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A click of the door could be heard which immediately caught Vanessa's attention, along with Freddy's, who were both neatly sat on the couch.
Or at least... Freddy was. His head placed on the soft fabric of the couch beside Vanessa, who lazily sprawled out without a care. It was her house, wasn't it? No reason to care about manners. At least not anymore, now that she began to trust Freddy and Gregory.
Speaking of that little gremlin...
“Welcome back, little pain. Was your day 'as usual'?” Vanessa called out with a teasing tone and a sly smirk, while her green eyes were directed towards the hall that was connected to the living room.
The first thing she heard was shuffling, faint but present. Most likely him taking off his shoes. The next was a sigh, his response immediately following. “Yeah. You could say that.” He answered, to which Freddy didn't hesitate to join into the conversation with his usual cheerfulness.
“That is good! Isn't it? Perhaps it was boring, though it certainly must have taught you something new as well, hasn't it?” The bear asked while his gaze, along with Vanessa's, lingered on the hall in search for the boy. “If you paid attention, that is...” He slowly added with caution and a hint of warning, as if he were ready to scold the young boy for being passive or ignorant at school.
“Hey!” The boy shouted, only taking a second before finally coming out of the hallway to enter the living room. The blonde woman couldn't help but immediately snicker, finding humor in the fact that the first thing she sees after many hours of that day, being his pouty expression. “I did pay attention! And took notes! And yeah, it was definitely boring!” The brunet complained with a defensive tone, being his petulant self. If he knew that his words were contradicting, was a question that Freddy and Vanessa couldn't answer though. But they wouldn't bother asking.
“That is truly good news, Superstar. I am very proud of you for focusing on your studies.” Freddy inquired with a far more gentle tone than previously, offering a kind smile full of warmth which immediately calmed down the boy and washed away his defensiveness and tension in his body. He almost smiled himself in fact, feeling touched, but was interrupted by Vanessa. “Or he's lying.” She boldly blurted out while crossing her arms and a leg over her other one, giving Gregory a sly and snarky smirk as if mocking him. It was obvious that she wasn't calling him out, only playfully teasing him to rile him up.
And of course it worked.
“Wha–?!” He immediately tensed again, puffing his cheeks out of frustration, which forced Vanessa to suppress a giggle to keep her mocking and snarky expression. “I am not lying!” Gregory defended with irritation, his argument rather simple, which Vanessa used to make it sound like a 'weak excuse'.
“Uh-huh. You sure? Pretty sure that every word out of your mouth is always twisted enough to count as a lie.”
“Not true–!”
“You just want your papa bear to be proud of you.”
Gregory immediately blushed, his face turning crimson at the sudden and confident statement that left Vanessa's lips. He opened his mouth, the embarrassment and panic visible in his expression, yet he failed to find his voice, causing him to close his mouth again.
Vanessa silently stared at the boy with her confident body language, holding the eye contact, before slowly bursting into laughter.
It only flustered Gregory more.
Freddy sighed. A fond sigh. He would've shaken his head, if he could. “Alright. That is enough. How about you put your schoolbag down and drink some water, Gregory?”
Gregory, still speechless, glanced between Vanessa and Freddy's head, desperately trying to respond. Seeing Vanessa laughing at him though, made it hard, the red in his expression not fading at all. So he turned away without a word and made his way to his bedroom to settle down.
Freddy silently watched Gregory disappear, his gaze following the boy out of the living room. He turned his attention towards Vanessa, a smile coming up to his face when he saw her delighted expression. “Vanessa?”
“I can't—Did you see his face?! It was absolutely priceless!” She responded between laughs, coughing slightly in a failed attempt to bring oxygen into her lungs. “He looked so—” Her cheeks flushed as she struggled to choose her words, throwing herself backwards to sink into the cushions. “Oh my god... How does he always make me laugh like this... I usually never do.”
Freddy chuckled at her comment, waiting for a moment to let her take a deep breath to calm herself down. “He is simply unique.” The bear stated casually, even though it sounded like a fact to the both of them.
Vanessa slowly caught her breath, taking multiple deep inhales while the silence lingered between the two for a couple moments. The woman's tone far softer with a touch of fondness without a single doubt. “Yeah... He is.”
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Gregory dropped his backpack beside his desk, letting it lean against it before exhaling out of frustration, making it sound like a tiny aggressive huff of air. He took off his jacket to rest it against his chair before crouching down to his schoolbag to pick out a sheet of paper, skimming through it.
Slowly, he rose up to his feet, turned the sheet on its backside, before placing it on his desk. Letting his left hand run through his chocolate brown hair, he sighed one more time, his uncertain gaze staring down at the blank backside of the sheet.
Remembering Freddy's words, not wanting to stress himself more than he already did on his way back home, he began to exit his room to enter the bathroom instead. Turning the faucet on, he washed his hands quickly and sped-up with soap, unable to stop worrying over the sheet his teacher handed him over. Washing the soap off his hands, he leaned down into the sink with a frustrated groan while splashing water right into his face. He squeezed his eyes shut to avoid the water reaching them before blinking them open, silently staring at the sink, before holding his hand out to grasp the towel and pull it over to dry his face and hands, hanging it back to where it belonged after it fulfilled its use.
