Just Like Each Other Part 2

“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...