Just Like Each Other

Just like him, she left her love.

Just like her, he lost the will.

Just like each other, they were desperate.

“So you’ll give me an extension on that essay?” Jason asked, as he pulled his pants up. His social studies teacher Mrs. Reynolds fastened her bra, and hastily pulled on her underwear, as they scrambled to get dressed before school.

“Yeah…just give it to me next Monday. Quarter grades are due on Tuesday, but…I can get a little wiggle room.” She pulled on her shirt, buttoning it up to the very top.

“Oh yeah, and that test…can I just…use the packet you gave me. The material was just…”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll just let you do corrections. All you really have to know is know is the first two parts of chapter 1.” She waved away the comment, as she pulled up her pants. “Well, you’d better hurry up. School starts in another 20 minutes.”

Jason chuckled, and pulled Mrs. Reynolds in by her slim waist, kissing her lightly on the lips, their tongues lightly grazing each other. “Thanks for last night…” he said, smiling. She smiled  back, patting his shoulder.

“You’re a good kid Jason.” she breathed in deeply, taking a good look at him.

“And you’re an awesome teacher.”

Mrs. Reynolds sighed and looked at Jason with warm eyes.  

“Do you really believe that Jas ? I hear the gossip. ‘Ugh, she gives so much homework,’ ‘pop quizzes.’”

“No, really, don’t…just don’t listen to those kids. They’re just lazy. Can’t put in the work, so they just blame it on you.”

“Thanks Jason.” She kissed him again, and grabbed her purse as she headed out the door. “I’ll drop you off after school.”

“Sure. You staying the night again?”

“Can’t. I’m flogged tonight. But tomorrow night…definitely.” She winked, and pulled on her high heels. “And the weekends, if I can clear that meeting with the school board. See you 6^th Jas?” she waved, and headed out into the driveway.

Jason made his bed, and tidied up the room, before stuffing his notebooks into his backpack. Ten minutes.

He looked at the picture of his parents, who’d passed away just a year back. A tear rolled down his eye, as he picked up the picture gently. They’d left him a fortune, and he’d left them nothing. He’d always been a rebellious son. Drinking and driving, going to parties, and skip school. It was only after they left him that he realized how much he needed them. 

Since then every life event only perpetuated the loss he’d undergone. Just a month back, his girlfriend had left him, and a week ago, he’d flunked a class. Yet somehow, when he stood there…wherever, with Mrs. Reynolds, everything felt whole again.

Mrs. Reynolds screeched to a halt into the faculty parking. Hurriedly, she gathered her belongings, and her faithful Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, and walked briskly to the high school’s main entrance. She’d been teaching at Belleview High for the past 6 years, yet the morning rush never grew old. 

She punched in her card, and flew by the main desk.

“Hello Sal-“ Wendy, the secretary started, but Mrs. Reynolds was already gone.

“Hey guys, sorry I’m late.”  Mrs. Reynolds smiled nervously, as she hustled into the room, casting her purse onto the homework table. “Traffic today was just insane.” She sighed deeply, taking a close look at the class. 

“All right, I’m here now. Open up your textbooks to Chapter 3. I’ll give you 10 minutes. Read through the first section. It’s only 3 pages, so I don’t want to hear any groaning.” She wagged her finger, smiling. But unconditionally, she heard a wave of groans sweep over the class. “All right, get started, chop chop!” she clapped her hands and pursed her lips as she turned to her own desk.

She took a big swig of coffee from her mug before sitting down in front of the computer.

Jason used to spend most of his time staring off into space during his classes. Especially first period, which was AP Chemistry. Things were different now. After growing close with Mrs. Reynolds, he had been filled with a new resolve…rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever problem came his way. Like the one that sat on his paper.

His pencil scribbled away, writing the neutralization reaction, as he set up the compounds for titration. 10 minutes. This was a graded assignment, which meant no retakes.

He scratched his temple lightly. His forehead grew moist, and a small bead of sweat dripped off and stained his paper.

“Come on…” he muttered, clutching a handful of his hair.

“7 minutes.” His teacher, Mr. Trevelyan added.

“Oh shut up.” He whispered under his breath, but he was sure Mr. Trevelyan had heard, as he looked up.

Just then, an epiphany struck, and he finished the equation, with 5 minutes left to spare. This was the best he’d ever done on a Chemistry assignment so far, a graded one that too.

“Very good Jason.” Mr. Trevelyan said softly, as he glanced at the paper. “See what you get when you apply yourself a little.”

“Yeah.” He said, eyes wide, and breathing heavily.

“Jeez Jas, you look like you just ran a marathon.” Mr. Trevelyan smiled, and the rest of the class laughed lightly. His shirt had been soaked with sweat, his sleeves stuck like tape to his arms. “Go out there and cool off a bit. It smells bad enough in here.” He joked, and gently nudged him out of the room.

“And in 1529, the Duchy of Pomerania-“ she started, but the bell rang. “and that’ll have to wait till tomorrow.”

Only another 5 more periods till Jason’s class, two for which she did not have to teach.

Mrs. Reynolds walked down to the teacher’s lounge, to grab a little snack, and found her two good friends, Mr. Frohm, and Mrs. Wesley.

“Hey Sally.” Mrs. Wesley waved.

“Hey.” She winked, walking over and grabbing a granola bar.

“Snacks are on you this Friday.” Mr. Frohm chuckled.

“Jason,” she started, but immediately corrected herself, “Tom…I’ve already bought the stuff. Don’t worry.” She gave his shoulder a tight squeeze.

“My kids have been driving me up a wall this past week. I’ve already moved the unit test twice for their Probability unit, and now they want me to move it a third time…kid’s I tell you. What don’t they understand about protocol? That things have to be done on time, and if you’re not ready, the world isn’t going to change for you.”

