Emma's POV:
"Mom I'm gonna be late, please just let me wear this shirt," I sighed grabbing my backpack.
"No way, it is your first day. You are not wearing a dress covered in lint. Did you even wash this?" She asked.
I was wearing a black dress over red leggings that complimented my figure along with a red, short cardigan to match my leggings and black short boots.
"Of course, you know I would..." I sighed once more. "There is no lint I promise. I checked... twice," I slung my backpack over my shoulder and was out the door getting in my car before she could say another word.
Okay, you may think it is strange that my mother was so worried about lint on my shirt. Well, my mother and I both have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In short terms, we are clean freaks to the extreme. I developed the disease when I was seven. It was so bad, my parents had to pull me out of school for three years until I could finally go to school and not break down within every hour.
Basically, I am a twenty year old senior in a new school district.
I have my disease in more control than ever, due to my therapist. The only thing I really freak out about is bodily fluids such as blood, vomit and saliva. Plus I may or may not have to use hand sanitizer at least once every hour depending on the day. I don't have to clean my food or wipe down my seat before I sit any longer. On the other hand, I am finally down to showering twice a day.
In my last school, I didn't have any friends. I mean I understood because it's hard to be friends with someone who is more mentally mature and has a disease like mine. This was a new start though. I would try my hardest to find friends and not mention my disease to anyone. This year would be one for the books. I can promise you that.
As I drove to school, my pointer finger lightly tapped the steering wheel to the beat of Don't Threaten me with a Good Time by Panic! At The Disco that was currently playing in the car. I hummed lightly as I pulled into the school parking lot. My heart began to beat faster with nerves. It was the first day for everyone, but it was different to me. These students had friends and cliques to come back to whereas I.. didn't.
I walked in slinging my periwinkle backpack over my shoulder. Following the signs, I found my way through the loud chattering students sharing their summer fun with one another before I reached Principle Figgins' office. I lightly knocked.
"Hello," I smiled nervously. "I am Emma Pillsbury, the new student from Iow-"
"Yes, yes sit down with the others.." he cut her off clearly annoyed with something. "Sue.. I have business to take care of," he claimed turning to a tall blonde haired woman in a red track suit. "I don't have time to deal with your problems with Will Schuester. He gets the auditorium until the winter when the Cheerios have nowhere else to practice. Do you understand?"
"I beg your pardon?" She yelled at him. My forehead wrinkled. Why was this woman yelling at her boss? I tuned out their argument turning and sitting next to a brunette girl who was clearly not a senior and a blonde haired boy with his headphones in.
"You must be new as well! I am Rachel Berry. I just moved here from Michigan. How about you?" She asked in a very enthusiastic voice.
"I.. uh.. I'm Emma Pillsbury. My mom and I just moved from Iowa," she nodded back with a polite smile.
"So are you like a senior or something? Cause you look a little old to go here.. just saying," she claimed.
"I'm a senior, and I'm eighteen," I replied. Yes it was a lie but I didn't need people to know about my disease and how it set me back three years.
"Oh that's cool. I'm a sophomore!"
Clearly.
"That's cool," I smiled. Why was I so nervous? How come I cannot talk to people?
"So, what clubs are you joining?" She asked.
"Huh?"
"Clubs. Look, I'm now telling you you're going to be my new best friend because I have good judgement and we are both new and don't have friends which means I can tell you what's best for you. Right?" She questioned.
I nodded hesitantly. What was I supposed to say... no? I'm not gonna be your friend. What a way that would have started off the school year. Anyways, she was nice so far and I could use someone in my life besides my mother to talk to.
"You're a senior, and after this year I'm assuming you want to go to college?" She asked. I nodded.
"Well, clubs can help a college application tremendously, and you can earn scholarships depending on your ability and which club you're in," She nodded with enthusiasm. "Well, what are you good at?"
"I, uh.. I'm good at speaking Spanish and I'm good at being organized and.. I guess singing," I mumbled.
Rachel's gasp almost made me piss myself.
"You're a singer just like me. We're joining the glee club. Back in Michigan they only had voice lessons, so my dads moved me here to join the glee club," she smiled.
"Dads? Wait... you moved states for a singing club?" I asked dumbfounded.
"Of course. I am a star, and show choir will help me get to the top. I plan on attending NYADA which is the Harvard school for performers like me," she flipped her hair subtly which surprised me because nothing about her seemed subtle. "What are you planning on doing for a career?" She asked.
"Well-" I began.
"Alright kids," the Principal turned to us as the blonde woman in the track suit stormed out of his office pushing children out of her way. "Time to get your schedule," he said in a very heavy Indian accent retiring to his desk and handing them their schedules. They looked at one another's schedules. No classes were the same.
