Stanley lay back on the bench after a fair number of bench presses.
He had lost count, his mind wandering elsewhere. He had set up some
equipment in the garage and every evening after Holly was in bed he usually
retreated there for a workout of some kind. He had kept up this regiment
ever since his prison days, where the only way he felt he could survive was
exercise and stay fit...he was exhausted but felt revived and as he lay
back and closed his eyes the first image that came to his mind was that of
Emma. the softness of her hand, the awkward shy smile, the way her hair
wisped over her left eye, her long lean legs in a skirt...okay, enough of
that, these kind of thoughts were not getting him anywhere except a nice
bulge in his shorts, he smiled to himself...I guess there is no harm in
that he thought and managed to make light of the fact he was extremely
excited by the very thought of her. He sat up and grabbed a towel, a cold
shower was possibly what he needed. He smiled. In the last few days
Emma's image had replaced those of the bank and the nightclub, when he had
thanked her today, he had meant it. She had no idea the good she was doing
for him as well as his daughter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma sat alone on the front porch looking up at the stars. She couldn't sleep. It was past 1am and she found her thoughts taking her back to the coffee shop and Stanley's hand over hers, the way he looked at her. This was not something she had made up, it had happened to her. He had actually leaned over the table and reached for her hand. just that thought caused her heart to race and she smiled. When had any man ever made her feel that way, not even Gary had made her feel so alive. But she felt she shouldn't be thinking this way. He was being kind, she was helping him through a bad time. It was nothing more than that. Someone like Stanley Jobson would never be interested her in her. She had lived in a dream world so long, even when she was married to Gary. She needed to concentrate on this last week of school, and not think of this man.. what good could it come to?
The last week of school before the holidays came up so fast and there was so much do. The kids were acting crazy, too excited about Christmas and being out of school and nothing seemed to be getting done. They were excited, she couldn't blame them. There were parties being planned and some kids were getting out of school early to go visit relatives back east. Rachel had warned her how hectic this week would be and the added stress Emma was facing didn't help. Gary had called that morning and said he wanted the kids for 10 days instead of the original planned 5. Emma still wasn't sure why she had agreed to it. She hated when the kids were gone, and now they would be in Utah with Gary for 10 days, over Chritmas...she couldn't think of anything more depressing. Melody complained on the way to school, that it was too long to be stuck anywhere with her father...the breakup had been hardest on her, and she still was incredibly bitter. But Emma had said it would be an adventure, learning to ski and snowboard...things her ex had taken up after the divorce...some sort of mid life crisis she was convinced. Emma couldn't deny him the time with his children. He was finally making an effort to include them in his life. Kyle was also not thrilled with the idea of 10 days without a computer, but then Gary had come through with a laptop as an early present and he couldn't wait to leave Friday afternoon after school. It was Thursday, Emma had one evening to enjoy her children's company before they left, have a early Christmas of some sort...and it was all she could think of that day. When the bell rang she was relieved...she could now go home. The 2:45 bell rang and the kids darted out of the classroom, except for Holly who was taking her time with her backpack.
Emma approached her, "Holly, aren't you going to miss your bus?"
"My dad's coming today. He said he had an appointment with you about the web page design."
Emma had been so caught up in her own problems she had completely forgotten the arrangement she had made with Holly's dad. She put her hand to her head, and then looked at her watch, she still had to finish the kids packing and they were going out to dinner and she had a couple presents she wanted to buy for them before tomorrow.
Holly noticed her agitation, "You forgot didn't you?'
"Not really, the whole week has just gone by so quickly, and I feel terribly unorganized. I lost all track of the days, I am afraid."
"I am sure my dad will understand, if you don't have the time."
She was contemplating canceling the appointment, when she heard Rachel's voice from behind her, "Look who I found lurking in the halls." Emma turned around and looked at the doorway, where Rachel was standing there with Holly's dad. The sight of him in jeans and a t-shirt and leather jacket, wiped away the thought of canceling the appointment. He was unshaven and a bit scruffy, but it was one of the things that Emma found endearing about him. Their eyes locked for a few brief seconds, even Rachel and Holly noticed it. Holly went over to her dad and the sound of her voice snapped him out of his daze.
"Ms. Heyward doesn't have enough time today, Dad."
Stanley looked dissapointed. "Right. We can do it after the holidays...of course, you are busy. It's understandable." Rachel was looking at her shaking her head, like she was blowing it.
Emma couldn't believe what then came out of her mouth, "No...really, I am not that busy...not for you." She realized she had slipped, Rachel opened her mouth wide in surprise and Stanley was sure he had heard her wrong. She blushed, "No, what I meant was not to busy to hear your ideas.." she pointed at the folder in his hands, "I can see you have them there and I am sure you have worked hard on them." Rachel was making the sawing action across her throat at Emma, trying to get her to stop. She was babbling. "And You know how anxious I am to get them implemented as soon as possible. Please, come in..."