“Tell me about it.” Mr. Frohm spoke. “I’ve got 10 students who haven’t turned in an essay that was due two weeks ago. The AP Lit midterm is coming up and…oh my god, these kids need some discipline. Remember the good old days?”

“Tom, come on…the paddle never really changed kids anyway. Just made them scared, and docile…we just raised robots who did what they were told and nothing more.” Mrs. Reynolds said.

The other two glowered at her, but it was all superficial.

“All right, I give in. I’m only 31…I get it. I didn’t live in the 50s and stuff…but come on. Beating is something we do for animals.” She smiled, and took another bite out of her granola bar.

“You know Sally, I haven’t seen you so upbeat in a long time…what’s the news?”

“Well…my parents are coming into town to visit.” She lied. “I’ve to go and pick them up. And then, I’ve got a little vacation planned with them to Miami.”

“Oh god. Not Miami…” Mr. Frohm groaned.

“Why not?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.

“Come on…the fucking humidity.”

“Tom.” Mrs. Wesley scolded. “Watch the language.”

“Sorry,” he raised his hands up in surrender, “look. The humidity is like, 90% own there, okay…go a little bit further north. Maybe Myrtle beach?”

“Myrtle beach? Only if you’ve got a cottage…”

“Then L.A. or something.”

“Well, I’ve already booked the tickets.” Mrs. Reynolds shrugged.

“Ah, never mind all that. The idea is to spend time with your folks.” Mrs. Wesley pointed out.

“True. I’ve missed them.”

The next few periods flew by for Jason. His heart quickened each time he thought of Mrs. Reynold’s class. AP Literature was no longer as much a drudgery, even with his ex girlfriend, Andrea  sitting right across from him. AP Biology, and AP Calculus rolled in smooth as ball bearings. Before he knew it, 6^th period came.

He hurried down to Mrs. Reynold’s class, the first to enter. She stood there, in the center, beautiful as ever, with her wavy blond hair, and fit frame and tight legs.

“Hey Jas…” she smiled. Jason walked up to her, leaning forward, but she put a finger to his lips. “Not here.” She shook her head, and gently turned him to his seat.

“So, how was your day?” she asked. As the day went on, students took longer and longer to get to their classes, so she usually found time to chat with Jason.

“Great. I just went up a whole letter grade in Chem. Bio and Lit are coming along pretty good too. How about you?”

“Oh, same ole, same ole.” She smiled, drumming her fingers on his desk. “Hey, so I checked my email on my phone…looks like they’re postponing the meeting from Saturday to Monday. I’ll be able to spend the night Saturday…and Sunday…we’ll do something special.”

“And of course…” Jason hinted with a smile.

“Yes…and of course, what we usually do.”   

The rest of the class filed in and Mrs. Reynolds stepped back from his desk just in time.

“Come on in, get settled.” She ushered the kids in. “Uh Max?” she said, looking over a short brown haired boy that just entered.

“Yeah?” he looked up from his cellphone.

“Put that up here please. You’ll get it back after class.” She pointed to the homework table. Max sighed, and tossed his phone onto the table, dragging his feet over to his desk.

“You know the rule…I see it, it’s mine.” She smiled, and then winked at Jason, who’d texted quite openly more than once, much to the frustration of the others.

“All right, take out your Thematic Essays from Monday, and pass them up.” She looked out at the class.

Everyone except Jason had their essays ready.

“And where’s yours Jason?” she asked. She flashed him a look, asking him to play along.

“My dog ate it.” He smiled back.

“Very funny, but it’s not going to stop you from dropping an entire letter grade.” She said sternly, but it was all flak, and Jason knew it.

“Open up your books to Chapter 3. I want you to read the first  section. I’ll give you about 10 minutes. It’s not very long. We’ll discuss them after you’ve finished.”

And once again, for the 4^th time that day, a wave of groans spread out over the class.

“Come on, come one. It’s only 5 pages. Here’s the deal. If we get through the lesson, and we’ve got time to spare. I’ll show you guys something from SNL.” She said, and nodded to the students. “Jason, can I speak with you for a moment.” She called him forth with her finger.

“Yeah?” he whispered, walking up. There was pin drop silence within the class, so Mrs. Reynolds spoke in a low whisper.

“You know, I was just…saying that…”

“Saying what?”

“The essay thing.” She said.

“Oh yeah, it’s fine. I get it.” He whispered. “I’ll get it to you Monday.”

“Thanks.” she said and sent him back to his desk.

The ten minutes passed uneventfully, and Mrs. Reynolds asked her questions to the class, most of which were answered incorrectly. Students either dozed off, or didn’t bother to read the assigned section, and she knew that. But the class was still well behaved, and as promised, they watched an SNL skit at the end.

The bell rang. As the students got up to leave,

“Hey Jason.” Mrs. Reynolds whispered, calling him back.

“What’s up?”

“So, what do you want to do this weekend?”

“Uh…”

“How ‘bout something at the Olive Garden? Then we can watch a movie…”

“Movie first.”

“Well movie first it is…”

“So, what’re you doing with your parents?” he asked, a little louder this time. The room was empty.

“Oh, we’re just making a little trip down to Florida…Miami specifically.”

“Little trip? Florida isn’t a little trip…” he chuckled.

“Well, we aren’t staying there very long. Parents have always wanted to see Miami, so…my schedule finally worked out, and I was able to get a ticket.”

“Hmm.” He nodded absently.

“So, come down here at around 3:05, and I’ll take you back home…” she said. “Jason…” she said, eyeing him seductively, “I said tomorrow night…”

“Hey, don’t get your panties in a bunch, if you’re even wearing them.” He smiled, putting a hand on her waist.

“You’re too funny. Get outta here.” She shoved him out of the room, laughing.

“So, how’d it go?” Mrs. Reynolds asked, as they got into the car. The day had gotten by quite smoothly for the two of them.

