Emma was anxious to get back to school. She had become a new
person over the holidays and it effected her attitude about everything.
Stanley had been on her mind constantly and she knew it was time she
started to concentrate on what was equally as important.... her thirty 5th
graders. She was excited to get back into the classroom, of course the
fact that Stanley would be there a couple hours a week, didn't hurt.
The first week back was great, Stanley was a hit. He usually spent an hour in the morning with a small group of students and they took turns throughout the week working with him. Emma used that as a reward, so the kids were extremely good. At the far side of the room, she would continue with a lesson already planned, but found it hard to concentrate in his presence. She always found herself looking his way. He got a kick out of it. New Years Eve had given her a small taste of something that she desperately wanted, but was still so afraid to grasp onto. There were moments in the classroom when she would find herself in close proximity to him and they might casually brush up against each other in passing, a tingling sensation passing between them at nearly the same time. He was giving her the space she had asked for. Not coming on to strong. Things seemed to be progressing nicely as far as he was concerned.
Stanley had been working at the school for a few weeks, and the web page had become a hit with kids and parents a like. There were numerous days each week he was at school to get the basics entered. The plan was for him to come in once a month and update it. Since everything was up and running smoothly. Emma was going to miss him. He hung around a bit longer that morning helping some kids with their math and then headed out with the class to the playground at recess.
She left him with Rachel for a moment while she went to the bathroom and ran into Meg as she was coming out.
A smug look plastered on her face when she realized who had opened the door. "So it's Stanley's last day I heard. What are you going to do without him, Emma?" she said sarcastically.
"I will do like I always have done, just fine." Her pathway was temporarily blocked.
"Of course you will, there's obviously more going on than you care to admit. Do you realize how much trouble you could be in for dating a parent of one of your students?" The taunting dragged on.
"I am not dating anyone." Her tone of voice raised.
Meg remained calm. "Okay, so it's not what you call dating..."
"I don't have to answer to you about anything." She pushed on through the door as if to dismiss the situation but Meg wouldn't let it go.
"I'd be careful, Emma. I have already had a parent complain about your favoritism to Holly."
She paused and half-turned. "And why would a parent come to you?"
"Christina Fleming's mom. She was in my class last year."
"I am not going to listen to this." Emma' shoulders squared off and she turned to continue on her course.
"Fine, but be warned." Meg's last words bounced off the walls in the smaller room.
As Emma approached Rachel and Stanley, Rachel noticed the look of aggravation on her face. "Are you okay?"
She tried to hide her concern and smiled, "Fine." Giving her a look, which Rachel knew to mean...later.
Stanley's eyes were on his daughter, who, in the last few weeks, had come out of her shell and was actually playing with kids her own age.
Emma smiled at him, "I told you she'd be okay."
"She's happy. Happier than I've ever seen her." He turned toward her. "And you must take some of the credit."
"You coming into the class has made a huge difference." Emma face lit into a smile when responding to his remark.
Rachel watched the two of them compliment each other. And rolled her eyes, then she noticed Stanley move closer to Emma, and gently squeeze her hand. A look passed between them, and Stanley added, "We did it together."
Meg walked out of the building while still at a distance behind them, and saw the hand holding and nearly went ballistic. She still thought there was a chance with her and Stan. As long as there wasn't a ring on a finger and invitations in the mail, that door was still open and she wanted him. It was time...Emma was going down. If she thought she could get away with this, she was wrong.
Reluctantly, Stan had to face a small fact. "I need to get back to the shop. Can I see you later?" Hope registered in his words.
Rachel smiled and knew Emma was embarrassed he was asking in front of Rachel. "Of course she would love to see you later." Rachel answered. Stanley glanced at Rachel and thought it was funny having a ventriloquist for a friend. Emma blushed. The bell rang just in time. Eyes back on his main subject of interest, he squeezed her hand once more before letting go.
"I will call you."
"Great"
As he walked away Emma watched him. Rachel noticed that funny glazed effect clouding her eyes and nudged her, "You are so cute together. God, it's sick. The way he squeezed your hand...I would die."
"You noticed that?"
"My god, yes, look we need to talk later...what are you doing after class...oh, right, you might be seeing Stanley." A herd of students began to surround their teachers. Emma had her kids now lined up and Rachel's were straggling in.
"Later, Rachel." She took them into the class.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Emma met Stanley in the parking lot after work, Brent had gone to pick up Chelsea and they were going to meet Stan and Emma at Joe's place. Emma had agreed, since it was Friday and she wouldnt' be late. She had told her kids she was going out with Rachel.. Feeling a bit bad about the lie. But not sure they were ready for the fact she was dating...especially Melody. And it wasn't really a date. They were going for a beer and a game of pool and Chelsea and Brent would be there, very casual, very relaxed. Emma already felt she knew the regulars at Joe's...Stan talked about them a lot and of course she knew Joe. When they walked up to the bar, Joe was smiling at Stanley....glad to see him with Emma. He got Stanley a Heineken, setting it onto the bar and then looked at Emma "And you young lady, let's keep you away from the hard stuff tonight."
"You don't have to worry about that...never again..." she blushed, then pointed at Stanley's beer, "I'll have the same..." he got another beer and as he put it on the bar, she noticed the glance between them. Joe giving him a nod of approval. He took her arm and they headed over to the pool tables.
"Brent and Chelsea should be here soon." He handed her a cue, "Want to have a practice before they show?" He racked up the balls and she recalled Christmas Eve and she remembered Meg's embarrassing display. She didn't want to be as pathetic as that. But she knew nothing about pool, she took the cue and pretended to be knowlegable and Stanley sensed she was faking it.
