Work Text:
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ Opening scene ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
⁺ . ⬫ ⊹ . ⁺ ⨯ · ༝ ₊ ⬫⁺ . ⬫ ⊹ .
Location: Kindergarten classroom
Time: 6:45 AM
Barbara Howard is upset. She lets out a low rumble of dissatisfaction, pausing the video on her computer with great difficulty before crumpling up the piece of paper on the table, throwing it haphazardly towards a trash can that is overflowing. The camera stays focused on it, showing multiple card-shaped pieces of paper, origami attempts, and wilted flower petals.
It cuts back to Barbara Howard in her classroom, sitting behind her desk alone in the vast empty space. All different kinds and colors of paper are thrown to the side. Her head plants itself in her palms, fingers gently massaging the wrinkles on her forehead. The camera comes closer to her, which is when she looks up and takes notice of it. Her frown becomes visibly larger.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ Talking Head - Barbara Howard ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
“Every Valentine’s, Melissa and I have a little tradition,’’ she starts, pushing off the annoyance in her voice. Barbara ponders for a moment, as she wonders why the camera crew are here so early as well, though she won’t be able to ask about it.
“It’s much like our Christmas holiday tradition of food, wine and some good times–’’
She clears her throat at the way she has phrased that, eyebrows furrowing for the slightest moment before returning to her normally content expression. She hopes she hasn’t let anything gossip-worthy slip. “Though, Valentine’s is less about culinary skills and more about… Handmade art,’’ she explains carefully, looking away from the camera for a second before turning back.
Slowly, she brings up her hand, palm facing upwards. In her palm lies a very fragile, wrinkled, and distorted paper heart. It unfolds when she has it on display for more than three seconds. The camera focuses back on Barbara, who is looking down at it with disappointment.
“This is my best attempt at origami so far,’’ she says, voice barely disguising her immense suffering as she takes a deep breath. She looks at the camera. “It took me thirty minutes to make this.’’
Someone from the camera crew leans in closer, asking her a question.
“Why would I do this for my husband?’’ she asks, genuine.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ End Scene ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
Barbara Howard is a woman of many talents, and she prides herself on that. She is strong, independent, and noble-minded, which are all compliments she has gotten in multiple reviews from the website Janine signed her up on. Not that she cares, but it is something she indulges in checking every now and then. Nothing stands in her way, and Barbara has always been able to attain that standard, year after year. She always gives it her all, and that is always more than enough.
But, she fears, some things are weakening her strong will.
Some topics, such as religious guilt, being a horrible mother to her angels, not being there for her students, or not being able to maintain her moral beliefs, are fears that she’s been able to push past, not letting them leave her trembling. That attitude has been doing wonders for her mental health, though the thoughts are still there in the back of her mind. Besides, those aren’t Barbara’s thoughts, she concluded after one too many fights with her daughter. They were Saint Barbara’s. Saint Barbara is always wrong, ironically enough.
Yet! Barbara grips her second cup of coffee.
Her mind is all over the place, creating a large setback in her usually forward behavior. She’s losing herself, and damn it for being over Valentine’s Day! Barbara just can’t deal with the same results every single year! The same hopeless feeling she feels at lunch, every single time! How can Barbara face another year of giving mediocrity to someone who gives her everything?
Barbara is, of course, speaking about Melissa Schemmenti.
Every year is the same. Barbara is sick and tired of always coming up short, but she truly doesn’t know how the redhead always manages to give her something more and more thoughtful. Whether it’s homemade candy, chocolates, cakes, and muffins, or cards with a noise activated device within them to sing a song that gets stuck in Barbara’s head, Melissa always manages to outdo her by a lot.
And what does Barbara have to show her? A signed card and a gift card to a store she knows Melissa likes. This is the kind of present you give to someone you barely know. Melissa has been Barbara’s best friend for twenty years.
This year, she thought she had it under control. She spent hours online searching for something, anything, and she concluded she would make Melissa origami hearts. Twenty-one of them to be precise, each one representing a year they had spent together. It was supposed to be a box full of love and appreciation–
She stares at the crumpled up hearts in her trash can.
