Chapter 7

Reba had begun to learn that students really didn't like teachers who gave pop quizzes. Well, she really already knew that but it was quite amusing to hear some of the excuses she was given. Many had complained that they read the two chapters but they needed to study a bit more. One tried to bribe her with twenty bucks to wait until tomorrow to give the quiz. Then she was offered fifty not to give it at all. One even tried to throw their quiz out the window; luckily she made a few extras just in case.

After the pop quiz Reba had them get into groups, that she chose which they did not appreciate very much, to discuss the two chapters they had read and to compare and contrast the two main characters. None of her students liked that they had to write what they discussed down and the comparing of the two main characters. They gave her a lot of grief and excuses about the work they had to do all day.

By the end of the day she was exhausted and she was ready to go home and relax before she had to get ready for her date she had that very night. She didn't have to pick up Jake that afternoon because Brock had promised to pick him up at four thirty after practice and Kyra had plans with Brian that afternoon.

Reba had stayed after school for about an hour to at least get a few papers graded. She knew she wouldn't be able to finish them all. Reba had to admit that she was hoping John would come by if she stayed just a bit longer because she hadn't seen him all day but he never did show up. She was quite tired and decided she had waited long enough when four thirty rolled around. She had to get home so she could relax before she had to make dinner for her family. Reba figured she would see John that night for their date. She was so excited for this date she had tonight. It was a step towards moving on and away from Brock.

Reba stepped into her home and dropped her bag and purse immediately to the floor. Reba hung up her jacket on the coat rack. She was ready to collapse on the couch to relax at least for half an hour before she would start dinner. There was just one problem.

"Hello Reba." Brock said smiling.

"Hey mom." Jack said smiling as he sat on the couch with his father.

Reba sighed as she walked over to the chair beside the couch and flopped down. Brock smiled as he watched Reba laid her head back with her eyes closed and one hand lying across her stomach. She looked so tired. Brock chuckled as her body slumped down even more into the chair. "Did the students give you a rough day?" Reba opened her eyes and glared at him. Brock took that as a yes. "Don't let them bring you down."

Reba waved it off and sat up. "It will be fine. I just learned that kids don't like pop quizzes." Brock chuckled. "Or any work what-so-ever."

Brock laughed. "Their kids…" he said with a smile. "Of course they don't like work."

Reba shrugged and stood up stretching, again, catching Brock's attention. "What are you doing here anyway?" she asked picking up her stuff she had dropped to the floor.

Brock rolled his eyes. "Well someone had to watch our son since you decided to have a career all of a sudden."

Reba stopped and turned around to glare at him. "Excuse me?"

Jake saw the exchange between his parents and thought it was best to make himself scarce. "I'm going to my room." Jake announced as he gathered up his homework and disappeared quickly.

"I have to make dinner. Can you leave please?" Reba said with a glare.

Brock stepped up to her and gave her an equal glare. "Hey, I took time off from my work to pick up Jake, the least you can do is say thank you."

Reba rolled her eyes and began to walk away. "I'm so sorry you had to take time out of your busy schedule to pick up our son." She said a little louder than intended. Both of their heads turned immediately when they noticed the two bodies standing by the door.

"Their at it again." Kyra stated to her boyfriend as he helped her off with her jacket.

"I thought you were going out?" Reba asked her daughter.

Kyra set her coat on the rack and picked up her back pack she had set on the floor. "We were but now since we have more chapters to read and some class work to finish…" Kyra gave her mother a glare and Reba just smirked. "We thought it would be better if we just came over here to study. Is it okay if Brian stays for dinner?"

Reba looked at the boy who came in with her daughter and was now giving her his best smile. Reba shook her head in amusement and smiled. "I don't care. I better go start dinner then. I was hoping to rest but I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon."

Kyra and Brian smiled and began to walk toward the stairs. "Okay, we will be upstairs."

Reba nodded and started towards the kitchen until the words finally started to sink in. She immediately turned and walked back towards her daughter. "I don't think so." Reba said stopping them. "No boys upstairs."

Kyra made a face and didn't move from her spot on the stairs. "You can trust me Mrs. H." Brian said with a smile.

Reba smiled too and shook her head. "As much as I would like to trust you…I'm sorry, I can't."

Brian shrugged and started towards the couch. Kyra wasn't about to give up though. "Mom, of all people you should be able to trust me."

Reba thought abut it for a moment. Kyra did make a very good point. Reba should be able to trust her but then she took a look at Brian and saw his charming smile, dimples, wavy blonde hair, and muscles. Reba turned back to her daughter and shook her head. "Nope, sorry, you have to stay downstairs."

Kyra rolled her eyes and stomped toward the couch. "Whatever."

Reba smiled at her disappointed daughter. "I love you too honey" Kyra just waved her off and followed in the suite of Brian by getting out her English homework.

Reba walked back toward the kitchen so she could cook dinner. Reba sighed as she started getting out the necessary things to make dinner. "Why did you say yes to that kid coming to dinner?" Brock whispered harshly as he walked into the kitchen.