He walked back into his room, grabbing the sheet before he could have any second thoughts just to immediately exit his room again to run inside the living room. Without any hesitation or glance at Vanessa or Freddy, he immediately retreated into the kitchen by sprinting passed, hoping that they didn't see the sheet in his hand.
He couldn't hear Vanessa laugh anymore, so he assumed she calmed down—Thankfully... He placed the sheet on the counter, stepping on his tip-toes to reach into the cupboard and open it. He stubbornly leaned against the counter to let his fingers reach further to come in contact with a glass before carefully nudging it down and immediately catching it the second it lowered. Closing the cupboard, he approached the kitchen sink and filled his glass with water with the faucet, desperately gulping down all the water.
It was a long school day, and now he had to have an organizational discussion with Vanessa and Freddy.
He was nervous. He didn't know how they should handle this. It felt weird...
Putting the glass on the counter, he grabbed the sheet and took a deep breath, hiding it behind himself before entering the living room with a serious and firm expression.
“We need to talk.” Gregory declared without hesitation, spotting both of the twos attention snapping towards him. Only now noticing that Vanessa's lips were parted.
Oh. Was she about to question why he randomly dashed passed the living room?
“What is wrong, Superstar? You can tell us anything.” Freddy immediately assured with worry in his eyes. The boy refused to let his own firm and determined expression falter though.
“My teacher gave me something.” He continued, walking slowly towards them before stopping in front of the two. He held it out to Freddy's head first, letting him scan the words on the sheet for a minute. Once Freddy lifted his gaze to meet Gregory's, he gave the sheet to Vanessa next, who took it with a raised eyebrow.
“I don't see the problem, Gregory. Could you please clarify?” Freddy asked with a confused facial expression, causing Gregory to sigh and cross his arms. “The problem is... That you are my 'closest parent'. But I can't just... Bring a Freddy Head to school.”
Freddy made a humming sound, thoughtful and considerate. “I see...” After a brief pause, he continued, shifting his gaze beside him towards Vanessa. “I'm certain Vanessa could go with you instead. She is an adult after all.”
Gregory's determined expression faltered into unease and worry, shifting towards Vanessa. “Are you sure you could handle that though?” He asked carefully. For some reason, he didn't like associating Vanessa with a 'parent'. It felt weird... It didn't fit with his impression of her.
And... Something else.
Vanessa was still reading through the sheet, her focused expression slowly faltering into uncertainty. “Uh... I don't know... I definitely could, but... Freddy would be more suitable for this...” She reluctantly admitted with her green eyes meeting Gregory's amber ones, sharing his worry and lack of confidence. Sure, she took him in. But this? She didn't take account of this.
What if she'd mess up? Embarrass herself? Stutter? She knew herself well enough to know that she'd anxiously start fumbling out of panic...
And... What if the teachers would grow suspicious of her...?
“I am certain you will be able to do it quite well.” Freddy attempted to lighten Vanessa up, causing a small smile to appear on her face. But her uncertainty and fear didn't fade. She looked down to the bear, the smile disappearing. “Are you sure? Isn't there... A way for you to come too? Help me? Tell me what to say?”
“I fear I cannot...” Freddy replied with a frown of his own, their shared moment of silence and pity interrupted by Gregory's soft thoughtful hum. Immediately sparking Vanessa's hope.
If any of them could come up with a solution for any situation... It would be Gregory. Neither animatronic nor adult could deny that.
“Superstar? Have you found a solution?” Freddy questioned with intrigue and a glimmer of hope. He couldn't deny that he hated being separated from either of the two humans, wanting to be capable to protect them, or at least emotionally support them if anything. He knew that they needed his emotional support desperately. He didn't doubt that they could assist or comfort each other. But he misses them greatly, worrying every second that passes parted from them...
“I could hide you in my schoolbag... But you'd have to whisper. And your voice isn't exactly...” Gregory paused, averting his gaze with a sheepish and apologetic chuckle. “... Quiet.” He finished, his arms moving around himself for self-comfort against all his unease. He already tried reasoning with the teacher. But they insisted that, even if his 'parents are too busy', they must have a parent-teacher meeting eventually.
“Perhaps... I could send messages through your Fazwatch?” Freddy suggested, but before Gregory could reply, Vanessa sighed with a mixture of resignation and frustration. “And how would I read those?” She asked with an annoyed tone, causing the three to fall into silence again. Attempting to brainstorm some more to search for a solution. But after a couple minutes, Vanessa eventually caved in, knowing that Gregory needed this, that this was a requirement.
They were all probably overthinking and anxious over nothing. But she couldn't help but fear that the teacher might grow suspicious, think that she is a bad parent... Take Gregory away from her care... She could never be a parent... Possibly never be anything close to his true parents...
“I'll do it.” She whispered, barely audible, catching Gregory's and Freddy's attention. Noticing her resignation and lack of confidence, the two immediately sympathized and shared her insecurity. “Are you sure?” The boy asked, with Freddy following soon after. “You must not...”
“It's fine..” Vanessa murmured, failing to feign conviction and independence. Or maybe, she wasn't even trying to.
