Jemma's POV:

I woke up feeling refreshed. That may be because I slept a little over 4 hours. That constitutes a great night sleep in my book. Wow I needed that.

I got up and took a nice long hot shower.

I took my time getting ready today. Not for any specific reason or anything. It's just that I'm making up for my rush job yesterday.

 Yep that's totally it. Had absolutely nothing at all to do with a certain sexy hunk of man.

I look good if I do say so myself. 

I'm not conceited or anything. I work hard to stay in shape. I run 5 times a week and stay active through the day. I'm 5'6 with medium brown hair that has natural copper and blond highlights. I'm not chunky or extremely skinny. I'm curvy and embrace it.

The day goes by normally, cutting up with friends and doing class work. 

Only today I keep hearing about how hot the new calculus teacher is non stop.

 How I didn't hear all this yesterday I have no idea. None of the girls will shut up about it.

 It's a little irritating. 

I mean ughh get over it already. He's not a chunk of meat people!!

I'm sitting in lunch talking to May when Drake my ex comes up to our table. I resist the urge to cringe when he shot an arrogant wink my way.

 I broke up with him 4 months ago when I caught him cheating on me...

 With none other then the cheer slut Carrie. Shocker and totally non-cliché right?

I literally walked in on them getting it on.

His excuse was "Baby I'm a man and men have needs."

Before I realize what's happening he has me pinned between him and the table telling me "we need to talk."

"No we really don't Drake. There is not a god damn thing for us to talk about!" I hissed at him.

 I look away from him and glance around as the whole cafeteria has gone crazy silent. 

Great....

"Yeah Jemma there's a lot we need to talk about. You just up and broke up with me. You threw 2 and a half years of our relationship down the drain without the courtesy of even discussing it with me. I tried all summer to talk to you but you ignored me. Well you're damn well gonna talk to me now!" He roared, not bothering with the captivated audience

By the time he finished he was yelling and the grip on my upper arms was becoming a little , painful. 

My friends stand up to intervene but I shake my head no. 

I take care of my own problems. Always have and always will.

He wants to make a scene, I'll make a damn scene!

"Okay Drake, you wanna talk. You want an explanation? Fine I dumped your sorry ass because I walked in on you fucking Carrie. All I got was 'baby I'm a man with needs.' Well I'll tell you today the same thing I told you that day. You and your needs can go fuck yourselves cause you damn sure aren't gonna be fucking me! You threw our relationship away not me. Now let go of me you sorry sack of shit! You're leaving me bruises!" I yelled my entire little speech so everyone could hear what a dick wad he is.

After he let go I leaned forward and lowered my voice so only he can hear me "By the way Drake, baby the reason I never had sex with you was because I was being fucked good and hard by a couple of your football buddies the entire time we were together. Have a nice life noodle dick." I purred smirking at the way his hands balled up and his face contorted with his anger.

I leaned back with a smirk and started to walk away.

"Yeah I bet Jemma. You probably let the whole team gang bang your ass. You're nothing but a cheap whore!!" Drake roared slamming his fist on a nearby table and glaring daggers at me.

I was almost to the doors by this time.

I turned back, smiled and taunted "I may be a whore but  at least I'm not your whore. So fuck you in the ass without lube with something extremely abrasive like sand paper or pine cones! Peace out ass wad!"

I turned to our audience which consisted of about 400 students and a handful of staff. "He's up for grabs... However, I'm not too sure he doesn't have something that bleach won't wash off. He did have to go to the doctor for a bothersome rash in a sensitive area if ya know what I mean. Something about it burning when he pees and a funky smell coming from his junk." I called out in a stage whisper like it was a secret.

I turned back around still holding my smile until I was alone in the hall. I let my head hang and teared up. I walked as fast as I could to the exit and around the back of the building. I slid down the wall and let the tears roll down my cheeks.

I can't believe I did that. I can't believe I told him that.

 I was just so mad at him. He honestly blames this on me? I put up with so much of his shit. 

The ironic thing is, I was actually planning on giving my virginity to him. I mean I wasn't using it and I figured  I'd made him wait long enough. 

Granted... He was having sex, just not with me. A part of me knew this but it was like 'out of sight, out of mind'  

 After months, hell a year of putting it off I finally gave in to his demands. 

I had the whole night planned so it'd be special for us. Maybe bond us in some way. 

Stupid, I know

I went to get him for his surprise and that's when I found them.