He smiled, "you don't know how to play, do you?"
"Of course I do." She tried to hide the deception. He knew she was lying, he held his hand out for her to have the first shot, and she motioned for him to go ahead, "no, you go ahead." As he set up the shot, she tried to take it all in, so she could copy it. Once the shot was finished, he looked up at her, raising his eyebrow slightly, with a half crooked smile, he was curious how she was going to handle this. Totally concentrated, Emma went up to the table and tried imitating the stance she had just seen Stanley make, Stanley stood at the side of her trying not to laugh. But a chuckle escaped and Emma turned to look at him, "You are ruining my concentration."
He held up his hands smiling, "Oh, sorry....I will stand farther back." He moved back and she once again tried to figure out how she was going to hit the damn ball. Stanley was enjoying this display immensely. And the best part of it was he had an incredible view of her ass in those tight jeans. Finally he couldn't stand it any more and moved up behind her, encircling his arms around her, much like he had done with Meg on Christmas Eve, but with a slight difference. She seemed to fit perfectly under his arms and he enjoyed the sensation he felt as he pressed his body against hers. She was a bit surprised by his action, his arms over hers, shadowing her, his hands placing hers on the right part of the cue, then his head resting on her shoulder, their bodies pressed against each other. She let out a sigh, as her heart started to race, and he whispered into her ear, "Are you okay?"
She thought...oh, yes....she was fine. "You don't have to be embarrassed about not knowing how to play." he continued. As he shifted her body weight slightly so she could be in a good position to hit the ball.
"I don't want you to think that I'm some helpless female."
He laughed, "I know you're not one of those. I haven't forgotten New Years Eve." her silken hair against his cheek, gave him a shiver and he took a deep breath. Trying to get back on track, "Okay, let's see if you can hit the ball."
She couldn't possibly was her only thought. How could she concentrate on anything in this position? "I can't do this." She fidgeted under him slightly and he pressed against her harder.
"Yes, you can. Concentrate." As he leaned her into the shot, "We're going to do this together." Stanley did all the work, but she followed his lead and allowed him to move her body with his, as the cue struck the white ball and it preceded to hit a ball into a pocket. They were now standing upright, his arms still around her as they watched the ball enter the pocket. She turned to him, hugging him in delight, "I did it." she looked up at him and that look was in his eyes again...intense, wanting something he couldn't have. She stood back, "Of course I mean we did it." He continued to gaze at her and she was glad when she heard Brent's voice from the door.
"Hey, Stan, my man." He had seen their embrace and was smiling. It was nice to see Stanley in a relationship. The guy didn't seem to have a lot of fun. Or at least fun in Brent's sense of the word. He went and patted him on the back, "teaching Emma to play pool, are we?" He smiled, raising his eyebrows...he leaned over whispering into his ear, "I'm sure it's not the only game you're interested in tonight...." He then walked to the bar turning to Stanley, who just shook his head at Brent's comment. Emma and Chelsea got involved in a conversation, and Stan went to the bar to pick up Brent's tab.
"Hey, I'll get it." He laid a ten dollar bill on the bar.
Brent excepted, and turned to Stanley, "So things are progressing nicely, I see. The setting up stance was an extrememley nice touch. I'm sure it got the home fires burning, if you know what I mean."
"So is this how it's going to be all night? You giving me a running commentary on my hopeless dating skills."
"Actually, I meant that, Stanley. She is falling into your hands. You hardly need my help." He looked over at the girls and Emma was watching Stanley intently, "No, you are definitely doing just fine on your own." He gave him a pat on the back, "It's only a matter of time, my friend and you will have her just where you want her."
"I quite like where we are right now in all honesty."
"Right...you expect me to believe that? You have got to be wanting her pretty bad by now."
"Can we talk about something else." Stan didn't want to have this discussion with his 21 year old employee. He took a sip of his beer.
Brent chuckled, "I take that as a yes....you're wanting her pretty bad."
Stanley felt a flush come to his face and was glad when Emma and Chelsea joined them at the bar. Emma stood next to him and he slipped his arm around her waist. Both Chelsea and Emma were aware of Stanley's change of color, Chelsea gave Brent a nudge.
"He isn't giving you a hard time is he, Stanley?"Chelsea asked.
"I can handle Brent." he took another swig of beer.
"He's quite good at handling many things, aren't you, Stanley?" he teased.
Stanley slightly embarrassed got off the bar stool, and took Emma's hand, "How about picking out some music?" He turned glaring at Brent. But what good it would do, Brent was young and not bothered by much of anything. Emma felt she was being dragged over to the jukebox. They looked through the titles together, he turned to Joe at the bar, "Hey, Joe, you actually got some decent titles in here for a change."
"I listen to you, Stanley. You said they sucked the last time you were here."
He turned to Emma and whispered, "They did."
She smiled. He pulled out some quarters from his pocket and put them into her hand, "Pick whatever out you like."
"I'm not sure anyone in here would agree on my taste."
"I think you're taste is superb, you like Rod Stewart for one." he then hesitated, "And I think you like me."
She blushed, "Well, you could have something there."
He squeezed her tighter and she continued to choose some songs...they laughed and talked while looking at song titles. Emma found she and Stanley had similar tastes. He favored classic rock, American and English...while Emma liked that style as well, she preferred anything English and of more of the pop variety. Of course in a Jukebox in Pacific Beach she would be lucky to find the likes of Depeche Mode or Duran Duran. So she settled for The Beatles "Nowhere Man", Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" and Stanley wanted a Bruce Springsteen classic, Dancing in the Dark. Brent had set up the balls for a new game of pool, motioning for them to join them. Emma headed over to the pool table, as Stanley still pondered the jukebox selections. A song popped out at him, and he looked over at Emma who was smiling tenderly at him, and motioning for him to join her. He put another quarter in the jukebox and pressed D9...a smiled appeared on his face, as he strode over to pool table and playfully embraced her, it startled her briefly, him being so open in front of Brent and Chelsea. But it didn't' seem to phase anyone but her, so she let it happen. Isn't that what Rachel had said, "Let it happen." She took a deep sigh.