"Principal Figgins, if I may.." Rachel interjected. "I think you should put Emma and I in the same classes. This will give us a good foundation being in a new school. It will help us overcome challenges we may face like bullying or finding friends. If not, then I will have my dads step in and you don't want to fight a minority for your reputation," she crossed her arms.
Principal Figgins raised his eyebrow looking at both of us. I gulped. She should not have said that.
"Very well. I will put you in some classes together, but others are already full and I cannot switch around the schedules of other students," he bargained.
"That's not what-" Rachel argued.
"It sounds fair, Principal Figgins.." I cut her off. He nodded at me sitting down at his computer and switching a few things around. Printing the new schedules, he handed them to us and sent us on our way.
"Why did you do that? We could have had all classes together!" Rachel whined.
"Well.. you have to understand that being independent is just as important as being dependent. It's good to rely on yourself as well as others. Trust me, that's how we can gain more friends and expand our horizons," I smiled down at her. In all honesty, I didn't want to spend my entire day with her. That ten minutes was a lot to handle with her. She was nice and everything, but I need my space.
"You know... I like you," she smiled. "Come on, lets go to history," Rachel hooked her arm around mine and we walked following a map until we found the history wing... I could tell this year would be amazing.
•••••
This day was so entirely long. I had gone to all seven classes and was on my way to my eighth. Rachel and I only had history, math and psychology together, so I was alone on finding this classroom.
Once I found my classroom I rolled my eyes. I didn't want to end with Spanish 4. Although I was good at Spanish, it was boring as hell. I walked in and sat down near the back away from everybody. I looked down at my phone ignoring the chatter not noticing the bell had rung. I was texting my mother anyhow telling her I wouldn't be home until later because Rachel is making me audition for glee club.
"Hey," someone said tapping my shoulder jerking my attention away from my phone. I looked up to see a handsome man with blonde curly hair in a white shirt with a black vest and jeans on. "I said put your phone away, please," he raised his eyebrows seriously. That statement and the other kids snickering at me made me realize he had tried to grab my attention before. Somehow I had missed the ringing of the bell.
"I'm sorry I didn't- I'm sorry," I apologized sliding my phone into my backpack as quickly as possible. I would have to send the text after class. He nodded in understanding walking back up to the classroom.
Many of the girls were pointing and gawking at how attractive this teacher was. I mean of course he is attractive. I'm not blind, but I have more to accomplish in life than to crush on a teacher. He was extremely handsome with his curly hair, his soft smile and his cute chin dimple, though. I understand why the girls would gawk. I looked down to his left hand. Plus, he is not married.
'Shut up Emma.' I thought. 'He is a fucking teacher, and you have more important things to worry about.' Although I could tell he was no older than twenty five years old, it was still inappropriate and wrong on so many levels to crush on a teacher.
"I know it is the last period on the first day of school, but let's try to act like you all want to be here. Most of you know me already from prior years, but I see we have some new students," his eyes locked with mine becoming slightly softer. I looked down. "So, I should introduce myself. I am William Schuester. My friends call me Will, but you all will call me," he turned to the white board writing it down. "Mr. Schuster or Mr. Schue. I don't care. I will answer to both," he nodded.
I noticed the name immediately from the conversation I had overheard this morning. He's the glee club director. Damn. I'm already off to a bad start with my audition because of the phone incident.
I sat absorbing a lot of things I had already learned last year. Spanish was so easy. I was going to test out of Spanish 4 and go on to Spanish 5, but they don't offer it in this school.
"Alright, we are going to take a pre-quiz for the semester. I just want to know what everyone knows already and what we need to focus more on this year," he nodded handing them out.
There were fifty questions, and I honestly breezed right through them. I was done within ten to fifteen minutes, and stood walking to the front of the classroom to hand it in.
"What can I help you with?" Mr Schuester asked looking up to me and then down at my test.
"I'm finished.." I gave it to him, and he crinkled his forehead looking up at me.
"Uh.. okay," he seemed a little taken back. "I'll grade it... and you can be on your phone now," he chuckled. I smiled walking back to my seat.
I took out my notebook rather than my phone and began doodling random things until the last test was handed in and the bell rang.
"Miss Pillsbury could I speak with you for a second?" Mr Schuester asked with a stand. Several students on their way out gave her a look as if they knew she was in trouble. The door closed, and it was just me and the Spanish teacher.