“Pretty good. Like I said, my grades have been improving.”

“That’s good.” She smiled, putting her purse in the back seat. She fastened her seatbelt, and started the car.

“You?”

“Me…what? Oh…oh my gosh…sorry. Yeah, my day went well. Not too many meetings, it was nice.”

“I really should get my driver’s license.”

“You really should.” Mrs. Reynolds added as they turned out off the school campus. “Driver’s ed sign ups are like next week.”

“Naah. I’ll give it some time.”

“Well, that Mercedes is going to keep picking up dust in your garage unless you start using it.”

“Don’t know what my parents would have said.” He sighed, twiddling his thumbs.

“Hey, don’t worry about that.” she said softly. “They left all that money and everything for you. Who else?”

“You and me.” Jason smiled.

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous. We are not getting married.”

“yet.”

“Yet…fine. We’ll leave it at that.” She laughed, pulling up at the intersection.

“Oh shit.” Jason swore.

“What?”

“It’s Brett’s car. Behind us.”

“You know…Brett Falkner?”

“Damn it. Get down.” She pulled his head down, under the line of sight. Brett’s car, a maroon Honda pulled up behind them. “come on, come on.” She drummed her hands on the steering wheel, waiting for the light to go green. “Fuck this.” She said, and took a right turn into the neighborhood next to them, driving up the road.

“Coast clear?”

“Coast is clear.” She said, and Jason sat back up.

“Phew, that was close.” She looked over at Jason.

“Yup.”

“So…yeah. We were talking about the car. Heeeyyy…” her face lit up.

“What?”

“The parking lot will be empty tomorrow, and on the weekend. I’ll teach you the basics…for driving, so you don’t look like a total rookie when you go in next week.”

“Fine.” Jason grumbled.

“Oh cheer up.”

Mrs. Reynolds took a left, pulling into Jason’s neighborhood.

“And there we go.” She smiled, stopping in front of his house.

“All right, thanks.” He said, picking up his bag from the back seat.  Just as he was about to get out, Mrs. Reynolds caught his arm, looking into his eyes. She didn’t have to say a word. Jason slid back in, and pulled her face towards his. He could smell her peach perfume, and  felt him self become enveloped by it. As her lips touched his, the flavor of strawberry leaked into his mouth. Their tongues swirled about inside each others mouths as two eels in a tub. Jason closed his eyes, and was encapsulated by bliss, as he kissed her deeply. He put a hand on her knee, running it slowly up her leg, under her skirt. They continued to kiss, he softly chewed at her lips with his own, tasting her sweet scent.

“Oh…damn it. What’re we doing.” She said, snapping out of it. “Sorry…here,” she rummaged through her glove compartment and found a napkin, handing it to him. “Wipe it off…the lipstick…sorry.” She muttered.

“That’s alright.” He winked, and gently wiped her lipstick from his mouth. “Tomorrow night…”

“So, you up for the driving lesson? With me…”

“Well you are one hell of a ride…in bed. I guess it can’t be too different on the road.” He laughed as he got out. “See you Mrs. Reynolds.”

“Bye Jas.” She winked, and drove off.

Jason slammed the brakes to Mrs. Reynold’s Ford Escape.

“Ease into it…what’re you trying to snap my neck?” Mrs. Reynolds joked, grabbing his shoulder.

“It’s my first time!” Jason yelled, “sorry…”

Mrs. Reynold’s sighed.

“Alright, that’s enough for today. We’ve been going for the past 40 minutes. Just make a left around that lamp post, and I’ll take over.”

He did so, and they switched seats.

“That all you can east pasta deal…not worth it. Friend from AP Psych told me,”

“Once you get to the restaurant, you’ve got 20 minutes to eat whatever you want, and then you’re full. Jason, AP Psych is still a social studies course.” Mrs. Reynolds finished.

“Okay.” Jason waved his hands around. “I’ve been waiting to try their lasagna. Who’s buying?”

“I-“

“Never mind. I’ll buy.” Jason put his hand up reassuringly.

“Okay, you’re the man. But I’ll bring my wallet just in case.”

“Mmm. The Alfredo is perfect on this linguini…” Mrs. Reynolds closed her eyes, savoring the bite. They were in the Olive Garden, and contrary to their initial idea, the All-You-Can-Eat pasta deal was quite worth it. Jason had already finished 3 bowls, and was working on his fourth.

“You should try the bowtie coated with butter. I swear they put some sort of seas-mmmm…” he shoveled another spoonful of pasta into his mouth. “seasoning.” He wiped the corners of his mouth with the napkin.

“Somebody’s got an appetite.” She smiled, ironically shoveling in another mouthful. Her phone began vibrating. “Mm,” she started, swallowing her pasta “I’ve got to get this. The department director…” she rolled her eyes, and walked off.

“Hi, Frank? Hey Frank how’s it going? Yup…I’ll get those forms done…I’ll have it in by Sunday night. Alright, have a good one…bye.”

She was about to turn back to their table, when the door opened, and in walked Mr. Frohm, with his wife. He turned, and they locked eyes.

Jason was looking through his email on his iPhone when Mrs. Reynolds nearly fell into the table, tripping on her high heels.

“Jas, we have to go.”

“What? We just got here.” He said.

“Come on.” She said, patting his shoulder urging him to get up. “Let’s go. One of the teachers is here.”

“What the hell? Okay, let’s go.” He said, throwing a tip onto the table. Mrs. Reynolds did her best to blend into the crowd, sure that Mr. Frohm was looking for her.

“Here, take the fire exit.” She said, as they walked into the restroom hallway.

“Go, go, go.” Jason urged, as they got into her car.

“Phew.”

They pulled out of the parking lot, and started back.

“That was close. Thanks.” He said, panting.

“No problem. My ass was on the line…”

“Did he see you?”

“Yeah, but not with you. So that’s good. Sorry about that.”

