Saving Ms Gothel, page 3
part #7 of Middleton Prep Series
“I am my own woman, mother. And this woman chooses to have her hair long.” Zellie shoveled her food in her mouth as quickly as possible, eager to get away from the woman at her side. Truth is, I keep my hair long because you want it cut! Ha! Take that! Zellie’s small rebellion might not change the world, but it made her feel better about the situation she lived in. No matter that she had learned to obey her mother’s wishes about men, she still found living with her mother to be more of a burden than a gift.
“Well ... “ Cassia sniffed. “I was only trying to help.” Silence reigned for a minute; the sound of scraping forks and chewing the only noises in the room. Unexpectedly, Cassia reached over and took Zellie’s chin in her fingers. “You’re a good girl, Rapunzel. You’ll never leave me. Not for those awful men, who are only after one thing, right? You’ll always be here.”
Zellie froze, guilt riddling her as she thought of her desires to get out from under her mother’s thumb. Does she know I want to get my own place? How can she know that? But can I really leave her? How would she survive if no one was here to take care of her? Her eyes finally focused on her mother, realizing she was waiting for an answer. “Uh yeah, I’ll always be here, mom.”
“Mother.”
“Sorry. Mother,” Zellie corrected.
Cassia insisted the word ‘mom’ sounded childish.
“Good. Now you had better go.”
Zellie took her dishes to the sink then grabbed her coat, lunch, and keys and headed out the door. Once on the road, she took a deep, cleansing breath. “I can’t continue to live like this.” Zellie frowned and her shoulders slumped. “I’m twenty-four years old. I want a life!” Her voice rose in volume and anger crept into her tone. “But how?” No one answered her as she maneuvered through traffic to Middleton Prep; the private school where she taught P.E.
Parking near the gym entrance, Zellie grabbed her stuff and went inside. The gym was warm and smelled of varnish from the refinishing job done over the summer. Zellie grinned, letting the atmosphere soothe her ruffled nerves. Walking across the wooden floor, she unlocked and stepped into her shared office space. She hung her jacket up and put her lunch in the small fridge, Just as she was booting up her computer, the other P.E. teacher arrived.
“GOOD MORNING!” Max barked with a grin.
Zellie smiled back. “Good morning.”
Max cracked his neck and sat down; his back straight as a board. His short shorts rode even higher as he planted his feet widely to steady himself. He was the epitome of an old-school physical education teacher. He kept his white hair buzzed short and wore the same uniform every day; mid-calf, white socks; short, athletic shorts with a t-shirt tucked in; running shoes and a whistle around his neck.
Does the man ever slouch? Maybe he can’t bend his back. Zellie held in a giggle at the thought. Her partner was ex-military and never seemed to let go of the rigid rules that he had been taught.
“Well, now that the first week is over, you ready to whip these kids into shape?” Max said as he pumped his eyebrows.
“Sounds like a plan to me!” Zellie said with a bright smile. Grabbing her clipboard with her attendance sheet on it, she stood then waited for Max to move out of the doorway.
Max’s voice was soft as he asked, “how were things with your mom this weekend?”
Zellie’s smile was gone in an instant. She shrugged lightly. “Same ole, same ole.”
“Sorry.”
“No biggie.” Zellie brushed him off. “Enough about me. How was your Labor Day Barbecue this weekend?”
“Ah, well. Beatrice managed to whip up a delicious rub and we smoked a brisket. Turned out marvelous.” Max gave a half smile. “We would have loved to have you there.”
Zellie forced a smile on her face. “I would love to have come. Maybe next time.”
Max frowned. “Of course, of course. We had some delicious pies for dessert.”
Zellie grinned. “Let me guess. Apple?”
Max grinned back. “Is there any other kind?”
Zellie laughed lightly, stopping when she heard voices coming from the gym area. “Oh! Looks like the students are coming in. You ready for action?”
“Yes, ma’am!” Max saluted and stood back, holding the door for Zellie as they walked into the gym.
