Emma, Kyle and Melody had a lovely early Christmas, dinner at the
local Mexican restaurant, and then they opened presents. Of course, they
were nothing in comparison to what Gary would buy them. But Melody loved
the new doc martin boots and the variety of John Williams scores(her new
fascination). She also got her a Walkman so she could take it on the
plane. Sketch pads, and art supplies for Kyle and the sword he had wanted
so desperately at the street fair. They played a game of Monopoly and
didn't get to bed till 1am. Emma said they could have the day off of
school since they were leaving for Utah that afternoon. She was proud of
herself, she didn't once get all melancholy about their leaving. But when
Gary left with them on Friday afternoon and she headed back into the house,
it hit her...like it always did...what would she do without out them for 10
days?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the week progressed and Christmas approached, Emma found herself getting more and more into a slump. She managed to clean the house a bit, and catch up on some reading, she knew Rachel was spending a few days with Josh and his family in LA...celebrating Hanukah, but had to admit she missed her too. After a few days, she began to spend all day in her pajamas and watch TV...anything that was on. She was crying more than normal, she started talking to the Xmen...she had to bring them home with her over vacation. She hadn't been to the grocery store and the fridge was pretty empty. She didn't feel hungry, so she didn't eat. She was not handling this well at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rachel got a bit concerned when Emma wasn't picking up her phone after a few days. It was now Christmas Eve day and Rachel took it upon herself to head over to her house to see what was going on. Rachel knocked on the door, and Emma slowly opened the door, still in her pajamas, hair not washed...and it was already 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Without being invited in, Rachel pushed her way into the house, closing the door behind her.
Turning to Emma she began to shout, "I've been worried sick about you. Not answering your phone for days...what's going on Emma?"
"As you can see nothing. I am fine." Rachel walked into the kitchen and saw it was a mess, she then looked into the living room where it was obvious Emma had been spending most of her time, blankets on the couch, the Tv blaring a pathetic soap opera, empty soda cans and dirty plates covered the coffee table.
Rachel took the remote control and clicked off the TV, "I don't call this fine. You've got to get a grip, Emma. Your kids are growing up and they won't always be there for you. I'm concerned about you. Maybe you need to get some professional help."
Emma began to cry, "You don't know what it's like. You've never spent more than a few months with any one person. I was with Gary for 13 years and when I got married, it was for life...I had a beautiful family. Everything was perfect and now it's gone...all of it."
Rachel hated to see her like this, she had only met Gary once and thought he was an asshole. Very full of himself and horrible to Emma. Made her feel small and not worth much. She got Emma to sit down on the couch and Rachel cleared off some magazines to sit next to her. "Emma, it wasn't perfect. You know that."
Emma wiped her eyes and looked over at Rachel. Rachel continued, "You wanted to believe it was perfect, I know. We all want to believe that. And you still have a beautiful family. Kyle and Melody are terrific kids. And they will be back in less than a week, and you can start yelling at them about picking up their room and trying to pry Kyle off the computer, or Melody to comb her hair..."
Rachel managed to get a smile out of her, "but until then you're stuck with me. And I'm afraid this mess won't do, I'm a clean freak as you know...so why don't you hop into the shower, while I tidy up a bit. We can go get a bite to eat and then plan our night out."
"Rachel, really, I'm not in the mood. I'd rather stay here and watch a movie or something..."
"We're going out, and I don't want to hear another word about it." She started to push her towards the bathroom. "I've gone to a lot of trouble to find out about Meg's little hen night..."
Emma had forgotten about that, "Rachel, please, not Meg, not tonight in the funk I'm in."
"You know, Emma, she deliberately kept it from us...what do you make of that? Every year she has one of these dos, and it's meant to include all the single teachers...so why this year has she snubbed us?"
"Who cares? Normally you don't."
"It's the principal of the thing. Look, we show up and have a laugh and then move on to greener pastures, okay."
Emma was not sure about this at all. But she knew Rachel would not take no for an answer. She headed into the bathroom and got in the shower.
After lunch at a sidewalk Mexican restaurant in the old part of La Mesa, Emma and Rachel walked back to her house. Emma had cheered up a bit. Rachel was full of stories of Josh's family and Emma was glad of the distraction. The house had been immaculately cleaned by Rachel in record time and now that was all to do was get ready for their night out. Emma had very little in the way of going out clothes. Since she never went out. Rachel would have liked to seen her in a skirt, since she had great legs but Emma hated to cause attention to herself and flatly refused...Rachel scoured her closet and came up with a dressy pair of black pants, a form fitting black sleeveless turtleneck, black leather jacket and black boots. It was pure Emma, casual, black and looked great on her. She wasn't much into makeup but Rachel was a pro, and always looked so good, not too much, not to little...so she added the finishing touches, then they headed over to Rachel's so she could get ready. Rachel's wardrobe was packed with the latest fashions, and Rachel always looked superb in everything. Black capri pants and strappy sandals, with white blouse and a scarf draped around her neck in black, salmon pink and white. Emma decided she would drive, since she was the more responsible of the two. She rarely had more than a glass of wine on her previous ventures out with Rachel.
Emma had managed to cheer up considerably and on the drive into Pacific Beach, they were laughing and wondering what Meg would be wearing. Rachel joked about a tube top, which had them in hysterics. And then Emma imagined a tight black mini with fishnet stockings and black stiletto heals, something she would have worn in the 70's. It was nearing 9pm when they headed down Cass St. and Rachel checked the address she had scribbled down on a piece of paper. "Pull in here, this is it.." Emma quickly turned into the minuscule parking lot and her mouth dropped. "This can't be it." she replied.
Rachel looked at the paper again, "Joe's place...that is what it says."
