Apple of My Eye

Thank the Lord it was Friday. Oh, but what a week it'd been. It was clear that half the freshman class wasn't ready for their quiz on multiplying polynomials by monomials, while the majority of sophomores couldn't remember algebra I enough to understand basic geometry. With a sigh, Lorena Rivers covered her eyes with the back of an arm as she mustered the strength to crawl out of bed. She considered that perhaps her teaching style was not up to par and she simply failed the students due to her lack of experience. It had only been three years since she began at Kane Valley High School, making her one of the youngest teachers there at twenty six. Her quarterly observation resulted in decent feedback, but was there a chance she could be doing more to ensure success?

She glanced at the clock. 5:45. Fuck, it was early. With a groan, she remembered there was an open house after school, meaning she wouldn't be home until late. It was exhausting to talk with prospective and current parents on account of being "on", when all she wanted was a few days to turn off and reset. It was looking like a long and tiresome day ahead.

Lorena finally threw off the covers and found the carpet with her feet. Following was a breakfast of stale oatmeal and mediocre coffee-a brutal parallel to the tedium of teaching math. In the bathroom, she brushed her teeth and braided her chocolate copper hair over her shoulder. Loose strands not long enough framed her youthful face in imperfect tendrils like curls on a passionflower. Her makeup was subtle, only enough used to even out the skin and highlight her round cheeks. Because of the school event, she was asked to dress nicely, so a simple outfit of a knee length black skirt and white button down was donned with a pair of flats.

As she looked in the mirror, she studied her bust to make sure no cleavage could be seen-a taboo she would never dare to entertain at school. After another button was done, it was perfectly modest. She slid both hands down her hips and admired the curves underneath her fingertips. The skirt was tight, but it left plenty to the imagination. It would be a pain in the ass to dress this way every day, but on this particular morning, she felt-and looked-pretty damn good. So good in fact, that she kicked off her flats and dug into her closet for the black suede heels worn only once at a wedding the year before. They clasped at the ankle and had a fierce point. Now her reflection showed someone with confidence. Or at least, the appearance of it. But the heels would have to come off briefly until she arrived at school, as she walked twenty minutes to and from each day.

It was lovely in the warmer season, as the journey took her east towards the rising sun. She witnessed a palette of colors across the sky and admired its absolute uniqueness-never the same twice. But winter could be difficult with its darkness and bitter air. Thankfully it was still September.

When she arrived to her classroom and turned on the lights, she took a deep breath as she found her wooden desk, perfectly organized and color coded. Come hell or highwater, it would be a good day. She sat and removed her sneakers to put on the heels, filling her chest with intense feelings of aplomb. For a moment, she wondered if this footwear was the answer to achieving self-assurance. The thought gave her a laugh.

"What's so funny?"

Lorena looked up to see Principal Booker in the doorway. She wasn't more than fifteen years older, and she had a penchant for colorful pantsuits that accentuated her long legs. One could tell when she was coming, as the clicking of her heels always sounded as if they were in a hurry.

"Oh... nothing," said Lorena. "How are you this morning?"

Principal Booker walked in and tugged on her Kane Valley High lanyard. "As good as I can be on a Friday when we don't go home on time."

"Yeah, it's all right though," Lorena replied unconvincingly. She plastered on a grin and brought her hands together. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm glad you asked!" The principal bore her teeth in a way that suggested unpleasant news was ahead. "Listen, I need you to be the last one to leave the building tonight-at 8pm."

Lorena attempted to conceal her visceral reaction. "Oh-oh... why is that?"

"The maintenance guys leave at 7:00 and I chose a staff member at random. It's just an extra hour to wait until the building clears out. You'll need to set the alarm in the office before leaving. You know the code?"

With the burning intensity of a thousand suns, Lorena's chest briefly filled with confidence now exploded in dread. But there was nothing to be done. The task was an order and she couldn't refuse nor make up a solid lie on the spot. She bit her lip and gave a smile that more than likely showed displeasure. "All right. Yes-I'll make sure to set the alarm before walking out the door."

Principal Booker tilted her head. "Thank you Lorena, I know it's not ideal. But I've got a sick kid to get home to. I'll see you tonight." She turned to leave, then looked back. "Oh, and you look very nice today."

After she left, Lorena pulled up to her desk and shook her head.

"Great," she muttered under her breath. It was always a sick kid being used as an excuse. Maybe if she had kids, she could take off whenever she desired like the other teachers. She looked at the clock and felt the dread in her chest flood her veins like nicotine after that first puff. Thirteen whole hours in this place. It was swiftly decided that the weekend would be spent solely in bed as a reward.

***

The school day was standard, with a surprising number of passing quizzes from the freshman class. And by the final bell at 3:00, Lorena realized time had made haste as she threw herself into work. With a much needed breather before open house, she gained the momentum required to push through the evening and socialize with a smile on her face.