“Vanessa...” Gregory began in a quiet mumble, before averting his gaze, since he didn't know what to say. Should he express gratitude or convince her that she wasn't forced to?
Another long moment of silence passed between the three with Gregory feeling torn, Freddy trying to find a compromise, while Vanessa tried to brace herself for a possible meeting with Gregory's homeroom teacher. The atmosphere remained tense and filled with unease.
A flick of movement from Gregory caught Vanessa's and Freddy's attention, both barely having any time to register how the boy had unattached his Fazwatch from his wrist and held it towards Vanessa with a firm expression, meeting her own surprised one.
“Take it.”, He stated firmly, “You can communicate with Freddy through it.” He elaborated without breaking eye contact, watching Vanessa's green eyes flicker towards the watch. She hesitated, slowly reaching out but ultimately refusing to touch it. Freddy observed for a long moment, contemplating over the idea, before eventually smiling in encouragement.
Gregory, acknowledging Vanessa's uncertainty and respect over how much the watch meant to him, started to manually attach the watch on her wrist himself.
Vanessa yelped accidentally, though Gregory held her wrist firmly to prevent her from pulling away. After the Fazwatch was attached, he let go and smiled at her with a warm expression. “Fits you.” Vanessa glanced down at the watch on her wrist. “Surprisingly.”, he added, earning a chuckle from Freddy. Vanessa, despite herself, felt a smile form on her face slowly—then turned her head away in embarrassment. Gregory's lips twitched up to an amused smirk but Vanessa redirected the attention.
“I'll try my best.”, she said steady and determined, meeting the boy's gaze again. That made Gregory's expression soften just a bit, before he masked it with a smirk again.
“Yeah, you better.” He teased, catching Vanessa roll her eyes in response. Then, she began to grab a pen to sign the sheet for Gregory to return it to the homeroom teacher tomorrow.
“There you go.” She says, handing the sheet over to him. “And behave, alright? I don't need you embarrassing me.”
Her comment earned a gasp from Gregory, snatching the paper from her hand with exaggeration. “Embarrass you?” He scoffed with an amused grin, “You better not embarrass me!”
Freddy looked at the both of them with a gentle warm look in his eyes, a faint glow coming from them. “How about we all show our best side to the teacher?” He suggested, before adding, “Even if I'll be remaining hidden for the most part.”
Vanessa chuckled at the additional comment, whereas Gregory placed the sheet on the coffee table and sat down on Freddy's other side and propped up his legs, pulling Freddy's head onto his lap. “Sounds great!”, he encouraged, “Though I'm pretty sure that you always show your ‘best side’, Freddy.”
Vanessa snickered, leaning towards them with a sly smirk. “Oh yeah. Absolutely.” Freddy was about to respond to the both of them, before Vanessa took his opportunity. “Watch him about to say ‘It is in my programming Gregory’.” She teased with an imitated attempt of deepening her voice. Which only caused Gregory to burst into laughter and Freddy to smile fondly—while trying to defend his dignity.
“Well. It is true—”
“Yeah, yeah, we know. That's why it was predictable.”
Gregory hugged Freddy closer while struggling to breath, unable to participate in the current conversation. Instead, he scooted closer to Vanessa and leaned against her arm. “You both-”, he stopped for a second, taking a sharp breath, “-are ridiculous!” He finished. Which earned him a pinch on his upper arm by Vanessa, making him yelp.
“You are the definition of ridiculous!”, Vanessa countered before tackling him down, by wrapping her arms around him and Freddy while throwing herself over him.
“Vanessa, what are you-”, Freddy began but wasn't allowed to finish before Gregory laughed again—louder this time, as he got harassed by tickles. This took Freddy off-guard. Then calmed him right after, when he realized what was happening. “I see, I see.”, he murmured thoughtfully while Gregory tossed and turned desperately, crying from laughter. He couldn't escape, firmly pinned down on the couch, making him press Freddy closer against himself for comfort. Vanessa was propped up over him, continuing to tickle his sides and stomach despite his rapid movements of turning left and right.
“Ness! Stop! Stop!!”, Gregory called out loudly since he couldn't control his tone at the moment. Unfortunately, Vanessa didn't. So his laughter continued, eyes becoming teary in the process. In an attempt to escape, he continued to turn around but with kicks this time, trying to get her off himself. She didn't immediately retreat, though slowly backtracked after he managed to hit her once.
“Ow!”, was all Vanessa said before withdrawing her hands. Though, she wasn't badly injured. It was just a temporary feeling of pain that would fade. She raised an eyebrow as she watched him panting beneath her, turning his head to glare at her with knitted eyebrows while sticking out his tongue. It made Vanessa bite her lower lip and snort in amusement.
“That's abuse!”, he joked before sitting up on his knees, taking a deep breath. His face was flushed from the earlier laughter.
Vanessa quirked up an eyebrow at his statement, entertained. Freddy, now on Gregory's lap, spoke carefully, “I wouldn't recommend joking about that.”
Gregory huffed at Freddy's suggestion. Though he understood, which is why he complied. Vanessa let out a small breath. “So… None of us know what to expect, right?”, she asked to make sure. Gregory's answer was a head shake.
“No. I think she'll just ask you questions?”
“… so an interrogation? Great.”