Emma looked at the derelict building, it was painted a god awful bright green and the paint was chipping, the sign was old and some of the letters were wearing away and it read...BREWS and CUES..."this isn't Joe's place...come on let's go...you must have gotten it wrong or they were pulling your leg. Who gave you this information? Even Meg wouldn't show up at a dive like this."
Rachel was still looking the place over and then saw the hand painted words under the sign..."Look, Emma...it says Joe's place..right there under the proper sign. Lindsay said it was a pool place. So I take it this is it."
"If you think for one minute I am going in there, you're mistaken."
"Oh, come on. It won't be that bad. Good for a laugh. Where's your sense of adventure." Rachel thought this looked like fun, obviously and Emma felt disgusted. "Look, Emma, we go in have a brew and move on...no big deal."
"Do you have any idea what kind of guys are in places like this? If we walk in there, they will assume that we are looking for something besides the brews and cues, if you get my drift."
Rachel was well aware of Emma's apprehension of being approached by men and knew this was not going to be easy. "We stick together, let me do the talking...and besides the others will already be here." Rachel had been looking around the parking lot. "That's Lindsay's Grand Am over there..she probably brought Pam." She then pointed at a red mustang, "and Meg's pride and joy. So it won't be so bad, they are already here."
Emma felt very confused, "Why would they chose to come here? I can't understand it at all. They're margarita type women."
"God, only knows, maybe Meg has some hot guy she is after and he frequents this place." Emma's mind started to wander, the only guy Meg was after was Stanley Jobson, and god forbid he would frequent some place like this. She quickly brushed that thought aside, it couldn't be...it was ridiculous to even think that. Why had she let Rachel talk her into this, she just wanted to be home watching a movie with a glass of wine...she wanted to be home where it was safe.
Rachel got out of the car and Emma just sat there for a few minutes, Rachel finally opened the drivers side and pulled her out, "You are going in." Emma reluctantly stepped out of the car.
She made Rachel walk in first, but there was no way she could hide behind her, she was a good 2 inches taller and with boots on, about 3. So she towered over her. The place was dark, but not as gross as Emma was imagining it would be..2 pool tables were on the far right hand side of the bar, and a couple older men were playing. There were tables to the left and a few booths along the outer walls. A few guys were sitting at the bar talking to the bar tender, and obviously talking about the talent over in the corner...Meg, Pam and Lindsay. Emma heard them laughing and they turned to look at Rachel and Emma. Emma started to turn around and head back out the door when Rachel grabbed her arm, "No, you don't." They both got raised eyebrows from the men at the bar and a whistle from a guy standing by the pool tables, Meg was the first to notice them of the women and looked pretty perturbed to see them there.
Rachel waved to her and they made their way over to the booth. Meg nudged Lindsay, "Did you tell Rachel we would be here?"
"Meg, this is a girls night out for all the teachers, they have as much right here as anyone else. Why do you dislike them so much? Emma is rather nice."
Meg just made a hmppff sound and went back to her drink. As Emma and Rachel approached them they both noticed Meg was wearing a lime green off the shoulder top, that was too tight and looked like something from the 80's, she had on a black mini and they looked down at the ground and found her in black stilettos, they both looked at each other and started to laugh.
Rachel squeezed in next to Meg, "Well, well, well, never in a million years would I have thought we would run into you lot here."
"Very funny, Rachel, you knew we were here." "You have come up in the world, Meg...this place suits you."
Lindsay didn't want anyone to start fighting, "Come on, ladies, it's Christmas Eve and we are out to have a good time...no bickering."
Emma pulled up a chair and began looking around at her surroundings feeling very uncomfortable and vulnerable, the guys at the bar kept looking and she wanted a drink but was afraid to go up to the bar and get one. But then Pam got up and offered to get them one and Emma was relieved she didn't' have to make the trek over to the bar. Pam had no qualms about guys like these, she grew up with 3 brothers and a dad who spent most of their adult lives in places just like this. It didn't phase her one bit. Once Emma had her beer she sat back and hoped that this whole scene would just disappear. Meg was obviously put off by their presense and Lindsay and Pam were making sexual comments about the two men at the bar, Rachel quickly joined in the conversation and Emma started to feel gloomy again. It wasn't long and she was downing shots bought by Pam, mixed with who knows how many pints of beer, they were all fairly tipsy, Meg was even being nice to Rachel after awhile.
Emma was the first person to see him walk in, she was drunk but not that drunk. She started to nudge Rachel, "We have to go, now."
"Oh, come on, Emma, we are having fun..."
"Maybe you are, but I'm not.." She watched him walk up towards the bar and then Joe, the bartender, greeted him, "Hey, Stan, glad to see you."
He smiled that smile, "Looks like you have a full house tonight, Joe..." Stan scanned the room and noticed the ladies in the back, one in particular...it couldn't be...he took a double take as Emma slinked down into her seat.
Rachel saw what she was looking at and couldn't believe it. Stanley Jobson, stood there in a torn pair of jeans and an old Rolling Stones Tshirt. He definitely needed some help in his dress sense, but Rachel saw the attraction. The guy had a way of carrying himself and he was looking at Emma...boy, was he looking at Emma.
"We're going home now, Rachel. I don't want to be here."
Stanley smiled at her and waved, but Meg thought he was looking at her and waved to him. He looked a little confused by Meg's wave and then Emma's ignoring him. He turned to Joe, "They've been here long?"
"No, interesting lot...do you know them, Stan?" Joe gave him a bottle of Heinekin and he took a swig,
"Teachers at Holly's school.." He kept looking back at Emma and saw there was some conflict between her and Rachel.
Joe was surprised, "Really? Could have fooled me, they know how to let there hair down. Kicking shots back like there was no tomorrow."
Stanley raised his eyebrows. He couldn't see Emma kicking shots back. "Hey, Joe, let me pick up their next round."