Several hours later, Zellie huffed in exhaustion as she headed back to her office for lunch. “I must be getting old,” she muttered. “Those kids wear me out.” After settling herself in her chair, she took a few moments to check her messages and social media. Going through her texts, she noticed there was one from an unknown number.
Hello, long hair girl.
“Who the heck is this?” Zellie frowned as she read it, then typed a response.
Who is this?
Geez, it took you forever to respond and that’s all you have to say?
Who is this?
*Sigh* Alright, I guess I’ll just have to make the introductions. Hair girl, meet Handsome Hank. Handsome Hank, meet Hair Girl.
Zellie gasped. It’s been two weeks since he took my phone number. I didn’t think he would actually contact me.
Oh. You took so long to text, I was starting to believe you wouldn’t ever contact me.
Sorry. Got busy.
Zellie rolled her eyes. That’s what they all say.
It’s true! I ended up with several deadlines at work.
Where do you work?
At home.
Let me get this straight. You work at home, but were too busy to say hi?
See, this is where people don’t understand. Since I work for myself, I usually work more hours than the normal person. Not less. (Unless you’re into those get rich quick schemes)
Which you’re not?
Uh, no.
Alrighty then.
Alrighty then.
Zellie giggled lightly and waited to see if he would say more.
Is it strange that I can hear the Jeopardy theme running through my head as we each wait for the other person?
Zellie laughed. “Oh my gosh.”
Yeah. It’s kinda weird. But now it’s in my head too. So at least you have company.
Misery loves company. Especially beautiful company.
Zellie bit her lip to hold off a grin and was staring at her phone when Max came in.
“What’s going on?” Max walked into the office, his bulk taking up the whole doorway. “What’s the matter?” He demanded.
“N-nothing,” Zellie stammered, her desire to smile leaving. “I just, I’m just texting someone.”
“Is it your mother? Is she up to her old tricks again?” Max’s face was fierce and Zellie almost let out an inappropriately timed giggled.
“No.”
“Then who is it?” Max demanded.
The phone buzzed in her hand.
Where did you go?
Zellie looked back and forth between Max and her phone, flustered about where to put her attention. “It’s just a friend.”
“A friend.”
“Yes.”
Max narrowed his eyes and tilted his head to the side.
Zellie could feel her cheeks warm and knew they were turning red, giving away her embarrassment at his intense scrutiny. Her phone buzzed again.
Zellie?
“I, uh ... I’m just gonna,” she pointed to her phone then swiveled her chair so her back was toward Max and his overprotectiveness. Zellie pulled her phone close to her body and kept an eye on Max in her periphery as he sat in his chair.
Sorry. Got busy. You shouldn’t say things like that.
Why not?
I think we already had this conversation. Flattery is worthless.
It’s not flattery if it the truth.
But it’s not the truth.
Says who?
Me.
Well, I say they’re the truth.
Zellie giggled lightly and shook her head. “Silly man.”
“MAN!” Max roared right behind Zellie’s left ear.
“AHH!” She screamed, fumbling to catch her phone that had dropped out of her hands. After getting a firm grip on it, Zellie spun towards her work colleague, tilting her head back to look at him. “Max! What the heck?” She scolded.
Max stood directly behind her, his legs spread and his arms folded, glaring down at her. “Why are you texting a man?”
“Excuse me? I’m a grown woman. I have every right to text a man.” Zellie stated defensively.
“Zellie,” Max’s voice had gone soft and his stance relaxed. “We both know you have no real experience or knowledge of how to deal with men.”
“I-” Zellie started to interrupt, but Max held up a hand to stop her.
“You’re like a daughter to me. I realize you’re a grown woman, but your mother hasn’t prepared you to know how to handle men. Now, I ... am a man. In fact, believe it or not,” He puffed out his chest and rocked back on his heels. “I was once a young man.”
Zellie pinched her lips to together to keep from laughing.
“Which means ... “ Max raised an eyebrow. “I know how men think.”