Stanley remained standing at the doorway, unsure of what she was really feeling, "Are you sure? After Christmas would be fine."
Rachel gave him a slight push, "Of course she is sure."
He raised and then lowered his eyebrows in confusion, as he stumbled into the classroom. He regained his footing and looked back at Rachel, who was smiling and then at Emma who had begun to frantically clean the area around one of the computers so he could get started. He went over to her and took hold of her hand to stop her from tidying up, "You don't have to do that."
She looked up again into his eyes and felt the same sensation she had felt last week at the coffee shop her heart racing, Rachel coudln't help but notice the reaction and quickly came to her rescue..."Holly, you should show your dad, the room...I bet he would love to see the class pets."
"Dad?" She questioned, he pulled himself together and turned towards his daughter, letting go of Emma's hand. Holly grabbed his other hand and pulled him to the other side of the classroom, where a variety of animals took up most of the counter space. He felt a bit confused. Ever since he had arrived at the classroom he hadn't really understood what was going on.
Rachel came over to her and whispered in her ear, "Want to make it more obvious? Emma what is wrong with you?"
"I have a lot of things on my mind...his showing up here, just confused me. Was I really that bad?"
She nodded, "A nervous wreck..." she took hold of her hand, "You're shaking."
She quickly pulled it away, "I am not."
Stanley couldn't help but notice the two of them conversing as he contined looking back. Wondering what the hell was going on. Holly had picked up a hamster and was trying to show it to him and he was only half listening, "This is Wolverine." she said as she held it close to his face.
She tugged on his shirt, "Dad, are you listening?"
He looked back at her and then at the hamster, "It's a hamster...how nice." Holly just rolled her eyes in disgust as he once again looked toward the two women.
Rachel took Emma by the shoulders "Be yourself. He already likes you."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because he asked me if you were seeing anyone."
At first Emma believed her and looked shocked, and then she saw Rachel's smile. "He did not."
"I knew I could get to you with that... Come on, Emma lighten up. Have some fun. Show him your menagerie. I'll check up on you later."
"Rachel, stay."
"No, he's all yours. Now go on." She then gave Emma a slight push and Emma approached them. Turning to look back at Rachel who was on her way out the door.
"So Holly has introduced you to the X-men." She said as she reached his left side. He looked a bit confused by this comment.
"X-men? They look like hamsters, fish and a lizard to me."
Holly turned to her teacher, "He wasn't listening when I told him their names." Stanley seemed a bit embarrassed. She then continued..pointing at the fish,"Cyclops is the one with the dot on his fin, Storm the pure white one and Xavier, the big one."
He smiled at Holly and then at Emma, "Cute."
Holly continued, "The lizard is Nightcrawler, the two female hamsters are Rogue and Marvel Girl...and this." she held up her hands, "is Wolverine."
"I am sorry, but a hamster called Wolverine, it just doesn't seem fitting."
"Obviously you are familiar with the comics, Mr. Jobson."
"Familiar, a little more than familiar, I was deteremined to be Wolverine when I grew up..when I was 9....you know, all that claw slashing action seemed very appealing to a poor Texan child who wanted to escape his dull everyday existence."
"Oh, I see, so somewhere inside this mild manner computer wiz, lies the heart of a killer. Looks can be decieving, can't they Holly?" Holly smiled at her and nodded, "I think we need to show your dad, Wolverine's charming other side."
"Are you sure?"
"Most definitely." Emma replied.
Stanley looked confused, "It's a hamster for god's sake, how bad can it be?"
Holly held the hamster out for her Dad to take and just as Stanley was about to take it, she held it up so it looked like it was upright on it's back legs instead of all fours. It made a bizarre growling noise and it's claws came out ready to attack. Stanley backed away surprised and Emma and Holly laughed, Stanley then joined them. "Okay, I take it back..Wolverine is very appropriate for this sweet thing." he said sarcastically.
"He's only like that when you hold him that way. He is very sweet, Dad, do you want to hold him?"
He put his hands up, "I think I will pass, sweetheart."
Emma picked up Rogue, a brown hamster with a white streak down it's back. She began to stroke her, and Stanley watched her, he was glad to see she had relaxed. He was very aware of how nervous she became with him and wondered if it was him or did every parent have this reaction from her? He figured it wasn't easy talking to parents, and he could see by her demeanor, she was so much of a kid person. He liked that about her.
"I would never have taken you to be a comic conisseur."
"I think the word you are looking for is geek...a comic geek. I'm not really, but I grew up on the Xmen. I had an older brother who was into them, and I was always given some menial part in his play...with his friends...usually an evil mutant who would get killed by Wolverine. When I bought this hamster and I saw him do that with his claws, I knew there was no other name for him. So Wolverine it was and I just kept the pattern with the others, naming them after other X Men." Stanley tried to imagine this woman as a child in pigtails being bossed around by an older brother and being told she was going to be killed while they chased her around the room. "Whenever a new pet is purchased and brought into the classoom, we vote on on which X-men he or she will become. I try to tie in some writing project with it..like...how did this particular Xmen get to the class, or what cause are the Xmen defending at the moment..it has ranged from banning Math lesson for a week, to having Wolverine's bedding changed more often. It can get silly, but it gets them writing and being creative...."