“Come on, what’re you apologizing about?”

After about 15 minutes they pulled into Jason’s driveway. 

“So…”

“Yes, I’m staying the night.”  She sighed. “Come on. Don’t keep a girl waiting.”

The two rushed into the house, closing the front door. Jason ran up to his bedroom, Mrs. Reynolds following close behind. She frantically removed her coat, throwing it aside. He pulled her in, and unbuttoned her shirt, pulling it off her taut frame. She dropped her skirt, and hurriedly took off her panties, and pulled Jason in over her.

“Damn, that was…thanks.” Jason panted. The morning light was filtering in through the windows. Mrs. Reynolds chuckled, and turned over, kissing him on the lips. They were both covered in sweat from the previous night. Jason ran a finger down her slender waist, along her hips. He pulled back her hair, kissing her neck, and sniffing in the peach aroma which remained strong despite the copulative perspiration. Gently, Jason wrapped his arm around her naked body, and pulled himself in closer, behind her.

“I’ve got to pick up my parents.” She said, throwing the covers off.

“Come on, stay for a bit…like this.”

“Jason, please.” She groaned, shifting around inside his strong grip.

“You know, ever since my parents passed away…me being an only child and all. It gets pretty darn lonely. But when you’re here. I don’t even mean for this…like just for anything really. It’s just like everything, for that moment, or for however long you stay, goes back to normal.” He said, tracing a circle above her bellybutton.

“I’m happy for you Jason. Life’ll get better, it always does.” Her voice sounded amiss,  so Jason inquired.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m…fine…I. Truth is I don’t want to leave either. I want to lay like this, in bed, with you…for the rest of my goddamn life. But it’s just like…I have to. There’s no way of getting out of that world.”

“But that’s why my door’s always open. Mrs. Reynolds…”

“Call me Sally, you’re not in class.”

“Sally, you can come here anytime. Hell, you can live with me if you want.” He buried his nose into her shoulder, kissing it lightly.

 “You and I both know that’s not possible.”

“Why not? Who’d notice? It’s not like they follow me home.”

“Jason, you’re sweet, but the reality is that…life is just not like that. Can’t live the dream. They’re called dreams for a reason.” She shrugged. “Alright, I’ve got to go.” She turned around, kissing him deeply. “I’ll be back tonight…” she smiled, getting off the bed. She arched her back, cracking it, and twisted her waist from side to side, sighing. The sunlight illuminated her bare body, enunciating its anatomical perfection. She turned, looking at him.

“What’re you just going to lie there like that?”

“That’s the plan.” Jason smiled. “Honestly…this sounds really weird, and I’m generally not the philosophical type and stuff, but…when you put your clothes on…it’s like the world’s just closing me out to you. Like I can’t get to you, and”

“You mean you can’t have sex with me.”

“Well, Sally. That’s only part of it. When we’re here, in bed, your life legitimately feels like a part of mine. We’ve got nothing to hold back. But out there, you wear your make up, your tailored suit, and you just put on a mask…like you have to be someone else. Can’t be honest without being judged.”

“So basically, you want me to be naked the whole time I’m around you?” she scoffed, smiling at him.

“Couldn’t hurt.”

“You dirty…bastard.” She laughed, leaping back onto the bed, ruffling his hair. “Okay, now I’ve really got to go. See you tonight.” She gave him a quick peck on his lips before getting dressed. “And remember, I’m still your teacher. Better get me that essay by Monday.”

“Fine. If I can get to it.” He chuckled.

It was 10:00 by the time Jason bothered to take a shower,

As he caressed his body with soap he took some time to reflect. Then again, most of the time he spent alone, he spent reflecting.  The week his mother died, was the same week Mrs. Reynolds had her divorce, after having been married for 8 years. He smiled as he recollected the day they first grew intimate. They’d done it right on the floor. She’d left her high heels on and there were marks all over the floor. He chuckled again. Even when she had her clothes on…there was an aura to her, a warm welcoming one. One in which he felt safe, and secure. Every moment without her was a reminder of reality, which was never something he wished to experience.

Turning off the shower, he stepped out, and buried his face in the towel, sighing deeply. The steam evaporated off his body, taking the joy with it, and as he’d guessed, he was left feeling completely alone, itching for Mrs.Reynold’s next visit.

He ate a spot of breakfast and watched a little TV before heading out for a walk.

“Mom!” Mrs. Reynolds exclaimed in joy, waving her arms, calling them over. They were standing outside the airport, two suitcases in hand.

“David, it’s Sally.” Her mother smiled, trotting over with her walking stick.

“Mom, no. Let me get that.” She rushed up, picking up the suitcase, and hoisted it into the car. She bent down and embraced her mother. “How’ve you been mom?”

“Awful.” Her dad joked, walking up to her. “Your mom would not stop complaining about the Air Conditioning  the whole way over. I’m trying to tell her, California is not like New York, might as well get used to the cold.” He grumbled, but his frown slowly turned into a smile. “How’re you sweetheart?” he smiled, wrapping his arms around her.

“Can I drive?” he asked.

“Fine dad.” She smiled at him, tossing him the keys. “Can you walk a straight line?”

“Get outta here.” He waved off the comment, running over to the front seat.

“Your dad hasn’t changed one bit.” Her mother giggled, as the two shut the trunk.

“Let’s go home mom.” Mrs. Reynolds bent down giving her a quick kiss, before climbing in beside her father.

“So, when’s that trip to Florida?” her father asked, as they entered her house.

“David, you just got here. Have some manners.” She chided.

“Martha…stop whining for once in your life.”

“Guys…come on. I…I’m sorry, I forgot to cook. I’ve been really busy these past few days. We can go out and-“

“Sally, are you really insisting that you cook? Don’t you want to try your mother’s Lasagna recipe, the one you’d always come home itching to try?”

