Chapter 7
"Soooo… Piper seems sweet." Diane sing-songed from where she stood behind the couch peering down at her daughter, who was swaddled in blankets sprawled across the length of the couch with her eyes glued to her phone.
A knowing, lopsided smirk lifted Alex's left cheek, and she blinked slowly before directing her gaze to focus on the curious face of her meddling mother. "Mmmhmm," she replied affirmatively, but gave up little else.
Diane circled the couch and lifted the younger girl's legs so that she could steal the seat underneath. Once Alex's legs had settled back onto her mom's lap, Diane patted her shins affectionately and said, "So what's going on there? You know she likes you, right?"
Alex sighed and set her phone aside. She had wanted to see how things had gone for Nicky and Lorna, but her best friend wasn't answering her texts anyway. She'd just text her again in the morning. She cleared her throat, met Diane's eyes, and admitted, "We kissed."
Diane easily picked up on Alex's ambivalent tone. "But you're not happy about it?"
"No, it's not that." Alex sighed and shifted, pulling her legs up under her to sit cross-legged. "I actually like her a lot."
"So then what's the problem, babe? I like this one!" Diane said with a laugh. She lowered her voice to an overly-exaggerated whisper and continued, "Huge step up from Silvia."
The younger Vause rolled her eyes good-naturedly at her mom's comment about Silvia, but chose to ignore it. "Piper's an undergrad, and the university has rules against fraternization between graduate students and undergraduates, if you know what I mean."
Alex watched as her mom's nose scrunched up in confusion. "That seems kind of extreme. I mean, you're both students and both adults. I don't see why a rule like that is necessary."
Alex sighed. "I looked into it a bit. I guess because graduate students TA, lead research labs, and eventually teach their own courses, it creates a power differential. I think they are trying to protect students from being taken advantage of, or trading certain favors for grades. I can see where they're coming from, I guess." Alex picked at a loose thread on the blanket resting on her lap. "I just don't know how to tell Piper. I've tried so hard to keep things platonic between us, but when we kissed, I could tell that Piper had been wanting it for as long as I have." She sighed resignedly. "But it can't happen again."
Diane took a sip of her hot chocolate and stretched her legs out along the couch, nudging Alex's leg with her toes. She smiled encouragingly at her daughter and said, "I'm sure if she likes you as much as I think she does, she'll understand, Al. The end of the semester is only a few weeks away."
"I know," Alex nodded in agreement. "The thing is, the rules state that graduate students can't date undergraduate students. Period. Technically, it doesn't matter if she's my student or not. All that matters is that she is still an undergraduate and I'm a grad student." Alex chuckled to herself, "It's like a weird academic version of Romeo and Juliet."
Diane chuckled too, but replied sympathetically, "That's tough, kid. Well, maybe it won't be such a big deal when she's not in your class anymore. I mean, if the rule is in place to protect students from being taken advantage of, if she is no longer your student, the rule serves no purpose."
Alex sighed, "I've thought about that, too. I think it would be easier to appeal against the rule if she's no longer my student, and since it's her last semester there's no chance of her being my student again. I'm just worried about losing my spot in the program."
"I think the best thing to do, though, is to talk to Piper about it. See where her head is at. If today was any indication, I think she'll understand. If she is okay with waiting until she graduates, then all of this worrying is for nothing."
Alex managed a half-smile, and Diane could see how much she was truly struggling with this. "You're probably right."
…
By the time Monday rolled around, Alex had convinced herself that things may actually work out between her and Piper. Her mom was right; Piper had never seemed to be impatient with Alex's affections. Quite the opposite, actually.
Alex felt optimistic that Piper would at least be willing to wait until the end of the semester… and after that; Alex wasn't sure she herself was willing to postpone things any longer. At that point, it seemed like it could be worth the risk, as Piper would be graduating in the Spring and would have no chance to be in another class that she might TA for. Hell, she wasn't even a psychology major!
