other woman. Maybe youââ¬â¢re the only one, maybe thereââ¬â¢s anotherâ⬠¦but regardless, I didnââ¬â¢t have it with Maddie. Sheââ¬â¢s amazing. I do love her. But in that situation again? I would never find her. And I knew it wasnââ¬â¢t fair to lead her into a life without that connection. You and Iâ⬠¦I donââ¬â¢t understand whatââ¬â¢s between us, but Iââ¬â¢d rather spend my life alone than with someone who isnââ¬â¢t you.â⬠He fell silent, and it was one of those weird times where I had no quick response. Instead, I linked my hand with his and stretched alongside him in the place heââ¬â¢d made on the chair, resting my head on his chest. He placed his hand on my shoulder, his fingers pressing into my skin to make sure I stayed. His heart beat against my ear. ââ¬Å"Howââ¬â¢s this going to end?â⬠I asked bleakly. ââ¬Å"Iâ⬠¦donââ¬â¢t know, any more than I know how Cady and Oââ¬â¢Neill are going to end.â⬠He sighed. ââ¬Å"I have a feeling I will be alone. In spite of everything thatââ¬â¢s changed between us, nothingââ¬â¢s actually changed.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iâ⬠¦I donââ¬â¢t know.â⬠Again, my clever words were gone, but he was right. A lifetime seemed to have passed since we had split up, but all the same problems were still there. I might wax poetic about the universal connection of our souls, but it could never be matched physically, not so long as I refused him that. And mortalityâ⬠¦always there was mortality beating down upon us. Seth wouldnââ¬â¢t live forever, and that knowledge ââ¬â figuratively speaking ââ¬â killed me. Which reminded me of something. I lifted my head and propped myself onto him so that my hair hung around us as I looked down at his face. ââ¬Å"When are you coming home?â⬠He brushed some of the hair away, tucking it behind my ear. It came loose again. ââ¬Å"Who said Iââ¬â¢m coming home?â⬠ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t joke. You have to.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not joking. Do you think I can go back there? I canââ¬â¢t see Maddieâ⬠¦. I canââ¬â¢t stand to see what Iââ¬â¢ve done to her.â⬠ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t have to see her,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t go to the store. People break up all the time and donââ¬â¢t have to move.â⬠Seth shook his head. ââ¬Å"Yeah, but with my luck, weââ¬â¢d still run into each other. At a movie. A restaurant. Something. Iââ¬â¢m a coward, Georgina. I donââ¬â¢t want to see herâ⬠¦not afterâ⬠¦well, you didnââ¬â¢t see her face when I told her.â⬠ââ¬Å"I saw her face afterward,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"It was probably close enough. I canââ¬â¢t believe youââ¬â¢re seriously saying youââ¬â¢d never come back to Seattle just to avoid her.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s not the only one Iââ¬â¢d be avoiding.â⬠Again, he tried to tuck the unruly hair back. When he failed again, he simply slid his hand down my arm, tracing its curves with his fingertips. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think I can handle seeing you either. Even being with you nowâ⬠¦itââ¬â¢s like the best thing in the world and the worst. Seeing you all the time would just drive home how we canââ¬â¢t be together ââ¬â and we would see each other all the time, you know. If Iââ¬â¢ve learned anything, itââ¬â¢s that fate doesnââ¬â¢t let you and me stay apart for long.â⬠Sethââ¬â¢s words were such an odd contradiction. On one side, they were all filled with love and romantic sentiment about how agonizing his life was without me. Yetâ⬠¦there was more than just that. There was a defeatist attitude throughout it all, one Iââ¬â¢d never seen in him before. Somewhere in all of this, Seth had gained a new bitterness, and I had the uneasy thought that if I could see his soul like Hugh could, the stain of sin would be even darker than before. I made one more attempt. ââ¬Å"Pull me out of the equation. You have to go back for your family. They need you. Andreaââ¬â¢s sick.â⬠ââ¬Å"Everyone gets sick. Thatââ¬â¢s not a convincing argument.â⬠ââ¬Å"Noâ⬠¦you donââ¬â¢t understand. They didnââ¬â¢t tell you. She doesnââ¬â¢t have the fluâ⬠¦sheââ¬â¢s got cancer.â⬠That got a reaction. His expression went rigid. ââ¬Å"No, she doesnââ¬â¢t.