Stanley was intrigued, he could see how that would get the kids interesed and involved. "What a great idea. I could have used a teacher like you to get me interested in writing. I despised it..."
"It doesn't always work, but it does make it kind of fun" she put Rogue back in her cage, and turned to Holly, "Will you feed them for me, Holly and I can get your dad set up on the computer."
Holly looked up at her dad and smiled, Holly knew her teacher had no idea what her dad could do..and getting set up was something he didnt' need help with...once his fingers hit the keyboard there was no stopping him. They moved over to the computer table and Stanley plopped down in the seat. A bit small for him but he arranged himself so he was comfortable, stretched out his arms and then was off. Emma stood over him watching his finger fly over the keyboard and clicking the mouse here and there. She had no idea what he was doing, and then all of a sudden he pulled up a file that contained designs he had started to work on, Emma pulled up a chair and just stared at the screen and then his hands, he kind of chuckled, "My god, I have never seen anything like that. You are amazing."
"I know, it's a bit daunting at first, it's like my fingers just kind of take over when I sit at a keyboard. Half the time I don't know what the hell I am doing. I don't have to think about anything, it just happens..does that make any sense?"
She nodded, "Why are you working at a repair shop, with that kind of talent?"
"I suppose you think I should be in some big cooperate office, making big bucks...well, I have been there, right out of college and I am not good at following rules. I got myself into a bit of trouble." He knew mentioning this fact might cause questions but decided Holly's teacher wasn't one to pry, he then continued. " The shop is perfect for me, I make my own rules."
She didn't mean to stare at him but she found him more intrigueing everytime she was in his presence. There was obviously a lot going on with this guy. He didn't seem to mind the stares, in fact he found them quite sweet. Most of the women he had encountered in the past, were not at all interested in his work, and the looks they had given him were of a completely different nature. The image of Helga popped into his mind again and Emma saw some disturbance in his gaze.
"Are you okay, I thought I lost you for a moment." she said truly concerned.
He smiled at her, "I am fine...so what do you think." Chnaging the subject quickly. He scrolled down the page, "Just a few ideas, of course you want the kids to have most of the imput."
She smiled at him, "They are brilliant. I know the kids are going to be thrilled and I think you are going to be a hit with all of them."
"I don't have much experience with kids. It could be a disaster."
"You are doing a great job with Holly. You'll be fine." That looked passed between them again, they both were very aware of it, Emma sitting rather close to him, placed her hand on his thigh, not even thinking. Stanley was a bit taken aback, but liked it and then a loud boisterous voice appeared from nowhere, and he jumped slightly, Emma pulled her hand away.
"So what's going on in here?" It was Meg. Emma closed her eyes and counted to 10 under her breath...perfect timing.
"Meg we are kind of busy."
She walked over to them and leaned over Stanley looking at the computer screen, "A web page? What a great idea. You are Holly's dad aren't you?"
Stanley nodded. "I am Meg Adams. I teach the 4th grade, I am good friend of Emma's."
Stanley looked at Emma's facial expression which told him this was far from the truth. "I would love to start a web page for my class. Maybe when you finish up here we could talk about it."
"I am rather busy, Ms. Adams. Or is it Mrs..?"
She smiled coyly and Emma thought she would be sick, "It's Ms."
He looked away rather embarrassed, "I doubt I will have the time, my shop keeps me rather busy, and fitting in the time to work in Holly's class is a struggle as it is."
Emma stood up and went over to Holly. Not being able to stand this sick convesation. All she wanted to do was kick her out of her room. But knew she couldn't get mad in front of Holly's dad, what would he think of her. She began tidying up around the counters, but she couldn't help but look back at them. Meg was still hovering over him and it was making him incredibly uncomfortable,
"You know I am surprised Emma, that you are still here." Emma stopped picking up the books and glared at Meg, wondering what was going to come out of her mouth next. "I could have sworn you told Rachel that you had to get home since you and your kids were having an early Christmas celebration tonight. Isn't your ex taking them skiing or something" Meg had been eavesdropping again at lunch. Stanley appruptly stood up.
" I really should let you go, Ms. Heyward. Your kids will be waiting for you. I think we got the basics covered anyway." Stanley felt the tension in the room, Emma frantically pacing and where she had been so relaxed minutes ago, she now was a nervous wreck.
Meg didn't like the way he looked at her, what was all that about. She grabbed him by the arm, and smiled at him, "You know Mr. Jobson, or can I call you Stanley." Emma looked up and was now fuming.