She knew Silvia was suspicious, as she had been keeping a watchful, curious eye on Alex the last few weeks, always appearing in the offices around the time Alex's office hours were held. Luckily, due to the never-mentioned near-kiss at Halloween, Piper had been avoiding office hours. Even still, she had decided it would be best if she and Piper discussed all of this off-campus, away from prying ears.
"Hey," Piper's voice sounded tentative.
Alex swiveled her chair around to see the blonde leaning against the doorframe of her office. Her stance matched her voice as she side-hugged the doorway, her left arm crossing over the front of her body, fingers grasping the wooden frame. Only her left leg was visible, as she stood half-in and half-out of the room, making her appearance in Alex's office seem shrouded in uncertainty.
They hadn't had a chance to discuss the kiss they had shared on Thanksgiving, so Alex could understand why she was hesitant. Regardless, Alex couldn't help the amused smirk that pulled at her cheeks in response to Piper's timid awkwardness. "Well, hey."
Piper shivered at the raspy sound of Alex's voice, and Alex noticed. Her eyes darkened in response. How was she going to resist this girl for another three weeks (at least!)? A rosy blush crept into Piper's tanned cheeks when she noticed the look Alex was giving her.
Piper's shy smile turned coy, as Alex's reaction gave her the confidence boost she needed to fully enter into the room.
"I was hoping you'd come by today." Alex continued.
Piper's face registered slight surprise. "You were?" she asked as she took a seat at an empty desk chair next to Alex.
"Mmhmm," Alex nodded straight-faced. She turned away from Piper to reach into one of her desk drawers. She turned back around with a cheeky grin and teasing glint in her eyes. "You left your pie server at my mom's and I figured you must really need it back."
Piper rolled her eyes, but couldn't help smiling at Alex's playfulness. Piper hadn't really known what to expect from Alex since they hadn't been able to talk about the intimate moment they had shared.
She snatched the pie server from Alex with a giggle. She joked, "That's the entire reason I came by. I have so many pies and no way to serve them."
Now it was Alex's turn to roll her eyes good-naturedly. "But really," she said with a softer tone, "I was hoping you'd come by because I wanted to ask you if you'd like to go for coffee this week."
Piper's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "Oh." Was Alex asking her on a date?
"Oh?" Alex chuckled quietly in amusement. "Not quite the response I was hoping for."
The blonde shook her head, lips turning up in a slight smile, "No, I mean, of course! Coffee would be great."
Piper still couldn't get over how flustered the raven-haired girl made her. And how Alex always kept her cool around Piper. She'd hopefully change that soon.
"How about tomorrow?" When Piper nodded, Alex smiled and held out her hand. "Phone, please." Piper handed her phone over without any questions, but her facial expression was curious. "I realized we've never exchanged numbers and I want you to have mine." As she entered her contact info into the younger girl's phone, she continued, "Text me your address and I'll come pick you up tomorrow around 5? I was thinking we could maybe go somewhere off-campus."
Alex thought it would be safer to talk away from campus, with Silvie creeping around, acting all suspicious. She didn't want to have to worry about addressing any of those suspicions or dealing with any potential consequences until she and Piper discussed what was going on between them.
Piper smiled shyly as she took her phone back from Alex. "It's a date."
…
"Hey, boo!" Polly called to her roommate as she entered their shared apartment. "I'm back!"
"Polly!" Piper appeared in the doorway of her bedroom looking like a hot mess. "Thank god you're home."
Polly gave her roommate a once over and couldn't contain her snort of amused laughter. "What happened to you?"
"Alex asked me on a date, and I'm freaking out! I don't know what to wear or how I should do my hair. Please help!" Piper was obviously frazzled, as she grabbed Polly's hand and tugged her into her room.
"Wait. Back up a second. Alex asked you on a date?! Fill me in on everything that's happened since you kissed on Thanksgiving!" Polly made herself comfortable on Piper's bed as Piper returned to her closet, which was in disarray.