Sighing, Barbara sets her cup down and looks at the time. Students should start rolling in any minute now, and so should the rest of the teachers. She bends down to pick up the pieces that missed the trash can, then ties the bag shut so that none of her kindergarteners will pick at the trash. Those children will put anything in their mouth.
“You’re early,’’ a voice speaks from behind her, and Barbara hastily turns around. There stands Melissa, thick green scarf around her neck and nose red from the cold weather outside. “Whatcha up to?’’ the redhead asks her, a playful smile on her lips, but for a mere second, Barbara thinks she sees her eyes fill with sorrow.
“Cleaning and setting up the classroom,’’ Barbara replies smoothly, and Melissa raises an eyebrow as she enters the room.
“Weird, didn’t Mr. Johnson clean it up yesterday?’’ she asks, coming in to inspect what Barbara would assume to be the mess she has lied about.
She wants to quip back with something, continuing their conversation with the natural flow of things. Barbara has to try not to point out anything unnecessary that would make Melissa question her already faltering story. She isn’t the best at fibbing.
Though that derails when Melissa stumbles forward, her knees buckling suddenly. Barbara stops talking and acts quickly to catch her friend. She has learned to have these reflexes when dealing with spontaneous children. Children who would do things just because they saw it on TV and such.
All she does practically is stand steady to cushion the fall. She doesn’t even have to move due to them already being in close proximity. The thud against her chest makes Barbara let out a huff of air, and then she wraps her arms around her friend for stability. Yes, for stability, she reminds herself.
They stay like that, and Barbara feels the shorter woman's frame soften as time passes by. Nothing stays, however, and the loud chatter from outside of the classroom breaks them apart like a signal. Melissa winces, grimacing as she stares daggers down at her offending knee.
“Hon, you good?’’ Barbara asks her, trying to catch her darting eyes by stepping closer again.
“Yeah, yeah don’t ya worry,’’ she replies curtly, raising her hands before Barbara can touch her again. She clears her throat a bit. Then, just as quick as Melissa came into her classroom, she walks to the exit. “See you at lunch, Barb!’’ she waves offhandedly, a subtle smile on her lips as she leaves to go to the classroom next door.
Barbara waves back awkwardly, and before she has much time to think about their interaction, her students start piling in as well.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ New Scene ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
Location: 2nd grade classroom
Time: 11:50 AM
Melissa is sitting at her desk, silent. The class full of kids is also silent, concentrating on the video currently showing on the projector. The video is teaching them about Valentine’s Day and its origins. The camera focuses back on Melissa, who seems to be deep in thought, eyes not leaving her empty bottle of raspberry iced tea.
The bell rings loudly, signaling it is time for lunch, and it startles Melissa out of her trance. “Alright, my little eagles! I hope you remember at least a little bit from this video, because your assignment after stuffing your little mouths full is to write a short story about Valentine’s,’’ she calls out, looking fondly at the kids who reply with “Yes, Ms. Schemmenti!’’ before running out to the school cafeteria.
The cameraperson slowly walks into the classroom once it’s empty, looking at Melissa, who seems to have returned to her transfixation, staring at the bottle. It takes a few seconds, but then Melissa moves to throw the bottle in her empty trash can.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ Talking Head – Melissa Schemmenti ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
“Oh, Barbara told y’all about that?’’ she says, slightly surprised, though not entirely. The crew has always had a way of knowing things.
“Yeah, it’s our little thing. Every year, Valentine’s Day overloads us teachers with tedious work, especially the middle school teachers. The amount of break ups they have to witness...’’ She shudders at the thought, her arms crossing as she leans against the classroom doorframe. ''So we turned this holiday into our own little arts and crafts project, making whatever we deem presentable. At lunch, we give what we have made to each other, though one of us is always a little late.’’ She gives the camera a knowing look
It's like a competition, but it's not. Because I keep winning,'' she says with a grin. “And yeah, Barbara tends to overthink her presents, but that’s never a problem,’’ Melissa adds in, voice firm.
“I mean, last year she gave me a book full of coupons.’’ She laughs to herself at the memory, although it isn’t the usual loud, brassy one. “I did enjoy the discounts, got one hell of a deal, she just… isn’t the best at Valentine’s gifts. It’s adorable,’’ she states simply, a crooked smile on her face.