"Sure, Stanley, whatever you say." Stan picked up his beer and headed over to the pool tables. He didn't really want to be accosted by Meg, even though he desperately would have liked to gone over and say hi to Emma...Ms. Heyward. He still had yet to get on first name basis with her. He joined the two older men at the pool table and they racked up the balls and started a new game.
Rachel nudged her, "Go over to him. Come on. What do you have to lose?"
"Everything." Rachel thought Emma looked like she was going to cry. "Why did I ever agree to come here with you."
"Get a hold of yourself, you have had a lot to drink. It's no big deal, it has happened to us all. He will understand."
Emma had way to much to drink and she was starting to feel flushed and queasy. What a stupid idea, having those tequila shots. Joe headed over to their table and laid a tray of drinks down on it, "Compliments of Mr. Jobson, ladies. Enjoy." They all looked over to where Stanley was about ready to set up a shot, he held up his bottle and said "Cheers, ladies, merry Christmas." Meg was smiling.
"Did you see the way he looked at me? You know I've always wanted to learn how to play pool, no time like the present." She started to get up and then turned to Emma who had just taken a swig of beer, "you have no objections do you, Emma?"
Emma wasn't about to get mad, she was past that, she just laid her head on the table and sighed. "Do whatever you like."
About this time Josh walked in, Rachel had told him where they would be and he came and wrapped his arms around her, "Missed, you baby."
Rachel was all smiles, all of a sudden a night in with Josh sounded absolutely wonderful. "Want to take me home?"
"You know I am always game to take you home. But I thought you would be having too much fun."
"Not half as much fun, as I could have with you at home." she raised her eyebrows...he looked over at Emma,
"What about Emma, she looks sloshed. I wouldn't want her to drive."
"I'll take care of it."
Emma who had her head laying on the table looked up at them, "hey, Josh...buy me a beer."
"I think you've had enough."
"Never, never...somebody in here will buy me a beer, surely." She started heading over to the bar.
Rachel started talking to Lindsay, and Lindsay said she would gladly take Emma home. They would leave Emma's car at the bar and get it tomorrow. Josh was unsure about this arrangement.
"Rachel, she should go home now, look at her." Emma was leaning over the bar and talking to Joe. " I have never seen her like this."
"She is having a bad night. First the fact of being alone and now the man of her dreams is teaching Meg how to play pool."
Meg had approached Stanley and he nervously smiled at her, when she requested his services. "I am a terrible shot, I bet you could give me a few pointers."
Emma was trying to ignore them, but she was close enough to hear every word. Stanley was being nice to her and it made her want to cry. Rachel came over to her, "I am going home with Josh, are you okay with that? Lindsay said she would take you home."
"I can take myself home."
"Emma, you have to promise me you won't even contemplate that feat. You're in no state to drive. Josh and I can take you home now if you want."
"I'm not finished drinking."
"Fine, you stay here, Lindsay will take you home." Rachel noticed Emma looking over at Stanley, everytime he looked her way she turned away. Rachel could tell he wasn't really enjoying himself, but he was being nice to Meg, which was bound to be eating Emma up inside. Rachel wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing leaving her there, but Emma was capable of taking care of herself. She then left.
Meg was laying it on thick, the stupid "I don't know how to play pool because I am female" role...and Emma wanted to walk over there and shove a pool cue up her butt..but her vision felt a bit fuzzy. Joe looked at her concerned, "Miss, are you alright."
She felt faint, nodded slightly, "Joe...I can call you Joe, can't I?"
"That's my name."
"Have you ever wanted to stick a pool cue up someone's ass." She said it loud enough that both Stanley and Meg heard it. Stanley stopped his shot and was about to head over to the bar when Meg grabbed his arm, "Stan, I think I almost have it." She was leaning over the table all wrong on purpose and Emma couldn't believe it when Stanley leaned over her, his arms around her and helped her make the shot. That was it, she stood up abruptly, "I need some fresh air, Joe. Excuse me." Somehow she made it out the front door.
Meg was ecstatic, she made the shot due to Stanley's help and proceeded to embrace him, he was more interested in what was going on at the bar, and when he looked up Emma was gone. He shoved the cue into Meg's arms preventing her from wrapping her arms around him, "I'm sure Bud would love to give you some pointers Ms. Adams. I need a refill." He held up his empty bottle and went to the bar. Meg was disapointed.but Bud sure wasn't. He took her by the hand, "I'll be glad to show you just about anything pretty lady."
Stan looked back at them and smiled as he grabbed another Heinekin and asked Joe about Emma, "Where did she go?"
"Needed fresh air. Personally I think she's going to be sick. What a way to spend Christmas eve."
Stan took a swig of beer, set the bottle back on the bar and headed outside. He didn't see her out front and then proceeded to the parking lot, where he found her trying to open her car, but not succeeding . He headed over to her, and easily swiped the keys out of her hand, "What are you doing?" She turned towards him trying to get the keys back. Her reflexes were slow because of the alcohol, and he easily dodged her and smiled.
"If you think I'm going to let you drive, you're crazy. There's no way. I heard your friend at the bar, someone named Lindsay will take you home."
"I'm not going home with them." she said defiantly.
"Then what pray tell are you going to do, sleep in the bar? Because I'm not giving you you're keys back."
She put on a pout and then tried to fight him swiping at him which was rather humorous. He couldn't help but laugh, "It's not funny."
"Oh, but it is from my end." She stopped, she began to feel nauseous and a bit faint and Stanley noticed her swaying, she put her hand to her head.
"I'm going to be sick." The next thing he knew she fell forward into his arms and threw up onto him. Stanley grimaced as he felt the vomit cover his shoulder and back, as well as go down the front of her shirt. She then began to sob, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that."
"It's okay. I'll take you home. Would that be okay?"