At 7:50, she was envisioning a glass of chardonnay under her blankets while walking around the school to check for empty classrooms. The first floor had been cleared of any staff, leaving only the second floor remaining. Her heels echoed throughout the dim hallway and ran along the walls, leaving a trail of weekend energy behind her.

"Goddamn it," she whispered. The last classroom on the right had their lights on, its glow stretching across the polished floor. She hoped they'd been left on accidentally, otherwise she'd have the unfortunate position of kicking out a teacher she didn't know very well. Upon peeking her head around, she saw the classroom was still in use. The junior and senior history teacher sat at her desk with a look of frustration while staring at her laptop.

"Miss Montague," Lorena said as she knocked on the door.

The teacher looked over and pulled out her chair to face the entryway. She was new this year, though a few years older. Her dark chin length hair was always styled back and she stood tall with broad shoulders. At most meetings she kept to herself and offered little input, as if she were still gauging the general atmosphere. There were so many staff members, the two had yet to formally meet.

"Ah, am I glad to see you," she said with a sigh.

Lorena leaned against the frame and crossed her arms. "I wish I could say the same. I'm closing the school in five minutes so I kinda need you to..." She motioned with her hand. "I'm sorry."

"No-no. I'm the one who's sorry," said Miss Montague. "After the open house, I tried to get my grades in, but the program isn't letting me submit them. Or I'm doing something wrong. I'll be out of your hair if you could give me a hand?" She stood and offered her seat.

With a nod and silent hope she could remedy the issue, Lorena entered the classroom and sat at her desk. It was cluttered and stacked with history textbooks and papers.

Miss Montague stood nearby in a fitted plaid suit and boots. She bit at her thumbnail as she watched and swayed with anticipation. "I apologize, I'm still learning I guess."

It only took a second to realize what had been the problem, and Lorena successfully sent in the grades that were due to the administration before the end of the night. "It's okay. You just forgot to put in the date." She gave a short laugh. "It can happen to any of us."

Putting her hands together in prayer, Miss Montague chuckled. "You are a lifesaver, Miss Rivers."

Lorena admired her seemingly positive attitude after an extensive day. But it was not a shared feeling at this hour. "Please, call me Lorena." She watched her co worker's eyes light up at once.

"Oh, beautiful name. You know, that's the title of one of my favorite antebellum songs. Though during the war, soldiers on both sides thought of their wives and sweethearts when they heard it. Made them homesick."

"I don't think I have that kind of pull on anyone," said Lorena with a sigh.

"No?" Miss Montague eyed her up and down. "I find that hard to believe."

Lorena felt herself blush and looked away for a moment. She grabbed the diamond pendant of her silver necklace and played with it between her fingers. "Well, if there is, I don't know about them." She looked around the classroom and admired its style. A large world map on the wall, posters of governmental ideologies, a life size bust of Napoleon as Caesar-it was all well done.

"I really hate to kick you out, but I would love to go home and I've got to walk."

"Oh, no need for that," said Miss Montague. "I can take you." Her voice was so soft, like the beginning raindrops of a summer storm on the windowpane. The way she stood with one hand in her pocket made her words seem much more sincere.

Lorena would usually be one to refuse, but something compelled her to accept. She licked her dry lips and stood at the history teacher's shoulders. "All right. I need to grab my things. Do you know where my classroom is?"

"I can meet you down there in three minutes," replied Miss Montague with the point of a finger.

As Lorena walked out of the classroom, she couldn't help but feel as if she was being watched; or rather, her ass was. But she didn't mind, the skirt she had on looked good and made her feel sexy. Perhaps it was all right to let others enjoy it as well.

Miss Montague accompanied Lorena to the office where she set the alarm before taking a back door out to the parking lot. There was only one vehicle left, though it was a sleek sports car; the wax on its black finish shining like patent leather. It was way too expensive to even consider on a teacher's salary.

When Lorena got in it, she couldn't help but voice her surprise. "This is... how did-"

Miss Montague laughed at her stuttering. "My previous occupation. I was an associate investment banker."

The idea that someone would leave such a financially cushy job for teaching at a highschool was unfathomable. Lorena shook her head in disbelief. "But why did you leave? Obviously you made a significant amount more than you do now. No offense."

They began driving out of the lot and headed west. The sound of Miss Montague's car was deep and hummed with force. She smiled at the question directed towards her professional career change.

"None taken. I hated it. That's pretty much the story. I always dreamed of being a history teacher, but my old man told me he wouldn't pay for my college unless I got a 'real job'. So I went into investment banking, worked my way up after a couple years and still wasn't happy. By that time, I could afford to pay tuition myself and go back to school."

"Are you happy at Kane Valley?" asked Lorena. She was beginning to grow a bit disappointed that the car ride would be so short.