Freddy hummed at the exchange between the humans. He noted how Gregory seemed nonchalant, compared to Vanessa's discomfort. So he chose to share his own quick research. “It seems that a ‘Parent-Teacher meeting’ is simply a discussion on the child's behavior and improvements. No interrogation.”
Vanessa eased at the clarification. Gregory smiled, eyes lingering on Freddy. “That's good!”, he cheered, focusing on the ‘No Interrogation’ aspect.
Vanessa chuckled at that, reaching out to ruffle his hair with care. “Yeah, it is. Hopefully there are improvements.”, she said partially teasing and partially genuine.
Gregory swatted her hand away. “Obviously. I'm the best student.”, he replied with certainty and confidence. There was a brief silence. “Which is why I'm doing my homework now.”, he announced before standing up, placing Freddy on the couch again before leaving to his room.
Vanessa watched him leave with a raised eyebrow. Then looked at Freddy. She hesitated, meeting his blue eyes with her own green ones. “… We are confident in me?”
Freddy smiled up at her. “We are indeed.”
That made Vanessa return the smile, though small. Hopeful. Letting out a reassured sigh, she temporarily left to the kitchen to make herself coffee. Reflecting on their trust in her, she glanced at the Fazwatch on her wrist. “He just trusts me with it?”, she thinks to herself.
The next few days, they were following their usual routine. Though, occasionally, the Parent-Teacher meeting got still briefly mentioned. Gregory had asked his teacher for more details on how the meeting would play out, reporting it to Vanessa and Freddy. Turns out that Freddy was right; it's an update on Gregory's behavior and attendance in class. Though, he did dislike discovering that he was being observed by the teacher.
Eventually, the day had come. Gregory had slipped Freddy into his backpack, only half-zipping it. Then he walked towards Vanessa's room, “We are ready.”
Vanessa was pacing around her room, unsure and anxious. “Already?!”, she asked, torn between tying her hair or leaving it loose. She wanted to seem professional. But what if she looked too strict? After all, she didn't know how Gregory behaved in class. What if it was negative and the teacher would blame Vanessa's ‘raising method’ for it? But what if she ends up looking too casual? Would it be interpreted as neglectful?
“Vanessa.”, Gregory's voice erupted again from outside her room, slightly firmer and impatient.
“Give her time, superstar.”, Freddy interjected, causing the boy to sigh. Vanessa caught it, looking at the door. Then she glanced around her room. Afterwards, she approached the door and opened it, making Gregory perk up.
“I can't decide.”, she explained with a frown, earning a raised brow from the boy.
“What do you mean?”
The woman sighed with mild frustration. “How to look.”
“Who cares?”, Gregory replied simply. Though he meant it literally. Which somehow upset Vanessa more.
Freddy's blue eyes flickered between the two. “We have ten minutes.”
“Exactly! No time to look pretty.”, Gregory said with certainty while looking at Freddy. Vanessa sighed, pulling her hair.
“Self-preservation is important, Gregory.”, She explained, meeting his eyes when he looked up. Though, before he could respond, she interrupted, “Both socially and because I care!”, that silenced the boy again. His expression softened a fraction, though he was pouting.
“… Fine. Then let's hurry!”, he said reluctantly, entering her room and looking around. “If it's really that important then… I don't know… wear something comfortable but formal?”
Vanessa sighed. “Yeah. Not that easy to choose.”, she stated while walking towards her wardrobe.
Freddy followed her movement with his eyes, trying to peek from the backpack. “Perhaps I could be of assistance.”, a beat passed, “And Gregory?”
“Hm?”
“I do agree with Vanessa. self-presentation is truly relevant.”
Gregory sighed though complied. “Okay.”
Vanessa pulled out a few clothes, laying them on her bed. Gregory walked closer, unzipping the backpack and holding it closer for Freddy's head to analyze the options.
“For comfort, the top would be suitable. It would empathize your youth.”, the robot paused. “However, the buttoned shirt seems best.”
Gregory speaks up next, pointing with one hand to the light blue jeans. “Those would fit!”
Vanessa considers it. Then decides to trust their judgment. “… And my hair?”
“Is beautiful.” Freddy replies. Vanessa blushes.
Gregory raises an eyebrow. “What about your hair?”, this makes Vanessa sigh again at his idiocy.
“How should I style it? What else?”, she replies with sarcasm. Gregory huffs at her attitude.
“How would I know? However you want.”
The frustration is starting to build. And Freddy recognizes it. So he clears his throat. “Five minutes.”, both humans tense, speaking at the same time.
“FIVE MINUTES?!”
Freddy has officially turned the frustration into panic.
“Okay, uh-”, Vanessa paces, unsure what to fix next. Then realizes she has to change, so she grabs the jeans and button shirt. “KID GET OUT-”, she squealed, making Gregory tense.
“Right-”, he already turned and dashed out her room, closing the door with Freddy still in his other arm. He let out a sigh, resting his back against the door.
“… I detect stress.”, Freddy concluded into the silence. Gregory's face grows sarcastic.
“Yeah, no shit, Freddy.”
“Superstar! Language!”
Gregory just rolls his eyes instead. They both hear shuffling within Vanessa's room.
