Jemma's Pov:

I was about to walk out the door to my car. I had ten minutes to get to school on time.

"Whoa there muffin butt! You're riding with me today. Remember dear, we're in love and people in love cant bare to spend any time away from each other" He winked and grabbed my hand.

"When are you leaving? Because I already know you're gonna give me hell until then." I whined.

"Is that any way to talk to your man? The love of your life? The peanut butter to your jelly? The ham to your cheese? The shampoo to your conditioner?"

I tried not laughing but he's so goofy, I couldn't help it. "Ya know I think from now on I'll call you Shakespeare. Since you have such a way with words." I teased

"Yep, I'm just that awesome, it's a gift. The entire male population wishes they could run game like me."

"Come on Shakespeare. I gotta get to class" I said dragging him to his car.

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah we wouldn't want you being late to that jerkoff Mr. Jenkins class. I heard he set his last teacher's aid's hair on fire because they were two minutes tardy! That man treats his T.A's so unfairly. He's like a slave driver. Always yelling and demanding they make more copies or pass out papers. It's total madness! We should duct tape him to the flag pole as retaliation for his cruel, cruel behavior!"

"Ok har, har, I get your point. It's not like he'll punish us for being a few minutes late. I just want to get school over with already. Get the drama done and over with and just go home for a nice peaceful night." I explained

"Oh, muffin butt you are so sadly misinformed. The real drama wont start until after school. Mom's coming. Yay!!" he clapped like an excited toddler.

"Seriously don't bring that up right now. I'm gonna deal with one crisis at a time. Right now that's school. After that I'll worry about meeting y'alls parents... Just a quick question..... What happens if she hates me?" I asked as we walked into the school.

He kissed my forehead and tucked some hair behind my ear. "Cheer up kiddo. She'll love you. Dontcha worry about a thing. Shakespeare's gotcha covered!" He patted my back.

At my skeptical look he rolled his eyes. "She'll see the same thing I saw. That Mike is back because of you and then she'll fall crazy in love with you and try to adopt you and you'll become her favorite child. Mike will get totally butt hurt cause then it'd be incest and you know what? Do not, whatever you do, do not let that woman adopt you!!" He panted and pretended to look miserable.

"You my friend are so strange." I laughed at his antics.

"Yes, muffin butt, but I got you to laugh and not worry so much. So I'm actually a genius!" He stated with a wink.

We walked into class just as the bell rang. Michael wasn't here. Is it starting already? Jeez that woman works fast!

Mr. Newhart walked in.

"Attention everyone. Mr. Jenkins has some business to take care of so I'm covering your class. He said to have you work from your books. Pages 64-70 will be due tomorrow. Just let me know if you need any help."

About 15 minutes later I was called to the principal's office over the class intercom. Skip leaned closer to me and whispered so no one could hear.

"This is it. Just remember what we talked about. I'll text you in a bit. Leave your ringer on and check the message. The principal will be curious so let him read it. See you in a bit lil sis"

I nodded wordlessly. He kissed my cheek and whispered "relax, remember just act like you normally would."

I left my bag in class but brought my phone. Okay Jemma, just remain calm. 

Remember you're dating Skip not Michael. Be upset by the accusations.

I walked through the office entrance up to the secretary's desk.

"Morning Kim, Mr Erickson wants to see me." I giggled a little and carried on like I normally would.

"I swear I haven't done a silly thing all morning. I was thinking about duct taping someone to the flag pole but as I've yet to act on that particular impulse, I can't possibly be in trouble for that."

Kim laughed "Girlie it's too early for duct taping people! At least wait until after lunch!" She joked back.

"Nah, believe me, after the night I had, duct tape is fairly mellow. Mr. Erickson probably just wants to congratulate me for totally rocking it in competition the other day." I said as she led me into his office.

"Yo Mr. Erickson! You missed me so much you just couldn't wait until I made my way here on my own? You know it's only a matter of time before I ended up in a bit mischief. Truly sir I'm honored. I'm such an important person ya gotta see me first thing bright and early Monday morning!" I said plopping down into my usual spot on his leather couch.

I'd noticed Michael as soon as I walked in, but I'm acting my butt off. I pretended to just notice him.

"Sup sir?" Before he could answer I threw on my megawatt smile and looked back at the principal.

"Awe, I know what this is about. Since Mr. Jenkins is here. Thank you sir, I appreciate it. I know I'm your numero uno estudeante, But you should call Tina in too. We both placed first in our divisions." I said with my fake smile firmly in place.

"Yes congratulations Jemma but, I'm afraid that's not what this meeting is about. Some allegations have been made-"

I cut him off "Sir I promise I didn't do it. She really did just trip over air. Ask Robby Pop. He recorded it and posted it on his facebook. It's already been viewed and commented on like six thousand times."