“Max,” Zellie said, “I’m grateful you’re trying to look out for me. But seriously, I’m okay. I can handle this. It’s just a guy and a text. No big deal.”
You’re ignoring me.
Zellie felt her phone buzz, but she refused to look at it until she had settled things with Max. “If I need your help, I promise to come to you. Okay?”
Max scowled. “I suppose.”
“Great!” Zellie said in an extra perky voice. Spinning back around, she read the last text, then smiled before responding.
I’m not ignoring you. I’m at work. Some of us don’t have all the time in the world you know.
I just told you I work long hours.
What exactly do you do in those long hours?
Can’t tell you. That’s the kind of question you ask on a first date.
Zellie stilled. A first date? Is he asking me out again? Or just making a comment? She groaned internally, glancing over her shoulder at Max who was doing notes at his desk. He’s right. I have no idea what I’m doing. Zellie nibbled on her lip. Do I ask Max and admit I don’t understand what Hank’s saying? No! Can’t do that. It makes me look like an idiot. She scrunched up her lips and wiggled them from side to side. Can I just ask Hank? Would that be weird?
Are you asking me out, or just making an observation?
That depends on what your answer would be.
To what?
If I asked you out.
Zellie frowned. Her emotions, just like two weeks ago at the wedding, were flip-flopping all over the place. This time her fear won.
No.
Then I was making an observation.
I see.
But you’re missing out.
On what?
A free dinner and my company.
This conversation is getting awfully long.
I suppose we could continue it in person.
Uh ...
Is this about your mother’s rules? Haven’t you ever heard the phrase, ‘Rules are meant to be broken’?
Zellie felt a hollowness in her chest as she read through the text. I’m lonely, but I’m also scared. What do I do?
That phrase is just an excuse to be naughty.
Maybe so, but it makes life more fun. ;)
Until you get caught.
All right, no dates ... what about time with a friend?
Uh ...
What if we just happened to be at the same restaurant at like, I don’t know, six o’clock tonight? Just two ships passing in the night.
So we’re ships now?
Or two friends, who recognize each other and decide to spend time together.
Zellie paused, one part of her was dying to say yes and the other was still the little girl who never disobeyed. Friends. We’re just friends. Friends can have dinner, right? With a deep breath and before she could think better of it, she answered.
Okay.
Sweet! So if I happen to see you tonight at Mother Goose cafe at six o’clock, I’ll be sure to say ‘hi friend’!
Zellie fought down the panic racing through her.
And if I happen to be having dinner there tonight and I see you, I will also say hi.
Perfect.
Before Zellie could think of a response, another text came through.
I gotta run. Can you talk later?
Zellie breathed a sigh of relief. If we talk much longer I might chicken out.
Sure.
:)
Zellie hugged her phone to her chest as she tried to slow her heart. As a P.E. teacher, she enjoyed physical activity and could often be found doing things that got her heart rate up. But somehow, this felt different. This wasn’t just an adrenaline rush; it was an emotional rush. The likes of which Zellie had never felt before.
CHAPTER 4
“Where are you going?” Cassia asked Zellie as she walked toward the garage later that evening with her keys in her hand.
Shoot. So much for being sneaky. “Uh, Tia asked me to come over and try out a new recipe with her. Liar, liar pants on fire!
Cassia narrowed her eyes and Zellie worked hard to keep an innocent look on her face. “There aren’t going to be men there, are there?”
“N-no! Well, I’m sure Brody will be. They’re married remember?”
Cassia tsked her tongue “I always thought Tia was smarter than to tie herself down to a man.” She glared at Zellie. “They only want one thing, you know. Stupid woman.”
Zellie bit her tongue to keep from starting a fight and took another step toward the door.
“What about my dinner? You know I don’t cook. That’s your job. I thought you were more grateful than that. After all, I’ve done for you.”
Closing her eyes for a moment to fight the sting of her mother’s words, Zellie finally answered. “There are leftovers in the fridge, mother. Just heat them up in the microwave.”