Brent and Chelsea were no match for Stan and Emma. Emma picked up the game fairly easily and Stan was forever finding her stance wrong to correct her,
Brent was constantly teasing, "Stan, you are just finding some excuse to have your hands all over Emma. She is doing just fine without your help."
It was true. Stanley liked touching her. He raised his eyebrows and backed off, Emma took hold of his hands pulling him back towards her, "I still don't have it. Don't listen to him, Stanley." Stanley had never had such an enjoyable game of pool in his life, he thought as his body pressed up against her once again. Emma was surprised about how relaxed she had become around him. She didn't mind Brent's teasing, and Stanley's open display of affection gave Emma the distinct feeling that they were becoming a couple.
When not her turn, Emma sat on a bar stool along the perimeter of the room nursing the one beer she had allowed herself this evening, She hummed along to the tunes that played over head from the jukebox. Stanley more animated might sing along if the mood striked him and add a little dance number which Emma found endearing. Always looking her way as he paraded around the pool table, making a fool of himself. She was having a wonderful time and didn't want the night to end.
Emma had just completed her turn and A song came over the speakers, and Stanley, who had been joking with Brent about something stopped dead in his tracks and turned towards Emma. She didn't know what had caused this sudden focus on her. Then she heard the opening lyrics...
Falling in love was the last thing I had on my mind... Holding you is a warmth that I thought I could never find...
Emma recognized the song as the Baby's "Isn't it Time", one thing she was good at...10 years at a record store gave her that knowledge. Stanley's gaze was intense and she saw longing there, that caused her whole body to tremble slightly. He moved closer to her and put his arms around her from behind, hugging her close. She felt his chest expanding and collapsing against her back, and let out a soft sigh. The song continued...
Sitting here all alone, just trying to decide... Whether to go all alone or stay by your side... Then I stop myself because I know I could cry... I just can't find the answers, to the questions that keep going through my mind.. Hey babe, isn't it time....
Emma felt his lips next to her cheek and his breath, unsteady..hot against her.
Isn't it time, it took time to wait Falling in love could be your mistake
Stanley couldn't deny the need he felt for her at that moment. The feel of her body against his only escalated this desire.
I've seen visions of someone like you in my life A love that's strong reaching out Holding me through the darkest night
Brent was taking his turn and Emma tried to concentrate on the game, but found it ever so difficult. She felt his need as he pressed up harder against her, her eyes closed, her breathing also unsteady... Brent turned around, and with his words Emma's eyes flew open, "Enough, you two, Stan you are up." Stanley kissed the back of her head before lettting go....slowly. Her left hand still in his, as he walked to the table, when they finally let go, she felt his finger tips softly brush across hers. The whole time his eyes focused on her. Another chorus, another verse blared over the speakers...
I feel a warmth in my heart and my soul that I never knew This love affair gives me strength That I need just to get me through
Emma wrapped her arms around herself...watching Stanley setting up his shot at the table. The thought of his body against hers still lingered. She knew this was what she wanted. She wanted him to hold her and love her. And knowing that it was finally in her grasps to have this seemed so unbelievable to her. But he was real, he was here, and he wanted her as much as she wanted him. That seemed pretty evident...
Stanley wasn't totally concentrating on his shot. The sparks that had just gone through his body while holding her, were still evident and he felt a bit light headed. He had told her he would go slow. And he realized tonight that she was feeling more comfortable with every advance he made. He didn't want to risk it. Things were good. He took a deep breath and listened the last chorus of the song....the song he had chosen which seemed pretty fitting
Isn't it time you don't have to wait Losing this love could be your mistake
As these words repeated, Stanley knew he couldn't lose her now. He turned back to see her watching him, a smile passed between them. And turned back around to make the shot. The green 7 ball rolled into the far corner pocket slowly. Yes, he thought things were precededing very nicely indeed.
* * * * * *
Friday night left Emma in a blissful state all weekend. And didn't even mind going back to school on Monday. So it was quite a surprise to her when the principal called her into his office that afternoon.
Paul Henderson was not the friendliest man in the universe. He was a cold fish in fact and did everything by the book. He was happy when there were no problems and let his teachers get on with it for the most part. When there were no parents complaining, he was happy. But today he had a parental complaint...the first about Emma Heyward. She had never really fit in with the other teachers but she was great with the kids. He had seen that right away. And was surprised when a parent called him earlier. So he had to take care of it...one way or the other.
Emma sat down across from him and he got up and shut the door. With hands clasped behind his back, he started pacing the floor a bit, behind her, then in front of her, before he nested down on the corner of his desk, similar to a vulture eying his next meal. Glasses were presently perched toward the bottom of his nose. Stark eyes shot over the top of the rims resulting in a glare directed at his prey. It achieved the desired effect. "Do you have any idea why I have called you in to see me, Ms. Heyward?"
She shook her head. It was starting to get a little warm.
"I had a call from Christine Fleming's mother."
Emma had a flashback to the afternoon at the bathroom with Meg. On two previous occasions, she had seen the two of them talking after school.
"Is there a problem?"
"Well, Ms. Heyward, I hope you can answer that for me. She is pretty sure that something is going on between you and Holly Jobson's father."