Miss Montague gave a nod and turned on the road to her apartment. "I'm very happy. Truly. I'm doing what I love and maybe it doesn't buy me another car like this, but it gives me joy and that's all that matters. Is this you right here?" She pulled up to the curb and parked against it.

"Yes, thank you," said Lorena as she looked out the window. "It's quite heartening to hear your sentiments on teaching. I've been feeling out of sorts lately about the job-like if I'm good enough. I guess I needed a reminder that I'm also doing what I love, so you've done me a great service Miss Montague.

The kind teacher rested her wrist over the steering wheel. "Call me Quinn."

"Well, thank you for the ride, Quinn." Lorena reached for the door handle. "Maybe we'll see each other on Monday."

Quinn's smile was as soft as her voice. It spoke more with her dark eyes than it did her pink lips. "I'd like that. Goodnight Lorena, have a nice weekend."

After shutting the door to her apartment, Lorena felt the weight of responsibility melt off her shoulders-at least for the next two days. She immediately stripped upon entering her room and headed for a hot shower, which was the ultimate reprieve from the stressors of everyday life. But as she stood under the falling stream, the slight turn of events in her night caught her attention. How could she have gone this long without really noticing Quinn? She was so friendly and easy to talk to.

With a glass of chardonnay in hand, Lorena ended her long week under the covers just as she hoped. But she also secretly hoped she'd see Quinn again on Monday. She just wasn't sure why.

***

Monday morning, Lorena was back in her usual attire of a knit sweater and dress pants. It didn't make her feel as sexy, but maybe that was okay. She waved as she passed by the office receptionist and headed for her classroom. After she turned on the lights, she noticed something that'd been left on her desk. It was a red apple with an envelope attached to it. With a smile, she dropped her things to open the letter. Written in cursive, it said:

Lorena-

An apple is the symbol of knowledge and wisdom-two things you impart on your students each and everyday.

You're good enough

Q. M

Her heart fluttered for a moment. It was so very kind. She ended up thinking of Quinn quite often over the weekend and hoped to hear from her-or see her-and this was better than expected. But should she respond? And if so, how? She unpacked her bags to ready herself for the day while she thought.

During her free period a few hours later, she sat at her desk with a paper and pen desperate for inspiration. In a short response, she hoped its message conveyed some semblance of the desire she had to see her again, though she thought her demeanor Friday night may have come across as indifferent. She hoped it didn't. It said:

Quinn-

Thank you for your encouraging words, they've been much appreciated on gloomy Monday morning such as this.

P. S- An apple also represents temptation

Lorena

She stared at the note and chuckled. It came across as quite flirtatious, but... she was happy it did. The thought of leaving it for Quinn nearly took her breath away, it was so very exciting. She looked at the clock and realized only twenty minutes remained until her next class. She folded the letter lengthwise and went to the stairwell down the hall, hopeful for the off chance Quinn's classroom was empty.

Her flats made no sound as she walked past the lockers, but she was sure her heart could be heard thumping from miles away. Upon reaching the door, she realized Quinn was in the middle of a lesson on industrialization. She stopped before reaching the threshold to turn around, but Quinn glanced over and smiled before instructing the class to continue reading.

Lorena swallowed hard as she approached. Quinn looked so attractive in her ribbed burgundy polo and fitted dark slacks; the faint suggestion of a tattoo peeking out from her sleeve.

"Good morning; or, should I say-afternoon," she spoke in a hushed voice.

Lorena suddenly felt overcome with feelings of bashfulness and her eyes could hardly maintain their regard. "Thank you for my motivational letter," she whispered back. "I've actually come to give you a response, but I see I've misjudged your schedule. I'm sorry for interrupting your lesson."

"No, don't apologize," said Quinn. She leaned against the door and crossed her arms. "You're free to intrude whenever you'd like. In fact, I'd prefer such a welcomed disruption." She looked at the folded up paper in Lorena's hands. "Is that for me?"

"Oh-yes." Lorena quickly offered it. "Um... maybe don't read it right now."

Quinn raised an eyebrow as she took the letter. "I shall wait until class is over then. I'm glad I saw you, you're looking much more refreshed after the weekend. Did you do some self care?"

Lorena blushed. "I mostly drank wine under the covers."

"Lovely," laughed Quinn. "It works wonders." She looked back into her classroom and came off the door. "I should resume my lesson, but thank you for stopping by. I look forward to reading this."

As she stood up straight, Lorena could see the natural strength in her shoulders and arms, causing a yearning in her fingertips to run her hands along the muscles there. Her dark hair had been tucked behind her ears, but a few loose strands fell in front of her eye, giving her the allure of androgyny.

Lorena walked back to the first floor feeling much differently than she had been only ten minutes prior. She was hopelessly crushing on the history teacher and wondered if her feelings were requited. Quinn was so openly kind to everyone it seemed, but what if she was misconstruing the situation. It wouldn't be the first time. Oh, she took such a leap with that response. There was a chance it wouldn't be well received. But with five minutes left until class began, she'd have to shake away those feelings for now.