Cassia hmphed and looked like she was ready to argue some more, but Zellie cut her off.
“I’ll see you later.”
It took every bit of muscle control Zellie had to keep the desperation raging through her from showing as she walked out to the car. Sitting down, she let out a puff of air and felt a wide grin cover her face. “I did it,” she whispered. With an excited squeal, she pulled out onto the street and headed toward town.
As she drove, her excited emotions took a nosedive, shifting into the guilt that had been one of the main reasons she stayed with her mother over the years. “I’m a liar. I’m a bona fide liar.” Zellie felt tears prick her eyes and she bit her lip, hoping the pain would distract her from her overwhelming emotions. “I’m a grown woman, why can’t I just tell her that I want to live an adult life?” Zellie’s shoulders fell. “Because she will make your life miserable.” She sighed. “And no matter how horrible she is, she’s still your mother. And the only family you have left.”
Zellie pulled into a parking spot near the cafe and she turned off the engine. However, instead of getting out of the car, she laid her head against the steering wheel and battled with herself. “Come on, Zellie. It’s okay. What you’re doing is a normal thing for a woman your age. It’s okay to meet up with a friend, who happens to be a guy, and eat dinner together.” Even if it goes against your mother’s wishes. “People go against their parents’ wishes all the time.” She raised her head up; determination in her gaze. “Especially when their parents are wrong.”
Zellie grit her teeth and after shoving aside her guilt pushed the door open and stood up. The evening was growing dim and she took a moment to admire the bright lights coming from the cafe and other businesses that lit up the street. With a determined nod, she pushed her suddenly heavy legs forward and walked to the front doors of the cafe. Grabbing the handle of the door, she yanked it opened, immediately wincing when the bells on the door rang hard against the glass. Oops.
Glancing around, it took her almost no time to spot the mop of brown hair she was looking for. A wide grin crossed Hank’s face when their eyes met and he raised both eyebrows twice in quick succession.
Zellie fought the twitch that pulled at the edge of her lips, working to stay calm and collected when what she really wanted to do was jump and pump her fist in the air.
Walking over slowly, she gave Hank a small smile. “Hello, Hank. What a coincidence, meeting you here.”
“Total coincidence!” Hank agreed. “I happen to have an extra seat. Would you like to use it?”
Zellie raised an eyebrow. Pinching her lips between her teeth, she worked once again to shove down the guilt trying to rise in her chest. “Thank you, I think I will.”
Hank jumped up. “Allow me.” He winked.
Zellie paused; shocked at the gentlemanly display.
“Something the matter?” Hank inquired with raised brows.
“N-no!” Zellie hurried to reply, then ducked into the seat. “Thank you,” she murmured as he walked back to his seat.
“So ... have you ever eaten here before?” Hank asked as he picked up his menu.
Zellie lifted a shoulder. “I’ve met Tia and a few other girlfriends here a few times.”
Hank nodded. “What’s your favorite dish?”
Zellie tick-tocked her head from side to side. “Well, I’ve only ever eaten lunch here. Their soup and salad combo is delicious, but probably not what you’d want for dinner.”
Hank grinned. “I’m afraid I need a little more protein than that.”
Zellie allowed herself to smile back. “You are pretty tall, I’ll bet it takes quite a bit of food to fill you up.”
“More than you eat, I’m sure.”
Zellie raised an eyebrow; her lips still lifted in a grin. “I’ll have you know that I have a pretty hefty appetite. Don’t forget I teach P.E. I’m burning calories all day long.”
“Oh, really?” Hank set his menu down and leaned his elbows on the table, closing the distance between him and Zellie. He studied her for a moment, making Zellie blush and look down into her menu. “You sure don’t look like someone who eats much.”
Gathering her courage, Zellie threw back her shoulders and met his eyes again. His eyes look green tonight. I thought they were brown. Maybe it’s the lights? “I’ll guess I’ll just have to prove you wrong,” she said in a pretend miffed tone.