"I think Mr. Jobson will be fine, Ms. Adams, I really need to go."
Meg wasn't put off by his tone of voice, she continued, "I was going to say what a devoted mother Emma is. She hasn't even been on a date since her husband left her. Incredible isn't it? " This made it sound like she was still holding a torch for him, which really made her mad.
Rachel walked in just as Emma was about to open her mouth, "Why, Meg...." Emma started and then Rachel butted in, quickly went to her friends side and took hold of her arm, smiling, "Emma was just going to say, how nice it was that you stopped by, didn't you have some papers she needed for tomorrow?"
Stanley didn't know what to make of any of this and he quickly picked up Holly's backpack. "Come on, kiddo. I need to get back to the shop and Ms. Heyward needs to get home." Holly skipped over to his side and he put his arm around her. "It was lovely meeting you Ms. Adams, and a pleasure to see you again, Ms. Jacobs..." then his eyes met Emma's. She didn't want it to end like this, him just walking off. He smiled at her, "I will see you in the New Year, Ms. Heyward." It was so formal and Stanley felt increcibly awkward.
All Emma could say was "Thank you. All the hard work you have put in. It's going to be brilliant." On that note they walked out the door and Rachel looked at Emma. Motioning her head for her to go after him and she couldn't bring herself to do it. Rachel then grabbed Meg's arm.
"Come on, Meg. Emma's got to leave. " She took her out the door, and Emma quickly grabbed her purse, locked her classroom door and rushed down the hall towards Stanley and Holly.
Meg looked at Rachel, "What is going on , Rachel?"
"What do you mean?"
She motioned toward Emma and Stanley, who were now standing near the parking lot talking. "Those two."
"Nothing, remember you told me he would never be interested in her and well, Emma wouldn't know what to do with him, right? Those were your words. " Meg was about to walk towards them and Rachel stopped her, "Don't even think about it. I have too much on you Meg. Leave them alone."
When Emma caught up with him she was a bit out of breath and Stanley was surprised, he stopped, giving Holly the keys to the the Suburban and she ran to it leaving them alone.
"I just wanted to say I am sorry, Meg is a bit over the top."
"She is quite a character. Hey, look I am sorry I kept you. You should have said you needed to get home."
"No, you know I wanted to get this done. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you are doing."
He smiled, "I am rather enjoying it actually. And I have enjoyed this afternoon. Being introduced to Wolverine had to be the thrill of my day." His smile was just so incredible and Emma's heart skipped a beat.
"You are teasing me."
He made the motion of crossing his heart, "I swear it was." He was still smiling.
There was a silence between them for a few seconds, and then Holly called from the car, "Dad, are you coming?"
"Right, can't keep the princess waiting...I hope you have a nice Christmas, Ms. Heyward."
"My first one alone, but I am sure it will be fine."
"I have been there. You'll survive it."
She didnt' want to end on a sad note so she changed the subject, "I am sure you are looking forward to this Christmas."
His face lit up like a kids. It was obvious how excited he was about spending Christmas with his daughter. "I am afraid I have gone a bit over the top. Trying to make it just perfect. But I have had a hell of a lot of fun doing it."
"I can imagine." Holly was waving from the car, "You better run."
"Right." He dashed off to the car and waved to her as they drove off. Rachel had approached her and Emma was had a glazed look.
"So when are you seeing him again?"
Emma threw up her hands, "After the fiasco in the room, I am amazed he wants anything to do with this place."
They walked out to the car together, and Rachel put her arm around Emma, "You have it bad."
"I do not." She got riled up everytime Rachel teased her about this.
"I saw you in there, you were jealous of Meg. It was obvious and poor Stanley didn't know what to make of it."
She climbed in the car, "He is not interested in me, Rachel. He is turning to me because I care about his daughter and that is the only reason we have any contact whatsoever."
"Okay, keep telling yourself that. You are in denial, woman." Emma rolled her eyes, and started the car. "Hey, have fun tonight with the kids and don't get all down and depressed about their leaving."
"Easier said than done."
"Look at it this way, we will have a week with no kids and we can paint the town red."
"Actually, I was thinking about catching up on my reading."
"Boring...but if that is what you want to do fine..I can't stop you. You know Em, I was thinking about Meg's girls night out on Christmas Eve..we should go."
Emma looked up at her like she was nuts, "you have got to be kidding."
"It would be a hoot. Come on, humor me. It's an annual tradition, and now I have a partner in crime, it will finally be fun. You and me and the Madison Elementary lonely hearts club."
"I will think about it."
"That sounds like a no, come on, you have to see them in action. It is too funny for words."