By the end of the day, Lorena assumed there would be no response to her sad attempt at flirting, and she packed her things before heading out to walk home. It was starting to get cooler these days, and she tightly held both arms to her chest as she journeyed home. Tonight, she would focus on grading to keep her mind off the situation and hopefully feel much more at ease after a good rest.

***

After arriving at her classroom the next day, Lorena scrambled to get things organized before the first bell. Papers still needed grading and the morning rush at the printer was a free for all. She hurried to the office to make copies and quickly stepped into the mailroom to check her cubby. On the top was an envelope with her name written in cursive. A slight gasp escaped her and she returned to the printer to see if there was anything she could do to speed up the process.

When she sat at her desk, trembling hands opened the envelope to reveal another letter from Quinn, this one a bit longer... and perhaps more suggestive. She read:

Lorena-

Your letter brought to mind a few of my favorite temptations I can't seem to resist; laying in bed instead of going to the gym, putting on a movie when I don't feel like teaching, and resisting the urge to offer beautiful women a ride under the guise of kindness when I shamefully have a hidden agenda. I seem to have given in to all three last Friday. Perhaps this week I'll do better.

Q. M

Lorena smiled and felt her nipples grow hard under her sweater. It was quite brazen, but she liked the forwardness. But she couldn't seem to rid herself from lingering feelings of doubt. What did Quinn even see in her? She hadn't had success in any romantic ventures since college, and even then it wasn't really as intense as this seemed to be. The history teacher was so confident and sexy, it made her feel plain in comparison.

But despite those thoughts, she continued planning on her response. In her free period, she wrote yet another note, this one matching in boldness. It said:

Quinn-

It must have been another woman you drove home, because I don't recall any inclination towards a hidden agenda. And if I had picked up on it, perhaps you could have ended up under the covers with me.

Do better

Lorena

The audacity of this response was enough to make her second guess who she had suddenly become. Never in her life had she ever been so openly provocative with another person. She folded it up and made sure to place it on Quinn's desk when she knew for certain the classroom would be empty. The nature of their letters had turned into something quite daring and something inside still gnawed at her as if it were all some misunderstanding. But once the paper was out of her hands, she managed to remove it from her mind and finish the day. Like Monday, there was no response, but perhaps there would be one in the morning.

When Lorena got home that evening, she stepped into a hot shower and allowed the stream to drown out her anxieties just for a few moments. As she ran hands along her sudsy body, she closed her eyes and tried to imagine it was the touch of Quinn. Fingers glided over her breast and massaged it tenderly before breaking free to slip between her legs. She was sore and wet, rubbing with two fingers and using the other hand to steady herself against the tiled wall. But it wasn't enough. She detached the showerhead and adjusted the knob to a powerful jet setting. After lifting one leg to rest against the shelf, she aimed the nozzle where it was needed most and gasped as the intensity took away the air in her lungs. She moaned, imagining herself running fingers through Quinn's dark hair as she was savored by an eager tongue. Her free hand returned to her breast for just a minute before she held the wall once more. She could feel her legs beginning to wobble as a climax started to build. How very skilled Quinn was at tasting her within her thoughts. Her breaths came out sharp as she felt herself throb in an intense orgasm.

When she returned the showerhead and finished washing herself, her breaths were still heavy. As her empty mind filled with thoughts, she wondered how she could look Quinn in the eye now after what she did. But something told her if her indecency was known, Quinn would be quite flattered. It wasn't a risk she was willing to take though. She would just have to see what Wednesday would bring.

***

As usual, the morning was spent running around like a headless chicken in an attempt to get things ready for the day. But when she went to make copies, she saw there was no envelope in her cubby, and there had been nothing at her desk either. The disappointment was unfortunately real. While she quickly graded papers at her desk before the morning bell, she heard a knock. Upon looking up, she saw it was Quinn and she immediately felt her face go red remembering her shower the night before. But she wore a smile and motioned her in in hopes nothing on her face could give away her transgression.

"Good morning, Lorena," said Quinn. She looked quite debonair in her corduroy jacket and turtleneck.

Lorena sat back in her chair and watched her crush approach the desk to take a seat on the edge. "Good morning. You look snazzy today."

Quinn laughed and pulled on her jacket. "Thank you. I knew I was coming to see you and I wanted to look my best."

Her response caused Lorena to break away from their gaze. After she adjusted in her seat, her eyes found Quinn's once more. "What did you come to see me for?" She attempted to sound as playfully uninterested as she could, thinking her crush would play along.

"Do I need a reason?" asked Quinn. A smile rose from her lips and ended with another laugh. But her voice became hushed as she leaned in. "What are you doing on Friday?"

Lorena thought for a moment. "Friday? We have that staff meeting."

"Oh fuck!" Quinn slapped her forehead. "I forgot about that. Shame on the administration for making us stay late two Fridays in a row. All right then, what are you doing after the meeting?"