She managed a nod and he opened the passenger side of the car and helped her in. She realized she didn't have her leather jacket, "My jacket, I left it inside."
He didn't want to leave her, she slumped into the seat of the car and her head flopped to one side.
"I won't be a minute, stay put."
He ran into the pub and grabbed her jacket off the chair, Lindsay and Pam just stared at him, he wreaked of vomit "I'm taking your friend home." He smiled at Joe as he passed the bar, "Merry Christmas, Joe."
Joe looked a bit dumbfounded to what was going on, Stanley covered in vomit, rushing out like that. And Meg watched him head out the door with Emma's jacket. This was not what was supposed to happen.
He got into her car in the drivers side, starting it "Okay, where do you live?"
"La Mesa."
Stanley was good at finding places and directions and he knew where La Mesa was, but he was over his limit, and was not prepared to drive the 25 miles of freeway and get stopped by a cop on Christmas Eve. "Well, there we have a problem, Ms. Heyward. I am in no state to drive you that far. The last thing I want is to spend Christmas Eve in a holding cell."
She looked at him, "I'm going to be sick again."
"Oh, god." Stanley had to think quick he got out of the car and went to her side and opened the door, helping her to lean over the side, this time covering the parking lot with what was left inside her stomach. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her face, "You think that's it?"
She nodded, Stanley stood there for a minute thinking, he wreaked of vomit and it was beginning to make him feel sick. Then he came up with something, He noticed her starting to doze off so he got into the drivers seat and drove down the road, pulling into his own driveway. She was like a rag doll, as he tried to get her out of the car, but managed to get her into the house. Mary was sitting on the couch and was shocked to see Stanley coming in with this drunken woman in his arms, she stood up. "I know what it looks like, but believe me it's not at all what you think, Mary. I'm helping out a friend."
Emma managed to mumble, "I'm your friend?" Mary smelt the disgusting odor of both of them.
"Is there something I can do, Stanley?"
"Could you get the spare sheets out of the cupboard in the hall, and make up the couch for me?"
"No problem."
He ended up picking Emma up in his arms, since she was becoming a dead weight and took her into his bedroom setting her on the bed. He tried to get her to sit up and she kept wanting to fall over, and she would giggle, He didn't want vomit getting all over his bed. "Come on, Emma, help me out here. Sit up."
"You called me, Emma." she looked up at him with a quizical look on her face.
He smiled at her, "don't you think we're past the parent/teacher Mr and Ms? I mean you did throw up all over me and I'm allowing you to sleep in my bed."
"Is this your bed?" She then looked around the room and for a few minutes seemed to be supporting herself. He pulled off his shirt and threw it out into the hall. He then opened his drawer finding something for Emma to put on. Mary called from the living room,
"I'll be going Stanley, if you don't need anything else."
He called back to her, "Thanks Mary, I'll see you tomorrow."
He then heard the front door open and close and grabbed a Tshirt and moved over to the bed next to Emma, she refocused on him and realized he didn't have a shirt on, in drunken innocence she reached over to him and touched his chest and he was a bit surprised, "You have a lovely chest."
He was a bit embarrassed, and blushed, "Thanks."
"And muscles...big muscles..." she felt his arm and Stanley just sat there for a minute letting her touch him. He had to admit it, he liked it, he closed his eyes for a second and let out a sigh, then realized Emma started feeling faint again and he had to hold her up. He had to wipe away all those thoughts right now. It would be so easy to take advantage of her, not that he ever would. She was incredibly vulnerable, and then saying these things out of the blue. Not Emma the school teacher he was used to. He got back to the matter at hand, getting her smelly clothes off.
"Okay, Emma, we have to get this shirt off...and you are going to have to help me." He started to lift her arms and pull the shirt over her head. As it came off she fell over onto the bed. She turned onto her back and spread her arms out, he threw her shirt into the hall with his own. Since she was lying down the boots were easy to get off and then he tried to remove her pants. She started to giggle as he unzipped them and pulled them down past her knees and finally over her feet. She lay on top of his bed in her bra and underpants and had no understanding of what was going on. A peaceful look came over her and She looked as if she was going to fall asleep. Somehow Stanley managed to put one of his tshirts on her. He lifted her up and moved her so he could pull the covers up over her, she sighed contently as he did this. He leaned to turn the light off on his bedside table and she took hold of his hand, "You undressed me."
"I did. Now go to sleep."
"Is it Christmas yet?"
"nearly."He couldn't help but smile, she had that childlike quality being drunk and he found it endearing and sweet.
"Will you stay with me for awhile, till I go to sleep." What a request. This woman who had entered his life only a few short weeks ago was in his bed. It was Christmas Eve and he was slightly intoxicated himself and just seeing her in her bra and underpants a few seconds ago had excited him. There was also the fact that he in no way wanted Holly to find him in bed with her in the morning. And there was that possibility he would fall asleep. No, it was out of the question. He was staying on the couch. She was looking up at him with pleading eyes.
"Just till you fall asleep." He took off his boots and crawled into bed next to her, she immediately turned towards him and took hold of his hand, not feeling self conscious at all.
"Thank you for taking care of me."
"I was glad to do it. Now go to sleep."
She started to close her eyes and then opened them again and he was looking at her, "Stanley?"
"What?"
"Do you like me?"
"What do you think?" He did not want to get into this conversation now.
"I don't know...you had your arms around Meg tonight."
"I was helping her set up for a shot, that was all. Now go to sleep."
