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Barbara and Melissa cleaned up the lounge in an unusual silence.
Even though Jacob made up for ruining their dinner, Melissa was still hurt that Barbara invited him when this was their time to be together.
Melissa didn’t have a husband and kids to go home to. Yeah, she had Gary, but he was no Barbara and she had been thinking about breaking up with him anyway.
She knew she would never love him fully because her heart belong to the beautiful woman packing up food behind her.
The woman who has been cutting their lunch and free period time short and not responding to her as often outside of work-related things. It’s almost like she couldn’t be around Melissa too long.
There were only two reasons why: Barbara felt the same way about her or Barbara doesn’t feel the same way and doesn’t know how to act around her anymore.
And inviting Jacob tonight was all the confirmation she needed that something had changed in their friendship.
Barbara could sense the slight tension between her and her friend. She truly meant well when she invited Jacob but if she was being honest, she did it because didn’t trust herself alone around Melissa anymore.
Her feelings for the redheaded woman grew every day, but it was something about the last few months that made her have more sinful thoughts than usual.
it started with finding out Jacob was gay and seeing the love between him and Zach. She yearned for that type of affection and Gerald wasn’t giving it to her anymore, and she couldn’t blame him. Her heart was also somewhere else.
Then it was followed with their argument when Barbara mistakenly said “people like you” to Melissa. She didn’t think anything of it until Melissa came to repo her rug and it broke her heart.
Every day, she would look at that rug and smile because it made her think about the caring and resourceful woman down the hall.
But the real sign was the zoo field trip. When Melissa so calmly flirted with her and compared her to Stanley Tucci who she knows Melissa is in love with.
So here she is 6 months later, afraid of being alone with her best friend of 20+ years because she can’t stop thinking about pushing her against the wall and kissing her passionately.
“Well, I think we’re all done here.” Barbara said breaking the silence between them. “Is there anything else?” She asked with a tone that said she knew they needed to have a talk.
Melissa turned around and didn’t look the woman in the eyes and replied. “Nope! We can head home now.” she gathered her things and started walking out.
Barbara rolled her eyes. “Melissa,” she said in a stern voice that she knew would stop the other teacher.
She turned around silently and looked the love of her life in her eyes. She didn’t want to talk tonight. She knew she had one too many and she was afraid her true feelings would come out.
“I’m sorry. You’re upset with me, which I understand.” She started walking towards Melissa. “Not only is this our time together, but I invited Jacob of all people. I shouldn’t have changed our tradition because it does mean a lot to me.”
“You get to go home to a family every day, Barb. You get to spend holidays with your loved ones no matter how much they stress you out. I don’t have that. I only have this dinner and that was ruined.” Usually an apology and a dimple-filled smile from Barbara could make Melissa forget everything, but not this time.
Barbara felt her heart sink. This tradition started because of Melissa’s divorce, so she should have known better. Of course, Melissa was upset with her and probably more than what she was leading on. This meant everything to her. “I’m really sorry, Melissa. I just-“ she couldn’t tell her that she invited him because she was in love with her, no.
That would ruin their friendship and that’s the last thing she wanted.
“Ya just what?” Melissa asked with a cock brow while crossing her arms across her chest. “Ya just couldn’t stand the thought of being around me alone? You don’t think I’ve noticed how you’ve been with me lately?” Oh boy, Melissa thought. It was all coming out.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Melissa.” Barbara said trying not to display any emotions. She thought she was being lowkey with her behavior but this was Melissa she was talking about. The woman that knew her better than she knows herself.
“Barbara, do not give me that bullshit, okay. Be upfront with me about what’s going on with you. Because whatever it is, you’re taking it out on me and that is not fair.” Melissa was heated now. She read through Barbara’s facade easily and couldn’t understand why her friend, her best friend, wouldn’t tell her the truth.
Barbara didn’t know what to say. How could she tell the woman in front of her that she loved her more than life itself and she was willing to burn for eternity if it meant Melissa was hers. “We have a good thing here, Melissa. let’s not ruin it.” she said in a warning tone. If they had this conversation, this would forever change the trajectory of their friendship.
“Stop treating me like I’m ones of your kids, Barbara. I thought our friendship was strong enough to handle anything, but I guess I was wrong. Have a good break, Mrs. Howard.” Melissa stated before turning out to leave again.
“I’m in love with you.” Barbara said calmly, though her heart was racing. “I am so in love with your stubborn and caring self that I don't trust myself to be alone with you. I invited Jacob because I knew this would be the year I kissed you. I knew I would cheat on my husband with my best friend tonight if it was just us. I don’t trust me anymore because of how much I want you.” It felt so good for her to get that off of her chest, but now that her feelings were out there, there was no turning back. They would have to deal with this.
Melissa’s heart nearly stopped at the confession. Did she actually hear her correctly? She had a feeling that Barbara felt the same way as her, but no way in a million years did she think the other woman would ever say her feelings out loud.
Melissa was glad her back was to Barbara because there were tears running down her face. She felt relieved but sad. She was happy Barb felt the same way, but she was sad they could never act on their feelings.