"Nothing," said Lorena. "Why?" It was sounding like plans were being formed for the two of them to spend time together and she could hardly contain herself.

Quinn fingered a pen between them before twirling it around her fingers. "I was thinking maybe we could get a drink. Would you be interested?"

Everything inside Lorena tensed and she grabbed the diamond pendant of her necklace again while she spoke. "I think I'd be interested. Do you want to go to Floyd's after the meeting?"

"No, not Floyd's." Quinn waved the pen in protest. "All the staff will already be going there when we're done. I'd rather go somewhere where it can just be the two of us." Her eyes softened and she bit her lip, seeming as if she had suddenly grown nervous.

Lorena wished to touch the hand that had returned the pen to her desk. It lay unheld in front of her and drummed on wood with a few fingers. "Well, I'll be happy to go wherever you'd like."

"Great," said Quinn. She slid off the desk and adjusted her jacket. "I know a place-it's quiet, even for a Friday night. I'm looking forward to it. Have a good rest of your week, Lorena." She began to turn away, but looked back with a finger to her lips. "Oh, also... this is my attempt at doing better. Hopefully you're picking up on that." She smiled and left the classroom, leaving Lorena in a state of euphoria.

***

The following school days seemed to drag as Lorena anticipated her date with Quinn. They didn't see one another again until the meeting on Friday, which also lasted for what felt like ages even though it was only an hour. As the rest of the staff headed to Floyd's down the street, Lorena and Quinn took the car a few miles away at a small dive called Dreamer's Longue. It was small and quaint, patroned only by rough looking locals on either end of the bar. But Quinn was greeted by most of them, causing Lorena to assume she too, was a regular. After getting their drinks, they sat in a booth in the back that had been scratched to death with engravings of initials or foul words. But the dim lighting in addition to soft music made for a more than intimate ambiance that was perfect for two people looking to hide away for a while.

"Yeah, I don't live too far from here," said Quinn. Her eyes studied the wooden paneling against the wall. "And the bartender knows my dad. So you could say I'm the token female of this sausage party. But they're nice guys. Just a little rough around the edges."

Lorena circled the rim of her beer glass with a finger. "I like that. And to be honest, I might prefer it compared to Floyd's with the whole staff. When they're drunk, we're best friends, but at school, they rarely acknowledge me. I don't know what I'm doing wrong."

"You're not doing anything wrong." Quinn gave a shrug. "I'm not much older than you and they don't really talk to me either. There's a really big age gap of teachers at Kane Valley and maybe they think they're better than us. Nothing you can do about it except prove them wrong."

Lorena wished she had Quinn's unperturbed nature. Life would be so much easier if she didn't care so much about what the other teachers thought. She breathed a sigh to release those worries and leaned forward on the table. "You made me nervous when you came to see me Wednesday morning."

"Why?" asked Quinn, her mouth suppressing a grin.

Feeling hesitant, Lorena thought about her words before speaking. "I think I was afraid my last letter to you was somewhat presumptuous. I'm not really used to..." She gave a nervous laugh.

"Flirting?" Quinn scoffed. "I beg to differ. I went home and thought about your response all night. I was serious when I said I didn't believe that you didn't have some sort of pull on admirers. You've had one on me since the first professional development meeting at the beginning of the year."

Lorena thought of the third week of August when teachers went back to work before the students. She had spoken at the first PD group that focused on STEM education. It wasn't very long, maybe fifteen minutes of blather she knew no one was really listening to. "Don't tell me you were paying attention to that boring speech," she said.

"I was more focused on who was giving it," replied Quinn. She crossed her forearms against the table and smiled. "But I thought you were straight until very recently so I just admired you from afar. Unless... you are straight?"

"I'm not really anything I don't think." Lorena rubbed her hand over the rugged surface of the table. "It doesn't really matter to me as long as the other person is decent. I haven't dated anyone since I had a boyfriend in college-but that was more of a situationship. There were a few girls in my sorority who would turn kind of gay once they had a few drinks. I think I was the only one who felt the same when I was sober."

Quinn nodded. "Typical college experience. A lot of girls are only kind of gay during those four years aren't they? And then they go off and find a guy and get married and..." She waved a hand. "I understand. Heartbreak could be avoided if straight girls didn't find the enticement of lesbians to be so irresistible for some reason."

"I'll drink to that." Lorena raised a glass to Quinn who brought hers in for a clink.

The two spent the rest of their slowly drunk beverages keeping conversation light and flirty, but as promised, after they were finished, Quinn offered Lorena a ride home. As they drove, Lorena couldn't help but feel like the air between them had changed. It wasn't bad-just different. By the time they pulled up to the curb, she felt as though their time together was much too short. But she couldn't stop questioning what it was Quinn saw in her. The doubt washed over her like the falling stream of her shower head, and she bit the inside of her cheek as the car was put in park.