"That's ridiculous. He comes to the classroom to work on the web page with the students." In the back of her mind she couldn't help but think of Stanley holding her Friday night. Keep it up, Emma...nothing is going on.
"And that's all it is?"
"Of course." Her chair became more uncomfortable with the inquiry.
He was very serious as he leaned forward while still sitting on the desk, clasping his hands together. "There's more."
Emma looked shocked. "More?"
"I have heard some of the teacher's talking...about this same subject on numerous occasions in the past few weeks." Dark eyes sought out a response.
"I am friends with him, Mr. Henderson, that's all."
"You were seen holding hands at recess, by some of the children," he shot out. "I find this behavior inappropriate for any of my teachers, Ms. Heyward. You're to set an example."
She struggled for a professional response. "He took hold of my hand, as a gesture of friendship...."
He held his hand up, he could see she was becoming flustered. "I don't want to know the details...I just want it to end...today." He stood and circled back to his command chair and sat down with a huff. Arms crossed to bare the additional weight distributed over the desk as he leaned forward. "You are a new teacher. I expect a few mistakes here and there but this one I won't stand for." His voice raised a slight pitch, driving home the point. "If I see this continue on my campus, I will see to it that you will be terminated immediately. Is that perfectly clear, Ms. Heyward?" The last words were accentuated with a glare over the top of the specs again.
She nodded and remained silent. Her shoes became the center of attention.
His accusations continued with the reprimand. "And it's not just on campus, I know you spent a fair amount of time with the Jobson's over the holidays. I turned a blind eye to it but I can no longer do that." His arms uncrossed and the right hand rose up and down waggling the forefinger as if about to fall off. "It is effecting your teaching, you are playing favorites with the Jobson girl, and when complaints come from parents, I take them seriously." Each emphasis was in proper beat to the baton.
Emma wanted to argue and began to, "But you don't understand, It's Meg...she is making up theses rumors." She tried to draw her eyes up to the glare coming over the specs.
"Meg Adams?" The vinyl chair breathed a sigh as weight shifted deep to the back. He crossed his arms again settling them onto his extra waste line. "Really, Ms. Heyward. What could she possibly gain by doing such a thing?" He seemed genuinely upset by her accusation.
Emma looked at him, all of a sudden it hit her, Mr. Henderson was single. Had Meg hit on him? Or even worse...had Meg actually, or was Meg still.... oh, god the thought sickened her. She wouldn't doubt it. She could just picture Meg straddling him on his desk, wearing lace stockings and a garter belt...and this thought caused her to smile and then a chuckle escaped her throat. She couldn't help herself.
Mr. Henderson looked annoyed. "You find this funny, do you, Ms. Heyward?"
"No, it's very serious." She tried to stifle her laughter but made it worse.
He was getting angry, "You can leave now." He stood up, pointing towards the door, "and I suggest you seriously think about what I have said here today...if you want to keep your job."
The laughter subsided...she could lose her job....this was very serious.
The office door shut with a hollow echo. It was very quiet in the halls.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Rachel was leaning up against the car waiting for her in the parking lot and was surprised when Emma came out looking very upset. Emma had been carrying her books in her arms, watching the sidewalk, while approaching her only means of transportation.
"What's up?" Rachel noticed a delayed reaction.
She looked up with a dreary face to answer her friend. "Meg is talking about me...me and Stanley...she even has a parent on her side now. And they have gone to the principal." She exasperated by waving an arm in a circular motion. "He told me I could lose my job." Her arm flopped down to her side making a soft plop sound.
"For doing what?.... You haven't done anything."
"Well, obviously they think differently. My inappropriate behavior in the classroom with Mr. Jobson must cease at one...." She had started a worried pace to and fro beside her car door.
"Really...what kind of inappropriate behavior?" She stood up from leaning against the front fender. "This sounds good." She was trying to lighten the situation at hand.
"Rachel, this is serious."
"I know, I am sorry.... look, it will blow over and so what....you can see him outside of school. "
She stopped short, staring at the ground. "No, I can't."
"Emma, there is nothing to say you can't date a parent." Rachel knew this was a touchy subject.
"As long as that parent is not a parent of an existing student." Emma quoted ver batim. She looked up and right at her friend. " I can't lose this job."
Rachel decided to lay it on the line. "You can't lose Stanley...Emma, this guy is a real find...I don't know why I'm telling you this, you already know."
Emma let out a sigh and leaned up against her car, feeling the urge to cry, "Why is this happening? Why is she doing this to me?"
"Look, I will talk to her. I have so much over her, Emma, it's not funny. She will be in the principal's office next." Though a verbal confrontation with Meg was not a pleasant thought.
Emma recalled her assumptions from the meeting. "Don't bother. I am pretty sure Meg has been in there on numerous occasions."
"What are you talking about?"
"I wouldn't doubt if she is fucking Paul Henderson. And while that is going on, I am getting reprimanded for a parent holding my hand!" She was getting to the end of her rope. Her job was the only thing keeping a roof over her children's head. The seriousness of the reprimand was sinking in much deeper. "It's pathetic. She gets away with everything."
Rachel leaned up against the car next to her. "Fucking Paul Henderson...you know you might have something there...." the thought made her giggle, then she looked over at Emma, miserable... "You can still see him. You just have to be discreet. There are too many busy body parents and teachers living around this area, so don't see him here." Rachel's gears were turning. "Get out of P.B. There are plenty of coffee shops, and movie theaters and restaurants that no one will ever see you at."
She sighed, "I guess I need to go talk to him."
