Teach Me Pt. 04

Monday morning, two days since... dinner. Autumn stirred and stretched. Before she was fully awake, her alarm began to chime. Untangling from her sheets, she reached for her phone and turned off the alarm.
"I don't... I need more sleep." Autumn said to no one in particular.
"Autumn!" Her mother's voice called from the other side of her door. Autumn sat up, rubbed her eyes, and glared at the door.
"What?!"
"Can I come in?"
"Sure. " She replied, rolling her eyes. Just then, her mother entered and stood at the foot of her bed.
"Can I ask you something?"
"I guess," Autumn said, pivoting to hang her feet off the edge of the bed.
"Who was the woman on Friday night?"
"Dawn."
"Who is she?"
"She is my... girlfriend." Autumn smiled to herself.
"Girlfriend?! Don't you think you're a little young for her?" Her mother asked in a snarky tone.
"No!" She stood and began to gather clothing for the day. "She's... perfect," Autumn said.
"Perfect?!" She snapped, "Just how old is she?"
"It doesn't matter, I... love her!" She yelled, stamping her foot.
"Love?! Autumn, you're a child, She's an adult. You have nothing in common!"
"I'm nineteen, I am an adult!" She said, pulling a T-shirt over her head. "And who I date... who I love... doesn't involve your condescension, judgment, or approval!"
"Listen to me, I'm just trying to tell you to be careful. She could be... grooming you."
"G-grooming?!" Autumn had put on a skirt and was tying the laces on some hot pink high tops. "You are so clueless!" She made her way to the door, but her mother stepped in front of her.
"Get out of my way!"
"Please, be careful." Her mother said in a soft tone.
"I know what I'm doing." Autumn replied. Her mother stepped aside and Autumn stomped past. Autumn raced to school in her car, fuming over the interaction with her mother. Fuck that bitch!
At that moment, Dawn pulled into the teacher's parking lot and sat in her SUV. Okay, this week is going to be crazy and you need to focus. Autumn will be around, but you have to focus on giving and grading finals. She will understand... but there is something she might not understand... I really should tell-
Dawn's thoughts were interrupted by Autumn diving to the student lot. She looked.... Angry, very angry.
"Oh no." Dawn said with concern. Gathering her things, she headed into the school. She checked her inbox in the office and hurried to her classroom. She rounded the corner and her heart skipped a beat, a smile spread across her face. Autumn sat on the floor, but curiously she was not on her phone. She sat cross-legged, her head down. If Dawn didn't know better, Autumn could appear to be asleep. She approached her with concern but was careful not to give away her feelings or relationship with the young woman with other students present.
"Autumn? Everything alright?' Dawn asked.
Autumn looked up at her and shrugged. Dawn gave her an expression of sympathy, but it was all she could do as other students were also present in the halls.
"Would you like to come in?" Dawn asked, unlocking the door.
"Sure." She replied and got to her feet.
After putting her things down, Dawn turned to Autumn. "What's wrong?" She asked.
"It's my mom." She grumbled. "She gave me shit first thing this morning."
"She did? What about?"
"You... us..."
"What do you mean?"
"She thinks you're too old for me and that you're... grooming me." She said,
"Grooming?!" Dawn growled. "You're nineteen, you're old enough to make your own decisions."
"I know that, you know that... but my mom, she's just a bitch." Autumn stated.
"She's just concerned."
"Concerned?! She hates me."
"Hates you, why would you say that?"
"She blames me for my dad leaving us." She explained, "I know he left because he was sick of her shit. He never wanted her... bohemian lifestyle that she craved."
"So you didn't always live in that commune?" Dawn asked.
"No, he was... is status-oriented. He built a successful business... several actually. He's very successful." She explained.
"I don't understand, why did he leave? Why didn't she want the comfort that kind of wealth can bring?"
"I have no idea." She shrugged. "She's fucking weird."
Dawn tried not to chuckle but just smiled.
"Anyway, I guess I should head to class." She said, turning toward the door.
"Okay, have a wonderful day."
"By the way, " Autumn stopped at the door and looked over her shoulder. "I told my mom... that you're my girlfriend." She said and rushed from the room. Dawn stood stunned for a moment, then smiled.
"I like the sound of that." She said in a whisper.
The rest of the morning Dawn administered finals for her academic classes. And while in the quiet of her students taking their exams, Dawn thought about Autumn and their night together. How do they share such intimate moments of passion and... love? No, not love. It can't izmit escort bayan be, not so soon. No matter how I may feel when I'm with her, I can't be in love. But... The bell broke her thoughts and she stood and moved to the front of her desk.