"I have seen enough of her in action, thank you very much, today in my class." She was still upset about that. Rachel knew to drop it for the moment, but she wasn't going to let it go. She knew only to well, Emma would mope around the house for the next week missing her kids and thinking about Stanley. She needed to get out and have some fun. Rachel had teased her about Stanley and she really felt there was something there, but she also knew that Emma was so leary of men that this whole Stanley thing could blow up in her face and crush her. Maybe she shouldn't have pushed so much. Emma was such a great person and deserved some happiness. It would be great to believe she could possibly have it with Stanley, but putting all her eggs into one basket...well, things were bound to backfire. Rachel waved to her as she drove off. She made a mental note that she would try and get her to meet some other guys over the holidays. She sighed, not an easy task after Stanley Jobson. They guy was definitely in a league of his own.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma sat alone on the front porch looking up at the stars. She couldn't sleep. It was past 1am and she found her thoughts taking her back to the coffee shop and Stanley's hand over hers, the way he looked at her. This was not something she had made up, it had happened to her. He had actually leaned over the table and reached for her hand. just that thought caused her heart to race and she smiled. When had any man ever made her feel that way, not even Gary had made her feel so alive. But she felt she shouldn't be thinking this way. He was being kind, she was helping him through a bad time. It was nothing more than that. Someone like Stanley Jobson would never be interested her in her. She had lived in a dream world so long, even when she was married to Gary. She needed to concentrate on this last week of school, and not think of this man.. what good could it come to?
The last week of school before the holidays came up so fast and there was so much do. The kids were acting crazy, too excited about Christmas and being out of school and nothing seemed to be getting done. They were excited, she couldn't blame them. There were parties being planned and some kids were getting out of school early to go visit relatives back east. Rachel had warned her how hectic this week would be and the added stress Emma was facing didn't help. Gary had called that morning and said he wanted the kids for 10 days instead of the original planned 5. Emma still wasn't sure why she had agreed to it. She hated when the kids were gone, and now they would be in Utah with Gary for 10 days, over Chritmas...she couldn't think of anything more depressing. Melody complained on the way to school, that it was too long to be stuck anywhere with her father...the breakup had been hardest on her, and she still was incredibly bitter. But Emma had said it would be an adventure, learning to ski and snowboard...things her ex had taken up after the divorce...some sort of mid life crisis she was convinced. Emma couldn't deny him the time with his children. He was finally making an effort to include them in his life. Kyle was also not thrilled with the idea of 10 days without a computer, but then Gary had come through with a laptop as an early present and he couldn't wait to leave Friday afternoon after school. It was Thursday, Emma had one evening to enjoy her children's company before they left, have a early Christmas of some sort...and it was all she could think of that day. When the bell rang she was relieved...she could now go home. The 2:45 bell rang and the kids darted out of the classroom, except for Holly who was taking her time with her backpack.
Emma approached her, "Holly, aren't you going to miss your bus?"
"My dad's coming today. He said he had an appointment with you about the web page design."
Emma had been so caught up in her own problems she had completely forgotten the arrangement she had made with Holly's dad. She put her hand to her head, and then looked at her watch, she still had to finish the kids packing and they were going out to dinner and she had a couple presents she wanted to buy for them before tomorrow.
Holly noticed her agitation, "You forgot didn't you?'
"Not really, the whole week has just gone by so quickly, and I feel terribly unorganized. I lost all track of the days, I am afraid."
"I am sure my dad will understand, if you don't have the time."
She was contemplating canceling the appointment, when she heard Rachel's voice from behind her, "Look who I found lurking in the halls." Emma turned around and looked at the doorway, where Rachel was standing there with Holly's dad. The sight of him in jeans and a t-shirt and leather jacket, wiped away the thought of canceling the appointment. He was unshaven and a bit scruffy, but it was one of the things that Emma found endearing about him. Their eyes locked for a few brief seconds, even Rachel and Holly noticed it. Holly went over to her dad and the sound of her voice snapped him out of his daze.
"Ms. Heyward doesn't have enough time today, Dad."
Stanley looked dissapointed. "Right. We can do it after the holidays...of course, you are busy. It's understandable." Rachel was looking at her shaking her head, like she was blowing it.
Emma couldn't believe what then came out of her mouth, "No...really, I am not that busy...not for you." She realized she had slipped, Rachel opened her mouth wide in surprise and Stanley was sure he had heard her wrong. She blushed, "No, what I meant was not to busy to hear your ideas.." she pointed at the folder in his hands, "I can see you have them there and I am sure you have worked hard on them." Rachel was making the sawing action across her throat at Emma, trying to get her to stop. She was babbling. "And You know how anxious I am to get them implemented as soon as possible. Please, come in..."
Stanley remained standing at the doorway, unsure of what she was really feeling, "Are you sure? After Christmas would be fine."
Rachel gave him a slight push, "Of course she is sure."
He raised and then lowered his eyebrows in confusion, as he stumbled into the classroom. He regained his footing and looked back at Rachel, who was smiling and then at Emma who had begun to frantically clean the area around one of the computers so he could get started. He went over to her and took hold of her hand to stop her from tidying up, "You don't have to do that."