"You can work this out, Emma." Emma closed her eyes and sighed, as she finally opened the drivers door and slid in. She hoped Rachel was right.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * a/n another great big thank you to my editor and collaborator totofromkansas!
The first week back was great, Stanley was a hit. He usually spent an hour in the morning with a small group of students and they took turns throughout the week working with him. Emma used that as a reward, so the kids were extremely good. At the far side of the room, she would continue with a lesson already planned, but found it hard to concentrate in his presence. She always found herself looking his way. He got a kick out of it. New Years Eve had given her a small taste of something that she desperately wanted, but was still so afraid to grasp onto. There were moments in the classroom when she would find herself in close proximity to him and they might casually brush up against each other in passing, a tingling sensation passing between them at nearly the same time. He was giving her the space she had asked for. Not coming on to strong. Things seemed to be progressing nicely as far as he was concerned.
Stanley had been working at the school for a few weeks, and the web page had become a hit with kids and parents a like. There were numerous days each week he was at school to get the basics entered. The plan was for him to come in once a month and update it. Since everything was up and running smoothly. Emma was going to miss him. He hung around a bit longer that morning helping some kids with their math and then headed out with the class to the playground at recess.
She left him with Rachel for a moment while she went to the bathroom and ran into Meg as she was coming out.
A smug look plastered on her face when she realized who had opened the door. "So it's Stanley's last day I heard. What are you going to do without him, Emma?" she said sarcastically.
"I will do like I always have done, just fine." Her pathway was temporarily blocked.
"Of course you will, there's obviously more going on than you care to admit. Do you realize how much trouble you could be in for dating a parent of one of your students?" The taunting dragged on.
"I am not dating anyone." Her tone of voice raised.
Meg remained calm. "Okay, so it's not what you call dating..."
"I don't have to answer to you about anything." She pushed on through the door as if to dismiss the situation but Meg wouldn't let it go.
"I'd be careful, Emma. I have already had a parent complain about your favoritism to Holly."
She paused and half-turned. "And why would a parent come to you?"
"Christina Fleming's mom. She was in my class last year."
"I am not going to listen to this." Emma' shoulders squared off and she turned to continue on her course.
"Fine, but be warned." Meg's last words bounced off the walls in the smaller room.
As Emma approached Rachel and Stanley, Rachel noticed the look of aggravation on her face. "Are you okay?"
She tried to hide her concern and smiled, "Fine." Giving her a look, which Rachel knew to mean...later.
Stanley's eyes were on his daughter, who, in the last few weeks, had come out of her shell and was actually playing with kids her own age.
Emma smiled at him, "I told you she'd be okay."
"She's happy. Happier than I've ever seen her." He turned toward her. "And you must take some of the credit."
"You coming into the class has made a huge difference." Emma face lit into a smile when responding to his remark.
Rachel watched the two of them compliment each other. And rolled her eyes, then she noticed Stanley move closer to Emma, and gently squeeze her hand. A look passed between them, and Stanley added, "We did it together."
Meg walked out of the building while still at a distance behind them, and saw the hand holding and nearly went ballistic. She still thought there was a chance with her and Stan. As long as there wasn't a ring on a finger and invitations in the mail, that door was still open and she wanted him. It was time...Emma was going down. If she thought she could get away with this, she was wrong.
Reluctantly, Stan had to face a small fact. "I need to get back to the shop. Can I see you later?" Hope registered in his words.
Rachel smiled and knew Emma was embarrassed he was asking in front of Rachel. "Of course she would love to see you later." Rachel answered. Stanley glanced at Rachel and thought it was funny having a ventriloquist for a friend. Emma blushed. The bell rang just in time. Eyes back on his main subject of interest, he squeezed her hand once more before letting go.
"I will call you."
"Great"
As he walked away Emma watched him. Rachel noticed that funny glazed effect clouding her eyes and nudged her, "You are so cute together. God, it's sick. The way he squeezed your hand...I would die."
"You noticed that?"
"My god, yes, look we need to talk later...what are you doing after class...oh, right, you might be seeing Stanley." A herd of students began to surround their teachers. Emma had her kids now lined up and Rachel's were straggling in.
"Later, Rachel." She took them into the class.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Emma met Stanley in the parking lot after work, Brent had gone to pick up Chelsea and they were going to meet Stan and Emma at Joe's place. Emma had agreed, since it was Friday and she wouldnt' be late. She had told her kids she was going out with Rachel.. Feeling a bit bad about the lie. But not sure they were ready for the fact she was dating...especially Melody. And it wasn't really a date. They were going for a beer and a game of pool and Chelsea and Brent would be there, very casual, very relaxed. Emma already felt she knew the regulars at Joe's...Stan talked about them a lot and of course she knew Joe. When they walked up to the bar, Joe was smiling at Stanley....glad to see him with Emma. He got Stanley a Heineken, setting it onto the bar and then looked at Emma "And you young lady, let's keep you away from the hard stuff tonight."
"You don't have to worry about that...never again..." she blushed, then pointed at Stanley's beer, "I'll have the same..." he got another beer and as he put it on the bar, she noticed the glance between them. Joe giving him a nod of approval. He took her arm and they headed over to the pool tables.
"Brent and Chelsea should be here soon." He handed her a cue, "Want to have a practice before they show?" He racked up the balls and she recalled Christmas Eve and she remembered Meg's embarrassing display. She didn't want to be as pathetic as that. But she knew nothing about pool, she took the cue and pretended to be knowlegable and Stanley sensed she was faking it.
He smiled, "you don't know how to play, do you?"