"Okay everyone, please hand me your tests on the way out. I know you will all do fabulously, so I look forward to grading them."
The students filed out and Dawn received the papers and said her goodbyes to them. Leslie, who had remained silent until now, said goodbye to a few students from her position next to Dawn. After the last student left, Dawn turned and placed the tests on her desk.
"Dawn?"
"Yes?"
"You're doing such a great job here." She said.
"Thank you, Leslie."
"I'm going to request to take my leave a few days early."
"You are? But why?" Dawn asked as she sat at her desk.
"I see no reason to continue this stupid assignment. You're not feeding anyone answers, your students adore you, and the... culture you've nurtured here is... just great. Even better when I was one of your students." She explained.
"I really appreciate that." Dawn replied.
"But..."
"But?"
"Dawn, I know you're a mature, level-headed woman, but you're being stubborn."
"Stubborn? How so?"
"It's obvious you love Autumn, and-"
"Now wait a minute!" Dawn interrupted her, "I do care for her... a great deal." She admitted.
"And?"
"And what?"
"Dawn!" Leslie shook her head. "Your feelings for her are stronger than you'll care to admit to yourself. I see you smile to yourself and put your finger to your lips. You're thinking about kissing her, aren't you?"
"I-" Dawn sighed. Leslie waited.
"You're right," Dawn admitted.
"I know." Leslie smirked.
"I honestly don't understand it, but I do love her." Dawn said. "And..."
"And?"
"And... It scares me."
"Scares you?! Why?"
"Because we can't be one hundred percent open with our relationship." She explained. "I want so badly to be with her in all aspects of life, but... we can't. Not yet."
"I understand that, but there's no reason to deny how you feel..."
At that moment Autumn approached in the hall, hearing voices, she paused out of sight and listened.
"She's... an amazing girl, I admit, I'm crazy about her."
Autumn smiled and continued to listen.
"Then?"
"I know, I know..."
"Stop denying it. You can't and shouldn't push her away, or make her wait. You can't fuck me and Cali to push your feelings away."
"What?!" Autumn whispered to herself. "She fucking other people?!"
"That... was a mistake and no offense, but I regret it," Dawn said.
"I know you do." Leslie replied. "If I had known about... Autumn at the time, I would never have gone along with Cali's attempt to seduce you."
Autumn grew more and more confused and hurt.
"I... I know." Dawn replied. "It was so confusing for me. I let my lust, desire, and need for release override my desire to admit my... need to be with Autumn." She said,
"You need to be with me?" Autumn repeated to herself.
"Put it behind you and focus on Autumn. You need to be open about how you feel about her and tell her."
Autumn cocked her head as Leslie's voice began to go quieter.
"You said it yourself," Leslie put a hand on Dawn's shoulder, "you love her."
Autumn's eyes grew large "love?!"
Dawn smiled to herself, "I... I do love her."
"Then, it's simple," Leslie said with a nod.
Dawn sighed. "Yeah."
Autumn turned and walked back down the hall, confused. Just as she disappeared around the corner, Leslie and Dawn emerged from her classroom and they walked together down the hall.
"Just think about what we talked about. I know this week is crazy with finals and everything, but maybe you should spend some time together. Talk, cuddle, be in the moment."
"We had dinner last weekend," Dawn said.
"Did you have sex?" Leslie asked.
"Yes."
"Then, next time you two spend time together, don't," Leslie said.
"Don't?"
"Right, keep it in your pants for one night. Just be in the moment, be present, enjoy just being together." Leslie said.
"I suppose you're right." Dawn admitted.
The two made their way into the parking lot and stood for a moment talking. Sitting in her car, Autumn watched them suddenly disliking this "spy" knowing she had sex with Dawn, and apparently another woman. She adored Dawn, but her feelings were suddenly confusing. Her head was "foggy" and she couldn't concentrate. Finally, she started her car and sped from the lot and right past Dawn and Leslie.
"What the hell?!" Leslie exclaimed.
"That was... Autumn."
"Why was she driving so recklessly?"
"I don't..." Dawn paused and then shook her head. "She must have heard us talking."
"So?"
"So... she must have heard us talking about you and Cali... and me," Dawn said.
"Shit!"
"Yeah... shit."