Before the shot can end, Melissa’s smile drops.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ End Scene ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
As lunch rolls around, Barbara is in the lounge unloading her meal and preheating Melissa’s. She’s feeling slightly nervous, and trying to wash it down with water is not helping much. Her leg bounces anxiously, though that is stopped short when the door to the lounge opens. She looks up from her cup and smiles, watching Melissa enter with her binder in hand and her handbag draped over her shoulder.
“Before you sit down, I have to tell you that my gift is not complete yet,’’ Barbara tells her, and Melissa rolls her eyes fondly.
“What a surprise.’’ She drags out her vowels at the word surprise, sarcasm evident as she sits down tiredly in the chair next to the brunette. Melissa deflates entirely once she is sitting, hands coming to her knees to massage at the joints. Barbara notes the exhaustion in her friend’s behavior, knowing that weak knees and slumping is a part of it. Standing, she decides to bring out the soup from the microwave herself. ‘‘It’s not like you say this every year,’’ Melissa quips, mouthing a thank you when the hot bowl is put in front of her. “You know, I’m flattered that you spend so much time on ideas and such, but anything you give me is more than enough. Don’t stress too much about it,’’ she continues, giving her an assuring glance as she brings a spoonful of green soup into her mouth.
“And let you win again?’’ Barbara smugly states, an eyebrow raised, and Melissa huffs out a laugh.
“It’s not a competition, Barb,’’ she reminds her, then takes another sip. A silence looms over them as they both enjoy their separate meals. Once Barbara pops a bit of chicken from her salad into her mouth, Melissa speaks up again. “This year you might actually win.’’ Her voice sounds distant, and the contradiction makes Barbara worry.
“What do you mean?’’ Barbara asks once her mouth is empty.
The redhead sighs, bringing attention to her purse when she tugs it open. She hesitates, then brings out a slim, white leather box, placing it in the space between them. She watches like a hawk as Barbara opens it slowly and gasps. Inside lies a gold necklace, pearls alternating with the gold chain links. It’s long and simple, just like Barbara prefers hers to be.
“Oh my, this is so lovely,’’ Barbara whispers, the necklace fitting so well with many outfits she has at home, and looking like it belongs perfectly with her collection. Melissa doesn’t seem to have heard her, bringing out a clear plastic bag this time. Inside are cookies shaped like hearts of various sizes, frosted with different colors and with white bows in the middle.
“Melissa–’’
“Im sorry Barb, I haven’t really been in my creative headspace…’’
Melissa apologizes so sincerely, as if the necklace and cookies don’t mean anything more than scraps. Taking this as the perfect moment to bring up her friend's halfhearted behavior today, Barbara places a reassuring hand on top of the one presenting her the gifts. She watches Melissa swallow, staring down at their hands.
“It’s perfect, honey. Truly,’’ Barbara says, and the absurd amount of love laced through her voice makes them both flush lightly. She continues despite it. “Is everything alright?’’
“Yeah, yeah. It’s all good. Just been having a slightly harder time sleeping and stuff.’’ Barbara can tell that ‘‘stuff’’ means more than her friend would ever admit, but she doesn’t want to corner Melissa and ask her boldly. She knows how that will end, with Melissa further away than before and a minute away from snapping. She curses those walls, as well as a stubborn habit of not sharing what’s bothering her, but Barbara also knows her place.
She doesn’t drop it though. All she does is squeeze the other woman's wrist gently.
“You’ve been coming in with the same soup the past three days so I assume cooking hasn’t been much help either,’’ she states pointedly, and Melissa smiles sadly at her.
“Nah, baking has been more of my thing. I made two dozen more cookies just like those.’’ She pulls her hand away from their embrace, and Barbara sighs as she brings hers back to her own space. “Thought about giving some to Janine, but I don’t want her to think she owes me anything.’’ Placing her elbow down on the table, she points her spoon angrily at the wall, in the direction of the principal's office. “And I ain’t giving shit to Ava, that woman has been making my life a living hell since the semester started.’’
Barbara chuckles, not doubting that. “And you’ve been handling that quite splendidly, sweetheart.’’
She watches Melissa loosen up at her words, her lips forming a contented smile and eyes closing.
“You’ve been doing so much more than you have to, and I applaud you for it,’’ she concludes, knowing that this too has its limits. Going too far over the line with compliments has always made Melissa uncomfortable.