She seemed content with that answer and he was glad when finally she closed her eyes. He lay there and watched her, took his free hand and wisped her hair away from her face, and gently stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, and whispered, "Yes, I like you, Emma. I like you a lot." He lay there until he was sure she was asleep and then carefully got out of bed, not to wake her. As he stood at the door, he turned back and watched her sleeping peacefully. He hoped her presence Christmas morning wouldn't upset Holly. He then closed the door and picked up the smelly clothes in the hall, taking them out to the garage and putting them in the washing machine. He had a couple more presents to wrap before he could call it a night and Holly's stocking to fill, and headed back into the living room. Scrap was lying on the made up couch, and Stanley just smiled. The house was now quiet and peaceful and it felt so right. Everything. It was going to be a good Christmas, he was sure of it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the week progressed and Christmas approached, Emma found herself getting more and more into a slump. She managed to clean the house a bit, and catch up on some reading, she knew Rachel was spending a few days with Josh and his family in LA...celebrating Hanukah, but had to admit she missed her too. After a few days, she began to spend all day in her pajamas and watch TV...anything that was on. She was crying more than normal, she started talking to the Xmen...she had to bring them home with her over vacation. She hadn't been to the grocery store and the fridge was pretty empty. She didn't feel hungry, so she didn't eat. She was not handling this well at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rachel got a bit concerned when Emma wasn't picking up her phone after a few days. It was now Christmas Eve day and Rachel took it upon herself to head over to her house to see what was going on. Rachel knocked on the door, and Emma slowly opened the door, still in her pajamas, hair not washed...and it was already 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Without being invited in, Rachel pushed her way into the house, closing the door behind her.
Turning to Emma she began to shout, "I've been worried sick about you. Not answering your phone for days...what's going on Emma?"
"As you can see nothing. I am fine." Rachel walked into the kitchen and saw it was a mess, she then looked into the living room where it was obvious Emma had been spending most of her time, blankets on the couch, the Tv blaring a pathetic soap opera, empty soda cans and dirty plates covered the coffee table.
Rachel took the remote control and clicked off the TV, "I don't call this fine. You've got to get a grip, Emma. Your kids are growing up and they won't always be there for you. I'm concerned about you. Maybe you need to get some professional help."
Emma began to cry, "You don't know what it's like. You've never spent more than a few months with any one person. I was with Gary for 13 years and when I got married, it was for life...I had a beautiful family. Everything was perfect and now it's gone...all of it."
Rachel hated to see her like this, she had only met Gary once and thought he was an asshole. Very full of himself and horrible to Emma. Made her feel small and not worth much. She got Emma to sit down on the couch and Rachel cleared off some magazines to sit next to her. "Emma, it wasn't perfect. You know that."
Emma wiped her eyes and looked over at Rachel. Rachel continued, "You wanted to believe it was perfect, I know. We all want to believe that. And you still have a beautiful family. Kyle and Melody are terrific kids. And they will be back in less than a week, and you can start yelling at them about picking up their room and trying to pry Kyle off the computer, or Melody to comb her hair..."
Rachel managed to get a smile out of her, "but until then you're stuck with me. And I'm afraid this mess won't do, I'm a clean freak as you know...so why don't you hop into the shower, while I tidy up a bit. We can go get a bite to eat and then plan our night out."
"Rachel, really, I'm not in the mood. I'd rather stay here and watch a movie or something..."
"We're going out, and I don't want to hear another word about it." She started to push her towards the bathroom. "I've gone to a lot of trouble to find out about Meg's little hen night..."
Emma had forgotten about that, "Rachel, please, not Meg, not tonight in the funk I'm in."
"You know, Emma, she deliberately kept it from us...what do you make of that? Every year she has one of these dos, and it's meant to include all the single teachers...so why this year has she snubbed us?"
"Who cares? Normally you don't."
"It's the principal of the thing. Look, we show up and have a laugh and then move on to greener pastures, okay."
Emma was not sure about this at all. But she knew Rachel would not take no for an answer. She headed into the bathroom and got in the shower.
After lunch at a sidewalk Mexican restaurant in the old part of La Mesa, Emma and Rachel walked back to her house. Emma had cheered up a bit. Rachel was full of stories of Josh's family and Emma was glad of the distraction. The house had been immaculately cleaned by Rachel in record time and now that was all to do was get ready for their night out. Emma had very little in the way of going out clothes. Since she never went out. Rachel would have liked to seen her in a skirt, since she had great legs but Emma hated to cause attention to herself and flatly refused...Rachel scoured her closet and came up with a dressy pair of black pants, a form fitting black sleeveless turtleneck, black leather jacket and black boots. It was pure Emma, casual, black and looked great on her. She wasn't much into makeup but Rachel was a pro, and always looked so good, not too much, not to little...so she added the finishing touches, then they headed over to Rachel's so she could get ready. Rachel's wardrobe was packed with the latest fashions, and Rachel always looked superb in everything. Black capri pants and strappy sandals, with white blouse and a scarf draped around her neck in black, salmon pink and white. Emma decided she would drive, since she was the more responsible of the two. She rarely had more than a glass of wine on her previous ventures out with Rachel.
Emma had managed to cheer up considerably and on the drive into Pacific Beach, they were laughing and wondering what Meg would be wearing. Rachel joked about a tube top, which had them in hysterics. And then Emma imagined a tight black mini with fishnet stockings and black stiletto heals, something she would have worn in the 70's. It was nearing 9pm when they headed down Cass St. and Rachel checked the address she had scribbled down on a piece of paper. "Pull in here, this is it.." Emma quickly turned into the minuscule parking lot and her mouth dropped. "This can't be it." she replied.
Rachel looked at the paper again, "Joe's place...that is what it says."
Emma looked at the derelict building, it was painted a god awful bright green and the paint was chipping, the sign was old and some of the letters were wearing away and it read...BREWS and CUES..."this isn't Joe's place...come on let's go...you must have gotten it wrong or they were pulling your leg. Who gave you this information? Even Meg wouldn't show up at a dive like this."
Rachel was still looking the place over and then saw the hand painted words under the sign..."Look, Emma...it says Joe's place..right there under the proper sign. Lindsay said it was a pool place. So I take it this is it."