"I'm sorry about that by the way. The texting thing. I'm just extremely overwhelmed right now and I had to talk to my mom abou-"
"I'm not angry with you," he smiled. "There are others in the class that have issues with Spanish and by the looks of it you obviously don't. I just had to make an example so people would be less likely to be on their phones. No worries here," he smiled. "You do know you got a perfect score on that test right?" He asked. I shrugged.
"I'm pretty good at Spanish. I wanted to take Spanish 5, but they don't offer it here, so I just have to take Spanish 4.. not that I don't want to be here. I just- ugh I'm sorry," I could feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment. Mr. Schuester laughed.
"Well I was going to offer you a position as a tutor for Spanish students. I've been looking for one and I've never seen a student as well rounded in the language as you," Mr Schuster smiled. "I know high schoolers these days are buried in work, but I could give you lessons in Spanish 5 if you would like, so you are actually learning something. I did major in it after all. You still have to show up for class though. Plus, being a tutor looks great on a college application if you choose to go to college," he shrugged.
I nodded.
"I will let you know on the position.. but where would I tutor?" I asked.
"Well, there's the classroom, and if I am teaching during the time a student needs help I can lend you my office in the choir room," he smiled.
"I will think about it. I've got a lot on my plate now, and my mother is going to flip that I will be adding more onto my schedule, and not in a good way," I sighed reaching for my bag.
"Where you headed?" He asked.
"Same place as you.." I chuckled nervously.
"Wha..." he seemed confused.
"I'm auditioning for the glee club. Rachel Berry forced me to sign up after she heard me humming in the hallway.." I mumbled.
"Wait up, I'll walk with you," he said collecting his things. "So you're amazing at Spanish, you can sing.. what else can you do Miss Pillsbury?" He asked with a smirk.
"Please call me Emma. I hear Miss Pillsbury and I expect my mother to be somewhere in the room," I chuckled.
"So, Emma, why did you come to McKinley High for your final year?" He asked genuinely curious.
"My mother's job transferred her.." I lied looking down.
"You know, I also have a minor in psychology and I can read when someone is lying," he sighed. "It's okay if it's personal. I don't want to step on toes or anything. If anything happens here like the last school, just know to tell someone. You can tell me," he nodded.
Wow it was like he could read my mind.
"Well, we're here," he gestured to the auditorium. "Maybe one of the glee club members can show you around here so you know where things are and don't get lost," he smiled.
"Okay, thank you," I claimed with a small sigh.
"What song are you singing for your audition?" He questioned.
"You'll have to see," I smirked before disappearing through the door.
•••••
This was taking way too long. Rachel was right before me, but seventeen people auditioned before us. It was the longest wait, and we both ended up doing one another's makeup to pass time.
"Rachel Berry," I heard Mr Schuester claim from the audience.
"Go on, I know you'll do great," I smiled at her gently shoving her toward the stage.
"The correct term is break a leg," she winked at me.
"Rachel, take the fucking compliment and kick some butt out there," I laughed with her as she strode our on stage. Damn that girl was irritating, but she made me smile. I think I had found a friend.
Once Rachel had finished singing Don't Rain on my Parade, I knew she was in. I sighed. I was happy, but I had to fucking follow that.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. 'You can do this'.
"Emma Pillsbury," my name was called by Mr Schuester. I walked out on stage announcing my song.
"Hello, I am Emma Pillsbury and I will be singing A House is not a Home," I smiled and nodded to the guy to turn on the instrumental music. Mr Schuester smiled clearly excited to see if I could sing. I looked down as the song started.
"A chair is still a chair, even when there's no one sittin' there
But a chair is not a house and a house is not a home
When there's no one there to hold you tight
And no one there you can kiss goodnight"
I looked up and gained a world of confidence for some reason.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Girl
A room is a still a room, even when there's nothin' there but gloom
But a room is not a house and a house is not a home
When the two of us are far apart
And one of us has a broken heart
Now and then I call your name
And suddenly your face appears
But it's just a crazy game
When it ends, it ends in tears
Pretty little darling, have a heart, don't let one mistake keep us apart
I'm not meant to live alone, turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
Oh, please be there, sayin' that you're still in love with me, yeah
I'm not meant to live alone, turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
Oh, please be there, still in love
I said still in love
Still in love with me, yeah
Are you gonna be in love with me
I want you and need to be, yeah
Still in love with me
Say you're gonna be in love with me
It's drivin' me crazy to think that my baby
Couldn't be still in love with me
Are you gonna be, say you're gonna be
Are you gonna be, say you're gonna be
Are you gonna be, say you're gonna be
Well, well, well, well
Still in love, so in love, still in love with me
Are you gonna be
Say that you're gonna be
Still in love with me, yeah
With me, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Still in love with me, yeah, yeah"
I finished realizing how tired and out of breath I was. I had never put that much energy into my singing. Especially around others. I looked up to see Mr Schuester with his jaw hanging open.