Piper smiled wide, her anxiousness momentarily disappearing. "Well, that's basically it. She kissed me on Thanksgiving and when I went to her office yesterday, she asked me out for coffee tonight! She's picking me up and everything." Piper paused, her smile drooping slightly. "In one hour. Will you help me pick out an outfit?"
"Duh." Polly said playfully with a smile, jumping off the bed and nudging past Piper into her closet. "Okay, let's see." She began rummaging through Piper's closet. "It's coffee, so we need casual yet cute but still with a dash of sexy."
As Polly began to pull potential garments from Piper's closet, she continued fishing for information. "So tell me more about the kiss. How did it happen and what was Alex's reaction to it?"
Piper sat herself down in front of her vanity to begin applying some make-up. Through the mirror her eyes met Polly's and she smiled. "We were just doing dishes in the kitchen and goofing around while we listened to music. I don't really know how it happened; she just grabbed me and kissed me. We didn't get a chance to talk about it because her mom came home."
"And now you're going on a date! This has been such a long time in the making. I'm happy that Alex finally grew some balls. So, do you think we were wrong about their being a rule against dating students? Here, try this on." Polly tossed a few garments over to Piper, disrupting the mascara applying process.
"Hey!" Piper squealed with a giggle, as the fabric landed draped across her head and lap. She set her tube of mascara aside and yanked the knit top from her head, checking quickly in the mirror to make sure her face still looked okay.
Polly just giggled and shrugged. "Oops."
As Piper shimmied into a pair of tight black skinny jeans in front of her full length mirror, she replied, "I don't know." She paused as she pulled a cropped, chunky maroon sweater over her head. It showed the barest amount of her midriff, just enough to give a little peak of skin. "Maybe there isn't a rule, or maybe she decided that since the semester is almost over she doesn't care about that stupid rule." She eyed herself in the mirror, before turning to show Polly. "What do you think?"
"Damn." Polly said in a complimentary way. "You look hot, but not in an overly obvious way. Very subtle. I love it." She bent down to rummage through Piper's shoes, and tossed two black ankle boots toward her roommate. "Try these." She paused as Piper zipped the booties up over feet and ankles. They had a small heel that gave them a slightly edgy look. "Tres magnifique!" Polly exclaimed in an overly exaggerated French accent. Piper giggled at her friend's antics and spun, showing off the entire outfit.
"You think she'll like it?" Piper asked, almost vulnerably. Sometimes Polly was surprised at just how vulnerable and innocent her best friend could be.
Polly smirked and said, "She'd be blind and an idiot if she doesn't. It's obvious she's into you. Just continue to be yourself."
Piper smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Polly. Deep down I know she does. I guess I'm still just kind of confused by all the back and forth. It seems like every time we take a step forward in this thing between us becoming something more, we take two steps back. Like, it finally seems like we're advancing toward a relationship, but I'm just scared that something's going to happen to ruin it. I know it's stupid, but I'm so ready for this to be more. I'm tired of feeling so uncertain all the time."
"It has been a long, confusing semester to say the least. But you kissed! And you're going on a date. That's got to count for something." Polly reached out to pet Piper's hair comfortingly.
"Thanks, Pol. I know you're right."
"That's 'cuz I'm always right." Polly teased, which earned her a playful punch to the shoulder and a giggle. "Now let's put some curls in this hair and you'll be all set!"
…
"So, where are you taking me?" Piper asked as she settled into the passenger seat, in an effort to combat the slightly awkward silence that had blanketed the atmosphere after they had exchanged greetings when Alex picked her up.
The brunette glanced over to Piper out of the corner of her eye. She couldn't help taking a moment to appreciate how beautiful the blonde girl looked. The corner of her mouth raised in a slight smile and she said, "I bet you've never heard of it. It's a little hole-in-the-wall coffee shop my mom and I found when we moved here. Mom loves quaint coffee shops, and it's kinda our spot." She paused and turned her attention away from the road to focus more fully on Piper. "I think you'll like it."