Reba looked up as she began chopping cucumbers. "He's Kyra's friend. I don't see the big deal and what happened to you saying you didn't give him a real chance?"

"Well…" Brock said as he shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "I think my first judgment was the right one." Reba rolled her eyes and continued on with the chopping, trying to ignore Brock and his ridiculous notion. "I think he should go home. I'm her father, don't I have a say in this?"

Reba shook her head and threw the vegetables in the warm frying pan, hearing them sizzle she turned them over with a spoon. "Brock…" Reba said turning around with the spoon in her hand. "She's sixteen. She's old enough to have a boyfriend. I know you don't really like him but Kyra does so we have to give him a chance, okay?"

Brock sighed and nodded as he sat on the stool. "So why are you making dinner so early anyway?"

"Well…" she said reaching up to the top shelf of the spice rack to grab the pepper grinder. "If you remember correctly, I have my date with John tonight."

Brock frowned. "That's tonight?" he asked trying not to sound hurt or disappointed. He had so much fun yesterday with her, it completely distracted him and he had forgotten all about it.

Reba nodded adding a few more vegetables to the pan. "Yup, I'm going to fix dinner early and then head up to my room to get ready."

Brock nodded sadly. "What time are you leaving?"

"He will be here at seven to pick me up. Which means…" Reba said glancing at the kitchen clock. "I only have an hour to cook dinner before I have to go upstairs to get ready. I'm cutting it a little close. I hope I'm not late."

Brock gave her a strained smile and stood up. "I'm sure everything will work out the way it's supposed to. I have to go."

Reba frowned as she added some chicken to the mix. "You can't stay for dinner?" Brock shrugged and Reba nodded in understanding. "You have a date with Amy?"

Brock shook his head as he walked toward the back door. "No I don't. I might be back later. I'm not sure. I'll see you." He said opening the door.

Reba frowned but nodded. "Okay, I'll see you…" Reba sighed as Brock rushed out and slammed the door behind him. He sure was acting strange. Whatever his problem was she hoped he got over it soon.

Reba tried not to worry about Brock and his attitude and focus on dinner. It was quite tough though. Reba couldn't get over the look Brock had on his face when she reminded him of her date with John. He looked slightly hut and the tone of his voice sounded that way as well. He always said he would be jealous when she finally found someone. Well, she hadn't really found anyone, it was just one date but she was almost certain she felt a strong connection when she first met John.

Reba smiled as she thought about John and her date. She was quite anxious to go already but she still had about another hour and a half before he would be there and she knew that if she didn't get dinner finished soon she wouldn't be ready on time. She needed to stop focusing on Brock and his jealously and start focusing on the dinner she was making for her family.

Reba finished the chicken and vegetables over pasta in half an hour and now she only had an hour to get ready. She wished she would have given herself more time. She still had no clue as to what she was going to wear that night. "Dinner is on the table in the kitchen." Reba said as she walked into the living room.

"Hey mom, we need you to settle something for us." Kyra asked stopping Reba right behind the couch.

"You're right…" Reba said pointing to Kyra. "Whatever it is you're right."

Reba started walking toward the stairs again. "You're only saying that because she's your daughter." Brian stated as Kyra looked toward him smugly.

Reba stopped and rolled her eyes. "Okay, Brian's right." Brian smiled smugly and Kyra frowned.

"Hey!" Kyra said to her mother.

Reba sighed as she stood with one foot on the bottom of the stairs and one hand on the banister. "Kyra, I really don't have time for this. I have to go get ready for my date and I'm going to be late if I don't go get ready now."

Kyra just kept waving her mother over. "It will only take a minute. We just need you to check this answer for my algebra homework."

Reba made a face as she walked over to her daughter. "I haven't done high school algebra in…" She paused for a moment and shrugged. "I don't know how many years."

"I would say about thirty." Brian said looking at her.

Reba glared. "Watch it." She said warningly.

Brian shrugged. "I am only doing the math. You have to be at least forty…" He stopped when he saw the look Reba was giving him. "Not that you look forty…" He started again. Reba put a hand to her hip and raised an eyebrow at him. "I think it's best I just shut my mouth." Brian said turning his gaze down to his lap.

Reba smirked and nodded. She turned to her daughter. "What is it that you want me to check?"

Kyra handed over her notebook. "Number 22, Brian says it's wrong. I don't think so." She said giving him a look.

Reba glanced over number 22 for a minute and then handed it back to Kyra. "It is wrong." Reba stated.

Kyra frowned and glanced at her paper. "What?"

She nodded. "You forgot to add at the end there and your square root is all wrong."

Kyra sighed as she completely erased problem 22 before starting over again. "Thanks." She mumbled.

Reba smiled and patted her daughter's shoulders. "You're welcome. Now I really have to go and get ready."

Kyra nodded and Reba made her way towards the stairs again. She was stopped once more thought by the door opening and Brock running inside. Reba rolled her eyes as Brock stood in front of her with a big smile on her face. "I have to talk to you." He said in a hurry and seemed to be a little out of breath.