Mr. Erickson rubbed his temples "Jemma I have no Idea what you're talking about." he said raising his brow.

I laughed awkwardly and said "In that case never mind. Continue sir."

He shook his head and said "The allegations are about you and Mr. Jenkins"

"Well then my answer is the same. I didn't pull any prank on him either."

I turned back to Michael. "Sir what prank do you think I supposedly pulled on you? We could have cleared all this up without dragging our poor overworked principal into this if you had just asked me point blank if I did whatever it is you think I did."

Michael narrowed his eye's slightly but answered "I don't think you pranked me."

I turned back to Mr. Erickson, "See sir! Even Mr. Jenkins knows I didn't prank him. So you cant give me a detention for something I didn't do." I kicked my legs up a little and started to stand.

"Jemma sit back down. This is more serious then detention." He spoke calmly, totally used to my behavior because we've had similar conversations plenty of times in the past 3 years.

I laughed "In that case I admit I did it. So go ahead and suspend me for a few days. I could really use a mini vacation right about now." I said shrugging negligently.

He sat forward and narrowed his eyes at me. "Jems just sit down and stay absolutely quiet until I ask you to speak. This is serious dear and even though I'm sure it's absolutely unfounded I still need to investigate."

I sat back down and saluted him. "Got it captain. No more talking." I sat quietly and waited for him to begin again.

"There was an allegation made that you're in a romantic relationship with Mr. Jenkins here." He stated.

 I made a face of confusion, disgust then anger.

I jumped up and yelled "What the hell Sully!?!?!? Do you have any idea what'll happen if people think that crap! Don't even joke about that. My boyfriend would be devastated and I love him! Not to mention the entire school would think I was a dumb slut trying to raise my grade! You know how hard I work to keep my GPA up! OHHH MY GOD PEOPLE ARE GONNA SAY I'M LIKE CARRIE!!!!"

He smiled a little. "Jems as I said before I believe it's completely unfounded. But we must talk about this. So calm down and we'll proceed and for heavens sake don't call me Sully! You know I hate it. Ughh I regret the day I told you my name was Sullivan." He spoke calmly until the last part. He grumbled the part about his name.

I smiled internally. I kept the pissed of facade on the outside. "Sorry sir, it's just, that kinda shocked me and I reacted. I'll be calm from now on. Lets just get this mess cleared up."

"Good girl, now as I was saying. I was informed that you were seen at a romantic restaurant on a date with Mr. Jenkins last night. When confronted, you admitted a relationship with him and begged for it to be kept a secret. What do you have to say about this my dear?"

I thought for a second then cracked up.

 Romantic dinner? Ha this bitch just made this even easier by lying. Since when is McDonalds romantic?

"Something funny Jemma?" he asked

"Yes sir! Hilarious actually. I'm betting it was Mrs. Green that made the complaint. So I'll explain everything and you'll see what was so funny."

He nodded his head and leaned back to listen.

"A while back I was at the club I work at. I was off that night but they were short handed so I helped out. I met a very chill dude. We joked and danced. We really hit it off. It was an instant connection as corny as that sounds. He walked me to my car and we ended up exchanging numbers. We've been seeing each other ever since. I didn't find out until a bit later that Skip was Mr. Jenkins brother. Anyway fast forward to yesterday. Skip took me to meet his parents, since we were all going to their folk's place we carpooled. We spent most of the day there and on the way back we stopped to eat at McDonalds."

I laughed again at the thought of McDonalds as a romantic spot.

"So yes I was with him last night. But he was a third wheel to Skip and I and the fast food place was definitely not romantic. Plus when have you ever heard me beg for anything? You should know me better then that sir."

I shook my head and laughed again at the crap Mrs. Green made up.

"As I was saying before I lost my train of thought. Skip had gone to get a drink refill when Mrs Green showed up. She made a few ugly comments and I tried explaining that it was not like that. She harassed me and things got a little out of control. Mr. Jenkins and Skip tried to calm her down but things escalated to the point she threatened my life and tried to hit me. Skip shielded me and Mr. Jenkins restrained her. The cops happen to show up at that moment and the three of us were arrested because she filed a false report."

I took a deep breath like I was still stressed and traumatized by the whole ordeal.

"Luckily Skip was on his way back from getting his drink when she walked up and had the forethought to record the entire thing. See he was with me at lunch when she caused a huge scene and tried to hit me the other day. Mr. Jenkins had to have security take her out."

I rubbed my temple like all this drama was giving me a head ache.

"Anyway once we got to the police department Skip got us released and the charges dropped. Look, I don't have anything to hide. Check my story out. Check my phone, Talk to Skip, call Skip's mom. You can watch the video. Hell I'll give you the officer's card and you can ask him about what went down last night."