“Leave your hair loose.”, Gregory said casually, though loud enough for the woman to hear through the door.
“Why?”, she asks with mild suspicion at his late answer.
“You asked.”, he replied flat. “You got an answer.”
Vanessa scoffed behind the door. Once dressed, she opened it — Gregory stepping away to not fall backward — her hair was loose.
“Then let's go already.”, she said before looking at Freddy with a focused expression, waiting for an update.
“… Three minutes.”
“Oh for God's sake-”, Vanessa cursed.
Meanwhile Gregory scowled, “Seriously?!”
“Come on Gregory, we might still make it.”, Vanessa announced before hurrying to get her keys. Gregory followed, half-zipping his backpack again.
They put on their shoes and left the woman's apartment. The boy already approached her car while she locked the door. Then, she unlocked the car and they both entered. Not caring about the law at the moment, Gregory had taken the passenger seat, hugging the backpack after he, and Vanessa, had done their seat belts. Then the drive began.
It was still tense and utterly silent. Vanessa held the steering wheel too tightly, trying to focus instead of overthink on her bad first impression by arriving late. Freddy was still in the backpack, unable to see much. Gregory was staring out his window, his sole bouncing against the cars floor under his feet.
“You said your teacher is nice.”, Vanessa brought up, her voice firm though strained.
“Yeah.”, Gregory confirmed, offering her the reassurance she asked for.
“… Okay. Good. She better be.”, she warned despite the underlying uncertainty in her voice, hoping the boy wasn't lying to her.
When the school came to view, a lump formed in Vanessa's throat. Gregory just stared at it, concentrating on the meeting that's going to take place. He hated how inevitable it was.
The car parked and they both exited. Vanessa locked the car, Gregory adjusted his grip on the backpack.
“Remember helping, Freddy.”, he reminded quietly, referring to his borrowed Fazwatch. Then he glanced at Vanessa, “Make sure she doesn't see the watch.”, he explained, knowing his teacher might notice.
Vanessa adjusted by letting her sleeve cover the watch. Then she followed Gregory into the building, swallowing thickly before forcing a composed expression. She observed the school's condition as the boy guided her to his classroom, intrigued by the artwork on the walls and the silence.
“… I assume it's not this quiet, usually?”
Gregory chuckled, smirking at the question. “Absolutely not.”, then his tone shifted to mild annoyance. “Unfortunately.”
Vanessa was torn between chuckling and sympathizing. She chose silence instead.
“… What time is it again?”, she asked quietly when Gregory stopped in front of the classroom door.
“We are one minute-”, Freddy paused, his voice muffled. “Two minutes late.”
Gregory sighed. Then he raised a fist to the door, hovering. He glanced towards Vanessa. She gave a nod. So he knocked on the door.
“Yes, enter.”, a female voice offered warmly but firm nevertheless.
Vanessa took a deep breath. Gregory opened the door and let her inside, before following, closing the door behind himself.
The teacher immediately smiled upon noticing Gregory, her attention on Vanessa though as she stood up and offered her hand.
“Hello there. I'm Ms. Floral. It's my pleasure.”
Vanessa mustered a small smile, accepting the handshake. “I'm Vanessa. It's my pleasure as well.”
The teacher nodded, letting go to gesture towards her desk. She took her seat, while Gregory silently followed Vanessa and sat across from the teacher. He sat on the left, the direction of the window, while Vanessa was sitting on the right, beside the door. The backpack remained on Gregory's lap.
A small sound erupted from the watch, making Gregory look over. “Shit. I forgot to turn off the sound.”, he realized, biting his lower lip to restrain himself from saying anything.
Vanessa glanced at the watch under her sleeve, then back at the teacher. She pretended to adjust her sleeve by covering the screen slightly more.
“Now, let's begin simple. As far as I know, you are his caretaker, yes?”, Ms. Floral asked politely, keeping a smile on her face while her tone remained gentle.
Vanessa gave a nod. “Yes. Caretaker, guardian, just the adult, basically.”, she explained. Gregory was staring at her. But she wasn't sure why. Did he dislike her vague self-description?
Ms. Floral nodded, glancing at her folder before opening it. Vanessa took this moment to glance down at the watch. Then Gregory's hand reached out to the screen, swiping to the settings to mute the notification sound. Then he retreated. Vanessa didn't question it. She tugged her sleeve up, just enough to see the screen.
“Would you like to start with his grades first?”, Ms. Floral asked, making Vanessa look up quickly and meet her gaze.
“Yes, of course! Why not?”, she replied. Then internally cursed at herself. “What kind of informal response was that?”
The moment the teacher looked at her papers again, Vanessa's green eyes fell to the watch again. Catching Freddy's messages:
“She seems friendly.”
“You are doing great, Vanessa!”
“His grades? According to the tests he brought home, 76% of them were positive!
“76?”, Vanessa murmured with furrowed eyebrows. Gregory was observing her. Ms. Floral’s gaze flickered towards Vanessa in confusion at the sound, spotting her thoughtful expression and her lowered gaze. However, she returned to assigning the papers in front of herself neatly.
Another new message explained:
“Yes. He is still catching up.”