“Sure mom. Let me just get this stuff upstairs.”

She carried the two suitcases, nearly slipping on her way up, and placed the two boxes down in her room. As she turned to walk out A little shimmer caught her eye. She turned around, and saw the small gold pocket watch propped up on her dresser, still ticking away like it had when her ex-husband had bought it as a wedding gift.

She held the little trinket in her hand, and watched the seconds hand as it ticked away, oblivious to the world around it. Life went on, whether she liked it or not. The sun rose and set whether she liked it or not. Her past burdened her, whether she liked it or not.

“Sally! You coming?” her mom yelled from downstairs. “Lasagna’s almost ready…”

“Oh god.” She muttered, looking at the time. She’d been standing there, staring at her past, for the past 15 minutes. “Coming mom! Just a second.”

After saying their prayers, and spending a moment in silence for any loved ones, as they always did since Mrs. Reynolds had been a child, they began eating.

“Delicious…just delicious.” she nodded at her mother.

“Glad you like it honey.”

“Oh yeah, praise the lord.” Her father waved his hands about, sarcastically.

“David, stop being such a baby.” Her mother swatted him on the shoulder.

“Just kidding. It’s really good honey.”

“So, how’s the job?” she asked.

“The job…it’s…it’s holding up well. I’m a social studies teacher at the high school here. Belleview.”

“Social studies…nice. I taught social studies for a few years, before switching over to English.” His father said. “Good subject. Broadens people’s horizons a little bit. How’s the pay?”

“It’s good enough. I’m clearing a good 70 grand a year. Living single anyway. I’ll admit things were a little easier with Brian around, because of two incomes, but…no kids, so no mouths to feed other than my own. So I’m managing.”

“I’m very proud of you honey. It’s not easy to recover from something like that.”

“Hey, don’t let me take all the credit. Let’s not forget all the times I was over at your house crying into your shoulder.”

They chuckled, and paused briefly, taking in the moment before returning to their meals.

“So…Florida…”

“Alright dad. We’re making a trip in a few days. I’ve got the tickets booked, and ready to go. It’s a good price.”

“I’ve always wanted to tan on the East Coast.” Her mother added.

They laughed, and reflected on their lives, savoring not only the meal but also their heartfelt reunion.

It was around 9:00 when Mrs. Reynolds showed up at Jason’s house.

“Sorry I’m so late.” She apologized.

“No problem…I was working on that essay, that’s due Monday.”

“Well you look like you’ve been working on it for a long time.” she ran placed her hand on his cheek, warming it with her touch. “I saved some of my mom’s Lasagna for you.” She smiled.

“Uh, thanks.”  Jason replied, rubbing his eyes. “Been working in it 3 hours straight.” He turned his back to her, walking over to the dining table.

“Well then, maybe it’s time you took a break.”

 “Sally, I’m kinda wiped out today. Don’t even know why…maybe not…tonight.”

“Maybe going 10 times was a bit too much last night.” She slowly inched towards him, putting one foot in front of the other ever so slowly. “Come on.” She grabbed his lapels, pulling him into her body.

“Okay, fine.  I’ll be right up.”

“Very well. Don’t keep me waiting.” She smiled, turning to the stairwell.

“So…uh…how was…how’re your parents doing?”

“Great. Just came by a few hours ago. Mom cooked, can you believe it? After a 5 hour flight? Come up, we’ll talk about it.” She beckoned with his finger.

“Give me a minute.” He whined, turning back to the table.

“Two times, that’s it? That all you got?” Mrs. Reynolds panted, as the two fell on their backs panting.

“Maybe we should try another position?” he said raising his eyebrows.

“No, that one’s just fine. Come on, one more…” she added, running a finger down his chest.

“Not tonight Sally. Tell me about your parents a little more. How do they like New York?”

“It’s different. It’ll take them a while to get used to the pace of life here.”

“Tell me about it.” He scoffed. “Los Angeles is like…something’s always going on over there.” he gently pulled back a strand of hair, pressing it into her shoulder.

“Yeah. I’m glad to have them here. Makes me feel a little more at home…I mean, I feel perfectly at home over here, with you don’t get me wrong.”

“You don’t have to explain.” He reassured, squeezing her bare shoulder. “Hey, would your folks mind if…you introduced me?”

“I don’t know if that’s the best idea. My mom has a way of blabbing things to everyone. It’s not worth it, I’m telling you.”

“Really? Really?” he asked, smiling, pressuring her to accept. “After all we’ve been through.”

“Give it some time. I don’t think they really want any visitors just yet. Besides, don’t you have work to be doing?”

“Oh yeah, the essay.”

“No, silly.” She smacked him upside the head, and gently pulling him down over her body.

When he woke, Mrs. Reynolds was gone. He figured it was to see her parents.

Sunday passed uneventfully, and Mrs. Reynolds returned again, that night, reinitiating their nocturnal festivities.

“All right, and here’s that essay.” He said, handing the paper to Mrs. Reynolds as she got dressed. “I didn’t quite get the APA format.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll…I’ll handle it. You’ll have an A by the end of this semester.”

“Thanks Sally.”

“Anything for you Jas.”

Monday was a low-key day for Mrs. Reynolds. They finished up Chapter 3, well ahead of time and had time for some SNL as usual. She had no meetings and could use her free periods the way they were meant to be used…for her free time.  She managed to avoid Mr. Frohm until,

“Hey Sally.” Mr. Frohm called, as she was packing up for the day. She froze, her heart nearly skipping a beat.

“Oh…h..hey Tom. What’s up?”

“Saw you at the Olive Garden the other day. Thought I’d introduce you to my wife, but you looked like you were in a real hurry. She was disappointed.” He sighed.

“Tom, I’m so sorry. I’ve just…it’s just been really busy for me the past couple days. My parents just came in, as you probably know.”