She looked up again into his eyes and felt the same sensation she had felt last week at the coffee shop her heart racing, Rachel coudln't help but notice the reaction and quickly came to her rescue..."Holly, you should show your dad, the room...I bet he would love to see the class pets."
"Dad?" She questioned, he pulled himself together and turned towards his daughter, letting go of Emma's hand. Holly grabbed his other hand and pulled him to the other side of the classroom, where a variety of animals took up most of the counter space. He felt a bit confused. Ever since he had arrived at the classroom he hadn't really understood what was going on.
Rachel came over to her and whispered in her ear, "Want to make it more obvious? Emma what is wrong with you?"
"I have a lot of things on my mind...his showing up here, just confused me. Was I really that bad?"
She nodded, "A nervous wreck..." she took hold of her hand, "You're shaking."
She quickly pulled it away, "I am not."
Stanley couldn't help but notice the two of them conversing as he contined looking back. Wondering what the hell was going on. Holly had picked up a hamster and was trying to show it to him and he was only half listening, "This is Wolverine." she said as she held it close to his face.
She tugged on his shirt, "Dad, are you listening?"
He looked back at her and then at the hamster, "It's a hamster...how nice." Holly just rolled her eyes in disgust as he once again looked toward the two women.
Rachel took Emma by the shoulders "Be yourself. He already likes you."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because he asked me if you were seeing anyone."
At first Emma believed her and looked shocked, and then she saw Rachel's smile. "He did not."
"I knew I could get to you with that... Come on, Emma lighten up. Have some fun. Show him your menagerie. I'll check up on you later."
"Rachel, stay."
"No, he's all yours. Now go on." She then gave Emma a slight push and Emma approached them. Turning to look back at Rachel who was on her way out the door.
"So Holly has introduced you to the X-men." She said as she reached his left side. He looked a bit confused by this comment.
"X-men? They look like hamsters, fish and a lizard to me."
Holly turned to her teacher, "He wasn't listening when I told him their names." Stanley seemed a bit embarrassed. She then continued..pointing at the fish,"Cyclops is the one with the dot on his fin, Storm the pure white one and Xavier, the big one."
He smiled at Holly and then at Emma, "Cute."
Holly continued, "The lizard is Nightcrawler, the two female hamsters are Rogue and Marvel Girl...and this." she held up her hands, "is Wolverine."
"I am sorry, but a hamster called Wolverine, it just doesn't seem fitting."
"Obviously you are familiar with the comics, Mr. Jobson."
"Familiar, a little more than familiar, I was deteremined to be Wolverine when I grew up..when I was 9....you know, all that claw slashing action seemed very appealing to a poor Texan child who wanted to escape his dull everyday existence."
"Oh, I see, so somewhere inside this mild manner computer wiz, lies the heart of a killer. Looks can be decieving, can't they Holly?" Holly smiled at her and nodded, "I think we need to show your dad, Wolverine's charming other side."
"Are you sure?"
"Most definitely." Emma replied.
Stanley looked confused, "It's a hamster for god's sake, how bad can it be?"
Holly held the hamster out for her Dad to take and just as Stanley was about to take it, she held it up so it looked like it was upright on it's back legs instead of all fours. It made a bizarre growling noise and it's claws came out ready to attack. Stanley backed away surprised and Emma and Holly laughed, Stanley then joined them. "Okay, I take it back..Wolverine is very appropriate for this sweet thing." he said sarcastically.
"He's only like that when you hold him that way. He is very sweet, Dad, do you want to hold him?"
He put his hands up, "I think I will pass, sweetheart."
Emma picked up Rogue, a brown hamster with a white streak down it's back. She began to stroke her, and Stanley watched her, he was glad to see she had relaxed. He was very aware of how nervous she became with him and wondered if it was him or did every parent have this reaction from her? He figured it wasn't easy talking to parents, and he could see by her demeanor, she was so much of a kid person. He liked that about her.
"I would never have taken you to be a comic conisseur."
"I think the word you are looking for is geek...a comic geek. I'm not really, but I grew up on the Xmen. I had an older brother who was into them, and I was always given some menial part in his play...with his friends...usually an evil mutant who would get killed by Wolverine. When I bought this hamster and I saw him do that with his claws, I knew there was no other name for him. So Wolverine it was and I just kept the pattern with the others, naming them after other X Men." Stanley tried to imagine this woman as a child in pigtails being bossed around by an older brother and being told she was going to be killed while they chased her around the room. "Whenever a new pet is purchased and brought into the classoom, we vote on on which X-men he or she will become. I try to tie in some writing project with it..like...how did this particular Xmen get to the class, or what cause are the Xmen defending at the moment..it has ranged from banning Math lesson for a week, to having Wolverine's bedding changed more often. It can get silly, but it gets them writing and being creative...."
Stanley was intrigued, he could see how that would get the kids interesed and involved. "What a great idea. I could have used a teacher like you to get me interested in writing. I despised it..."