"If you think for one minute I am going in there, you're mistaken."
"Oh, come on. It won't be that bad. Good for a laugh. Where's your sense of adventure." Rachel thought this looked like fun, obviously and Emma felt disgusted. "Look, Emma, we go in have a brew and move on...no big deal."
"Do you have any idea what kind of guys are in places like this? If we walk in there, they will assume that we are looking for something besides the brews and cues, if you get my drift."
Rachel was well aware of Emma's apprehension of being approached by men and knew this was not going to be easy. "We stick together, let me do the talking...and besides the others will already be here." Rachel had been looking around the parking lot. "That's Lindsay's Grand Am over there..she probably brought Pam." She then pointed at a red mustang, "and Meg's pride and joy. So it won't be so bad, they are already here."
Emma felt very confused, "Why would they chose to come here? I can't understand it at all. They're margarita type women."
"God, only knows, maybe Meg has some hot guy she is after and he frequents this place." Emma's mind started to wander, the only guy Meg was after was Stanley Jobson, and god forbid he would frequent some place like this. She quickly brushed that thought aside, it couldn't be...it was ridiculous to even think that. Why had she let Rachel talk her into this, she just wanted to be home watching a movie with a glass of wine...she wanted to be home where it was safe.
Rachel got out of the car and Emma just sat there for a few minutes, Rachel finally opened the drivers side and pulled her out, "You are going in." Emma reluctantly stepped out of the car.
She made Rachel walk in first, but there was no way she could hide behind her, she was a good 2 inches taller and with boots on, about 3. So she towered over her. The place was dark, but not as gross as Emma was imagining it would be..2 pool tables were on the far right hand side of the bar, and a couple older men were playing. There were tables to the left and a few booths along the outer walls. A few guys were sitting at the bar talking to the bar tender, and obviously talking about the talent over in the corner...Meg, Pam and Lindsay. Emma heard them laughing and they turned to look at Rachel and Emma. Emma started to turn around and head back out the door when Rachel grabbed her arm, "No, you don't." They both got raised eyebrows from the men at the bar and a whistle from a guy standing by the pool tables, Meg was the first to notice them of the women and looked pretty perturbed to see them there.
Rachel waved to her and they made their way over to the booth. Meg nudged Lindsay, "Did you tell Rachel we would be here?"
"Meg, this is a girls night out for all the teachers, they have as much right here as anyone else. Why do you dislike them so much? Emma is rather nice."
Meg just made a hmppff sound and went back to her drink. As Emma and Rachel approached them they both noticed Meg was wearing a lime green off the shoulder top, that was too tight and looked like something from the 80's, she had on a black mini and they looked down at the ground and found her in black stilettos, they both looked at each other and started to laugh.
Rachel squeezed in next to Meg, "Well, well, well, never in a million years would I have thought we would run into you lot here."
"Very funny, Rachel, you knew we were here." "You have come up in the world, Meg...this place suits you."
Lindsay didn't want anyone to start fighting, "Come on, ladies, it's Christmas Eve and we are out to have a good time...no bickering."
Emma pulled up a chair and began looking around at her surroundings feeling very uncomfortable and vulnerable, the guys at the bar kept looking and she wanted a drink but was afraid to go up to the bar and get one. But then Pam got up and offered to get them one and Emma was relieved she didn't' have to make the trek over to the bar. Pam had no qualms about guys like these, she grew up with 3 brothers and a dad who spent most of their adult lives in places just like this. It didn't phase her one bit. Once Emma had her beer she sat back and hoped that this whole scene would just disappear. Meg was obviously put off by their presense and Lindsay and Pam were making sexual comments about the two men at the bar, Rachel quickly joined in the conversation and Emma started to feel gloomy again. It wasn't long and she was downing shots bought by Pam, mixed with who knows how many pints of beer, they were all fairly tipsy, Meg was even being nice to Rachel after awhile.
Emma was the first person to see him walk in, she was drunk but not that drunk. She started to nudge Rachel, "We have to go, now."
"Oh, come on, Emma, we are having fun..."
"Maybe you are, but I'm not.." She watched him walk up towards the bar and then Joe, the bartender, greeted him, "Hey, Stan, glad to see you."
He smiled that smile, "Looks like you have a full house tonight, Joe..." Stan scanned the room and noticed the ladies in the back, one in particular...it couldn't be...he took a double take as Emma slinked down into her seat.
Rachel saw what she was looking at and couldn't believe it. Stanley Jobson, stood there in a torn pair of jeans and an old Rolling Stones Tshirt. He definitely needed some help in his dress sense, but Rachel saw the attraction. The guy had a way of carrying himself and he was looking at Emma...boy, was he looking at Emma.
"We're going home now, Rachel. I don't want to be here."
Stanley smiled at her and waved, but Meg thought he was looking at her and waved to him. He looked a little confused by Meg's wave and then Emma's ignoring him. He turned to Joe, "They've been here long?"
"No, interesting lot...do you know them, Stan?" Joe gave him a bottle of Heinekin and he took a swig,
"Teachers at Holly's school.." He kept looking back at Emma and saw there was some conflict between her and Rachel.
Joe was surprised, "Really? Could have fooled me, they know how to let there hair down. Kicking shots back like there was no tomorrow."
Stanley raised his eyebrows. He couldn't see Emma kicking shots back. "Hey, Joe, let me pick up their next round."
"Sure, Stanley, whatever you say." Stan picked up his beer and headed over to the pool tables. He didn't really want to be accosted by Meg, even though he desperately would have liked to gone over and say hi to Emma...Ms. Heyward. He still had yet to get on first name basis with her. He joined the two older men at the pool table and they racked up the balls and started a new game.
Rachel nudged her, "Go over to him. Come on. What do you have to lose?"