The next two days izmit eve gelen escort were chaotic, too, at least for Dawn. Administering finals and grading them as well. She was utterly overwhelmed, but confident in her teaching capabilities and her students' knowledge of the course of study. She was very proud of her students and wished them success. She attempted to give them a lot of her knowledge in hopes that their future would be bright and full of promise. Teaching fulfilled Dawn like nothing else for years, but now, she had come to realize the missing piece, that "hollow space" deep inside her. Autumn was... is what's missing. It was still very hard to believe that this young woman had gotten so deeply under her skin.
Her desire to explore something deeper, more emotional was overwhelming, but not "scary". While the physical chemistry between them was obvious, she felt they had only a short time to explore something deeper, and wanted more. The way she felt when she was near the young woman was indescribable, and she was beginning to almost feel "addicted". And she couldn't wait to have another fix.
Day three of finals week saw a bit of a respite for Dawn, she had but one final to give and it was her advanced art class turning in final projects. She spent much of the day in her classroom, alone. She thought about the next session and was deciding on what she wanted to present to her art students. Something new and interesting. While writing down some notes and ideas, Autumn snuck into the room and sat at the desk nearest the door. She smiled to herself, seeing that Dawn didn't notice her. Dawn closed her eyes and leaned back into her chair. She stretched out, arching her back, her breasts pushed up and out, her blouse strained against her C cups. Autumn wanted to taste her again and almost leapt from her seat, but contained herself.
Finally, Dawn opened her eyes and caught sight of movement from the corner of her eye.
"Autumn!" She almost fell all the way back but caught herself. "I... I didn't hear you come in."
"Sorry, I didn't want to bother you." She replied.
"You're not bothering me." She said with a warm smile on her face.
"I'm glad." Autumn replicated Dawn's smile.
"How are finals going?" Dawn asked, training a more professional posture.
"Easy," Autumn replied with a big toothy grin.
"Of that, I have no doubt. You're a very intelligent young woman." Dawn replied.
"Thank you... Dawn." Autumn whispered her name as she got to her feet. She approached the desk and leaned down in front of her. She rested her elbows on the desk, which caused her v-neck t-shirt to expose even more of her chest. Dawn got an eye full of Autumn's cleavage and couldn't help but stare.
"Like what you see?" Autumn teased her.
"You know I do." Dawn replied quietly.
"I know," Autumn smirked. "So, when can I taste you again?"
"Autumn!" Dawn frowned, "We cannot discuss this here."
"But... why not?" She purred and swiveled her hips. Dawn could see them sway behind the young woman.
"Stop this!"
"Am I being a... bad girl?" She continued in a sultry voice, "Do you want to... spank me?"
"Autumn, please."
Before Dawn couldn't say anything else, Leslie entered, surveyed the scene for a moment, then cleared her throat.
"Oh! Leslie, hello." Dawn said, startled. Autumn stood up and glared at her. Leslie approached and waved her down.
"Easy girl."
"Don't start with me!" Autumn growled.
"Autumn." Dawn tried to ease the tension.
"No, I heard you two talking the other day." She began.
"Shit!" Dawn mumbled.
"Yeah, I know about you and her and some other girl named... Cali." Her anger turned to hurt, "Why?"
"Listen..." Leslie began to explain, but Dawn cut her off.
"Autumn, it was a huge mistake. I was... weak, vulnerable, and confused. None of this is an excuse, but I need you to understand something." Leslie retreated to the door and closed it for more privacy.
"At that time, I wasn't certain what I wanted for... us. And I guess I thought, if I did... what I did, it would help me... I... I don't know. Think what we had was just infatuation and not something I could or should pursue."
"But why?"
"I was concerned for my career and your well-being. I realized very quickly, it was a mistake and my denying what I was beginning to feel for you was more, much more than infatuation or lust." Dawn genuinely looked apologetic.
"It's true, she told me the other day, after you tore out of the parking lot, she regretted it and had very deep feelings for you." Leslie tried to ease the girl's pain.
Autumn remained silent, her eyes grew moist with tears. Dawn's heart began to break. The three women stood silently for a long moment. Until a knock at the door startled all three of them.
"Damn, it's vice-principal Howard," Dawn said as she went to the door, mustering a smile.
"Miss Howard, what can I do for you?" Dawn opened izmit otele gelen escort the door and greeted her.
"Miss Campbell, Miss Lawson, I would like to speak with the two of you." The three of them turned to Autumn.