â⬠ââ¬Å"She does. Brandy told me.â⬠ââ¬Å"She must have been confused,â⬠he said adamantly. ââ¬Å"They would have told me.â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think sheââ¬â¢d mistake ââ¬Ëcoldââ¬â¢ for ââ¬Ëovarian cancer.ââ¬â¢ And do you think sheââ¬â¢d make something like that up?â⬠He considered a moment. ââ¬Å"No, no, she wouldnââ¬â¢t. But why didnââ¬â¢t they say anything?â⬠ââ¬Å"I guess they didnââ¬â¢t tell anyone so they could find out more. Donââ¬â¢t you see?â⬠I leaned closer, hoping to drive home my plea. ââ¬Å"They need you. You have to go home for them.â⬠For a moment, I thought I had him, and then he slowly shook his head. ââ¬Å"Theyââ¬â¢ll be fine without me. And you said yourself theyââ¬â¢re waiting to find out more. It might not be that bad.â⬠ââ¬Å"Seth! Itââ¬â¢s cancer. Itââ¬â¢s going to be some level of bad, regardless. How can you abandon them?â⬠ââ¬Å"Damn it,â⬠he said, about as angry as I ever saw him ââ¬â which always came off pretty mild. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t need a moral angel on my shoulder right now. Just let meâ⬠¦just let me be selfish for once. I want to just be away from it all. I want to hide from my problems for once, instead of always being the responsible one. If youââ¬â¢re just here to torment me with what can or canââ¬â¢t be, then you should justâ⬠¦you should just go. Let me hide out and be free. Let me write the new series and forget about everything else.â⬠It was almost a mirror of what Iââ¬â¢d done so long ago. Only, instead of trying to forget my problems, I made everyone forget me. Sometimes, I kind of wished I added that last part to the bargain. Consequently, I could understand where he was coming from. I could understand that longing to just make all the bad things disappear. Iââ¬â¢d wanted it too. Iââ¬â¢d made it happen. The thing was, Iââ¬â¢d expected more from him than from me. Sensing my hesitation, he cupped my face between his hands and drew me down into a small kiss. I drew back and stared in astonishment. ââ¬Å"What was that?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"I might ultimately be trying to avoid you, but if Iââ¬â¢ve got you now, I might as well enjoy it for the moment.â⬠There was a wicked gleam in his eyes, one I couldnââ¬â¢t help but smile at, despite all the misgivings within me. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re a hypocrite,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"An opportunist,â⬠he countered. ââ¬Å"What are you really doing here, Georgina? What do you want?â⬠I lowered my gaze. I didnââ¬â¢t know. I didnââ¬â¢t know why I was here. Iââ¬â¢d come to make sure he was okayâ⬠¦but then what? I was always going back and forth. I loved him. I had to forget him. Back and forth. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know,â⬠I admitted. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s the best Iââ¬â¢ve got.â⬠And with no more deliberation, I kissed him again, longer this time, surprised at how easy it was to fall back into the kinds of kisses we used to do ââ¬â the ones that just pushed the envelope of when I started to take his energy. He seemed like he was ready to go further, so I was the one who stopped him and returned to lying against him as we watched the sun sink down and paint the sky with brilliant colors. He gave no protest, seeming content just to have me close. We ate dinner inside one of the resortââ¬â¢s restaurants, my lack of packing not being a problem with shape-shifting. I pulled out a sexy v-cut evening dress whose violet shade reminded me of our first meeting. And as we talked and drank over dinner, our conversation slipped into the funny, comfortable manner weââ¬â¢d always shared. With Maddie removed from the equation, it was exactly as heââ¬â¢d said: so much had changed yet not changed. The rapport, the connectionâ⬠¦it all burned between us ââ¬â as did the sexual tension while we studied each other intently through the effortless conversation. He came alive more than Iââ¬â¢d seen him in a while, but whether that was from the drinks or his freedom, I couldnââ¬â¢t say. Though my heart sang at finally being with him again, I was still battered with a million doubts. Heââ¬â¢d