“Hey, it’s all right. I was just wondering if maybe all three of us could have a little pow-wow one of these days. You know, just get together for dinner or something.”  He said. “My wife’s eager to meet you. She’s a teacher too, over at the middle school.”

“Umm…sure. In fact, why just the three of us. Mind if I bring my parents?”

“Not at all. The more the merrier. My in-laws literally live 30 minutes away, so why not? We could make is a sort of family gathering…only of different families.” He chuckled.

“Yup. How’s Wednesday sound?”

“Wednesday sound’s great. I’ll let my family know.”

As she walked out to the main entrance, where Jason stood waiting, leaning against the stairwell.

“Hey Jas. Look, I’m really busy this week. I’ll be able to come by maybe Friday night, and that’s a big maybe. Even the weekend, I’ve got to spend some time with my parents, and we’re heading out to Florida soon. Sorry Jas.”

“That’s alright.” He said, stretching his legs and getting off the stairwell. Just as he did so, he heard footsteps pattering at the top of the staircase. They were heading up. “Shit.” Blood rushed to his head.

“What?” she asked.

“Someone heard.” He whispered. Quietly, he ascended the stairs. At the top landing, to his left was the library. He rushed to the door, trying to pull it open. It was locked. He ran down and turned left onto the science hallway. Yet that was empty as well.

“Jason?” Mrs. Reynolds called, walking up to the landing.

“Yeah.” He whispered, returning to the top landing.

“Did you see?” she asked quietly this time.

“No. I think we’re okay…” he said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

As soon as Mrs. Reynolds dropped him off, Jason rushed into his room, throwing his bag aside. He then ran into the bathroom, frantically turning on the faucet, and splashing his face with cold water, till his face turned red and his hands hurt from the temperature. His heart beat fast, and he buried his face in his hands, breathing hard. He couldn’t sleep that night.

During AP Literature the next day, his nightmare came to life,

“Hey Jason.” One of the guys asked. It was Michael, a blond-haired kid who sat 2 seats behind him.

“What?” he asked walking over, the class hadn’t started yet.

“So…”

“So, what?”

“How’s Mrs. Reynolds…in bed?” he sneered.

“Dude what the hell?” Jason scoffed. “You think I’m fucking her?” smacking his shoulder.

“Not just me dude. Whole class, whole grade maybe.” Michael shrugged.

“You’ve got to be kidding me man. Where’d you hear this?”

“Fuck, I’m not telling you. Just thought I’d give you a heads up. Why’d you do it? Did you need a few As? GPA dropping maybe?”

“Shut up Michael.”

“Getting in bed with the teacher. How frickin’ low do you need to be to get in bed with the teacher…I gotta be honest with you. I think she’s a hunk of ass. That woman, if she wasn’t my teacher, I’d be the first man in bed with her. But unlike you-“

“Shut up.”

“Unlike you, I know the fuckin’ limits. I know where to draw the lines, and I sure as hell know how to keep my dick in my pants.”

“Shut up!”

“Or what?” Michael asked, standing up, crowding his face into Jason’s. He grabbed his lapels, and pushed him against the wall.

“Fight, fight, fight, fight.” The chant slowly rose from the rest of the class as it stood up. People pulled out their iPhones and their cameras.

“Give it to him hard Michael!” a voice yelled…As Michael threw Jason to the ground; Jason turned slightly, and saw that it was his ex-girlfriend, Andrea,  standing triumphantly to a side. Michael pressed his knee into his stomach, squeezing the air out of him. He winded back, his fist high in the air when,

“That’s enough!” the teacher yelled. She’d just walked in. “Both of you…to the assistant principal’s office. This is unacceptable.” She hissed, as Jason stood up, dusting himself off.

As the teacher walked the two of them down to the office, Mrs. Reynolds was returning, the other way to the teacher’s lounge at the end of the hallway. Jason locked eyes with her, as she walked by him. His eyes were wide, in fear, and his face red with anxiety.

“In here. I’m not asking twice.” The teacher lightly pushed the two into the office. “Wait here, and explain yourselves…and I expect 100% honesty, is that clear?! You are both very lucky that I am still awarding you this independence.” She hissed, before turning to leave.

Mrs. Reynolds staggered into the teacher’s lounge, still shocked from the ordeal. Inside sat Mrs. Wesley, at the table.

“Sally,” she asked, wide eyed, “is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“Jonathan McDermott, left his cellphone in my room on Friday. I picked it up this morning to return it, and I see this text…” she slid the phone over, across the table. “Jesus, tell me that’s not true.” She sighed, running her hand through her thick black hair.

Jason fucks Mrs. Reynolds.

Just three words and it was enough to drive her heart beat up a wall. Her face turned red, as she slowly set down the phone, and slid it back to her.

“Of course it’s not true.” She said, perhaps a bit too softly. “How many people got the text?”

“Sally? Is it true?”

“How many people got the text?”

“I don’t know Sally. I’ve only seen one phone. But with texting these days.” She shook her head.

“And for the record, it’s not true. Can’t believe you’d ask me that…” Mrs. Reynolds snapped, her nostrils flaring.

“Sally, I’m sorry.”

Mrs. Reynolds sighed, putting her head down on the table, and began to sob.

“Oh honey,” Mrs. Wesley said and put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll take this up to the assistant principal and even the principal if we need to. You’ve been a good teacher Sally. I think this is just some student trying to screw with your rep.”

“It’s my one job, and…this had to happen.”

“Look, Sally, just take the day off. Forget about this. You said your parents were here, right. Go home, spend some time with them.” She soothed.

“Sally, did you-“ Mr. Frohm started as he entered the lounge.

“Tom…not now.” Mrs. Wesley looked at him.

“sorry.” He muttered and left.

Jason took the bus home that day, and spent the rest of the day in his room…until,

There was a sharp knock on the door.

“Jason, it’s me, Sally.”