"Yeah, I'm out of here." She said and ran past them and into the hall. Dammit! Dawn scolded herself.
"Miss Lawson, I read your report."
"Yes?"
Dawn swallowed hard, hoping Leslie hadn't sold her out.
"After discussing this with Principal Lewis and conferring with several other senior teachers, we agree with your assessment."
Dawn held her breath.
"We agree that the student who brought this grievance forward was likely just disgruntled and vindictive. As such, she will be disciplined." She explained. Dawn exhaled slowly.
"Miss Campbell, I apologize for all this... ugliness."
"Thank you Miss Howard." Dawn replied.
"Thank you for your time, but I think we will just cut you a check for two weeks and send you on your way Miss Lawson."
"Thank you, I'm glad I could help sort all this out," Leslie replied, shaking her hand. She shook Dawn's hand and exited the room. After she was out of ease shot Dawn took a cleansing breath.
"Thank you." Dawn said to Leslie.
"You're very welcome." She replied, "Oh, I'm really sorry about this stuff with Autumn. I truly hope it all works out."
Dawn nodded and smiled. Sitting back down, Dawn breathed a sigh of relief. I really need to talk to Autumn soon!
That evening, Autumn found herself in front of the fire pit at her commune thinking about everything with her, Dawn, and Leslie. I know we weren't in any sort of relationship when... that happened, but it still hurts. I'm not sure why, but my gut is in knots over it. I felt care for her... maybe even... love her. If this is what life can feel like, I'm not sure I want this.
"Autumn?" Her mother approached.
"Hi." She greeted her coldly.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"I guess."
"That woman that came here the other night..."
"Dawn? What about her?"
"Is she your... girlfriend?"
"Yes, she is."
"She's a little old for you, isn't she?"
"Why? Yeah, she's older than me, but she gets me. She understands me and she's crazy about me." Autumn explained.
"That's wonderful, but..."
"No buts, we're... in love." Autumn insisted.
"You don't understand Autumn, I know who she is." Her mother sat next to her.
"What?!"
"I know Dawn Campbell." She said, "She was friends with your aunt Janey."
"How? How do you know this?" Autumn asked.
"I thought I recognized her that night, and later, it came to me. I called Janey to ask her about her. She had been to our house numerous times growing up." She paused and took a deep breath, "Janey told me something that concerns me, very much."
"Oh? What's that?"
"Be honest with me, is Dawn your teacher?"
"No."
"Autumn..."
"I'm not taking any of her classes, yet." Autumn said.
"What do you mean yet?"
"I'm going to take all three of her classes next session." She said.
"Autumn, " her mother shook her head. "That's a really bad idea."
"Why?"
"If anyone were to find out you were dating your teacher..." she paused, "and those types of classes won't help your future."
"No one will know."
"You can't be certain of that. If you get caught, she will lose her career."
"Mom, I appreciate your...'concern', but Dawn and I have had this discussion and we know how to handle this. I care about her too much to risk anything." Autumn said.
"I won't say anything more, just please be careful." She said, Autumn, nodded and focused on the fire. Just what we need, more obstacles. she sighed and pulled out her cell phone. She scrolled through her contacts and she saw Dawn and 'clicked' on her name.
Hi Dawn, I need to talk to you.
A few minutes passed with no response. Autumn sighed and set her phone down and closed her eyes. A few more moments passed until her phone finally chimed. She picked it up and brought up her text messages.
I'm sorry sweetheart, I was in the shower. What's up?
Autumn pictured Dawn wet and naked and a thrill ran through her. She shook her head and focused on the phone and messages.
My mom knows who you are.
How?
She said you were friends with my aunt Janey. Autumn told her.
A few minutes passed again.
Janey?! Your mom is Alexis?!
Yeah
Shit!
Yeah, she knows I'm going to take your classes next session.
Is she going to be a problem?" Dawn asked.
I don't think so. Autumn responded.
Think? We need to know. Dawn insisted.
I know, I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry sweetheart. I don't mean to be... short with you. I need to see you.
Autumn smiled to herself. When?
Let me figure something out and I'll let you know tomorrow. Come see me at lunch.
Okay, see you tomorrow.
Goodnight Autumn.
Goodnight Dawn
Autumn tucked her phone in her pocket and stared into the fire again. Shit!
The lunch bell rang and Autumn stayed in her seat for several minutes while other students filed out. She chewed on her lip and stared at her hands and noticed a slight tremble. What's wrong with me? Why am I so nervous?