"It doesn't always work, but it does make it kind of fun" she put Rogue back in her cage, and turned to Holly, "Will you feed them for me, Holly and I can get your dad set up on the computer."
Holly looked up at her dad and smiled, Holly knew her teacher had no idea what her dad could do..and getting set up was something he didnt' need help with...once his fingers hit the keyboard there was no stopping him. They moved over to the computer table and Stanley plopped down in the seat. A bit small for him but he arranged himself so he was comfortable, stretched out his arms and then was off. Emma stood over him watching his finger fly over the keyboard and clicking the mouse here and there. She had no idea what he was doing, and then all of a sudden he pulled up a file that contained designs he had started to work on, Emma pulled up a chair and just stared at the screen and then his hands, he kind of chuckled, "My god, I have never seen anything like that. You are amazing."
"I know, it's a bit daunting at first, it's like my fingers just kind of take over when I sit at a keyboard. Half the time I don't know what the hell I am doing. I don't have to think about anything, it just happens..does that make any sense?"
She nodded, "Why are you working at a repair shop, with that kind of talent?"
"I suppose you think I should be in some big cooperate office, making big bucks...well, I have been there, right out of college and I am not good at following rules. I got myself into a bit of trouble." He knew mentioning this fact might cause questions but decided Holly's teacher wasn't one to pry, he then continued. " The shop is perfect for me, I make my own rules."
She didn't mean to stare at him but she found him more intrigueing everytime she was in his presence. There was obviously a lot going on with this guy. He didn't seem to mind the stares, in fact he found them quite sweet. Most of the women he had encountered in the past, were not at all interested in his work, and the looks they had given him were of a completely different nature. The image of Helga popped into his mind again and Emma saw some disturbance in his gaze.
"Are you okay, I thought I lost you for a moment." she said truly concerned.
He smiled at her, "I am fine...so what do you think." Chnaging the subject quickly. He scrolled down the page, "Just a few ideas, of course you want the kids to have most of the imput."
She smiled at him, "They are brilliant. I know the kids are going to be thrilled and I think you are going to be a hit with all of them."
"I don't have much experience with kids. It could be a disaster."
"You are doing a great job with Holly. You'll be fine." That looked passed between them again, they both were very aware of it, Emma sitting rather close to him, placed her hand on his thigh, not even thinking. Stanley was a bit taken aback, but liked it and then a loud boisterous voice appeared from nowhere, and he jumped slightly, Emma pulled her hand away.
"So what's going on in here?" It was Meg. Emma closed her eyes and counted to 10 under her breath...perfect timing.
"Meg we are kind of busy."
She walked over to them and leaned over Stanley looking at the computer screen, "A web page? What a great idea. You are Holly's dad aren't you?"
Stanley nodded. "I am Meg Adams. I teach the 4th grade, I am good friend of Emma's."
Stanley looked at Emma's facial expression which told him this was far from the truth. "I would love to start a web page for my class. Maybe when you finish up here we could talk about it."
"I am rather busy, Ms. Adams. Or is it Mrs..?"
She smiled coyly and Emma thought she would be sick, "It's Ms."
He looked away rather embarrassed, "I doubt I will have the time, my shop keeps me rather busy, and fitting in the time to work in Holly's class is a struggle as it is."
Emma stood up and went over to Holly. Not being able to stand this sick convesation. All she wanted to do was kick her out of her room. But knew she couldn't get mad in front of Holly's dad, what would he think of her. She began tidying up around the counters, but she couldn't help but look back at them. Meg was still hovering over him and it was making him incredibly uncomfortable,
"You know I am surprised Emma, that you are still here." Emma stopped picking up the books and glared at Meg, wondering what was going to come out of her mouth next. "I could have sworn you told Rachel that you had to get home since you and your kids were having an early Christmas celebration tonight. Isn't your ex taking them skiing or something" Meg had been eavesdropping again at lunch. Stanley appruptly stood up.
" I really should let you go, Ms. Heyward. Your kids will be waiting for you. I think we got the basics covered anyway." Stanley felt the tension in the room, Emma frantically pacing and where she had been so relaxed minutes ago, she now was a nervous wreck.
Meg didn't like the way he looked at her, what was all that about. She grabbed him by the arm, and smiled at him, "You know Mr. Jobson, or can I call you Stanley." Emma looked up and was now fuming.
"I think Mr. Jobson will be fine, Ms. Adams, I really need to go."
Meg wasn't put off by his tone of voice, she continued, "I was going to say what a devoted mother Emma is. She hasn't even been on a date since her husband left her. Incredible isn't it? " This made it sound like she was still holding a torch for him, which really made her mad.
Rachel walked in just as Emma was about to open her mouth, "Why, Meg...." Emma started and then Rachel butted in, quickly went to her friends side and took hold of her arm, smiling, "Emma was just going to say, how nice it was that you stopped by, didn't you have some papers she needed for tomorrow?"