"Of course I do." She tried to hide the deception. He knew she was lying, he held his hand out for her to have the first shot, and she motioned for him to go ahead, "no, you go ahead." As he set up the shot, she tried to take it all in, so she could copy it. Once the shot was finished, he looked up at her, raising his eyebrow slightly, with a half crooked smile, he was curious how she was going to handle this. Totally concentrated, Emma went up to the table and tried imitating the stance she had just seen Stanley make, Stanley stood at the side of her trying not to laugh. But a chuckle escaped and Emma turned to look at him, "You are ruining my concentration."
He held up his hands smiling, "Oh, sorry....I will stand farther back." He moved back and she once again tried to figure out how she was going to hit the damn ball. Stanley was enjoying this display immensely. And the best part of it was he had an incredible view of her ass in those tight jeans. Finally he couldn't stand it any more and moved up behind her, encircling his arms around her, much like he had done with Meg on Christmas Eve, but with a slight difference. She seemed to fit perfectly under his arms and he enjoyed the sensation he felt as he pressed his body against hers. She was a bit surprised by his action, his arms over hers, shadowing her, his hands placing hers on the right part of the cue, then his head resting on her shoulder, their bodies pressed against each other. She let out a sigh, as her heart started to race, and he whispered into her ear, "Are you okay?"
She thought...oh, yes....she was fine. "You don't have to be embarrassed about not knowing how to play." he continued. As he shifted her body weight slightly so she could be in a good position to hit the ball.
"I don't want you to think that I'm some helpless female."
He laughed, "I know you're not one of those. I haven't forgotten New Years Eve." her silken hair against his cheek, gave him a shiver and he took a deep breath. Trying to get back on track, "Okay, let's see if you can hit the ball."
She couldn't possibly was her only thought. How could she concentrate on anything in this position? "I can't do this." She fidgeted under him slightly and he pressed against her harder.
"Yes, you can. Concentrate." As he leaned her into the shot, "We're going to do this together." Stanley did all the work, but she followed his lead and allowed him to move her body with his, as the cue struck the white ball and it preceded to hit a ball into a pocket. They were now standing upright, his arms still around her as they watched the ball enter the pocket. She turned to him, hugging him in delight, "I did it." she looked up at him and that look was in his eyes again...intense, wanting something he couldn't have. She stood back, "Of course I mean we did it." He continued to gaze at her and she was glad when she heard Brent's voice from the door.
"Hey, Stan, my man." He had seen their embrace and was smiling. It was nice to see Stanley in a relationship. The guy didn't seem to have a lot of fun. Or at least fun in Brent's sense of the word. He went and patted him on the back, "teaching Emma to play pool, are we?" He smiled, raising his eyebrows...he leaned over whispering into his ear, "I'm sure it's not the only game you're interested in tonight...." He then walked to the bar turning to Stanley, who just shook his head at Brent's comment. Emma and Chelsea got involved in a conversation, and Stan went to the bar to pick up Brent's tab.
"Hey, I'll get it." He laid a ten dollar bill on the bar.
Brent excepted, and turned to Stanley, "So things are progressing nicely, I see. The setting up stance was an extrememley nice touch. I'm sure it got the home fires burning, if you know what I mean."
"So is this how it's going to be all night? You giving me a running commentary on my hopeless dating skills."
"Actually, I meant that, Stanley. She is falling into your hands. You hardly need my help." He looked over at the girls and Emma was watching Stanley intently, "No, you are definitely doing just fine on your own." He gave him a pat on the back, "It's only a matter of time, my friend and you will have her just where you want her."
"I quite like where we are right now in all honesty."
"Right...you expect me to believe that? You have got to be wanting her pretty bad by now."
"Can we talk about something else." Stan didn't want to have this discussion with his 21 year old employee. He took a sip of his beer.
Brent chuckled, "I take that as a yes....you're wanting her pretty bad."
Stanley felt a flush come to his face and was glad when Emma and Chelsea joined them at the bar. Emma stood next to him and he slipped his arm around her waist. Both Chelsea and Emma were aware of Stanley's change of color, Chelsea gave Brent a nudge.
"He isn't giving you a hard time is he, Stanley?"Chelsea asked.
"I can handle Brent." he took another swig of beer.
"He's quite good at handling many things, aren't you, Stanley?" he teased.
Stanley slightly embarrassed got off the bar stool, and took Emma's hand, "How about picking out some music?" He turned glaring at Brent. But what good it would do, Brent was young and not bothered by much of anything. Emma felt she was being dragged over to the jukebox. They looked through the titles together, he turned to Joe at the bar, "Hey, Joe, you actually got some decent titles in here for a change."
"I listen to you, Stanley. You said they sucked the last time you were here."
He turned to Emma and whispered, "They did."
She smiled. He pulled out some quarters from his pocket and put them into her hand, "Pick whatever out you like."
"I'm not sure anyone in here would agree on my taste."
"I think you're taste is superb, you like Rod Stewart for one." he then hesitated, "And I think you like me."
She blushed, "Well, you could have something there."
He squeezed her tighter and she continued to choose some songs...they laughed and talked while looking at song titles. Emma found she and Stanley had similar tastes. He favored classic rock, American and English...while Emma liked that style as well, she preferred anything English and of more of the pop variety. Of course in a Jukebox in Pacific Beach she would be lucky to find the likes of Depeche Mode or Duran Duran. So she settled for The Beatles "Nowhere Man", Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" and Stanley wanted a Bruce Springsteen classic, Dancing in the Dark. Brent had set up the balls for a new game of pool, motioning for them to join them. Emma headed over to the pool table, as Stanley still pondered the jukebox selections. A song popped out at him, and he looked over at Emma who was smiling tenderly at him, and motioning for him to join her. He put another quarter in the jukebox and pressed D9...a smiled appeared on his face, as he strode over to pool table and playfully embraced her, it startled her briefly, him being so open in front of Brent and Chelsea. But it didn't' seem to phase anyone but her, so she let it happen. Isn't that what Rachel had said, "Let it happen." She took a deep sigh.