Reba shook her head. "I don't have time. I have to get ready for my date."

"It will only take a minute."

Reba, again, shook her head. "I have to get ready. I don't have time for anything else."

Brock nodded and walked over to the chair to sit down. "Then I'll just wait until you get ready then."

Reba rolled her eyes and stomped up the stairs. "Whatever."

Reba didn't really know nor really want to care what Brock had to say. She had promised herself she was going to move on and not get caught up with him again. She was going to stick to that promise. Reba tried shaking Brock out of her head and focus her mind on getting ready. She needed to shower, do her hair, make-up, and decide what to wear. He said to dress a little formal and so she had an idea for the perfect dress, she only hoped she could still fit it.

Reba took a quick shower and fixed her hair in the flippy way she always did. After applying some light make-up Reba went straight to the closet to find the dress she had in mind. It was a simple light blue dress with thick straps and a v-neck style neckline. It hit well above the knee, about halfway down her thighs, and had a very flowy skirt. She had gotten it about five years ago when she was trying to spice up her marriage with Brock but she never really got to wear it and now she just prayed it fit.

She slipped into the silk dress and she frowned when she felt it was a bit clingy to her body. It wasn't too tight but she didn't need to wear tight clothing of any kind when she was a grandmother and mother of three. She checked herself out in the mirror and she hated to admit it but she didn't look too bad. The fact that it was a little snug made it look a little better. It revealed the curves she had developed and had tried to hide so much. She still was a little self-conscious about her body though.

Reba sighed and turned away from the mirror to grab the matching shoes from their box. She slipped them on and then put on a beautiful silver necklace and matching earrings. When she looked in her vanity mirror she smiled. The jewelry finished off the outfit perfectly. Reba smiled for a few more seconds before she realized that the jewelry was the ones Brock had given her for their nineteenth anniversary. She couldn't wear another man's jewelry on a date. That was very taboo.

Reba reached around her neck to unclasp the necklace when she heard a knock at her bedroom door. Reba sighed and removed her hands. "Come in." she said a little frustrated. She needed to get ready. She knew she didn't have enough time left to just waste. The door opened just as she picked up her powder to add a little to her face. Brock's face appeared around the door and Reba rolled her eyes as she continued to touch up her make-up. "I really don't have time to talk Brock."

"There are just a few things I wanted to say."

Reba sighed and stood up. "Well, say them and then leave because I am running late. John will be here any moment."

Brock nodded and was about to start when he looked her over and smiled. "You look gorgeous."

Reba shifted under his gaze and blushed. "Well, thank you but I really need to get ready." Reba said picking up the matching purse from her bed.

"I won't take long." Brock said smiling. "I'll be quick and fast. I promise."

Reba crossed her arms and stood there quite annoyed by the fact that Brock was taking so long and he said he would be quick with this. "You're slowly failing on your promise." She said after a couple more minutes of silence.

Brock nodded but he still didn't say anything. In fact, to Reba, he looked nervous. But Reba didn't really care. It was five minutes to seven and John would be there to pick her up any minute. She didn't need nor have time for these games. Reba shook her head as Brock stood there, still silent. She picked up her purse. "I really don't have time for this Brock. I have a date."

Brock's nervous look suddenly turned into an angry one. "Well, I am sorry but what I am about to say is a little harder than I thought to get out."

Reba raised an eyebrow at him. "Well…" she said impatiently. "What is it?"

Brock held up his hand. "Just give me a minute."

Reba sighed. "I don't have a minute. John will be here soon." Brock ran his fingers through his hair nervously. Reba placed her hands on her hips. "Are you going to just give me the run around or are you actually going to say what you have to say? I have a date to go on."

"I don't think you should go." Brock blurted out.

Reba rolled her eyes. "Not this again, Brock, I understand the thought of me actually moving on is a scary thought to you but I really think it's for the best of both of us."

Brock shook his head. "You're not understanding me." He said stepping forward. "I really don't think you should go. The guy isn't right. He's off. Please just stay here with me."

Reba looked at Brock with a raised eyebrow. "Why?"

"Why?" he questioned.

Reba nodded. "Why should I stay here with you? Were divorced and you really have no say. Now I'm running late. John will be here any minute and I don't have time for any more of these games." She said stepping towards the bedroom door.

"I love you." Brock blurted.

Reba stopped dead in her tracks. She slowly turned to face Brock. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was dropped. "Huh?" she managed to get out.

Brock smiled and stepped forward. "I still love you. I don't want you to go out with John. I want you to stay here with me. I love you." He said taking her hands into his.

Reba pulled away. "Are you out of your mind?" Reba screamed.

Brock was confused. He thought she would be happy, well, he was hopeful. "No, I love you."

Reba shook her head. "Quit saying that. You don't love me. You're talking crazy. You need to just leave me alone and take your crazy butt out of he…" Reba was cut off by Brock's lips crashing onto hers.

End of Chapter