This caught Vanessa's attention. Though she didn't question it yet. She looked up at Ms. Floral at the perfect timing — who was folding her hands in front of herself and waited for the blonde’s attention.
“Now, Gregory's grades are fairly well. So there is nothing you'll have to worry about.”, the teacher assured first and foremost. This eased Vanessa successfully. “Socially, he doesn't have any close friends. He seems mixed, between open and closed off, around his classmates.”, she continued while looking over at the boy.
Gregory lowered his gaze, staring at his half-zipped backpack to hide his thoughts from his teacher. It made Vanessa raise a brow, worried but confused what that meant. Understanding he would prefer to remain quiet, she chose to gather data through the teacher for now.
“What do you mean exactly?”
Ms. Floral returned her attention to Vanessa, understanding Gregory's decision to remain still. “Right. What I'm trying to say, is that he either puts on an act to impress his classmates or he intimidates them away from him, no middle ground.”
Vanessa blinked, processing this information. The Fazwatch vibrated against her skin, so she looked down to see what Freddy had send.
“That is interesting… He must be still feeling uncertain in class...”
This revelation made the woman frown, unhappy with the theory. She stole a glance towards Gregory's direction before looking back at the teacher once again. “What else?”
Ms. Floral hummed thoughtfully, looking through her notes. “I've taken notice, alongside my coworkers, that Gregory seems tense often.”, she elaborated. “We also have noticed his distaste towards instructions. He requires a lot of patience.”, her eyes flickered towards Gregory, offering a small smile for assurance that this wasn't a direct attack. But just an observation.
Gregory met her gaze, eyebrows furrowed in suspicion. He hugged the backpack a little tighter.
And Vanessa didn't know how to answer, starting with an, “Uh..”, before falling silent again. She stared at the watch, waiting for help. Gregory noticed and squeezed the backpack to signal Freddy.
“Say; ‘Yes, he does. There is no need to worry though’.”
Vanessa swallowed, meeting Ms. Floral’s gaze. “Yes, he does. There is no need to worry though.”, she repeated. And Gregory caught it, though obviously won't point it out in front of the teacher. The teacher nods.
“I see.”, she replies, assured though still analyzing. Vanessa felt uncomfortable because of the shift in the woman's gaze, trying to read Vanessa.
“I intend on making him feel safe.”, she explained firmly, her back straightening. “But… I'm inexperienced.”, she admitted slowly, examining Ms. Floral back to gauge her reaction.“… Why did I say that? Now she'll think I'm not suitable to take care of him…”
Ms. Floral hummed, mentally noting Vanessa's words. She glanced at the time to keep it in mind. “That is alright. It isn't easy to take responsibility for somebody else.”, she said calmly, with a lack of questions that surprised Vanessa.
“… Yes.”, she admitted slowly catching Gregory glancing at her from the corner of her eye. “But I will try my best. He deserves to be happy.”, she said with more certainty, her insecurity temporarily disappearing. She was speaking without thinking at the moment.
The teacher nodded. “He does. So do you. So, what would you like to discuss first?”, she asked as an offer. Then her eyes flickered towards the boy, including him.
Vanessa's leg bounced subtly against the floor, contemplating over the question with a firm expression. “His interactions with his classmates.”, she said with certainty. Then looked at Gregory, speaking quieter. “You don't mind, right..?”
Gregory meets her gaze, his eyes sharp. He shook his head, letting her discuss it. Though he didn't want to be scrutinized. He leaned back against the chair, watching the two women.
“Very well.”, Ms Floral acknowledged with a polite smile still on her face. “Picking up where I left off; some students genuinely admire him. They call him ‘cool’ and ‘brave’.”, this information made Vanessa smile a little. Even Freddy was, despite being hidden in the Backpack. “However, others believe he's ‘weird’ or ‘hiding something’.”, she paused watching Vanessa's reaction—her eyes narrowing in disagreement. She didn't interrupt, so the woman went on. “This isn't anything alarming. I've pointed it out so you are aware of his peers' views of him.”
Vanessa gave a nod, her leg still bouncing. Slightly more aggressive. She was bothered by the mixed perspectives of Gregory. She pressed her hand on her thigh, forcing her leg to stop. “Nobody has done or said anything harmful, right?”
Ms. Floral shook her head. “Not as far as I'm aware.”, she turned her attention towards Gregory, searching for correction. But he only held onto the fabric of his backpack, saying nothing. His eyes flickered towards the Fazwatch, then Vanessa, then back at his teacher. “No. They avoid me.”, he confirmed steadily.
Vanessa relaxed just a little. Then realized that it was a bad thing—He needs social connection. “Have you tried talking to anyone yet?”
Gregory meets her gaze and answers simply. “No.”
Vanessa sighed, seeing it in his face that he didn't regret it. So… He doesn't want to make any friends? Why?
Ms. Floral observes the two, shifting her papers before clearing her throat for their attention. “Now, I have one more question.”, she stated, causing Vanessa to brace herself and Gregory staring at his teacher more attentively. “Gregory doesn't talk about his home life a lot, even when it's asked in class. If an assignment requires him to take notes, he does. He never shares them. If he does have to in a test, he keeps it very vague.”