When she didn’t get any type of reply back, Barbara felt dumb. Of course, Melissa didn’t love her like that. She sighed. “I’m sorry, that wasn’t fair to-“
Melissa turned around with a small smile on her face. “I’m in love with you. For years, I’ve been in love with you.”
Barbara looked at her with happiness and hope in her eyes. “Really?”
Melissa chuckled as she wiped her tears and started walking towards Barbara. “Yeah. But I didn't want to ruin our friendship.”
“Oh, Melissa,” Barb said before pulling the shorter woman into a hug. “Nothing can ruin this.” She tried to put all of her feelings in this embrace because what she felt for Melissa couldn not be said in words.
And for a brief moment, Melissa believed her, but there was Gary and Gerald and religious guilt standing in their way that is absolutely ruining this. But she didn’t want to think about right now. She wanted to focus on this embrace where nothing mattered but the love the two of them shared for each other.
And they stayed there hugging, swaying side to side because they knew the moment they pulled apart, reality would hit.
Barbara was the first to pull away. It killed her but unfortunately they couldn’t stay like that forever. But before she completely pulled away, she cradled Melissa’s face in her hands and looked her directly in the eyes. “I love you, Melissa Schemmenti. I always will.” She needed her to know that whatever happened to them, Melissa would always be in her heart.
And before Melissa could reply, Barbara’s lips were on hers. And God were they soft and full and everything she ever imagined. She kissed her back with the same passion, letting her hand slide down to her lower back and bringing her closer.
Barbara moaned into the kiss. She knew this was wrong, oh so wrong, but it felt so right. Their bodies, lips, fit perfectly together like they were made just for the other woman. She couldn’t stop kissing the woman in front of her and when Melissa pushed her tongue in her mouth, all doubts flew out of her head. She would deal with her sins later.
Melissa’s kissing started getting hungrier and sloppy. She wanted to taste every little bit of Barbara before the moment was over. She needed her, and Melissa Ann Schemmenti never needed anyone.
They only pulled apart when they heard Mr. Johnson’s keys rattling quickly reminding them where they were.
“I’ll be closing up shop in 5 minutes, ladies.” He said oblivious to the situation that was unfolding in the lounge.
“Got it.” Melissa said quickly while stepping further away from Barbara. “We’ll be heading out soon.”
He just nodded and left the room.
The two ladies got their things and started walking out of the room and building not knowing what to say to each other. Melissa walked Barbara to her car like she always did. She used it as an excuse to spend as much time with the kindergarten teacher before they went to their separate homes.
“Are we going to talk about tonight? Or are we locking it up and it’ll be between us and God?” Melissa said half joking.
After putting the food and decorations in her trunk, Barbara turned around to face Melissa. “I’m going to leave Gerald.” She said matter-of-factly. There was no way she could continue on in her marriage knowing that Melissa felt the same way as she did.
Melissa eyes widen. “Whoa, I know I’m a great kisser but you can’t just end your marriage for me.”
Barbara rolled her eyes at the woman trying to ease the tension before she spoke. “It’s for us. It’s not fair to Gerald, myself, or you for me to stay in this marriage. I will always love him, but my heart belongs to you, sweetheart.” Barbara was afraid of what life would look like now. All she’s known is her relationship with Gerald and God and after tonight, it seemed like those were both ending.
Her children were older so she prayed they understood, but if she was being honest with herself, she was nervous about what the future would hold.
Melissa shook her head. “I can’t ask you to do that, Barb.” And while she was flattered that Barbara was ready to risk it all for her, she knew how messy a divorce could be and she and joe weren’t even together for half the years Barbara has been married.
“Melissa, let me explain. I have asked for forgiveness more times than I can count for thinking about you in all the different ways. When I’m not with you, I’m thinking about you. Even when you’re just down the hall. My husband has not had me to himself for a long time now and I am tired of not being with the person I truly love. And if my God is the God I know, he will continue to love and bless me because I will no longer be living a lie.”
Melissa has never had anyone fight for her, ever. Except for that one time, Jacob and Janine fought over who would get her for their secret Santa last year.
But in reality, she’s always the one that put in the most effort and relationships, so to have Barbara so willing to turn her life upside down just to be with her, it was too much. “And what if you regret it?” Melissa barely said above a whisper. She couldn’t live in a world where Barbara wasn’t by her side.
“Regret being with the one person I love more than myself? Girl, get real.” She knew Melissa had been hurt in her life, but Barbara could never add to the long list of scars that Melissa carried.
“I’m serious, Barb! Our friendship is too special and then Taylor and G-“
Barbara cut her off with another kiss because she noticed it was the only way to make Melissa Schemmenti speechless. She pulled away and spoke, “I’m a very grown woman, who can do whatever she wants. And I want to be with you Melissa, but only if you want it.”
“Yes.” Melissa said with no more fight in her. She deserved to be loved properly and she was glad it was Barbara that would be giving it to her.
Barbara smiled. “That’s my good girl. Now, I’m going to wait until after the holidays for the girls, but after the new year, I will talk to him. I don’t want to wait any longer to be with you.” In all honesty, Barbara was waiting to give herself time to prepare for the talk. She wanted to have all of her affairs in order before she asked for the divorce because she knows Gerald will not make it easy for her to leave.