"How was that Mr Schuster?" I asked trying to catch my breath. He didn't need to reply because Rachel did it for him. Running out on stage she grabbed me in a hug before gripping my shoulders.
"Do you see his face?! He is in awe of your talent! Holy shit you can sing. You're almost as good as me! Do you know how many kick ass duets we can do in competitions?"
"Calm down Rachel," Mr Schuester laughed walking up on stage. "I haven't even put those who made it yet," he smiled before looking to me. Rachel rolled her eyes and wandered off mumbling about finding some male lead who keep up with her.
"You were amazing. I didn't- I had no clue you could sing like that.." he still seemed at loss for words. I swore I saw his cheeks redden slightly, but it may have been the dim lighting getting to me.
"Neither did I," I laughed still slightly out of breath.
"Well, you were the last one to go, so I'm gonna gather everyone to announce who made it," he smiled squeezing my shoulder slightly before walking away.
Grabbing Rachel, I sat in the front row along with a sophomore boy named Kurt who sounded like a girl.. but in a good way. Once everyone was seated, Mr Schuester stood on stage holding a sheet of paper.
"Okay the following students have made it into the glee club this year..
Rachel Berry,
Finn Hudson,
Kurt Hummel,
Santana Lopez,
Noah Puckerman,
Quinn Fabray,
Brittany Pierce,
Mike Chang,
Tina Cohen,
Artie Abrams,
Blaine Anderson,
Mercedes Jones,
Carl Howell,
Joe Hart,
Rory Flanagan,
Matt Rutherford,
Sam Evans,
and last but not least... Emma Pillsbury," he finished as Emma let out a breath. She made it.
"Congratulations to everyone who tried out, everyone did amazing!" He smiled closing his folder. "Practices are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after school until 4:30 PM. So, I will see you all Wednesday!"
Rachel and I got to the door of the auditorium along with the rest of the group when all of a sudden I was hit with a cold forceful sensation. My heart started beating rapidly as I realized a boy from the football team had thrown a slushy at my face.
"Welcome to loser town, population: glee kids," they shouted high-fiving one another.
"Hey, fuck off Karofsky!" Some boy named Finn pushed him to the ground.
I was literally not breathing. Being the only one who was hit, the people in glee rushed to my aid along with Mr Schuester.
When I did start breathing, it was rapid, and I couldn't hear anything going on other than the blood pumping through my veins at above proper rate. I knew I was probably freaking out as some people from glee had jumped back. I somehow rose to my feet and began to sprint down the halls until I saw a single person bathroom. I ran in looking in the mirror trying to get most of it off of my face and hair as I could.
I could feel the panic start to kick in with a cold sweat as my hands were already sticky.
"Get it off!" I shouted at nobody. I felt a hand on my shoulder swivel me around. An intense amount of pressure was being applied to my entire body and I knew someone was hugging me.
I fought immensely before finally giving in and crying into whomever was holding me. After a while, my heart rate settled, and the person let go. I opened my eyes.
"Mr Schuester?" I asked still out of breath from crying.
"You were having a panic attack. My ex-girlfriend used to get them all the time and the doctor said a lot of pressure like hugging would work until the person calmed down. Are you okay?" He asked. I more than likely looked like a mess and it was only my first day at McKinley High School.
"No I'm not okay.. wait why are you in the girls restroom?" I asked. It was a little strange especially for a teacher to be in the opposite sex's bathroom.
"Rachel is guarding the door. It's a single bathroom, and I was pretty sure after you ran down the hallway like that you didn't need to use the restroom... do you want to tell me what happened?" He asked leaning against the sink.
"I..." Well there was no use keeping my secret in now. If I didn't tell him the truth it would make me look like a crazy person, then again, I already am a crazy person. "I have OCD..." I admitted before completely falling apart.
"Hey... sshhhh," he cooed scooting closer to embrace me again. "You're okay.. why don't I try to clean most of it off in the sink and then I can call your mom to come pick you up, okay?" He asked stroking my hair. I pushed him away.
"No! You can't tell my mother! I'm begging you!" I almost yelled at him.
"Why? Your mother should know you're having slushies thrown at you.." Mr Schuester shook his head.
"I don't want to move again... please. I like it here and I actually have friends," I couldn't take it any longer. I started crying... in front of my teacher. "I'll adapt. I'll be less crazy. Give me a chance," I begged.