told me to push them aside, but it was hard. Maddie. His underlying pessimism. His desire for escape. His family. My own selfishness. But when we finished dinner, all such worries fled. As soon as we were back in his room ââ¬â a wide and spacious suite that looked out to the now-dark water ââ¬â we were all over each other. The longing that had built up between us exploded. His hands undid the zipper of my dress, peeling it from my body. We fell onto the bed, and I tore at his shorts, reason and responsibility nonexistent. His hands ran the length of my body, down the sides of my hips while his mouth moved from my collarbone to the spot between my breasts and then finally onto one of the breasts and its hardened nipple. I was prying off his pants when I felt the glow of life energy start to creep into me. For a few moments, I was able to ignore its implications. I just wanted him. I wanted to feel what Iââ¬â¢d felt months ago when his body had been in mine and Iââ¬â¢d had that sense of perfect union. The life energy was an aphrodisiac, enhancing the desire my physical body felt. Maybe it was a kneejerk reaction from the days of dating, but once more, I was the one who had to stop it all. I put some distance between us, though we were still intertwined. ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠I said, my heart pounding in my chest. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re about to cross the line.â⬠There was lust in Sethââ¬â¢s eyes. Lust and love and that same burning need I had to reach ultimate completion. ââ¬Å"We crossed it a little, didnââ¬â¢t we?â⬠he asked breathlessly. ââ¬Å"I felt it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah,â⬠I admitted. ââ¬Å"Not much.â⬠Not much is too much. He frowned a little, his hand still running over my leg. So, so dangerous. A little more and we would teeter over the edge again. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve felt it before,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"When you started to take some of me. Just a vague sense, but it was there. Somehowâ⬠¦somehow, it didnââ¬â¢t seem quite as bad this time.â⬠He was right, and that was because of that slight darkening on his soul. Sure, he was nowhere near as bad as a lot of Hell-bound people, but even that slight mark made a difference. I could feel it. Before, heââ¬â¢d been pristine and pure, all sparking silver and undiluted life. Most of it was still thereâ⬠¦save that slight shadow, a shadow that I suspected was increasing the more he decided to turn his back on the people in his life. And the darker a soul was, the less of it I took. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re right.â⬠I didnââ¬â¢t bother getting into the technicalities. ââ¬Å"But itââ¬â¢d still be bad.â⬠ââ¬Å"Too bad to risk just one time?â⬠An old argument. ââ¬Å"What happened to you giving me up?â⬠ââ¬Å"I will if I have to. I was ready to. But that was before you came hereâ⬠¦you still havenââ¬â¢t told me why, what you want. Iââ¬â¢d do it again. Iââ¬â¢d be together again, but no more physical boundaries.â⬠He cut off my protests. ââ¬Å"I know, I know the risks. And I know ââ¬â as should you ââ¬â that whatââ¬â¢s between us is about more than sex. But that was still a thorn, no matter how much we knew it shouldnââ¬â¢t be. I donââ¬â¢t want anything like that happening again. Iââ¬â¢ll take the risk. Itââ¬â¢s my choice.â⬠ââ¬Å"I ââ¬â I donââ¬â¢t know. I just donââ¬â¢tâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Well, thatââ¬â¢s better than ââ¬ËI canââ¬â¢t.'â⬠He chuckled. He moved closer, his lips just brushing mine. ââ¬Å"And if you decide no, then thatââ¬â¢s how itââ¬â¢ll be. But maybeâ⬠¦maybe just this once we couldâ⬠¦maybe just once you could give inâ⬠¦.â⬠I closed my eyes as his lips pressed against mine once more, harder this time, and our bodies moved back together. Again, he was right. I could almost give in this time. Iââ¬â¢d been through too much recently, so much emotional and spiritual upheaval. Being with him felt like the most natural thing in the world right nowâ⬠¦but my warning alarms were still going off. If I shortened his life with a dark soul, heââ¬â¢d be that much closer to Hell. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I said at last. It was growing more difficult to keep pulling back. ââ¬Å"I still canââ¬â¢t. Not yet. Iââ¬â¢m not saying neverâ⬠¦I just. Iââ¬â¢m so confused. Iââ¬â¢m sorry.â⬠He looked disappointed, but to my relief, he didnââ¬â¢t push the issue again. I might not have been able to resist if he did. ââ¬Å"But youââ¬â¢ll stay? Youââ¬â¢ll stay the night with me at least?â⬠I nodded. ââ¬Å"I can stay for three days.â⬠ââ¬Å"Three days. Thatââ¬â¢s perfect. I can handle that. Three more days to think about it all. If we can stay togetherâ⬠¦then we will. If we canââ¬â¢t, then Iââ¬â¢ll be alone until thereââ¬â¢s another Georgina.â⬠His wry tone indicated his doubts about that. ââ¬Å"For now, this is enough.â⬠We lounged in each otherââ¬â¢s arms naked after that, miraculously managing to keep things from escalating. Of course, it was a skill weââ¬â¢d perfected while dating, so we fell into it naturally ââ¬â though also reluctantly. We stayed up talking for a long time, as though we hadnââ¬â¢t seen each other for years and had a lifetime to catch up on. Which really wasnââ¬â¢t that far from the truth. At last, he slept, but I was restless. I watched his peaceful breathing in the darkness, his sleep heavy from the drinks. His skin was warm against mine, and I felt safer than I had in a while. Three days. Weââ¬â¢d have these three days, and for a little longer, I could pretend he was mine again, just like he used to be. If I chose, I could even make this permanent. Iââ¬â¢d told him Iââ¬â¢d think about it. The one problem with it all was that things werenââ¬â¢t like they used to be. The dream replayed in my head, the dream that might have been a lie. Seth had been the man in the dream, the one I could have been with if what the Oneroi had showed me was true. But was this Seth lying in my arms the man in the dream? The one Iââ¬â¢d dreamed of had been infinitely kind and good ââ¬â the one Iââ¬â¢d fallen in love with. The real Seth had changed ââ¬â gradually, yesâ⬠¦but the change was there. It was wrong of me to judge, seeing as part of the change over the last year had been a result of me in his life. Yet, once more, that selfish part inside me thought he should have resisted. Iââ¬â¢d fallen for Seth because of his moral character, something that always attracted me to a man. Ironic and possibly hypocritical for a servant of Hell. I still loved Seth, still felt that connection, but things were off now. This bitterness, this attitude that made him want to lock himself away in easy, selfish retreat was not what Iââ¬â¢d expected of him. Iââ¬â¢d expected more. I didnââ¬â¢t want to lose him. I wanted these last few days with him. I wanted forever with him, but if I stayed, Iââ¬â¢d be furthering this attitude I hated. Iââ¬â¢d encourage the darkness to build within him. I didnââ¬â¢t want to see it. And as much as I loved him and yearned to cling to a few more moments with him, I realized staying with this Seth who disappointed me so much was a bad idea. Seth had said heââ¬â¢d rather be alone than be with the wrong woman. Iââ¬â¢d rather be apart from him than see him like this. I wanted my memories of him to stay pure. And so, though it broke my heart, I untangled myself from him. In his heavy sleep, he didnââ¬â¢t stir. Again, the hypocrisy wasnââ¬â¢t lost on me. Iââ¬â¢d tried so many times to coax him into one drink, and now I looked down on him for using cocktails as a way to dull the pain. How stupid, I thought, that his darkened soul made it easier for us to finally be togetherâ⬠¦and yet, for my heart, it made it impossible. I shape-shifted into jeans and a light tank top and found some hotel stationery. On it, I scrawled: Seth, Iââ¬â¢m sorry ââ¬â but I have to leave. I told you Iââ¬â¢d consider everything, but I was wrong. I love you too much to stay. Cryptic much? A meager way to express all those feelings, but somehow, I suspected heââ¬â¢d understand. He knew me. I left it on the bedside table and then watched him for a few moments, admiring the man I loved and always would. Finally, my eyes wet, I turned away and left the room to catch a taxi to the airport. How to cite Succubus Shadows Chapter 22, Essay examples
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