Teacher with Benefits (18+)

Chapter 4

A few hours later, around 3:30 A.M., Faith comes home to find Jacqueline sound asleep on the couch. She quickly yet lightly walks over and gently shakes her to wake her up.

Jacqueline rubs her eyes, groaning and yawning. "What time is it, Faith?"

Faith hugs Jacqueline tightly. "Jackie, I'm so, so sorry for letting you get drunk. Worst first party ever."

Jacqueline continues the embrace. "Faith, don't worry about it. You had every right to enjoy yourself. I still love my best friend."

Faith kisses Jacqueline on the cheek with a mock, "MWA! Love you too, bitch."

Jacqueline chuckles, then her expression grows more serious. "I need to tell you about something that happened tonight. Mr. Anderson... helped me."

Faith raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh really? Do tell."

Jacqueline recounts her night, her voice soft and reflective. "After you went off with your boyfriend, I wandered around for what felt like hours. I was regretting drinking so fucking much."

She pauses, then continues, "I was near Mr. Anderson's house when he found me. He was taking out his trash, and he looked so concerned. When he saw how drunk I was, he invited me inside, gave me water and a blanket. He listened to me and reassured me. It was... comforting."

Faith's eyes widen in surprise. "Wow, that sounds intense. What happened next?"

Jacqueline blushes slightly, remembering the more embarrassing parts. "I, uh, ended up vomiting on his carpet. I felt SO mortified, but he was really understanding. He even helped me clean it up and offered to take me home. I asked him to drop me off here instead."

Faith can't help but tease her. "So, you had a heart-to-heart with Mr. Anderson, threw up on his carpet, and he still drove you here? Sounds like someone has a crush."

Jacqueline's cheeks flush deeper. "It's not like that, Faith. He's just... really kind."

Faith grins mischievously. "Sure, Jackie. Whatever you say. But seriously, it's good to know you were safe."

Jacqueline nods, her smile softening. "Please, don't tell anyone about this. I don't want any rumors starting."

Faith hugs her again. "Your secret's safe with me. And don't worry, we'll laugh about this someday."

Jacqueline sighs with relief, feeling the weight of the night finally lift off her shoulders. As they settle back into the couch, the bond between them feels stronger than ever.

***

The next morning, Faith and Jacqueline wake up on the living room floor, blankets strewn around them. Sunlight streams through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the remnants of their impromptu sleepover. Both girls groan as they sit up, their muscles stiff from the uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.

Faith stretches her arms overhead, yawning. "Morning, Jackie. How are you feeling?"

Surprisingly, Jacqueline doesn't feel too hungover, just tired. "I'm okay. Ready to go home, though."

After a quick breakfast and some idle chit-chat, Faith drives Jacqueline home. The drive is quiet but comforting, the morning air crisp and fresh. When they arrive, Jacqueline's parents greet her warmly, oblivious to the previous night's events.

"How was the sleepover?" her mother asks, smiling.

"It was fun. We stayed up pretty late," Jacqueline replies, keeping her tone casual.

Her parents nod approvingly, none the wiser. Jacqueline heads upstairs, her footsteps light on the wooden steps. However, as soon as she reaches the top floor, her siblings' keen senses kick in.