"Hey.. it's okay... don't cry. You are not crazy," he tried to soothe me rubbing my back hesitantly. I didn't know if he hesitated cause of my OCD or because he was a teacher. "I won't tell her, but action still needs to take place. You need to stand up for yourself. You're a strong woman, Emma. I could see that the second I laid eyes on you," he smiled reassuringly. I nodded.
"Can you try to get some of it out?" I asked politely.
"Of course, and you can tell me about your disease, if you'd like. I'm here to listen," he smiled grabbing a chair from the corner and telling her to sit and put her head back in the sink. She did as she was told closing her eyes.
Closing her eyes would make things less awkward. Her teacher was literally washing her hair in the sink. What a strange first day of school.
"I was seven.."
"Huh?" He asked.
"I was seven and in second grade when I got the disease really bad. My uh, my mother pulled me out of school for three years until I had it mostly under control.." I sighed. I'm not gonna lie. Mr Schue was really good at washing hair. It felt like I was getting a head massage.
"Wait... so how old are you? If I may ask.." he quickly back pedaled knowing that probably wasn't the best way to put it.
"Mr Schuester, you should never ask a woman's age, you should have better class than that," I said with a sigh.
"I.. uh.. I'm sorry I didn't mean.."
I opened my eyes to see his face about a foot above mine. We locked eyes and I smiled.
"I'm teasing you.." I chuckled. This caused him to nervously laugh. "That's payback for the phone incident," I claimed.
"That's rude," he laughed.
"I'm twenty. I'll be turning twenty one October 3rd," I claimed with a sigh.
"So you'll be turning twenty one soon," he more of said to himself rather than me. "I thought you were more mature than the other students. You're closer in age with me than your friend Rachel. I think Rachel is only fifteen or sixteen," he claimed.
"Oh yeah? And how old are you Mr Schue?" I asked. He fake scoffed at me.
"Never ask a man his age," he mimicked me. I laughed. "I'm twenty four," he smirked with a raise of his eyebrows. The head massaging was so good I may have inadvertently let out a low moan at the feeling as my eyes rolled to the back of my head. I heard Mr. Schue suck in air.
"Can I ask you something?" I changed the subject rather quickly to get past the fact that I may or may not have moaned in front of my teacher.
Fuck. This. Day.
"Yeah," his voice squeaked.
"Can you maybe not tell anyone about my age? I told Rachel I was eighteen, so I wouldn't get asked why I was held back. Well, I mean the cat's out of the bag now, but I would like to tell her myself," I cleared my throat.
"I'm good at keeping secrets," he smiled down at me before turning off the water and squeezing my hair to get the remaining water droplets out. "I got most of it out.." he mumbled sounding a little disappointed in himself for not helping me further.
"No worries. I need to go home and shower anyways," I chuckled nervously standing and grabbing my backpack.
"Hey," he reached for my forearm gently. "I know you want to keep your disease a secret, but.. um.. I know it's not my place but you should have at least a couple people rather than your mom and dad to talk to about your problems with.." he suggested looking down at me.
"Mom.." I corrected him. He looked puzzled. "It's just my mom and I. We.. uh we both have the disease and uh.. my dad left us when I was nine and when my problems got really bad, he couldn't. He uh.. couldn't handle us," I confessed nodding looking up to his eyes. His sympathy expressed that his heart instantly broke for me. "I want to keep it a secret because yes it is embarrassing, but I can handle embarrassment. I have my entire life. I just don't want anyone else to leave.. everyones got their own shit to deal with," I sighed before realizing I was still talking to my teacher. "I mean stuff.. sorry. You know I've embarrassed myself in front of you three times now on the first day," my face reddened as I chuckled.
"It's okay, it's after school hours which means you can cuss as much as you please," he chuckled patting my shoulder.
"Now, if you'll excuse me I have to drive home and take this off," I gestured down to my clothes soaked in blue slush.
"Actually.. I have an extra shirt in my bag," he reached in his bag pulling out a darker red t-shirt with the ACDC logo on the front. I looked up to him shifting uncomfortably. "I always have an extra shirt. It's a continuous thing at this school for glee club members to get a 'slushy facial' so to speak. You don't have to take it if you don't want to, but I do promise it's cleaner than what you have on," he shrugged offering it out to her. "Finn got this for me two years ago when we won nationals because of how much I love ACDC," he smirked down at the shirt. I reached out and took it thanking him. "Yeah of course, just don't ruin it. That's a good shirt," he narrowed his eyes jokingly. I nodded.