"Well, if it comes recommended by Diane Vause, I'm sure I will." Piper smiled. "I liked your mom," she added softly, averting her gaze to her window to avoid eye contact.
Alex smiled, choosing to ignore Piper's nervousness. "She liked you too, Pipes."
They pulled up to a small brick building with a simple sign hanging out front "The Coffee Peddlar". Alex was right, the exterior really wasn't much to look at. But there was a large picture window in the front, and peaking inside told a whole different story.
Alex held the door for her, and as they walked up to the counter to place their orders, Piper took in the atmosphere. It was cute, with the right amount of hip. The exposed brick walls on both sides of the large square room gave the shop a modern, rough feel; while the warm brown and green tones painted on the back and front walls made Piper feel welcome and at home. Behind the counter was a huge chalkboard detailing the many coffee and tea drinks offered; and below the counter was a long display case filled with pastries, sandwiches, and quiches.
Alex elbowed her gently and said, "They have the best quiches. Are you hungry? We could split one."
Piper nodded and smiled, "They look amazing. Which is your favorite?"
"I really like the asparagus one, but the one with sun-dried tomatoes is great too." Alex replied.
They neared the counter. Piper said, "Mmmm. I love asparagus. Let's try that one."
Alex approached the barista with Piper close behind. "We'll have an asparagus quiche to share, I'd like a cup of your house roast, please." She turned to Piper and placed her hand on the small of her back, "What would you like to drink, Pipes?"
Piper took a step forward blushing at the contact, "Can I please have an iced caramel latte?"
The barista smiled at them, and Piper wondered if she knew that they were more than just friends. "Comes to fifteen dollars and twenty-seven cents."
"Oh," Piper stuttered, "Can we split that in half?"
Alex handed the barista her card, "Let me get it, Piper. I invited you for coffee; I'll pay."
"Are you sure, Alex? My drink cost double what yours did." Piper always found paying while on dates to be an awkward conversation she hated having.
"My treat," she said, grabbing the number from the counter that indicated their order number. She gently took Piper's hand in hers and said, "Let's go sit. My favorite table just opened up."
The table Alex led her to was in the back corner, nestled up against the brick wall. Before dropping her hand, Alex rubbed her thumb softly against the edge of Piper's and then across the palm of her hand. Piper felt her stomach flip at the sweet gesture and hoped that Alex would hold her hand again later that night.
As they sat, Piper questioned, "Why is this your favorite table?"
Alex smiled secretively. She turned to the brick wall and began to run her fingers along the crevices. She pulled a tiny, rolled piece of paper from one of the small holes in between the bricks. "Because people leave notes in the wall; confessions, encouragement, sometimes love letters. I like to read them while I drink my coffee."
Piper's smiled widened. She couldn't believe Alex was sharing such a special, secret place with her. "What does it say?"
Alex unrolled the scrap. "It says, 'You are enough.'" Alex rolled it back up, "Lame."
Piper laughed. She turned to the wall to find another. "This one says, 'I'm sorry I didn't appreciate you more.'" Piper met Alex's eyes and gave a small frown, "Sad."
She returned it and pulled another.
"'I can forgive you, but I won't forget what you did.' I wonder what he did?" Piper asked, returning the paper to its hiding place.
Alex shrugged, "That's kinda the fun. They can be about anyone; anything. Big or small. We have no idea."
The waitress appeared with their food and drinks, and as they ate their quiche, they continued to read through the little notes.
"Here's a good one. Piper, are you sure you've never been here before? 'I have a crush on my hot TA.'" Alex said with a smug smile as she turned the scrap of paper around so Piper could read the words. Piper nearly choked on her last bite of quiche at Alex's bluntness. She felt her cheeks grow hot. She averted her eyes from Alex's and took a quick sip of coffee. This was her in. It was time to summon the tiny amount of courage she had within her and end the uncertainty of her relationship status with Alex.