“Geez Barb, you’ve gotten soft,’’ Melissa whispers, and Barbara nods, agreeing entirely.
Another silence pervades the atmosphere, this one seemingly unbreakable until one of them knows how to continue their conversation. Barbara is just about to make another comment about the necklace, but Melissa beats her to the punch.
“You know how you said Gary would come through?’’ Melissa starts, her words veiled with a smile despite the anguished glint in her eyes. Barbara instantly interprets it as bad news, especially when she sees the redhead attempt to cover her obviously troubled mind. “Well… I– Gary proposed–’’ She cuts herself short, looking down at her now cold spinach soup.
Barbara’s eyes widen, and her grip on the lid of the necklace’s box loosens. The sound of the thick casing hitting the floor echoes, but both she and Melissa are too perplexed to pay it any mind.
Her mouth opens and shuts, and her shoulders slump in defeat when she comes up empty. A wave of guilt passes through her, and as if it is physically pushing her down, she feels it’s suddenly hard to breathe. Her hands are starting to become hot and sweaty, and bile rises in her throat.
Why does she become physically ill at those words?
“T-That’s a surprise,’’ Barbara finally lets out, and she is terrified. She isn’t able to read Melissa’s expression, so her reaction is limited. A selfish part of her hopes that it’s a negative reaction, a disgusted one at that. The religious part of her, always the Saint, is overjoyed that Melissa would have a chance at a worthwhile marriage. “What did you–’’
“I said no.’’
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ New Scene ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
Location: Kindergarten classroom
Time: 1:45 PM
The cameraperson walks into the kindergarten classroom, once again empty. Barbara Howard is seen leaving the bathroom with sleeves rolled up, walking towards the middle of the classroom where the rug lays. She cleans off the chalkboard with harsh movements, removing the myriad white lines and letters scattered around. She stops short when she arrives at the hearts her kindergarteners have made, a square of the board sectioned for each one of her students to draw their individual hearts in. They’re all a bit lopsided.
Moving closer bit by bit, the camera captures the side view of Barbara. Clearer now because of the angle of the shot, the perplexed look on her face, lips pursed in thought, is much more visible. A beat passes before she drops the rag in the bucket full of used rags to be washed.
Barbara Howard storms out of her classroom, the hearts left untouched.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ End Scene ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
“Melissa, can you come with me?’’ Barbara says the second she enters the classroom. The clock has barely struck a minute past 4 pm, and as the halls of the school get emptier, the confidence grows within Barbara. She feels it falter, however, once she catches a glimpse of the redhead. Melissa’s head is planted firmly on the desk, arms shielding her from the world around her. Barbara can only assume she has been like this since her classroom emptied.
“Oh, darling,’’ she mutters, walking over to the desk slowly. It’s only then that Melissa looks up, eyes squinting from the bright light.
“Go away, Barb,’’ she absently responds, her head landing back on the desk rather harshly, and Barbara winces for her. Knowing that this is an opportunity to make her feel better is all it takes for Barbara’s energy to return, and she claps her hands together. The sudden noise jolts Melissa up again. Not minding the upset look on her face, Barbara steps behind her chair.
“Melissa Ann Schemmenti, you are coming with me now,’’ Barbara states firmly, and before the redhead can protest, the taller woman drags her up to stand. A curse slips through her friend’s lips at the action. To ensure that Melissa will not disobey her further, Barbara places a hand on hers, gripping gently. “No no’s, and that’s final.’’
Melissa starts to open her mouth, though it closes once they round the corner out of her classroom. She catches a glimpse of the camera crew in position, trailing behind. Her brows only furrow in confusion as she silently follows her friend.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ New Scene ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
Location: The gym
Time: 4:05 PM
The entire gym is in frame. The room is not as dull and beige as it usually tends to be. Coming into focus as the camera zooms closer are numerous origami hearts scattered on top of the stage. They are in all different shapes and colors. Some are better folded than others, some are obviously glued to stay in position, and some are simply unidentifiable, but they’re all hearts.
Taking a moment to capture the shot, the camera finally turns back to the entrance, where a flabbergasted Melissa Schemmenti stands next to a grinning Barbara Howard.