"Everything." Rachel thought Emma looked like she was going to cry. "Why did I ever agree to come here with you."
"Get a hold of yourself, you have had a lot to drink. It's no big deal, it has happened to us all. He will understand."
Emma had way to much to drink and she was starting to feel flushed and queasy. What a stupid idea, having those tequila shots. Joe headed over to their table and laid a tray of drinks down on it, "Compliments of Mr. Jobson, ladies. Enjoy." They all looked over to where Stanley was about ready to set up a shot, he held up his bottle and said "Cheers, ladies, merry Christmas." Meg was smiling.
"Did you see the way he looked at me? You know I've always wanted to learn how to play pool, no time like the present." She started to get up and then turned to Emma who had just taken a swig of beer, "you have no objections do you, Emma?"
Emma wasn't about to get mad, she was past that, she just laid her head on the table and sighed. "Do whatever you like."
About this time Josh walked in, Rachel had told him where they would be and he came and wrapped his arms around her, "Missed, you baby."
Rachel was all smiles, all of a sudden a night in with Josh sounded absolutely wonderful. "Want to take me home?"
"You know I am always game to take you home. But I thought you would be having too much fun."
"Not half as much fun, as I could have with you at home." she raised her eyebrows...he looked over at Emma,
"What about Emma, she looks sloshed. I wouldn't want her to drive."
"I'll take care of it."
Emma who had her head laying on the table looked up at them, "hey, Josh...buy me a beer."
"I think you've had enough."
"Never, never...somebody in here will buy me a beer, surely." She started heading over to the bar.
Rachel started talking to Lindsay, and Lindsay said she would gladly take Emma home. They would leave Emma's car at the bar and get it tomorrow. Josh was unsure about this arrangement.
"Rachel, she should go home now, look at her." Emma was leaning over the bar and talking to Joe. " I have never seen her like this."
"She is having a bad night. First the fact of being alone and now the man of her dreams is teaching Meg how to play pool."
Meg had approached Stanley and he nervously smiled at her, when she requested his services. "I am a terrible shot, I bet you could give me a few pointers."
Emma was trying to ignore them, but she was close enough to hear every word. Stanley was being nice to her and it made her want to cry. Rachel came over to her, "I am going home with Josh, are you okay with that? Lindsay said she would take you home."
"I can take myself home."
"Emma, you have to promise me you won't even contemplate that feat. You're in no state to drive. Josh and I can take you home now if you want."
"I'm not finished drinking."
"Fine, you stay here, Lindsay will take you home." Rachel noticed Emma looking over at Stanley, everytime he looked her way she turned away. Rachel could tell he wasn't really enjoying himself, but he was being nice to Meg, which was bound to be eating Emma up inside. Rachel wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing leaving her there, but Emma was capable of taking care of herself. She then left.
Meg was laying it on thick, the stupid "I don't know how to play pool because I am female" role...and Emma wanted to walk over there and shove a pool cue up her butt..but her vision felt a bit fuzzy. Joe looked at her concerned, "Miss, are you alright."
She felt faint, nodded slightly, "Joe...I can call you Joe, can't I?"
"That's my name."
"Have you ever wanted to stick a pool cue up someone's ass." She said it loud enough that both Stanley and Meg heard it. Stanley stopped his shot and was about to head over to the bar when Meg grabbed his arm, "Stan, I think I almost have it." She was leaning over the table all wrong on purpose and Emma couldn't believe it when Stanley leaned over her, his arms around her and helped her make the shot. That was it, she stood up abruptly, "I need some fresh air, Joe. Excuse me." Somehow she made it out the front door.
Meg was ecstatic, she made the shot due to Stanley's help and proceeded to embrace him, he was more interested in what was going on at the bar, and when he looked up Emma was gone. He shoved the cue into Meg's arms preventing her from wrapping her arms around him, "I'm sure Bud would love to give you some pointers Ms. Adams. I need a refill." He held up his empty bottle and went to the bar. Meg was disapointed.but Bud sure wasn't. He took her by the hand, "I'll be glad to show you just about anything pretty lady."
Stan looked back at them and smiled as he grabbed another Heinekin and asked Joe about Emma, "Where did she go?"
"Needed fresh air. Personally I think she's going to be sick. What a way to spend Christmas eve."
Stan took a swig of beer, set the bottle back on the bar and headed outside. He didn't see her out front and then proceeded to the parking lot, where he found her trying to open her car, but not succeeding . He headed over to her, and easily swiped the keys out of her hand, "What are you doing?" She turned towards him trying to get the keys back. Her reflexes were slow because of the alcohol, and he easily dodged her and smiled.
"If you think I'm going to let you drive, you're crazy. There's no way. I heard your friend at the bar, someone named Lindsay will take you home."
"I'm not going home with them." she said defiantly.
"Then what pray tell are you going to do, sleep in the bar? Because I'm not giving you you're keys back."
She put on a pout and then tried to fight him swiping at him which was rather humorous. He couldn't help but laugh, "It's not funny."
"Oh, but it is from my end." She stopped, she began to feel nauseous and a bit faint and Stanley noticed her swaying, she put her hand to her head.
"I'm going to be sick." The next thing he knew she fell forward into his arms and threw up onto him. Stanley grimaced as he felt the vomit cover his shoulder and back, as well as go down the front of her shirt. She then began to sob, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that."
"It's okay. I'll take you home. Would that be okay?"
She managed a nod and he opened the passenger side of the car and helped her in. She realized she didn't have her leather jacket, "My jacket, I left it inside."
He didn't want to leave her, she slumped into the seat of the car and her head flopped to one side.
"I won't be a minute, stay put."
He ran into the pub and grabbed her jacket off the chair, Lindsay and Pam just stared at him, he wreaked of vomit "I'm taking your friend home." He smiled at Joe as he passed the bar, "Merry Christmas, Joe."