"Thank you for the drink," she said. "I had a nice time."

Quinn had a serious expression and looked as if she were deep in consideration. After a moment of pause, she leaned over the center console and brought their lips together softly, bringing a hand to the back of Lorena's neck. Their tender kiss soon turned deep as their lips parted and allowed their tongues to meet.

But Lorena pulled away, causing Quinn to back off. It was tense for a few moments, then a hand on the door handle indicated Lorena was ready to leave. "I've got to go," she said without looking. "Thanks again." She quickly left behind a stunned Quinn and hurried to her apartment.

When she got inside, she gave an audible groan. It was a perfect kiss and she let her doubts prevail. She was sure if Quinn had interest-at this point-it was fading.

The rest of the weekend was moody as she replayed the kiss in her mind again and again. At least she'd always have that to remember.

***

After the weekend, Monday came and went with zero notes, zero classroom visits, zero interactions with the irresistible history teacher she ruined a good thing with. On Tuesday, it was more of the same. As Wednesday came and went, she had given up on a possible second chance and promised not to get in her head so much the next time.

But as she was packing her things to leave, she heard her door shut and looked to see Quinn walking in, eating the last few bites of a cookie. She sat on the edge of the desk and finished it, rubbing her hands together to free them of crumbs.

"There's cookies in the teacher's lounge."

Lorena was still surprised to see her and only gave an unblinking stare.

After a long sigh and bowing her head, Quinn brought her hands together in her lap. "Lorena, did I do something wrong? I thought we were really vibing on Friday, but I obviously misread the situation. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Her eyes were swimming in hurt.

Her words caused Lorena to shake her head. "No-no. Quinn, I wanted that to happen. I just..." She didn't know how to verbalize her low self-esteem without sounding miserable. "What do you see in me?"

Quinn tilted her head and gave a befuddled expression. "What?" Her eyes studied Lorena as if she were unsure of what prompted such an inquiry. After a minute of an intense gaze, she gave a heavy exhale through her nose when she realized the question was sincere. "Like I said on Friday, I've had a thing for you since I first saw you. I was listening to your speech-you've got a sharp mind. I'm drawn to women like that. When you came into my room after the open house, I fell hard. But I don't want you to think it was because of how you looked. It was everything else-like the way you carried yourself. It was sexy. But that's not to say I don't find you beautiful, because I do. I'm just fond of much more than that. Also, I had to go to the store at 6:00 in the morning to get that apple and put it on your desk before you got to work. I wouldn't do that for anyone else." She gave a laugh upon seeing Lorena smile.

"So can you give me another chance? I really like you, Lorena."

Almost feeling as though she might cry, Lorena cleared her throat to subdue the emergence of tears. "I don't need to give you another chance, I think you should be giving me one. I'm sorry I let my insecurity ruin something I really wanted. It was so nice while it lasted."

"There's more where that came from," said Quinn. "What are you doing on Saturday?"

"Hopefully seeing you," replied Lorena with confidence.

Quinn reached for a pen and post it to scribble down her number. "Let's go for dinner. Here's my number, text me before Saturday so I have yours." She ripped the paper free from its pad and hopped off the desk to hand it to her. "Seeing you will give me something to look forward to these next few days."

After taking the paper, Lorena gave a nod. "Me too. Thank you for coming to see me." She watched Quinn walk out the door, staring at her ass the whole time. How lucky she had gotten another opportunity to spend time with Quinn. But this time she wouldn't mess it up. No, Saturday was going to be perfect.

***

The next two school days were arduous to get through due to the anticipation brewing for Saturday. But come the weekend, Lorena was ready. She had texted Quinn Wednesday and said she was looking forward to their date, but after a short reply, they didn't exchange a message until just before meeting up. On the day, she decided to wear a little black dress, but kept it casual with white sneakers and a dark green shirt jacket. Five minutes before Quinn was to pick her up, she sat on the edge of her couch in a state of nervous excitement. Since that one time, she hadn't thought of Quinn again while having intimate time with herself, resulting in pent up energy she was desperate to release. Oh how she hoped she could do so tonight.

When Quinn pulled up, she jumped out of her seat and hurried outside to the curb. Upon seeing her date in casual clothes, she gave a smile. "Your weekend style is very much how I imagined it would be."

Quinn wore slim dark pants and a denim jacket over a flannel and white t-shirt. She looked down at her fit and laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment." They drove off to the restaurant Quinn chose and pulled into a far away parking spot.

"Sorry we have to walk kind of far, it's packed tonight." Quinn looked out her window to assess the distance. When she turned around, Lorena pulled her in by the lapel for a kiss. It was firm at first, the tension cutting through the air like a knife through butter. And then, like before, their lips opened and their tongues met, but this time, there was no pulling back. Breaths grew heavy and their bodies turned to face one another as much as they could in such a small car. Lorena moved her hand from Quinn's neck to her pants, which she rubbed forcefully. She could feel herself squirming as a pulse throbbed between her legs.

