A/N: this originally was going to be a one shot, but I like where it's going, I think. Let me know in the reviews if you like it and want it to continue, please? Any feedback is much appreciated. :)
Carrying the basket of laundry, Rachel turned back around. The door was open a crack and she pushed it open slowly, so as not to disturb Miss July. Miss July lay on the ground again, in front of a full length mirror. She was laying on her side, propped on her elbow, facing away from Rachel's curious stare. Rachel watched on, watching as Miss July raised her leg above her head, stretching her thighs. Her hair was in a loose bun, back arched beautifully, skin-tight leotard emphasizing her flawless figure. Feeling as if she were intruding, Rachel cleared her throat.
Miss July raised her eyes from the ground and looked at Rachel in the mirror. "You already got your second chance in this class, what now, Schwimmer?"
Rachel opened the door, walked into the room and looked down. "I just -" She stopped, tried to gather her thoughts, and started again. "How do you deal with the rejection?" Before Miss July had a chance to respond, Rachel plowed on. "You're right, you know, I lost it over a silly dance class. Maybe I'm just tired or something, but, I don't know, there's just something about you that.."
She stopped talking, and blushed deeply. She had said something she hadn't meant to say. Miss July smirked.
"I'm that awful, Schwimmer?" Miss July asked. Still looking at her through the mirror, Miss July took a good look at Rachel. Even from where she lay, she could see the tears filling Rachel's eyes. In an instant, the over-confident student she had come to admire for her sheer audacity had become vulnerable, unsure, scared.
"Rachel," She chose to call her by her actual name this time, "put the basket down. Come over here." Rachel followed her instructor's orders; placing the basket down, she walked up behind Miss July. Miss July turned around, and patted the floor next to her, motioning for Rachel to join her.
Rachel sat across from her, hugging her knees to her chest. As she blinked back tears, Miss July spoke. "Look, making it here requires the perfect balance. Your vulnerability and naivety is what makes you a star. But without tough skin, they will eat you alive."
Miss July reached out as if to touch Rachel's arm, but thought better of it. Instead, she ran her fingers through her own hair.
"It's just so hard. I have never felt so unsure before. I was always the best, and now I'm..average." Rachel wiped a tear from her cheek.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but you are not average. You're a star amongst stars here. Why else would I be on your case ?" Miss July asked. "I don't waste my time on just anyone."
Rachel looked up. "You really mean that?" She asked.
"Yes." Miss July said with conviction. "Now enough with this crying nonsense. You need to save that for your pillow. Come help me." Miss July laid down again in front of the mirror, propped on her side. She patted her leg, indicating Rachel help her stretch.
Immediately, all thoughts about her insecurities left her. Her thoughts no longer lingered on her future, instead she only thought of the now. She dried her eyes. Rachel knelt down behind her teacher, placing her hand on the inside of Miss July's knee, pulling her leg upward. Goosebumps raised all over her body because of their proximity. Rachel took a deep breath to steady herself. She was surrounded by her teacher's perfume. Rachel closed her eyes, imagining she had the courage to act on her feelings.
Out of nowhere, Miss July laughed. Startled, Rachel let go of her leg.
"What?" Rachel asked accusingly.
"Nothing, I was just thinking about that ridiculous dance you did the other day. Did you return that underwear set to Walgreens yet?" Miss July scoffed, looking up at Rachel in the mirror. Rachel looked horrified.
Something inside Rachel changed in that instant. With total conviction Rachel lifted Miss July's leg back into its previous position.
"I will have you know, that outfit cost me over two hundred dollars." She pushed Miss July's leg a little higher than before. "And if it's the last thing I do, I will prove to you that I know how to be sexy." Rachel slid her hand further up Miss July's leg, gripping her by her inner thigh, inches from her midsection. Miss July's bottom lip quivered and she tried to cover it, but Rachel saw nonetheless.
Rachel pressed her body against Miss July's back. Her lips to Miss July's ears she whispered, "Understand? I will show you just how sexy I can be." She slowly let go of her leg, trailing her fingers up Miss July's body, tucking her hair behind her ear. Rachel stood up, turned around, and walked away.
As Rachel reached the door, she stooped to pick up the laundry. Finally recovered from Rachel's actions, Miss July spoke to her as she walked out the door.
"Schwimmer. You'll have all the time in the world to prove it to me. Private sessions, once a week, for the rest of the semester."
Without responding, Rachel walked out the door. With a huge smile on her face, Rachel walked away down the hall, confident once again.
