The English Teacher ➳ Emison

Chapter 9 | Trial Period

The next morning, Emily walked down the school hallway, her steps unhurried. The usual rush of students hadn't started yet, and she'd arrived earlier than usual, thanks to a restless night spent tossing and turning. Sleep had been elusive, her mind too preoccupied with thoughts of Alison to stay still.

The fluorescent lights above, typically harsh and unforgiving, felt almost bearable today. She passed by a few familiar faces, saying hi to some of her swim team friends, her interactions routine and automatic. But her mind was elsewhere, still lingering in the warmth of Alison's home, replaying every touch, every glance exchanged between them.

The rest of yesterday had dragged painfully slow after leaving Alison's. Emily had walked home, her thoughts still tangled with the blonde, only to step straight into the middle of her mom's phone conversation with her dad.

She hadn't stopped thinking about Alison the entire time. Not when she was sitting with her mother in the living room and trying to talk sense into her, not later, when she called Hanna again to hear about her adventures on her date with Caleb, and not when she was lying in bed and trying to fall asleep, this time without the pressure of the blonde's head on her chest.

This morning had been no different. As Emily showered, the soap gliding over her skin, her fingers had brushed the fading marks the woman had left on her breasts. The sensation sent a wave of memories rushing back, making her cheeks warm despite the cool water.

It was a good thing her Sharks swimsuit was a one-piece, because she wouldn't have been able to escape from the prying questions her teammates would've directed her if they had seen how many traces of purple and red she had on her chest right now.

She hiked her purse a bit higher on her shoulder, her breath suddenly hitching as she turned the corner and came across the infamous teacher.

Alison was strolling casually in her direction, but the moment their eyes met, something shifted. Emily nearly faltered mid-step. Her heart pounded hard and fast against her ribcage, each beat a thrilling, insistent rhythm that echoed in her ears.

The smile that grew on Alison's face at the sight of her was radiant and the brunette couldn't help but return it as they slowed to a stop in front of each other, the hallway bustling with students who were oblivious to the electric charge between them.

"Hi, Ms. DiLaurentis," she greeted, attempting to appear casual to any outside observer as she became aware of the many eyes and ears around them.

Alison shifted slightly on her heels, the movement subtle but telling. There was something different in the way Emily said her formal name now. It did something to her in a way that it previously didn't, as though it took on another, more intimate meaning. She didn't know why, but she strangely liked it.

"Morning, Emily," Alison returned with a warm grin, holding her clipboard tighter against her chest, as if it could keep her from reaching out and closing the distance between them. "Good weekend?"

The tone in which Alison asked this was perfectly innocent but the glint in her eyes betrayed her, and Emily knew her intention was far from it.

"Yes," Emily replied, letting the word hang between them before adding with a hint of playfulness, "it was very... eventful."

"Oh?" the teacher's voice dropped to a cheeky undertone, much to Emily's enjoyment. "What did you do?"

"I'd tell you," Emily glanced around them at the stream of students passing by, lowering her volume mischievously, "but I'm not sure that would be completely appropriate here."

Alison smothered her smirk as she nodded in fake naivety, "Well, I'm sure you can fill me in after class."

"Yeah," Emily agreed with a smile, the word laced with a shared understanding. She held Alison's gaze for a moment longer before stepping away, the separation feeling unnatural after how close they had been just hours ago. "I'll see you later."