"Speaking of shirts.. I am sorry I got slushy on you white shirt.." I nodded my head to his shoulder.
"It's alright. That's why bleach was invented," he shrugged.
Entering the stall, I was so grateful to have worn leggings under my dress.
"I'll be in the hall and make up an excuse for Rachel.." he claimed.
"Don't lie for me," I almost snipped at him.
"On the contrary, my dear, I am just giving you more time to figure out who you would like to know about your disease and who you would like to keep it from," Mr Schuester claimed before I could hear the door to the bathroom close behind him.
I changed rather quickly, and I almost felt clean. Stepping out of the stall, I looked in the mirror.
"Fuck.." I mumbled. A cold sweat came over me. I was wearing a baggy large red t-shirt over my red leggings. Let me just tell you... my red hair did not help.
Walking out of the bathroom, Rachel almost attacked me.
"Is your eye okay?" She asked.
"My eye?" I asked.
"Yeah, you're eye," Mr Schuester interjected. "You got a chunk of ice in your eye when they threw the slushy in your face," he claimed. I almost smiled at his genius lie. He was a good liar. Freaking Psychology minor.
"Yeah, I need to call my mom to go see the doctor, make sure everything is okay with my cornea.." I added to make it more believable.
"Okay. Well I hope everything turns out okay. We need to practice a duet for glee club," she grinned. Looking down at my outfit she added "that shirt is really big on you... and you look like a tomato," she giggled.
"That's cause the shirt is mine," Mr Schuester sighed.
"Oh," Rachel raised an eyebrow before leaning into me whispering, "I hope I get slushed next time," indicating she wanted to wear his t-shirt. I rolled my eyes.
"Rachel, why don't you walk Emma to her car?" Mr Schuester suggested.
"I would love to Mr Schue, however I have another club to get to. My dads want me to be as involved as possible in the school," she smiled walking quickly away. "Goodbye Mr Schue! Goodbye Emma! Text me!" She yelled over her shoulder.
"I guess I'll walk you to your car," Mr. Schue shrugged.
"You don't have to... really, you've been kind enough to me today. I can walk to my car by myself," I suggested.
"It's okay my car is over there anyways."
"Okay," I nodded.
"Plus you don't look like a tomato.." he said seriously.
"Thanks," I felt relief wash over me.
"Maybe a strawberry," he added. My smile turned into a frown.
"Rude," I laughed. "My hair doesn't help the situation," I added. He frowned opening his mouth as if he was going to say something, but closed it deciding against it.
"Hey, I'm just saying... plus, everyone loves strawberries. You're crazy if you don't. Especially dipped in chocolate," he groaned as if he was imagining it. I personally thought we were still talking about me, but he was talking about literal strawberries. That's when things got awkward really fast.
"You what?!" My heart skipped a beat. He was confused at first before his eyes bugged.
"No! No, no, no!" He scratched behind his ear nervously. "I meant literal strawberries not you dipped in chocolate... I uh.. I'm sorry," his voice hitched. I could see his cheeks redden as we walked to the parking lot.
"It's okay, it was a misunderstanding.." I nearly whispered.
"Yeah.."
We were quiet for a couple seconds before he spoke up changing the subject.
"That was an amazing performance you did today," he patted my arm.
"Thank you," I smiled feeling my own cheeks heat. I could never take a compliment from anyone without blushing. It was embarrassing.
"I'm serious, have you looked into performing arts schools?" He asked as we reached the parking lot.
"No I haven't. I'm unsure of what I want to do yet.." I sighed. I know I don't have much time before I have to decide, but honestly I have no clue.
"Well, I think you should consider music. You're really talented, Emma," he nodded as we reached my car. "Nice car, Chevy Cruze?" He asked looking at my car.
"Yeah," I nodded.
"Well, my car is over there," he nodded to the other side of the parking lot. "So I guess this is goodbye. I will see you tomorrow in Spanish sound good?" He asked. I nodded.
"Goodbye Mr Schuester!" I waved goodbye.
"Goodbye, Strawberry," he called back, and I swore I saw him smirk to himself.
I got in my car and let out a breath saying only one sentence the entire way home: "he's your teacher."
•••••
"Emma what in the hell is that outfit? You look like a tomato," My mother asked as I walked in the door.
Thanks for the honesty Mr. Schue. I rolled my eyes. Strawberry my ass.
"I uh.. dumped my Gatorade all over my dress at lunch on accident, so a friend let me borrow an extra shirt he had with him," I nodded.
"I don't want you dating anyone till you finish high school hunny," my mother sighed.