Melissa nodded. “Okay. I will see you in the new year then?”
“Of course,” Barbara said with a smile.
———————-
It was the first day back after the winter break and Melissa couldn’t wait to see Barbara. She refrained from reaching out to her the last two weeks just to make sure she didn’t further influence any major changes in Barb’s life.
She walked into the break room and the whole crew was there but it was quiet, even though Janine was there.
“Everyone must’ve gotten coal from Christmas.” Melissa joked while going over to prepare herself some coffee.
Ryan, Melissa’s favorite camera guy moved his camera from Janine to Gregory and back to Melissa to give her a sign that something happened between them.
She looked at him and raised a brow, confused about what he was trying to tell her. And she wasn’t in the mood for games. “Tell me later.” She said before taking her seat next to Barb. “How was your break?”
“Just delightful!” Barbara said clapping her hands together. “Taylor and Gina got me an Amazon Alexa and I spent most of my break talking to her. She can do so much.:
“You know, those are actually surveillance devices and Amazon is selling your personal conversations to companies?” Jacob stated, who was just glad someone was talking. Janine and Gregory barely spoke to each other today, which he thought was really weird and Barbara didn’t speak until Melissa walked in which was…normal.
“No one cares, kid. We’re all walking around with recording devices. Our phones.” Melissa looked over at Janine. “How was your break, kid?”
Janine looked up from her phone where she was looking over the message from Maurice asking to hang out tonight. “Oh, it was good! I mean, okay. Kinda weird but good, I guess? I’m just glad to be back so I can focus on the kids and finish this school year.” She said hoping that they got everyone off of her back.
Now Melissa couldn’t wait to talk to Ryan because what the hell is going on with everyone? “And Gregory?” She glancing at the quieter teacher of the trio.
“It was good.” He got up from the table. “Gotta go.” He said and nearly ran out of the room.
“Okayyyyy.” Melissa made a mental note to talk to each of her work kids separately to see what the hell was going on with them, but she turned her attention to the beautiful woman sitting next to her. She leaned closer to Barb and whispered. “Did you have the talk?”
She shook her head. “Tonight. I wanted to see you first and make sure we were still on the same page.” That was half-true. She knew both her and Melissa were drinking and she wanted to make sure that Melissa didn’t regret anything. She also was meeting with a lawyer during lunch today that would help her explore her options before sitting down and talking with Gerald.
“Same page about what?” Jacob asked stepping closer to the two ladies.
“Janine, I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but please get your friend.” Barbara stated. That boy couldn’t mind his own business even if he tried. The last thing they needed was the whole crew finding out about her looming divorce and possible new relationship with Melissa.
“She was grinding all up Gregory this break. That’s what’s wrong with her.” Ava said as she walked into the room.
Everyone’s eyes widened, not because they were shocked it happened, but because Janine and Gregory were acting the opposite of how they thought they would act.
“Ava!” Janine exclaimed while blushing. She knew she shouldn’t have gone out with Erika. She didn’t want anyone to find out about that night and it didn’t help that Gregory was ignoring her today.
“What? It’s not like we didn’t all know you guys were crushing. Anyway, Melissa and Barbara, I expect your $20 by the end of the day.” And with that, Ava was gone.
Janine shook her head. This group of teachers betted on everything. “I’m going to go.” She gathered her things and walked out of the room with Jacob following behind her to make sure she was okay.
Barbara and Melissa couldn’t do anything but laugh. “So I guess we weren’t the only ones making a move this break,” Barbara said nudging Melissa with her shoulder.
“I really thought it would take them longer.” Melissa said. Then looked over to Ryan. “It’s that what you were trying to say?”
“Yes! We caught the whole thing. It was really really awkward at first.”
Melissa and Barbara glanced at each other. If the camera crew caught Janine and Gregory, did that mean…
It was like Ryan could read their minds. “We have footage of you guys too, but we would never share it! Or talk to anyone about it.” The whole crew feared Melissa and Barbara so their secret was safe.
“Good, because I would hate to have you guys' kneecaps busted.” Melissa said with a serious tone. “But make me a copy.” She said in a softer tone. She would love to be able to watch Barbara’s confession over and over again.
“Me too.” Barbara added before she got up. “I will talk to you later, sweetheart.” And with that, she was gone.
“Did you notice she wasn’t wearing her ring?” Ryan said to Melissa.
Melissa’s brows furrowed. “No, I stopped looking at that hand years ago. I guess she’s really doing it.” She said with a shrug. She was really trying not to get her hopes up, but it was hard to do.
“I know it’s none of our business, but you guys deserve each other, truly.” Ryan stated before he walked out the room.
—————-
It was around 10:30pm when Melissa’s phone buzzed. It was a text from Barbara that read:
Hardest conversation I’ve had, but it was worth it. I’ll see you in the morning, beautiful.
Melissa’s eyes teared up and she smiled. She was really getting her happy ending. She replied back:
I’ll make it up to you ;) See you tomorrow, my love.