Stanley didn't know what to make of any of this and he quickly picked up Holly's backpack. "Come on, kiddo. I need to get back to the shop and Ms. Heyward needs to get home." Holly skipped over to his side and he put his arm around her. "It was lovely meeting you Ms. Adams, and a pleasure to see you again, Ms. Jacobs..." then his eyes met Emma's. She didn't want it to end like this, him just walking off. He smiled at her, "I will see you in the New Year, Ms. Heyward." It was so formal and Stanley felt increcibly awkward.
All Emma could say was "Thank you. All the hard work you have put in. It's going to be brilliant." On that note they walked out the door and Rachel looked at Emma. Motioning her head for her to go after him and she couldn't bring herself to do it. Rachel then grabbed Meg's arm.
"Come on, Meg. Emma's got to leave. " She took her out the door, and Emma quickly grabbed her purse, locked her classroom door and rushed down the hall towards Stanley and Holly.
Meg looked at Rachel, "What is going on , Rachel?"
"What do you mean?"
She motioned toward Emma and Stanley, who were now standing near the parking lot talking. "Those two."
"Nothing, remember you told me he would never be interested in her and well, Emma wouldn't know what to do with him, right? Those were your words. " Meg was about to walk towards them and Rachel stopped her, "Don't even think about it. I have too much on you Meg. Leave them alone."
When Emma caught up with him she was a bit out of breath and Stanley was surprised, he stopped, giving Holly the keys to the the Suburban and she ran to it leaving them alone.
"I just wanted to say I am sorry, Meg is a bit over the top."
"She is quite a character. Hey, look I am sorry I kept you. You should have said you needed to get home."
"No, you know I wanted to get this done. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you are doing."
He smiled, "I am rather enjoying it actually. And I have enjoyed this afternoon. Being introduced to Wolverine had to be the thrill of my day." His smile was just so incredible and Emma's heart skipped a beat.
"You are teasing me."
He made the motion of crossing his heart, "I swear it was." He was still smiling.
There was a silence between them for a few seconds, and then Holly called from the car, "Dad, are you coming?"
"Right, can't keep the princess waiting...I hope you have a nice Christmas, Ms. Heyward."
"My first one alone, but I am sure it will be fine."
"I have been there. You'll survive it."
She didnt' want to end on a sad note so she changed the subject, "I am sure you are looking forward to this Christmas."
His face lit up like a kids. It was obvious how excited he was about spending Christmas with his daughter. "I am afraid I have gone a bit over the top. Trying to make it just perfect. But I have had a hell of a lot of fun doing it."
"I can imagine." Holly was waving from the car, "You better run."
"Right." He dashed off to the car and waved to her as they drove off. Rachel had approached her and Emma was had a glazed look.
"So when are you seeing him again?"
Emma threw up her hands, "After the fiasco in the room, I am amazed he wants anything to do with this place."
They walked out to the car together, and Rachel put her arm around Emma, "You have it bad."
"I do not." She got riled up everytime Rachel teased her about this.
"I saw you in there, you were jealous of Meg. It was obvious and poor Stanley didn't know what to make of it."
She climbed in the car, "He is not interested in me, Rachel. He is turning to me because I care about his daughter and that is the only reason we have any contact whatsoever."
"Okay, keep telling yourself that. You are in denial, woman." Emma rolled her eyes, and started the car. "Hey, have fun tonight with the kids and don't get all down and depressed about their leaving."
"Easier said than done."
"Look at it this way, we will have a week with no kids and we can paint the town red."
"Actually, I was thinking about catching up on my reading."
"Boring...but if that is what you want to do fine..I can't stop you. You know Em, I was thinking about Meg's girls night out on Christmas Eve..we should go."
Emma looked up at her like she was nuts, "you have got to be kidding."
"It would be a hoot. Come on, humor me. It's an annual tradition, and now I have a partner in crime, it will finally be fun. You and me and the Madison Elementary lonely hearts club."
"I will think about it."
"That sounds like a no, come on, you have to see them in action. It is too funny for words."
"I have seen enough of her in action, thank you very much, today in my class." She was still upset about that. Rachel knew to drop it for the moment, but she wasn't going to let it go. She knew only to well, Emma would mope around the house for the next week missing her kids and thinking about Stanley. She needed to get out and have some fun. Rachel had teased her about Stanley and she really felt there was something there, but she also knew that Emma was so leary of men that this whole Stanley thing could blow up in her face and crush her. Maybe she shouldn't have pushed so much. Emma was such a great person and deserved some happiness. It would be great to believe she could possibly have it with Stanley, but putting all her eggs into one basket...well, things were bound to backfire. Rachel waved to her as she drove off. She made a mental note that she would try and get her to meet some other guys over the holidays. She sighed, not an easy task after Stanley Jobson. They guy was definitely in a league of his own.