As I finished my little speech my phone jingled. I pulled it out of my pocket and clicked open the message. 

I felt my cheeks flare and my eyes almost pop out. He cant seriously want me to show the principle that.

Baby that thing you did with your tongue last night was amazing! Ready for our next round sugar bottom? Skip

I composed my face and cleared the screen. "Sorry sir that was Skip."

I handed him my phone and the cop's info card.

"Just click on a name and it'll show you the history."

OMG I'm gonna kill him for that. I risked a quick glance at Michael. He mouthed "Everything will be okay"

I mouthed back "I know" then looked back at Mr. Erickson.

I saw his eyes narrow and he said "Jems there's only one message from your boyfriend on here. That's rather odd isn't it."

I felt my cheeks redden again "If you click on it you'll understand why I erase the messages. They're a little umm private." I said while staring at the floor.

He must have read it because he blushed and put the phone down quickly. "Right, why don't you text him to send the video to you and while we wait for it we can call his mom to verify everything. He should come up here to so I can speak to him privately also. Then we'll be able to put all this behind us."

"I don't have his parents number sir." I looked up from sending Skip the text.

"Mr. Erickson I'll call my mom from my phone" Michael got out his phone and called.

"Hey mom. Yeah. Mhmm. Oh okay... Yeah, Look mom, Yes I'm supposed to be in class. No haha, I'm not ditching. Hold on a second mom... My boss is here and wants to ask you a few questions about Skip..... Haha no he isn't applying for a job. Umm it's a long story. No I'll tell you later. Look I'm putting you on speaker phone. So you can talk to him" he hit the speaker button and put the phone on the desk.

"Hello Mrs. Jenkins I'm Mr. Erickson. I'll make this quick. Did a miss Jemma James go to your house last night?" he asked

"Yeah she did, she's my son's girlfriend and a lovely young lady. Why?" A sweet voice said.

I smiled and she continued.

"Why, what does that matter. She's legally an adult and so is my son. They love each other and seem very happy together."

She waited a second then laughed... "Oh dear did you catch them making out or something? Young people these days." she tsked

"No ma'am I just wanted to verify that they were indeed at your house. There was a complaint about Mr. Jenkins and Jemma being inappropriate. So I've been listening to their side of the story and this is the final piece to close this frivolous investigation and carry on with business as usual." he stated smiling broadly at me.

"Oh that's just silly. Why would she mess with him when she's with his brother. Anyway I'm assuming Michael's still there since you're using his phone. Mike don't forget about tonight honey. Is Jemma still there?"

"I wont forget mom and yeah she's here." He looked at me and rolled his eyes.

"Hey Sweetie, Skip is going to drop you off after school at the salon. We're gonna spend a few hours of girl time together. While the boys clean up and make us dinner. See ya later Jems" She chirped

"Of course Mrs. Jenkins. See you soon"

She laughed a little. "Sweetheart It's Jessica, we're practically family so no more formalities. See ya and can you tell Mike I'll be holding him to that promise he made. Bye" she disconnected.

I looked at Michael and he just laughed lowly and shook his head in clear exasperation.

My phone buzzed and I popped open the video link.

"Here you go sir just push that button to play it."

While he was focused on the video, I looked at Michael and mouthed "Almost done" he nodded his head and checked to see we weren't being watched and mouthed "you did good love"

I smiled triumphantly and mouthed "I know" slyly winking at him.

Mr. Erickson sat silently for a few minutes after watching the video. "I cannot believe the nerve of that blasted woman!" He finally bellowed.

I've never seen him this pissed off. Not even when I filled his car with shaving cream or when I super glued everything down in his office. And I mean everything! Hell he didn't even blow a gasket when I filled the air vents with glitter and when the air kicked on it blew every where and it took like a month to finally get rid of it all!

I laughed quietly thinking about some of the stunts I'd cleverly pulled off in the past. He looked at me like I was insane. I just smiled and answered his unvoiced question.

"I wasn't laughing at you sir or even this situation. I was just thinking that I'd never seen you this mad. Not even when that still unidentified person shaving creamed your car, or glittered the entire school or my personal favorite, glued your entire office down." I chuckled again

"Well Jemma, YOUR pranks were harmless for the most part but, this.... Something very bad could have happened. I want you to get a restraining order and from here on out anytime you even see her document it. I'll have a trespass order issued for the school too just in case."

I nodded. I'd already thought about doing that.

"You cant say my pranks sir because it was never proven it was me" I said with a cheeky smile.

He finally relaxed and laughed "Jems, I'm not stupid. I've been around the block a time or two. I may not be able to prove something, but that doesn't mean I don't know the truth my dear! You're just lucky I have a soft spot for ya! All those years my Sandra babysat you, you forget you used to team up against Molly. I know your tricks and your tells sweetie!" he winked at me.