Joe looked a bit dumbfounded to what was going on, Stanley covered in vomit, rushing out like that. And Meg watched him head out the door with Emma's jacket. This was not what was supposed to happen.
He got into her car in the drivers side, starting it "Okay, where do you live?"
"La Mesa."
Stanley was good at finding places and directions and he knew where La Mesa was, but he was over his limit, and was not prepared to drive the 25 miles of freeway and get stopped by a cop on Christmas Eve. "Well, there we have a problem, Ms. Heyward. I am in no state to drive you that far. The last thing I want is to spend Christmas Eve in a holding cell."
She looked at him, "I'm going to be sick again."
"Oh, god." Stanley had to think quick he got out of the car and went to her side and opened the door, helping her to lean over the side, this time covering the parking lot with what was left inside her stomach. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her face, "You think that's it?"
She nodded, Stanley stood there for a minute thinking, he wreaked of vomit and it was beginning to make him feel sick. Then he came up with something, He noticed her starting to doze off so he got into the drivers seat and drove down the road, pulling into his own driveway. She was like a rag doll, as he tried to get her out of the car, but managed to get her into the house. Mary was sitting on the couch and was shocked to see Stanley coming in with this drunken woman in his arms, she stood up. "I know what it looks like, but believe me it's not at all what you think, Mary. I'm helping out a friend."
Emma managed to mumble, "I'm your friend?" Mary smelt the disgusting odor of both of them.
"Is there something I can do, Stanley?"
"Could you get the spare sheets out of the cupboard in the hall, and make up the couch for me?"
"No problem."
He ended up picking Emma up in his arms, since she was becoming a dead weight and took her into his bedroom setting her on the bed. He tried to get her to sit up and she kept wanting to fall over, and she would giggle, He didn't want vomit getting all over his bed. "Come on, Emma, help me out here. Sit up."
"You called me, Emma." she looked up at him with a quizical look on her face.
He smiled at her, "don't you think we're past the parent/teacher Mr and Ms? I mean you did throw up all over me and I'm allowing you to sleep in my bed."
"Is this your bed?" She then looked around the room and for a few minutes seemed to be supporting herself. He pulled off his shirt and threw it out into the hall. He then opened his drawer finding something for Emma to put on. Mary called from the living room,
"I'll be going Stanley, if you don't need anything else."
He called back to her, "Thanks Mary, I'll see you tomorrow."
He then heard the front door open and close and grabbed a Tshirt and moved over to the bed next to Emma, she refocused on him and realized he didn't have a shirt on, in drunken innocence she reached over to him and touched his chest and he was a bit surprised, "You have a lovely chest."
He was a bit embarrassed, and blushed, "Thanks."
"And muscles...big muscles..." she felt his arm and Stanley just sat there for a minute letting her touch him. He had to admit it, he liked it, he closed his eyes for a second and let out a sigh, then realized Emma started feeling faint again and he had to hold her up. He had to wipe away all those thoughts right now. It would be so easy to take advantage of her, not that he ever would. She was incredibly vulnerable, and then saying these things out of the blue. Not Emma the school teacher he was used to. He got back to the matter at hand, getting her smelly clothes off.
"Okay, Emma, we have to get this shirt off...and you are going to have to help me." He started to lift her arms and pull the shirt over her head. As it came off she fell over onto the bed. She turned onto her back and spread her arms out, he threw her shirt into the hall with his own. Since she was lying down the boots were easy to get off and then he tried to remove her pants. She started to giggle as he unzipped them and pulled them down past her knees and finally over her feet. She lay on top of his bed in her bra and underpants and had no understanding of what was going on. A peaceful look came over her and She looked as if she was going to fall asleep. Somehow Stanley managed to put one of his tshirts on her. He lifted her up and moved her so he could pull the covers up over her, she sighed contently as he did this. He leaned to turn the light off on his bedside table and she took hold of his hand, "You undressed me."
"I did. Now go to sleep."
"Is it Christmas yet?"
"nearly."He couldn't help but smile, she had that childlike quality being drunk and he found it endearing and sweet.
"Will you stay with me for awhile, till I go to sleep." What a request. This woman who had entered his life only a few short weeks ago was in his bed. It was Christmas Eve and he was slightly intoxicated himself and just seeing her in her bra and underpants a few seconds ago had excited him. There was also the fact that he in no way wanted Holly to find him in bed with her in the morning. And there was that possibility he would fall asleep. No, it was out of the question. He was staying on the couch. She was looking up at him with pleading eyes.
"Just till you fall asleep." He took off his boots and crawled into bed next to her, she immediately turned towards him and took hold of his hand, not feeling self conscious at all.
"Thank you for taking care of me."
"I was glad to do it. Now go to sleep."
She started to close her eyes and then opened them again and he was looking at her, "Stanley?"
"What?"
"Do you like me?"
"What do you think?" He did not want to get into this conversation now.
"I don't know...you had your arms around Meg tonight."
"I was helping her set up for a shot, that was all. Now go to sleep."
She seemed content with that answer and he was glad when finally she closed her eyes. He lay there and watched her, took his free hand and wisped her hair away from her face, and gently stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, and whispered, "Yes, I like you, Emma. I like you a lot." He lay there until he was sure she was asleep and then carefully got out of bed, not to wake her. As he stood at the door, he turned back and watched her sleeping peacefully. He hoped her presence Christmas morning wouldn't upset Holly. He then closed the door and picked up the smelly clothes in the hall, taking them out to the garage and putting them in the washing machine. He had a couple more presents to wrap before he could call it a night and Holly's stocking to fill, and headed back into the living room. Scrap was lying on the made up couch, and Stanley just smiled. The house was now quiet and peaceful and it felt so right. Everything. It was going to be a good Christmas, he was sure of it.