Apples Don't Just Mean School [in process of rewriting]

Flashbacks of the Past

A/N: Time for the lunch...

Matthew's POV

We waited at the tables outside the Staff Room (or the Office, as Arthur insisted to call it) for our guest. Although Jenna was new, we all knew each other from college and all of us five went out regularly. Now that Jen's joined SCH, we're all together! The arrival of Emily woke me up from my thoughts. "Sorry, I was engaged in a riveting debate with Monsieur Pomeroy," she apologised, tone laced with sarcasm. 

"No need for an apology, love," Arthur said in his British accent. "Whoa, whoa, hold your horses!" she protested amidst our stifled smiles (with the exception of Art). "I. Am. NOT. Your. 'Love'. Mister." She glared at him, causing Arthur to laugh. "Sorry, lo- I mean, Ms Fox," he grinned. "He's British, that's what..." Jeremy explained in a complaining tone. "Hey, there's nothing wrong with British, wot!" Art retorted. "Yes there IS, offending poor ladies and offering tea and saying 'wot' all the bloody time!" he declared in a mock accent. "Wot, 'wot' is wrong? And tea is perfectly FINE," Arthur snapped.

At that, Emily burst out laughing. "Do you two ALWAYS argue?" she asked. I nodded moodily. "Yes, they always do..." I groaned. "ANYWAYS where are we going today?" Amelia butted in. "Maybe the new mall, it's just a twenty minutes walk," Jenna suggested. "Yeah, but it would be faster with a car," Jeremy sighed wistfully. "Did anyone drive?" I asked. There was a short silence, before Emily replied, "I did..."

Emily's POV

"I did," I offered, holding up my keys. "Great! Could we hitch a ride?" Jeremy begged. "What else?" I teased, and led the way to the carpark.

Thank God I have a seven seater car... I unlocked it and Jeremy immediately leapt to the back, followed by Amelia. We loaded our bags into the middle row, taking up the middle section, so Arthur and Jenna sat there, leaving me the driver's seat and Matthew took shotgun. "TAKE IT AWAY ERNIE!" Amelia yelled. "YEAH TAKE IT AWAY ERN!" Arthur continued, to everyone's laughter. 

"Potter-heads unite!" Amelia whooped and they high-fived. "Children, please," I joked in my most condescending voice, sending them into another fit of the giggles. "Sowwy Mommy..." Matthew squeaked in a baby voice, adding to the fun. It's amazing how I can fit in with them so well... it's like we click... Clique... I'm not funny... (A/N: Did you think I would pass up an opportunity to make a lame pun?!) 

Matthew's POV

We arrived at the mall and after complaining about parking rates nowadays, we parked the car and went up to the first floor. "I suggest pizza..." I pointed to the fast food outlet, the smells inviting. "PIZZA~" Jeremy half died of 'yes-ness'. "I don't mind," Arthur agreed. "Guys, let's just go," Emily sighed, a little exasperated. We trooped inside and sat down at a long table. Jenna, Emily and I sat in one row while Jeremy, Arthur and Amelia sat facing us. 

"Should we all share the MEGA HUGE PIZZA?" I pointed to the words in the menu. Emily sighed. "Matthew... Grow up... Please... But I agree, I think we should." The other four exchanged glances and voiced their agreement. "Alrighty then," I decided and ordered a pepperoni from a passing waiter. Within a few minutes, it was slid onto our table. 

"Tis' heaven," Jeremy moaned as he stuffed his mouth full of pizza. "Jeremy, act your age!" Amelia chided playfully. "We are the dignified teachers of Silver Creek High," I mocked, pretending to be Alexander Steinfield. God, I hate the man! I jammed another piece of cheesy goodness in my mouth, contradicting what I had just said. "This is mine now," Emily announced jokingly, pulling the plate towards her. "Nooooooooooo~ Give the pizza back," I yelled, playing around, yanking the plate towards me. 

It was a strange sight: Six grownups (who were teachers, too!) being silly together in a pizza shop. But it worked... "My precioussssss..." Arthur hissed in a Gollum impression, inducing much laughter. "Let's try not to choke," Jenna spluttered out, making us chortle even harder. 

Emily's POV

How do we all be so... suited for each other, all six of us? These people are amazing! I thought after a particularly hilarious pun. "That pun was too... cheesy..." I pointed to the remaining slice left on the huge platter, making the others groan and chuckle at my lame-ness. (A/N: Hehe, couldn't resist that one~) A hand shot out and grabbed the pizza. "IT IS FINISHED!" Jeremy yelled and ate it. "Stop... the... movie... refs..." Amelia managed through her giggles. 

After we had paid the bill, Amelia, Jenna, Arthur and Jeremy left to take the bus, leaving Matthew with me. "How are you getting home?" I asked. "Umm, I walk home from school... I live near Silver Creek," he replied. "Oh, do you need a lift back?" I offered. "No, I don't want to inconvenience you, Emily," he declined. "Where exactly do you stay?" I asked. "Highland Condominium." "That's along my way home, come on!" I insisted.

"Oh, alright," he accepted, putting on a wry smile. "It's usually the guy offering the girl a lift, not the other way round... I'm feeling embarrassed, Ms Fox..." he lamented. "Don't be so... worked up about such trivial matters, Matthew," I smirked. "It's FINE..." Sighing, he followed me to the car. 

Matthew's POV

"So, tell me about you. Any girlfriend, parents, or weird interests?" Emily questioned. I was a little taken aback. Girlfriend? Oh, I had one. Yes, I did...

This flashback is brought to you by EmEmWolfie!

Sarah looked up at me through tear-bedimmed eyes. "Mattie, I- I can't stand this anymore! I can't let you suffer as I am now! I can't give you my pain," she whispered. "No, Sarah, it's fine. I want to be with you! I can't stand aside and let you..." I was cut off by her. "Mattie... this is for the best... I- I don't want us to be together anymore. I'm too proud; I won't let you feel my sorrow. It's... it's for the best..." she broke out in sobs. 

"But Sarah-" "NO, Matthew! You have your whole life ahead of you; mine ended when Mom died. Go and make yourself happy; I cannot do so for you." I closed my eyes. "Sarah... I can't bear to do this." She grasped my hands tightly. "You must learn to, Mattie. You deserve better than me. You've been the best person I've ever met, but... the best person should know when to move on." 

"Sarah... I love you... I don't understand why, but if that is what you really want, let this be my last gift to you. I will do this, as it is the last thing I can ever do for you... Sarah... I am confused, but I will-" My voice broke as I let a tear fall. "I will always be there for you. If you ever need help, I will be there for you, Sarah. I love you."

A/N: Is this sad enough? I'm not good at sad bits. DON'T KILL ME! Review please... This is my last update for today. Ciao! Love you all...