Jason walked down slowly, and opened the door. Her eyes were bloodshot with tears.

“It’s out Jason. They know.”

“I know.” He sighed.

“H…hhhow?”

“I’m pretty sure it was my ex…”

“How can you say that?” Sally asked, shuddering. She shut the door behind her gently.

“When Michael threw me on the ground…her face…it was just so…it was like she finally got her revenge.”

“Michael you can’t just go off a hunch like that. This is serious.” She said, leaning forward, putting her hands on his chest.

“Michael got a text…that’s how it all started. My fight, I mean.” He sighed.

“What’s the fallout?”

“Assistant principal’s letting me go…but with a warning.” He scoffed. “I don’t anticipate it getting any better. Everyone probably knows by now.”

“No, no, no….that…that’s not possible. That’s silly.” She scoffed, caressing his face.

“Sally. That’s the way it is. It’s the internet age. Everyone knows about everything.”

“Fuck.” She swore, letting go of him, and collapsing to the ground sobbing. She curled up on the ground, her body shaking with each sob. “Goddamn it. My one job…and I blew it.”

Jason knelt down beside her, and ran a comforting hand through her hair.

“Hey, it’s going to be okay. Nobody has any evidence…nothing leading back to us…”

“No, don’t tell me it’s okay.” She whispered.

“Don’t worry.”

“What the hell is wrong with you Jason? How can you not see that my career is in jeopardy?” she yelled, tears gushing from her eyes.

“Hey, hey. Take it easy.” he said, as she continued to cry.

“Don’t tell me that Michael…just…don’t. If you’d just-“

“Whoa, are you blaming me for this whole thing?”

“No. All I’m saying is that if you’d just your dick in your pants for that day…maybe this wouldn’t have happened.” She snapped at him, her bloodshot eyes glaring into his.

“Well maybe, if you hadn’t spread your legs out like some whore…and just asked me to back off…this wouldn’t have happened either.”

She whirled around, and slapped Jason hard across the face.

“Bitch!” he yelled, standing up  and heading into the kitchen.

“Jjjason?” she whimpered, scrambling to her feet. “Jason, I’m sorry baby. Jason?”

“Oh, start calling me baby now. Is that how you lured your ex in?” he fumed.

“Jason! Stop it!” she yelled, pushing him against the wall. “We’re not getting anywhere by blaming each other. I’m going to try and find an earlier flight to Florida. Even if it costs more. I…just…I just need to leave the city for a little bit. Just get my head out of this mess. Once I come back…this thing, it has to end. We can’t see each other anymore.” She said sternly.

“So that’s it. You’re just going to walk out on the whole thing? Like it’s all something you can just throw out the window? You are in a relationship with me Sally!” he yelled, slamming his hand on the wall.

“This is not a relationship!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.

“What is it then?”

“It’s deception…self-deception. Jason, baby, I love you…but don’t you realize…we’ve just been hiding for the past 2 years? Hiding from the truth…which is that I’m single, and so are you. And that you’re parents have passed away.”

“Don’t-“

“No Jason, we’ve lied to ourselves for long enough. It’s time to come to terms with our problems.” she said lowering her voice. “Fucking, like this, and asking me for favors…is not doing anything. Sure, your grades may have gone up. You’re probably doing better in your classes, but because of what? This?”

“So,”

“So, we can’t do this anymore Jas. It doesn’t change anything. It just shields us from the truth…how long can we shield ourselves like this huh? The only way things will get better is if we tackle the problems we have…not run away from them like this. Okay?”

“Can you at least stay the night?” he asked.

“No Jason. I can’t. I’m going to have to quit my job too, after coming back from Florida…they’ll trace it back to us somehow, that’s the reality of it.”

Tears welled up in Jason’s eyes as he slumped against the wall and slid to the ground.

“Oh, baby, baby,” Mrs. Reynolds said softly, kneeling down beside him, and putting an arm around his shoulder.

“You were the one thing that made me feel normal.” He cried, wiping the tears away with his hands. “The one thing I could turn to whenever I felt lonely…and now that’s it…we have to call it quits, and I’m back on square one, like my parents just died yesterday.”

Mrs. Reynolds kissed his head putting it against her chest and holding him tight. His body rocked with each sob. Tears streamed down her eyes, spilling onto his hair.

“I have to go…please…” she said, standing up. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah.” His voice cracked, as he wiped away his tears. “Can you at least stay one last night…one last time…before just calling it off?” he asked.

She put her hand on his cheek, smiling. “Okay…one more night.”

“Dad, we’re going to Florida in two days.” Mrs. Reynolds said as she walked into her house.

“What?” her mom exclaimed. “Honey, we’ve hardly been here for a day. Your dad was only joking…”

“Yeah, I was just joking. There’s no hurry.”

“Yes there is.” She muttered.

“What?”

“Yes, there is a  goddamn hurry!” she yelled. “Sorry…mom, I’m just really stressed right now. I’ll pack. I’ll do everything.”

“Honey, you’ve been crying. What happened?” her mother asked, placing a hand on her arm.

“Someone at work? ‘cause if it is, you’d better report ‘em.”

“Can i…just get some time guys…Just need to, sit down for a sec.”

“Sure honey. Look if you want to take us to Florida that badly, who am I to complain. How’d you find tickets so quickly.”

“I looked them up on the way here…on my phone. It’s…it’s hard to explain. Please, mom , dad…just go with the flow. Just this time, I’m sorry.” She bent down in frustration.

“Got nothing to apologize for hon, we’re with you the whole way.” her mother gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks guys.”

Mrs. Reynolds left for Florida the day after. As for Jason, he had no choice but to lumber back to school. 

"Hey Jason, where's your girlfriend...I'm sorry, I meant Mrs. Reynolds?" Andrea laughed, followed by her friends. 