Brent and Chelsea were no match for Stan and Emma. Emma picked up the game fairly easily and Stan was forever finding her stance wrong to correct her,
Brent was constantly teasing, "Stan, you are just finding some excuse to have your hands all over Emma. She is doing just fine without your help."
It was true. Stanley liked touching her. He raised his eyebrows and backed off, Emma took hold of his hands pulling him back towards her, "I still don't have it. Don't listen to him, Stanley." Stanley had never had such an enjoyable game of pool in his life, he thought as his body pressed up against her once again. Emma was surprised about how relaxed she had become around him. She didn't mind Brent's teasing, and Stanley's open display of affection gave Emma the distinct feeling that they were becoming a couple.
When not her turn, Emma sat on a bar stool along the perimeter of the room nursing the one beer she had allowed herself this evening, She hummed along to the tunes that played over head from the jukebox. Stanley more animated might sing along if the mood striked him and add a little dance number which Emma found endearing. Always looking her way as he paraded around the pool table, making a fool of himself. She was having a wonderful time and didn't want the night to end.
Emma had just completed her turn and A song came over the speakers, and Stanley, who had been joking with Brent about something stopped dead in his tracks and turned towards Emma. She didn't know what had caused this sudden focus on her. Then she heard the opening lyrics...
Falling in love was the last thing I had on my mind... Holding you is a warmth that I thought I could never find...
Emma recognized the song as the Baby's "Isn't it Time", one thing she was good at...10 years at a record store gave her that knowledge. Stanley's gaze was intense and she saw longing there, that caused her whole body to tremble slightly. He moved closer to her and put his arms around her from behind, hugging her close. She felt his chest expanding and collapsing against her back, and let out a soft sigh. The song continued...
Sitting here all alone, just trying to decide... Whether to go all alone or stay by your side... Then I stop myself because I know I could cry... I just can't find the answers, to the questions that keep going through my mind.. Hey babe, isn't it time....
Emma felt his lips next to her cheek and his breath, unsteady..hot against her.
Isn't it time, it took time to wait Falling in love could be your mistake
Stanley couldn't deny the need he felt for her at that moment. The feel of her body against his only escalated this desire.
I've seen visions of someone like you in my life A love that's strong reaching out Holding me through the darkest night
Brent was taking his turn and Emma tried to concentrate on the game, but found it ever so difficult. She felt his need as he pressed up harder against her, her eyes closed, her breathing also unsteady... Brent turned around, and with his words Emma's eyes flew open, "Enough, you two, Stan you are up." Stanley kissed the back of her head before lettting go....slowly. Her left hand still in his, as he walked to the table, when they finally let go, she felt his finger tips softly brush across hers. The whole time his eyes focused on her. Another chorus, another verse blared over the speakers...
I feel a warmth in my heart and my soul that I never knew This love affair gives me strength That I need just to get me through
Emma wrapped her arms around herself...watching Stanley setting up his shot at the table. The thought of his body against hers still lingered. She knew this was what she wanted. She wanted him to hold her and love her. And knowing that it was finally in her grasps to have this seemed so unbelievable to her. But he was real, he was here, and he wanted her as much as she wanted him. That seemed pretty evident...
Stanley wasn't totally concentrating on his shot. The sparks that had just gone through his body while holding her, were still evident and he felt a bit light headed. He had told her he would go slow. And he realized tonight that she was feeling more comfortable with every advance he made. He didn't want to risk it. Things were good. He took a deep breath and listened the last chorus of the song....the song he had chosen which seemed pretty fitting
Isn't it time you don't have to wait Losing this love could be your mistake
As these words repeated, Stanley knew he couldn't lose her now. He turned back to see her watching him, a smile passed between them. And turned back around to make the shot. The green 7 ball rolled into the far corner pocket slowly. Yes, he thought things were precededing very nicely indeed.
* * * * * *
Friday night left Emma in a blissful state all weekend. And didn't even mind going back to school on Monday. So it was quite a surprise to her when the principal called her into his office that afternoon.
Paul Henderson was not the friendliest man in the universe. He was a cold fish in fact and did everything by the book. He was happy when there were no problems and let his teachers get on with it for the most part. When there were no parents complaining, he was happy. But today he had a parental complaint...the first about Emma Heyward. She had never really fit in with the other teachers but she was great with the kids. He had seen that right away. And was surprised when a parent called him earlier. So he had to take care of it...one way or the other.
Emma sat down across from him and he got up and shut the door. With hands clasped behind his back, he started pacing the floor a bit, behind her, then in front of her, before he nested down on the corner of his desk, similar to a vulture eying his next meal. Glasses were presently perched toward the bottom of his nose. Stark eyes shot over the top of the rims resulting in a glare directed at his prey. It achieved the desired effect. "Do you have any idea why I have called you in to see me, Ms. Heyward?"
She shook her head. It was starting to get a little warm.
"I had a call from Christine Fleming's mother."
Emma had a flashback to the afternoon at the bathroom with Meg. On two previous occasions, she had seen the two of them talking after school.
"Is there a problem?"
"Well, Ms. Heyward, I hope you can answer that for me. She is pretty sure that something is going on between you and Holly Jobson's father."
"That's ridiculous. He comes to the classroom to work on the web page with the students." In the back of her mind she couldn't help but think of Stanley holding her Friday night. Keep it up, Emma...nothing is going on.