"No mom..." I laughed. "I guess he's not a friend. A teacher gave it to me," I paused. "Also, I am twenty years old and doing just fine with my problems. I'm okay if I want to date someone. Most people date others in sixth grade. I'm fine. You don't need to get so worked up about boys that never come knocking on my door anyways," I scoffed.
"Did you have an episode today when you dumped your Gatorade on you?" My mother asked.
"Uh.. no," I lied.
"Your vein on your forehead is popping out. Plus, I always know when you're lying. I'm going to school with you tomorrow to get you signed up for a 504," mother claimed.
A 504 was a system in order to help students with disabilities or disorders and have teachers accommodate to that student's need in order for that student to learn properly.
"Please don't! I made friends! Please mom! I don't want people to look at me weird. I'm managing my disease really well. It's not like I spill on myself every day.." I claimed. "It was a one time thing I promise I'll be more careful! Don't come to the school!" I nearly started crying. Mom sighed.
"Very well, but one more slip up and you and I will be getting that 504 in place do you understand?" I looked down. My mom walked up lifting my chin up to her. "I'm just trying to do what is best for you," she looked down at me saddened.
"I know. But, I am twenty years old and I am going to be all on my own next year, so please... just believe that I can make it without my mom sticking up for me. I can stick up for myself," I said softly before walking up the stairs to shower.
•••••
This sticking up for myself only lasted for two days because I did indeed get slushed again on Tuesday after third period.
I was grateful Mr Schue had that next period off or I would be totally screwed. I ran to his room, and he quickly rushed me to the bathroom to clean me off once more.
Because I am the worst liar in the world, my mother picked up that something else happened. I finally caved and told her the kids were throwing slushies at me. I told her it wasn't just me though, cause Mercedes and Kurt both got slushed the period after I did.
It was Wednesday shortly after school, and Mr Schuester and I walked to glee club together.
"Good luck on your duet with Rachel today," he smiled.
"Thanks, we've been working on it really hard," I said as I walked into the choir room sitting down next to Rachel as Mr Schue and I parted so he could write the assignment on the board. Rach and I were talking about our solo until I felt a hand softly touch my shoulder. I turned to see Noah Puckerman or Puck for short. He was easily one of the so called 'hottest' guys in school especially being a junior on the football varsity team, but technically it was illegal for me to date him considering I was twenty and he was sixteen. Not that I wanted him at all, but just stating facts. He was to dumb and immature for me.
"Can I help you?" I asked.
"I was just wondering.." he began. "If you were a pirate, would you put your parrot on this shoulder," he touched the one closest to him. "Or this shoulder?" He concluded wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I rolled my eyes as he high-fived with Finn who was sitting next to him. I turned to look at Rachel, but caught Mr. Schuster watching the whole ordeal go down with a crinkle in his forehead as if it had upset him. I turned back to Puck feeling a sense of pride wash over me.
"If I were a pirate, I would have probably made you walk the plank or cut your arm off for that pick up line," I laughed along with Rachel.
"Seriously! You couldn't think of something smoother?" Rachel laughed.
Puck unwound his arm from my shoulders looking extremely pissed.
"Look," he said turning to me. "I'm a class 'A' stud. You would kill to go out with the Puckasaurus. Plus, I'm into milfs and out of all the girls in this school, you look the oldest and you're hot as fuc-" Puck was cut off by Mr. Schuester. My eyebrows raised at his comment.
"Puck, enough. Flirt on your own time. This is my time," he said which caught everyone off guard. Mr. Schuester usually never yelled at them for something as innocent as flirting. Puck rolled his eyes. "Okay we have a duet to start us off today, and then I will talk a little bit about our assignment due next week." He turned to Rachel and I. "Ladies," he gestured. Rachel smiled taking my hand.
We stood just as one of the most humiliating things happened to me.
My mother walked in.
"Mom!" I shouted. She ignored me and turned to Mr Schuester. Who glanced nervously at me.
"Are you the teacher?" She asked. He nodded sticking out his hand. Mistake number one.
"Mr. Schuester," he introduced himself. My mother looked at his hand nearly in disgust and then back up to his face. He awkwardly put his hand down.
"I'm Rose Pillsbury, Emma's mother," she introduced herself pretty loudly. All other conversation ended and everyone looked either awkwardly at me or my mother.
"Why don't we talk somewhere in private?" He asked and I let out a breath. Thank you Mr. Schuester. My mother, however decided just to announce it in front of everybody.
"Yes, I would like to talk to you about Emma's OCD problems and what we can do to fix her. Just because she's twenty and still in high school doesn't mean that the faculty can look at her like a lost cause," she commented. My head was already down in my hands.