“What is all of this?’’ Melissa asks, walking up towards the stage hesitantly.
“A Valentine's Day gift from the school to you,’’ Barbara responds, and Melissa is silent. Her mouth is agape. A different camera behind them films her hand in Barbara’s. The shot is quick, but it catches the gentle squeeze that is shared between them.
“How?’’
“I asked every student available to make as many origami hearts as they wanted during recess. It was a fun activity for all, and many teachers joined as well.’’ She points at the rainbow of organized hearts in front of the rest, placed off to the side. ‘‘These were made by Janine, Jacob, Gregory, Mr. Johnson, and Ava.’’ She gestures at the heart each teacher made as she says their names.
“Did you–’’
“Yes, but mine aren’t on the stage,’’ Barbara says, her smile bright, pleased that Melissa has brought that up. The cameraperson follows Barbara to the stairs that lead up to the stage, where a paper box sits, covered in stickers. Inside are more hearts, though this time they aren’t separate. A pale pink thread connects each heart at the top.
Barbara walks back to Melissa, not letting the redhead say a word as she places the necklace over her head. She makes sure her hair is in place afterwards, tucking a stray strand behind the shorter woman's ear. She catches the camera, eyes staying on it for a second, then takes a step back from Melissa.
“I- Barb how many hecking origami hearts are here?’’
“One thousand.’’
“Oh.’’ Melissa breathes, hands gently fiddling with the necklace around her neck. It is now more visible for the camera to pick up how misshapen some of the hearts are on the necklace, but Melissa does not seem to care one bit.
“Have you heard of the story Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes?’’ Barbara asks, and Melissa nods. “Well, go ahead then. Make a wish, my heart.’’ The term of endearment causes Melissa to look up at the taller woman, the camera clearly picking up the red flush on her face, a stark contrast to her pale skin.
Barbara urges her towards the hearts with a slight push. Melissa steps forward a bit more, and her eyes close. After a moment of silence, her eyes open again, this time gleaming with tears threatening to spill. She sniffles, hand rushing to not let them fall, then turns around to Barbara.
“What did you wish for?’’
“Can’t tell you, birthday wish rules or whatever.’’ Melissa smiles widely, and the scene cuts off.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ Talking Head - Barbara Howard ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
Barbara sits on the stage, surrounded by the origami hearts.
‘‘Janine sent in a request for more colored paper last month,’’ Barbara starts. ‘‘While it is a miracle that Ava had taken a look at the email, she asked for triple the amount.’’
A quick cut to the printer room. There are multicolored boxes stacked on top of each other, some blocking the entrance. An unnamed teacher is shown entering the room, door ajar. The teacher spends a few quick shots trying to navigate through the boxes without making them topple over. A tall tower is seen overturning.
The scene cuts back to Barbara. ‘‘I don't know how the school district allowed that, although paper is one of the few items we don’t have to create a wishlist for,’’ she clarifies. ‘‘Thought it was time to use it, but we barely went through a carton.’’
“The children were of course enthusiastic about helping, and it didn’t take much to convince the other teachers to join in. I am assuming it’s because of the lack of paperwork they have to do during recess, since they were all so eager to help out,’’ Barbara explains, letting out a short chuckle. “I’m glad I did this. It’s nice to finally be the one who brings in a sentimental gift.’’
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ Talking Head - Melissa Schemmenti ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
Melissa is grinning, wearing the necklace with pure joy. She turns to look behind her. In the background of what’s being filmed, Barbara is seen sitting on the stage and threading a ribbon through more paper hearts with a needle. It’s clear that Melissa Schemmenti is staring at the woman and not the hearts. Melissa turns back to look at the camera.
“I definitely need to up my game for next year.’’
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ End scene ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ Extra ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
Location: The gym
Time: 5:30 PM
Mr. Johnson opens the door to the gym, cart in tow. The camera shows his face as it changes from neutral to outraged at the sight of the hearts on the stage, along with the two women happily chatting in the middle of them. Now both of them are wearing paper heart necklaces.
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ Talking Head - Mr. Johnson ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
“This is some serious ********,’’ he says, slight irritation in his voice. Then he holds up a bag of cookies, similar to Barbara’s. ‘‘Though these cookies are good compensation.’’
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ End scene ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