"Alex, what is this?" She set the mug down and gestured between the two of them. "What are we doing? You flirt with me, and I think you like me, but then you leave me alone on a dance floor right as we're about to kiss. Then we don't see each other for weeks and when we do, you kiss me in your mom's kitchen. I guess I'm just confused about where we stand." She brought her coffee mug up to her mouth again, but this time not to sip it, just using it to hide part of her face from Alex. It was a gesture of insecurity at her vulnerability for steering the conversation into a more serious direction.
Alex sighed. This conversation was the whole reason for going to get coffee. To determine where Piper's head was at, and she had laid it all out for her. "I like you a lot, Piper. More than I should. I didn't mean to give you mixed signals, and I'm so sorry I left you on the dance floor on Halloween. The U of L has a rule against grad students dating undergrads, so I've been struggling with the feelings I have for you, and trying not to break the rule."
There. It was all finally out in the open. Alex watched Piper's face register joy at the admittance of her reciprocated feelings, followed by surprise and confusion at the revelation of the rule, which finally settled into anger. Shit.
Piper's mind was racing a mile a minute. So there was a rule; Polly was right. But she had thought, had hoped, that if there was a rule, Alex would say "To hell with it. I want to be with you and I don't want to wait a minute longer." But Alex didn't say that. Instead, she said that she was torn between her feelings for Piper and trying to follow the rule.
Piper's eyebrows furrowed and she felt the sting of tears in her eyes. "So, you're saying you can't be with me until I graduate? We can't be together for nearly six months?! Alex, when were you going to tell me this? Were you just going to keep stringing me along until May? Keep me confused and vulnerable so I'd wait around pining for you?"
Alex was taken aback by Piper's outburst. This was not at all how she had expected the night to go. She hadn't realized that Piper had been feeling this way; that she had strung her along, led her on. "Piper, no – It's not like that…"
"Alex? Hey!" The two were interrupted by a voice calling from the line at the counter. Piper quickly wiped away the few tears that had slipped out and took a gulp of her drink. Alex shifted her eyes away from Piper to find the voice calling her. She rolled her eyes when they landed on the culprit.
"Shit," she murmured under her breath. As the individual approached their table, Alex raised her voice to a normal register and greeted, "Silvie. Hey." She shot Piper an apologetic look. Could Silvie's timing be any better?
"I thought you were working late tonight?" Silvie said as she arrived at their table. She turned to face Piper and her face registered surprise. "Aren't you one of her students?"
Before Piper had a chance to answer, Alex rushed out, "Yeah, we just ran into each other here. Piper had a question about the final."
Piper's head was spinning. How would Silvie know if Alex was working late or not? Why was Alex lying to her about them running into each other? How did Silvie know about this coffee shop if it was Alex and Diane's secret place? Then a realization dawned on Piper. They were still hooking up. It was the only explanation. Alex must have introduced this coffee shop to Silvie just like she did tonight with Piper.
"I did have a question," Piper said angrily standing from the table, "but I got my answer. I'll see you later." She marched toward the door and out into the chilly evening air.
She paced the sidewalk outside of the coffee shop fuming. How could she be so naïve? Was Alex just playing with her for her own amusement?
Moments later the bell on the door rang, alerting Piper to the fact that Alex had followed her out.
"Piper, are you okay?" She placed a soft hand on the blonde's elbow.
Piper inhaled, attempting to get her emotions under control. "I'm fine, Alex. I'm going home."
Alex chuckled, "but I'm your ride."
"I've already called an uber." Piper said, refusing to look at the other girl.
Alex's eyebrows scrunched. How had things escalated so quickly? How had a conversation that was supposed to finally settle things ended so terribly? A car pulled up along the curb and the window rolled down. "I'm here for Piper?"
"Can we continue this conversation tomorrow?" Alex asked desperately as Piper climbed into the backseat.
Piper finally met her gaze and Alex could see that her eyes were bloodshot. "I don't know, Alex. I think I just need some time."
A/N: Sorry for the long delay again! I think there are about 2 chapters left in this fic and maybe an epilogue. I hope to get the next chapter up soon!
Please review :) They keep me going!
-HM