"Ms. Pillsbury can we talk in private?" Mr. Schuester said, and I could tell by his voice he was rather irritated.
This was not happening.
This was a dream.
You're dreaming.
I knew I was crying. I could feel someone grab me by the arm and drag me out of the room. I knew it wasn't Mr. Schuester because he had bigger hands than whomever was dragging me out right now.
"Come on lets go in here," the voice said and I knew it was Rachel. We walked into an empty classroom, and Rachel closed the door. "Why did you lie to me?"
That's when I really started crying and running. I ran out of the room and didn't stop even when I reached my car. I drove all the way home, grabbed a suitcase and started packing. A knock came to the door from outside. I ignored it packing as fast as I could: clothes, my favorite book, my cleaning supplies, my pillow, my bathroom supplies etcetera. The knock kept coming, but I kept ignoring.
As soon as I was all packed, I took my suitcase and went to the garage getting in my car.
"Where you going?" The voice made me jump. Rachel was in my passenger seat.
"I'm leaving town.." I stayed buckling my seatbelt and looking to her. "Get out of my car."
"Please just think before you highway run yourself out of town. Everybody is different, and I personally never would have known if your mother hadn't proclaimed it other than the other day when you got a slushy facial... but that's understandable. You're managing it really well.." she smiled.
"Just get out of my car I don't want to be charged with kidnapping because I will drive off even if you don't leave. No one controls me but me," I said sharply.
"You're handling it better than I'm handling my ADHD.." she mumbled. I looked over to her settling down a little. "You probably noticed I talk a lot.. and rather fast I may add. I always have to be moving, and I'm a lot to keep up with," she shrugged. "We all have our own problems.."
I sighed.
"I'm sorry I lied to you, especially about my age. Once people know of my disorder they kind of steer clear... I didn't want that reputation to follow me here," I explained.
"Did you get held back?" She asked. I nodded. "Ah, that's why you look more mature than everybody," she claimed.
"It's embarrassing," I said.
"I got held back two years because of my ADHD.." Rachel claimed. My head swiveled around in shock at that comment. "Why do you think I dress younger than I should? I'm throwing people off.." She sighed.
"So, how old are-"
"I should be a senior. I'm seventeen. I'll be eighteen in December.." she admitted.
"How do you not let it bother you?" I asked.
"Well, everybody learns at different times. Brittany is a super senior and I'm pretty sure Puck got held back a year in third grade," she shrugged. Reaching back to my back seat, she pulled the red shirt Mr. Schuester has given me. "Plus I'm pretty sure Mr. Schue would be peeved if you didn't give back one of his shirts," she chuckled.
"Alright, I'll go back to school on Friday," I sighed.
"Yay," she smiled. I leaned over and gave her an awkward car hug.
"Thank you... I really appreciate you sticking up for me even when I lied to you," I pulled away looking at her. "I promise it won't happen again.."
"It's okay," Rachel smiled before pausing. "Wanna do our duet?" She asked. I smiled before nodding.
"Yeah of course," I said. I began singing.
"Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes... and leap!"
I began to look up gaining more confidence. That's when I let go and began pouring my heart out.
"It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I am defying gravity
And you won't bring me down!
I'm through accepting limits
'cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you won't bring me down!
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you won't bring me down!
Bring me down!
Ohh ohhh ohhhh!"
We ended and looked at each other grinning from ear to ear.
Rachel's phone buzzed. Looking down she opened her phone.
"Finn texted me.." she claimed. "It says 'Mr Schue is scheduling a mandatory weekend next weekend at the lake. We will camp out, play games to get to know one another, barbecue all day, swim, etc. Bring white shirts. Have your biggest and most unique quality about yourself that you are not too fond of, and wear it inside out. Our assignment for that week is to prepare a song about overcoming obstacles. It can be a duet or a solo or a group project'," Rachel looked up and smiled at me.
"What?" I laughed.
"I think we have a song already," she giggled.
Okay I'll admit... I love McKinley High.
*Hey y'all! This is a long ass chapter I know, and this story will probably be around fifteen chapters, but every chapter will more than likely be as long as this one. I recently finished glee and am a HUGE Wemma fan, so I was thinking of a story plot line and came up with this. I get a lot of "write a teacher student story" so that's what I'm doing. I like Emma being a little older than the others being that she's almost 21, and Will is only 24, so this relationship will not be creepy (if the relationship even happens.. sorry no spoilers lol) please review and let me know what you think. Im like tinker bell. I need applause to survive (lol sorry I'm done). I will be updating probably once a week if not twice just for the heads up. Thanks! -Syd*
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