Quinn put a hand on the one touching her. "How about we skip dinner? I like where your mind's at."

Though she was disappointed to stop, Lorena agreed. The pent up energy inside her gave a fierce growl in hunger.

When they pulled back onto the street, Quinn put a hand on Lorena's thigh and gripped it before trailing higher, brushing away her dress until she was nearly exposed. She gave a soft chuckle as she felt how wet Lorena had gotten while they kissed. With a few fingers, she made circles against the fabric, feeling it dampen further.

Lorena moaned and spread her legs apart, thankful the sun had already set. But she had an idea. She removed the hand giving her pleasure to make way for her own, which slipped beneath her underwear.

"Fuck, you're gonna make me crash this car," said Quinn without a breath. Her free hand grabbed the front of her pants as she took quick glances over to the passengers seat. "We're almost there, don't come yet."

"What are you gonna do for me?" breathed Lorena.

Quinn put both hands on the steering wheel as she turned. "I'm gonna see what you taste like."

Lorena thought of her showerhead and nearly felt the emergence of a climax, but they pulled into a parking garage and found a spot near the elevator. As they got out and entered inside, Quinn took Lorena's hand and squeezed it. The elevator ride was strained and quick, taking them to the fourth floor to the apartment. They giggled like teenagers as they ran down the quiet hallway holding onto one another. Quinn shook as she attempted to enter the key, but once it fit, she pushed it open and slammed it shut behind them. Pressing Lorena against the door, she rubbed hands over her hips and ass as she kissed the perfumed skin of her pale neck.

After her jacket was removed, the straps on Lorena's shoulders fell and the dress was pulled down, freeing her breasts. Quinn bent forward to take them into her mouth and gently bite and suck on her nipples. She was stripped of her own jacket and flannel as moans filled the darkness of her entryway.

When they returned to kissing, Quinn's hands reached under Lorena's dress and teased the now soaked fabric. She picked her up without effort and brought her to the wooden console table against the wall.

"Will this hold me up?" asked Lorena, breathless.

Quinn returned a hand underneath her dress. "It's white oak, don't fret." She pulled aside the cotton and inserted two fingers.

"Oh God," moaned Lorena. She spread her knees and leaned back against the wall.

Quinn moved into her, going deeper with each thrust. She licked the length of her neck until their lips were together once more. When a third finger entered, a groan sounded within their kiss. The white oak table rocked against the wall, and the small dish on its side rattled as the tempo increased.

Lorena panted as a climax began to build. "Fuck me, Quinn." Their foreheads met and she moaned her approval for the incredible fucking. The pressure increased in intensity until she couldn't contain it anymore, and she came with a violent cry and shudder.

Giving her a minute to catch her breath, Quinn stayed still as she leaned against her shoulder with both hands around her waist. Faint whispers of airless lungs escaped their lips as they readied themselves for more.

"Are you okay to move?" she finally asked.

With a silent nod, Lorena expressed her desire to continue. She was lifted once more and taken through the quiet apartment until reaching the moonlit bedroom on the other side.

Quinn threw her on the bed and kissed her feverishly, pressing against her ravished body. She sat up to remove her t-shirt, revealing most of her upper arm as having an array of traditional style tattoos. When she leaned back over, she helped Lorena finish undressing and ran a hand along her abdomen as she eyed her bare figure.

"So fucking sexy," she whispered. The sight before her caused her to bite her lips as if she were planning her next move. She kissed Lorena's chest and made her way down past her navel, until her hot breath could be felt in a teasing manner.

Lorena could not help but moan without even being touched. After a few light kisses on her thighs, she felt a finger against her sex, which was now swollen and hot, then it slipped inside her followed by another. When Quinn tasted her, she gripped the sheets in fear of coming too soon. She had been taken completely in her mouth, and it was intoxicating.

Like in her imagination, Lorena ran her fingers through Quinn's dark hair. But her shower head could not compare to the real thing. Long, slow licks with a flat tongue caused her knees to quiver as she brought them to her chest.

"You're gonna make me come again." She heard a brief chuckle before another apex was reached with a guttural groan. Her bosom heaved dramatically for a minute and she opened her eyes once she realized no one was between her legs anymore.

Quinn showed off her toned body while she finished undressing. Her faint v line sat at the top of her jeans, which were ripped off with enthusiasm and her breasts were small, but perky. When she was done, she laid on top of Lorena and kissed her deeply.

"I've never been fucked like this," Lorena said with a pant.

Quinn laughed. "Don't stroke my ego." She pinned Lorena's arms above her head and attempted to suppress a laugh. "I take fucking very seriously. Now, are you done, or can I fuck you some more?"

Somehow Lorena felt even more wet than she was already, most of it now smeared between her thighs. "I think I have one more left in me."