"And that's all it is?"
"Of course." Her chair became more uncomfortable with the inquiry.
He was very serious as he leaned forward while still sitting on the desk, clasping his hands together. "There's more."
Emma looked shocked. "More?"
"I have heard some of the teacher's talking...about this same subject on numerous occasions in the past few weeks." Dark eyes sought out a response.
"I am friends with him, Mr. Henderson, that's all."
"You were seen holding hands at recess, by some of the children," he shot out. "I find this behavior inappropriate for any of my teachers, Ms. Heyward. You're to set an example."
She struggled for a professional response. "He took hold of my hand, as a gesture of friendship...."
He held his hand up, he could see she was becoming flustered. "I don't want to know the details...I just want it to end...today." He stood and circled back to his command chair and sat down with a huff. Arms crossed to bare the additional weight distributed over the desk as he leaned forward. "You are a new teacher. I expect a few mistakes here and there but this one I won't stand for." His voice raised a slight pitch, driving home the point. "If I see this continue on my campus, I will see to it that you will be terminated immediately. Is that perfectly clear, Ms. Heyward?" The last words were accentuated with a glare over the top of the specs again.
She nodded and remained silent. Her shoes became the center of attention.
His accusations continued with the reprimand. "And it's not just on campus, I know you spent a fair amount of time with the Jobson's over the holidays. I turned a blind eye to it but I can no longer do that." His arms uncrossed and the right hand rose up and down waggling the forefinger as if about to fall off. "It is effecting your teaching, you are playing favorites with the Jobson girl, and when complaints come from parents, I take them seriously." Each emphasis was in proper beat to the baton.
Emma wanted to argue and began to, "But you don't understand, It's Meg...she is making up theses rumors." She tried to draw her eyes up to the glare coming over the specs.
"Meg Adams?" The vinyl chair breathed a sigh as weight shifted deep to the back. He crossed his arms again settling them onto his extra waste line. "Really, Ms. Heyward. What could she possibly gain by doing such a thing?" He seemed genuinely upset by her accusation.
Emma looked at him, all of a sudden it hit her, Mr. Henderson was single. Had Meg hit on him? Or even worse...had Meg actually, or was Meg still.... oh, god the thought sickened her. She wouldn't doubt it. She could just picture Meg straddling him on his desk, wearing lace stockings and a garter belt...and this thought caused her to smile and then a chuckle escaped her throat. She couldn't help herself.
Mr. Henderson looked annoyed. "You find this funny, do you, Ms. Heyward?"
"No, it's very serious." She tried to stifle her laughter but made it worse.
He was getting angry, "You can leave now." He stood up, pointing towards the door, "and I suggest you seriously think about what I have said here today...if you want to keep your job."
The laughter subsided...she could lose her job....this was very serious.
The office door shut with a hollow echo. It was very quiet in the halls.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Rachel was leaning up against the car waiting for her in the parking lot and was surprised when Emma came out looking very upset. Emma had been carrying her books in her arms, watching the sidewalk, while approaching her only means of transportation.
"What's up?" Rachel noticed a delayed reaction.
She looked up with a dreary face to answer her friend. "Meg is talking about me...me and Stanley...she even has a parent on her side now. And they have gone to the principal." She exasperated by waving an arm in a circular motion. "He told me I could lose my job." Her arm flopped down to her side making a soft plop sound.
"For doing what?.... You haven't done anything."
"Well, obviously they think differently. My inappropriate behavior in the classroom with Mr. Jobson must cease at one...." She had started a worried pace to and fro beside her car door.
"Really...what kind of inappropriate behavior?" She stood up from leaning against the front fender. "This sounds good." She was trying to lighten the situation at hand.
"Rachel, this is serious."
"I know, I am sorry.... look, it will blow over and so what....you can see him outside of school. "
She stopped short, staring at the ground. "No, I can't."
"Emma, there is nothing to say you can't date a parent." Rachel knew this was a touchy subject.
"As long as that parent is not a parent of an existing student." Emma quoted ver batim. She looked up and right at her friend. " I can't lose this job."
Rachel decided to lay it on the line. "You can't lose Stanley...Emma, this guy is a real find...I don't know why I'm telling you this, you already know."
Emma let out a sigh and leaned up against her car, feeling the urge to cry, "Why is this happening? Why is she doing this to me?"
"Look, I will talk to her. I have so much over her, Emma, it's not funny. She will be in the principal's office next." Though a verbal confrontation with Meg was not a pleasant thought.
Emma recalled her assumptions from the meeting. "Don't bother. I am pretty sure Meg has been in there on numerous occasions."
"What are you talking about?"
"I wouldn't doubt if she is fucking Paul Henderson. And while that is going on, I am getting reprimanded for a parent holding my hand!" She was getting to the end of her rope. Her job was the only thing keeping a roof over her children's head. The seriousness of the reprimand was sinking in much deeper. "It's pathetic. She gets away with everything."
Rachel leaned up against the car next to her. "Fucking Paul Henderson...you know you might have something there...." the thought made her giggle, then she looked over at Emma, miserable... "You can still see him. You just have to be discreet. There are too many busy body parents and teachers living around this area, so don't see him here." Rachel's gears were turning. "Get out of P.B. There are plenty of coffee shops, and movie theaters and restaurants that no one will ever see you at."
She sighed, "I guess I need to go talk to him."
"You can work this out, Emma." Emma closed her eyes and sighed, as she finally opened the drivers door and slid in. She hoped Rachel was right.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * a/n another great big thank you to my editor and collaborator totofromkansas!