Vanessa clenched the fabric of her jeans, nodding. She didn't know why Gregory would do that. But she assumed Freddy was onto something and he simply wasn't trusting anybody at school yet. Her eyes darted down again, the watch vibrating once again.
“How interesting… Do not panic now, Vanessa. Perhaps you should let Gregory explain?”
Vanessa complied and looked over at the boy, speaking carefully because she interpreted his silence as ‘not wanting to participate’. “Can you explain why, kid?”, she asked gently. Though her eyes were uncertain, wondering if she made him uncomfortable.
Gregory stares at her for a short moment. Then he looks at the teacher. “My home life is private.”, he concluded. His fingers twitched against the backpack while he held Ms. Floral’s gaze, who remained respectful but still skeptical. She wasn't entirely reassured yet. He straightened up, placing his hand over Vanessa's with determination. “She cares for me. I can confirm.”
The homeroom teacher perks up by his certainty, her smile reaching her eyes now. “Is that so? That's splendid. Safety is an important priority and so is privacy.”, she encouraged. However, after a short pause, she softened, “Gregory? Just keep in mind that shielding too much information can leave the wrong impression.”
Gregory squeezed Vanessa's hand, letting the information sink in. His hand received a soft squeeze back, less strong than his. “I'll remember.”, Ms Floral nodded in response.
“In this case, this was all. Is there anything you'd like to mention before we conclude?”
Vanessa thought for a second, staring at the Fazwatch to see if Freddy had anything left to ask.
“This seemed positive. I believe we left things on good terms.”
Vanessa was relieved, looking up at the teacher with a gentle smile and shaking her head. “No, I'm satisfied. As long as he's safe…”, she muttered the last part while her green eyes drifted towards the boy. He stared at her for a moment, his own amber eyes warming. Just a little. Then he looked back at the teacher, staying guarded.
Ms. Floral gave a nod, her smile still warm and friendly. But less polite and more real. “I am grateful Gregory has someone who cares about him. I'll be here if you wish to speak to me.”, she assured before collecting her papers to put them back into her folder. “Just one last question; are you in the parent group chat? If not, I'd recommend gaining access.”
Vanessa fidgeted with her jeans, before Gregory squeezed her hand harder. “No, I don't have access. I haven't actually met any of the other parents yet.”
Ms. Floral nodded. “I can request them to add you. Would you like that?”
“… Why would I have to?”, Vanessa asked slowly. This made Ms. Floral quirk an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a suppressed smirk. She's starting to notice subtle similarities between the two. The younger one was simply more direct.
“You don't have to, but being in it can offer you contact with other parents and keep you updated on school events.”
Vanessa gave a nod, glancing around the teacher’s desk. “I would like to join then.”, she said more certain. Ms. Floral offered a pen and a spare note, so Vanessa used her right hand to write down her number, left hand still underneath Gregory's smaller hand.
Ms. Floral took the note, carefully packing it away to not lose it. The Fazwatch vibrated against Vanessa's wrist again.
“Thank her for her time. She was very patient with you two!”
Vanessa nodded Freddy's advice, catching the woman standing up so she followed suit. “Thank you for your time. This was a useful exchange.”, she said with a warm smile, genuinely appreciative as she offered her hand. She still wasn't sure how the etiquette worked. Was she supposed to hug the teacher?
Ms. Floral glanced at Vanessa's hand, a hint of subtle amusement lingering. She accepted the handshake and gave a nod, while Gregory stood up too, his hands around his backpack protectively again. He was thankful his homeroom teacher didn't question it.
“Gladly. I'm honored you came. Gregory kept saying you are a busy person.”
Vanessa felt a little nervous at that. She remembered—he did mention saying that the meeting was non-negotiable and that he tried making excuses. “Yes, of course. Took some rescheduling but nothing too drastic.”
Ms. Floral let go of Vanessa's hand and gestured to the door, guiding them over. The blonde tugged down her sleeve to hide the Fazwatch from sight before following. “My number is on the school website if you ever have any concerns. Gregory knows the websites name.”, Vanessa gave a nod as she opened the door.
“Have a good day, Ms.”, Vanessa replied with slight warmth in her voice, trying to hide that she forgot the woman's name already. Gregory said nothing, though he was already scheming.
“I wish the same for you.”, Ms Floral looked towards Gregory, offering her hand to him as well. “You know you can speak to me if any of your classmates cause you discomfort, yes?”
Gregory looked at her hand for a long moment. Then slowly extended his hand to hold hers. “I know. Thanks, Ms. Floral.”, he said simply. The woman's smile wavered a fraction out of worry. “His voice is still controlled and detached…”, she mentally nodded. Squeezing his hand once, she let go and nodded.
“Anytime, Gregory.”
Vanessa observed the interaction, curious. “So… that was her name. ‘Ms. Floral’. Right. Remember that.”, she filed away properly this time. Then she waved and began walking down the hallway, Gregory walking beside her. Ms. Floral watched them for a brief moment, then closed the classroom door.
There was a long silence between the two as they walked through the empty school. Gregory unzipped his backpack fully now, checking on Freddy. Vanessa looked through the artwork and trophies in the displays again, her mind was elsewhere this time though, reflecting on the conversation.