When he walked into AP Chemistry, Mr. Trevelyan simply shook his head, letting out a sigh. 

He ate lunch, though half-hearted about it and went on through the day, mostly because he didn't have a choice. 

He took the bus home this time. When he opened the door, he was swept back by waves of lonliness. The hallways, the rooms, and just about everywhere in the house was gray with sorrow. The sunlight trickled in through the windows but it seemed as if nothing could change the melancholy day. 

Jason put his bag down. He walked to the kitchen, and picked up a knife. As he walked over to the sink, he picked up a picture of his parents, looking down at them. A tear rolled down his cheek, and dripped onto the photo's frame. His face grew red with sorrow. Jason set the picture aside, and placed his hand at the edge of the sink, and prepared to cut his wrist...The blade touched his skin. It pressed deeper. The skin stretched under the point of the blade. It was about to tear when...he remembered. 

Suicide, yet another way to escape his problems. Even if he died, he would still be seen as an orphan who coped by having sex with his teacher. But alive, he could change it. His hands tightened over the blade, considering the alternative one last time. 

"AAAAHHH!" he yelled, and threw the blade down the hallway. He broke out into a convulsion of sobs, sliding to the ground, burying his face in his hands. 

Slowly but surely, his sobs slowed and stopped. His frown disappeared, and on his face came a new resolve. His eyes narrowed, taut with determination and he stood, taking a look at the picture which had always haunted him. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the photo frame...No longer would it torment him...He tossed the photo onto the kitchen table and walked off to his room, ready to take destiny into his hands...

"Very good Jason." Mr. Trevelyan said, calling him in after the test. "You got all the compounds right, and the structural formulas. How're you holding up?" he asked. 

"Great." he smiled. "It's all good." 

"Well I'm glad to hear that Jason. The kids bothering you any?" he asked, putting a hand on his shoulder. 

"Yes, but honestly, I could care less. How'd I do on my test?" 

"98 percent...highest in the class Jason. Keep it up, and sooner or later, it's all going to be water under the bridge. You're a good kid Jason, I never thought differently. "

"Thanks." 

"Hey, it's all you. Most kids, would probably have given up, and by given up I mean-" 

"Yeah...I considered it myself...but then it was just...I don't know. I wasn't solving my problem." 

"Exactly. You're great at solving the ones on paper, why shouldn't you solve the one's in your own life huh?" 

"Yeah." Jason nodded, and walked out of the classroom. 

"Hey teacher fucker?" Andrea sneered. 

"Oh hi, Andrea..." Jason answered, unscathed by her comment. 

"Who're you in bed with now?" 

"Nobody." he shrugged.

"You are the biggest loser I've seen in my life Jason. Can't get a grade, you fuck the teacher. Can't treat a girl nicely, you break up with her." 

"Can't get a boyfriend? You act like a bitch..." Jason answered, his smile unchanged. 

"You..." 

"Yeah, that's right, you..." he mocked back, and turned to his next class. 

"You are going to pay for this!" she yelled. 

"You're right..." he reached into his pocket and pulled a penny out of his wallet. "Here, a penny for your thoughts." Jason patted her shoulder, and turned back to his next class.  

3 years later

They hadn’t seen each other in three years. Mrs. Reynolds had quit her job as she'd said, and hadn’t spoken with him since.

“Aah, here you go.” Jason said, handing his ice cream to Jessica, his new girlfriend. They’d been dating for 4 years, and that hole in his life was finally filled again. Now a student at Harvard, he felt that he’d made his parents proud…wherever they were, and them not being there failed to bother him as much as it’d used to. When he looked back on it, Mrs. Reynolds, Andrea, and the whole trouble with the school, had all been worth it. After all, it only made him stronger.

“Butter pecan…mmm.” She said, closing her eyes, and savoring the bite. For an instant, he remembered Mrs. Reynolds, and smiled. “What?” Jessica asked, giggling. “You just kinda, smiled there…”

“I’m just happy for you…about all this.” He gestured at the dorm room.

“Aww, you’re so sweet…just like this ice cream.” She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, staining it with ice cream.

“Jessica…” he whined.

Just then, his cellphone vibrated…

“Just give me a sec.” he put his finger up, leaving the dorm room to talk. “Hello?”

“Jason…”

“Sssally?” he said, lowering his voice.

“Yes Jason…it’s me. How are you? How’ve you been?” her voice sounded through the earpiece flooding into his mind bittersweet memories of their time together.

“Mrs. Reynolds…it’s been so long.”

“Call me Sally. It’s been too long. So how is everything?”

“It’s going well. I’m over in Harvard-“

“Harvard, ooh, didn’t I tell you you’d do great things one day?”

“Yeah, but it came with a price. Tuition sucks…anyway, what about you?”

“I moved back to California with my parents. They handled the whole thing pretty well. Found a job, and it’s paying pretty well. I guess it’s all about having a little faith that things will work out.”

“Well you guessed right. I’ve got a new girlfriend…”

“Oh, that’s wonderful, what’s her name?”

“Jessica”

“Jess and Jas…the prodigal couple.”

Jason laughed, leaning against the wall.

“What about you?”

“I’m married now…Been married for 3 years…he is a great man. Name’s Jason…so in a way we did get married.”

“Haha. Well I’m glad everything worked out for you Sally, I really am.”

“Likewise Jason.” He could feel her smiling across the phone, and the peach scent that was all too familiar, for a second, wafted to his nose and he almost thought…just for that instant, that she was there with him.

“Uh…Sally?”

“Yes Jas?”

“I’ve got a question…it-“

“Just ask it…”

“Do you still love me?” he asked.

“No.” she breathed, after a long pause.

They both smiled, across the phone before bidding farewell to each other. The truth was they never loved each other to begin with. After all,

Just like him, she had lost her love.

Just like her, he had lost the will.

Just like each other, they had been desperate.