We laughed and Mr. Erickson turned to Michael. "I'll never forget the time my oldest daughter Sandra was watching Jems and my younger daughter Molly picked at Sandra so bad that she cried. She was such a mean little thing. Anyway Jems was pretty close to my Sandra so she got mad and stormed up to my wife and I. She was about 7 at the time. She said, 'Sully, Maggie don't y'all worry your little old heads about darling Sandy. I got her back! Imma teach Molly some manners!!' So later that night Molly was getting ready to go on a date. She slipped her shoes on and damn near screamed the house down. Apparently little miss irate Jemma took it upon herself to fill Molly's shoes with dog crap!"

We all started laughing and I continued the story.

"She came stomping into the kitchen and Sandy gagged at the smell. I was sitting at the counter eating cookies but had to stop so I wouldn't throw up. Anyway Molly was about 15 at the time and Sandy 17. She started screaming at Sandy and I hopped off the counter and walked up to her and very politely asked her to leave the kitchen because she was ruining my snack. By then Sully and Mags had come down to see what all the screaming was about." I started chuckling again

Mr. Erickson finished "The smell was the first thing to hit us. So it gets really quiet when I demanded to know what in the tarnation was going and Jems says 'Ya know Molly if you treat people like crap all the time it's only a matter of time before you step in it!' I know it was wrong but my wife and I laughed our hind quarters damn near off. Jems was so small and sticking up for my shy sweet Sandra and in such a Jemma way."

He laughed again at the memory again. Then leveled a look at Michael. "You know, she's always been a spirited girl and sometimes a handful but the man that gets her is going to be one damn lucky S.O.B! I hope he realizes what a treasure she is and treats her accordingly. She's like my own granddaughter and I don't care who she ends up with. As long as she's happy and he's a good man and treats her right."

Michael nodded and shot me a sideways glance smiling. It's strange that he's telling Michael that. Maybe it's because he knows Skip is his brother?

There was a knock on the door and Mr. Erickson called "Come in."

Skip strode into the room and waved at Michael and sat on the arm of my chair. "What's up sugar bottom?"

Mr. Erickson answered for me. "Michael, Jems y'all may go. I'll speak to Skip alone. Have a good day and try not to let this bring you down. We'll take care of the Mrs. Green situation."

We walked out of the office and into the empty hall. "That was some act you put on in there. I had to clench my jaw to keep from laughing at my little actress's top notch performance."

I bowed and acted like I was waving to an audience "Thank you, I'd like to take a second to thank everyone that has helped me get here." I said with a fake sniff like the actors always do at award shows.

He bumped my shoulder and I looked up at him. "I love you Jems" he whispered in my ear.

We walked into his empty office that was next door to his classroom and I turned around and locked the door.

"I love you more. Now give me a kiss and tell me what promise your mom was talking about." I demanded playfully.

He complied and kissed the ever loving life out of me. He pulled back and rested his head on mine. "I gotta have lunch with her. She's already in town."

I laughed and patted his cheek. "Oh you know you missed her. So behave. Hey did you realize that the way she worded things a minute ago, she didn't actually lie. She just said my son. She's a smooth one!"

He laughed and kissed me again. " Oh I know she is, Love."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"That bitch!! I cant believe she did that to y'all. She's fuckin lucky I wasn't with y'all" Tina yelled outraged by the whole situation. 

Skip laughed and I shrugged

"Doesn't matter, we handled it and it's over."

We were just finishing lunch and about to head to calculus. Skip walked in between us and had his arm over my shoulder.

"So Mike went to lunch with mom? Oh hell I wish I could be a fly on the walls for that conversation! He probably got the third degree about y'all and damn I bet it was funny. I can just picture my mom."

Skip laughed. Then used a girlie voice to imitate her. "Mikey are you having unprotected sex with her. Because I just cant wait to have me some grand babies!! Tell me everything!! How'd you meet, when did you figure out it was love. How'd you win her heart. When's the wedding and when can I expect to be getting me a few grand kids?!?!?!?"

Me and Tina giggled.

"It cant be that bad" Tina said.

"I bet when we get into his class he's gonna be slumped over his desk looking ragged like he just came from a war! God today is going to be so awesome." he shook his head laughing.

We walked into his class and he was standing there with a huge smile looking at something on his computer. The bell rang and he began his lecture with a very happy go lucky attitude.

I was in the car with Skip heading to the salon. "Did you notice Michael was acting weird" I asked.

He turned into the parking lot and parked. "Yeah but mom has that effect on people. Come on, I'll make the introductions then leave you ladies to it. Don't be nervous Jems. It's really going to be fine!"