“… That wasn't so bad.”, she announced, catching Gregory's attention. “Was it?”, she asked slowly as she met his amber eyes.
Gregory didn't answer immediately, looking down at Freddy again. “Not as bad as I suspected.”
Vanessa scoffed, smiling a little. “What does that mean? You had no faith in me?”
“No.”, Gregory interjects. “I suspected she'd pry.”, he paused. “… She never did.”
Vanessa's expression eased, turning her gaze ahead again. “You know… Good point. I did fear she'd judge me. She seemed... Very understanding though.”, she hesitated, nudging his arm with her hand. “You have a good teacher, Gregory.”, she attempted to assure.
He looked up at her, surprised for a split second. Then he bit his lower lip thoughtfully. “… Maybe.”
Silence returned for approximately 6 seconds before Freddy's voice erupted. “I liked her! She seemed quite respectful.”
Gregory tensed instinctively, clutching the backpack tighter and looking around. Then he eased with a small exhale when he saw nobody.
“… You're loud Freddy.”, he reminded, yet his voice wasn't harsh.
“We are alone at the moment, superstar.”
“Yes but still-”
“Let's get to the car already. Socializing is draining.”, Vanessa interrupted, moving a strand from her face. Gregory huffed, looking away before remembering his earlier scheme. He made sure they were alone one last time, then looked up at her with a smirk.
“You forgot her name.”
Vanessa tensed. “Excuse me-”
“You forgot. You called her ‘Ms.’”
“It… felt more respectful!”
Gregory snickered, punching her arm. “No. You just forgot.”
Vanessa groaned, rubbing the spot he pinched. “In the car. Now.”
Gregory stuck out his tongue but proceeded walking towards the exit of the school with her. Once back outside, Vanessa unlocked the car and they entered. Despite no rush this time, Gregory felt comfortable to sit near Vanessa by choosing the passenger seat again. They applied their seat belts and she started the engine. Vanessa focused on driving out of the parking lot first, then once on the street, she began speaking.
“Hey. What was that about your classmates? ‘Putting on an act to impress’?”, she paused, not wanting him to respond defensively. “It's just bothering me.”, she admitted with mild conflict.
Gregory turned his head towards the window, gathering his thoughts first. “I stood up for someone once.”
Vanessa stole a glance into his direction, furrowing her brows. Then she looked back at the street. “And?”
Gregory sighed, resting the side of his head on the window. “And… They like my bravery.”
Vanessa hummed at this revelation. Freddy also considered this, carefully speaking up.
“You are very brave, Gregory. However, I assume it's a defense mechanism?”
Vanessa's hands tightened on the steering wheel, trying to concentrate. Meanwhile, Gregory tensed. He opened his mouth to protest. Then reluctantly admitted instead.
“… I don't know. They just like it.”
Vanessa glanced at him again with worry this time, her expression softer. She had no words though, she redirected her attention on the road again.
“Then we'll talk about it when you found out. How does that sound?”
Gregory perked up at her suggestion. But his answer was slow and carefully crafted. “… Yeah. That sounds like a plan.”
Vanessa gave a nod, smiling to herself. Just a small satisfied one. Then Freddy's voice erupted again from the backpack.
“I couldn't see Ms. Floral, sadly. However, she seemed aware of your behavior.”
Gregory raised an eyebrow, suspicious. “Freddy…”, he started, staring down at him. “Explain.”
“You see… Her tone got lighter, almost as if she was joyful, when Vanessa proved she genuinely cared.”, Vanessa grounded herself by holding onto the steering wheel. She drove slightly slower, wanting to avoid an incident from her distraction. “She also attempted to connect with Gregory without pressing. When she mentioned his peers? She seems aware.”
Gregory processed Freddy's theory. Then he scoffed. He didn't argue. He just pouted, glaring out the window. The car drive fell silent as Vanessa slowly recovered after a minute and picked up the speed again, parking the car once they arrived. They scrambled out of the vehicle and locked it, before making their way inside Vanessa's apartment again. Taking off their shoes and the door closed, the woman let out a deep breath, relieved she was home.
“I'm going to change.”
“Okay.”, Gregory acknowledged simply, watching the woman walk a few steps. Then pause. He stared at her confused. She turned towards him, took off his Fazwatch and held out her free hand.
“Almost forgot. Thank you… for your trust, kid.”, she said softly. Her gaze lingered on Gregory for a long moment. Then switched to Freddy. “You too. You helped.”
Freddy beamed, his eyes delighted. “I am glad I was of assistance!”, Gregory bit the inside of his cheek, suppressing a chuckle.
Vanessa took his wrist—carefully to not startle him—before attaching his Fazwatch onto it.
“Now, I'm changing.”, she corrected, turning to leave down the hallway to enter her room. “Want to watch TV?”
Gregory's interest immediately got piqued. The meeting with his homeroom teacher momentarily forgotten. “Yes! I'm picking out snacks!”, he announced ahead. Placing Freddy on the coffee table to face the TV, he hurried to the kitchen to do as he had announced.
In the end, they ended up getting comfortable after 3 minutes and watched a new movie that had come out. It had comedy, adventure and was also family-friendly. The evening grew quiet and peaceful as the Parent-Teacher meeting was saved in the back of their mind for future reflection.