"Turn over then," said Quinn. She made a circling motion with her finger and slid off the bed.

Lorena did as she said and rolled onto her stomach, only for her legs to be jerked back and her feet found the floor. She still lay flat on the mattress, leaving her bent over in a perfect position to be fucked from behind.

"Damn you have a sexy ass," Quinn whispered. Her hands slid up her thighs and traced every curve. She pressed herself against Lorena's backside and her wetness could be felt. A few fingers teased her opening while others gripped her by the hip. As she entered her, she let out a moan of her own.

Lorena buried her face in the covers. She wanted to scream in ecstasy but feared being heard. From this position, she felt the fucking was even deeper, faster, and harder than before. She slipped a hand between her legs to touch herself as Quinn brought her to another orgasm. When it surfaced, it was set to be the biggest one yet.

"Are you gonna come for me?" asked Quinn between pants.

Lorena turned her head to the side. "Yes-fuck yes."

"I want to hear you say my name, Lorena. Scream it until the neighbors hear you, I don't care."

As if her words could bring on the zenith of being fucked, Lorena felt it coming. "Oh Quinn... Fuck me, Quinn... Don't stop... Quinn... Quinn..." Her legs tremored and she bit the bed sheet as she came hard enough to see stars for a few moments.

After a quick breath was had, she turned over and got on her knees, grabbing Quinn's tight ass and drinking her juices as if she was dying of thirst.

Quinn trembled as her hips rocked in unison with Lorena's tongue. She gripped her bun and turned her around as she sat on the side of the bed. A moan was heard as she pressed her deeper.

"You like that?"

She saw a smile and reassuring nod look up and she forced Lorena harder into her dripping sex, thrusting into her mouth.

Lorena never did any rough play in the past, but right now this was getting her wet once again. She moaned and touched herself as she sucked and licked Quinn to finish and the other hand grabbed her breast.

"Lorena, you're driving me crazy," said Quinn. She cradled her face and brushed away a lock of hair. Her breathing turned sharp and she moaned as Lorena fucked herself harder.

"Oh fuck."

With a gasp, her body stiffened for a few moments before leaning back with a pant. Lorena rested against her knees, having come yet again.

After a minute, Quinn scooted back and laid down on the bed, extending both hands to Lorena, who crawled into her arms. As their breaths returned to normal, they listened to the stillness of a dark apartment. Quinn reached over and turned on the bedside lamp.

"Maybe being able to see each other would be a good start after what we just did." She gave a laugh and played with Lorena's hair. "I ache to know what next time will entail."

"Will there be a next time?" asked Lorena.

Quinn froze. "Yes... unless you don't want there to be?"

"Of course I do." Lorena rubbed her skin in soft waves. "I just wasn't sure if this was a one time thing."

Even after what had happened tonight, she still felt that a shadow of doubt had been cast over her thoughts.

"I meant it when I said I really liked you," replied Quinn. "And you owe me a dinner date since you insisted on getting in my pants."

Lorena felt her cheeks go red and she dug her face into Quinn's chest with a giggle.

***

Monday morning, Lorena walked into school with a skip in her step. She had stayed over at Quinn's on Saturday and left Sunday, though not before a little more fucking. Any anxieties regarding Quinn's affections had vanished, and the resulting feeling resembled free falling through the air.

The day went by smoothly and without distraction. By the 3:00 bell, she was ready to take a rest after being on her feet most of the afternoon. As she sat at her desk and updated attendance, a knock sounded. When she looked up, her cheeks flushed upon seeing Quinn walking in.

As usual, Quinn made herself comfortable at the edge of her desk and flashed a charming smile. "Hello Miss Rivers."

Lorena softly laughed. "What can I do for you?"

After bumping her fingertips back and forth for a few moments, Quinn sighed. "I hope you aren't sick of me yet. I've been thinking about you since I dropped you off yesterday. And I figured I may as well shoot my shot and ask if we can see each other again next weekend? Dinner included of course."

Feeling flutters, Lorena smiled and looked away. She had never had someone so sweet on her, it made her feel as though she could melt into a puddle of bliss. When she met Quinn's gaze again, she gave a nod. "I think I can pencil you in. But you have to promise me something."

"What's that?" asked Quinn with a grin.

Lorena scooted forward and lowered her voice. "I want you to fuck me so hard your neighbors file a complaint."

For a moment, Quinn's smile faded, but when it returned, it doubled in size. "That's a promise." She hopped off the desk and brushed her sweater with a few fingers. "I'll see you around, Lorena." After turning to leave, she looked back. "And might I add, you're looking sexy today." She smiled and walked towards the door, but quickly turned around once more. "Are you looking at my ass?"

"Yes," answered Lorena with confidence. "Now leave so I can look at it some more."

Quinn gave a wink and took slow strides towards the hallway, laughing as she crossed the threshold.