 Yep so here I am almost 18 and still a virgin.

Not that, that's a bad thing. It just wasn't planned. 

I'm not waiting for marriage or anything like that. I just hadnt gotten around to poppin that cherry, so to speak.

If I'm being totally honest... I stopped caring for Drake a long time ago and I'm absolutely positive he did as well. 

 We were just together because that's what everyone wanted and expected of us. Even my mother had a boner for him and would complain , and by complain I mean go psycho, if he didn't come over everyday. 

I hear a slight noise and I raise my head.

Great just what I needed, now I'm gonna get busted for skipping.

"H... hi Mr. Jenkins" I say barely above a whisper hoping he wont notice I've been crying out of pure frustration and humiliation. It smarts to know that everyone knew he was banging anything that breathed. Animals and  some plants possibly....

 "Um I promise I'm not uhh skippinng I urrmm just needed some fresh air. My uhh allergies were acting up."

That didn't even sound convincing to my ears. I felt a light touch on my shoulder that sent waves of warmth through me.

 I looked up and Mr Jenkins was looking at me with kind eyes. 

Ughh I don't want pity. Please don't say you feel sorry for me, cause it might just make me cry harder. My mind silently pleaded. 

"Yeah sometimes my allergies bother me and I find getting away from the irritant helps the watery eyes situation. I was just um sneaking back here for a quick smoke break. I know it's against school policy so if you keep my secret about being here I'll keep yours." He said giving me a heart stopping crooked little smile.

I laughed a watery little laugh and asked "Hmm you don't happen to want to keep another of my secrets do you? Cause I'm not even gonna lie a cigarette would totally rock my socks right now!"

I heard that little chuckle of his and watched as he raised an eyebrow at me "hmm I don't know, are you 18 cause I'd hate to contribute to a minor." He teased, his grin getting bigger as he noticed me roll my eyes.

hehe teach has a sense of humor "Well if I tell you I'm 18 would you believe me? Besides it's only contributing if you give it to me and I have my own thanks." I said with a careless shrug as I dug through my purse for my cigs and lighter.

"Ughh Ms. James I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that and I'm not gonna see it either cause it's not allowed for students to have that on campus. Which means a model student such as yourself wouldn't have any contraband here. However, while I'm smoking mine if I look away and you happen to take a quick drag here and there while I'm too preoccupied to notice. Then it's like it didn't even happen huh?" He replied winking at me while putting a cigarette to his lips.

He took a few long pulls then turned his head as far as it would go, looking at the football field so I could take a couple drags. Just as he flicked it out the bell sounded signaling the end of lunch.

"We should go Ms. James. I'd hate for you to be late to class. I heard the new teacher is a real hard ass about that kinda stuff and loves to give out detentions."

I laughed "Yeah he is kinda a jerk face. He gave me three yesterday for a teeny tiny misunderstanding. Maybe I'll get lucky and he'll reconsider his hasty decision." I wiggled my eyebrows and crossed my eyes.

He laughed a full blown laugh this time "Yeah you're not getting out of those Ms. James. I heard he went pretty easy on you considering everything" He said while handing me a piece of gum.

I quirked an eyebrow at him. Is he trying to imply that I have bad breath? That's a jerk move...

"I wouldn't want anyone thinking you smelled like smoke." He answered my unvoiced question.

We walked down the hall and I stopped "I'll be right there. I'm just going to run to the restroom" I told him.

"Don't run Ms. James, that's how accidents happen. You should walk it's much safer" he teased with a mock serious attitude.

"Oh har har Mr. Jenkins. Seriously you should consider doing stand up!" I drawled laying the sarcasm on thick.

He just shook his head smiling and strode inside his class.

I walked into class a few minutes later and everyone looked at me. Mr. Jenkins paused his lesson and looked at me with a neutral expression. So different from the persona he had during our little chat. It made me a little sad but as soon as that thought crossed my mind I shoved it away. Don't be ridiculous Jems!

"Nice of you to make it Ms. James, Take your seat."

I nodded and walked over to my posse. Tina nudged me "Hey baby doll where'd you go? We looked for you. Are you alright?" She whispered.

I looked over at her and wave her worry away. "Yeah I'm fine baby-cakes. Just took a walk to clear my head. I can't believe Drake thought I'd take him back." I sighed. 

Well maybe I could believe he'd delude himself into thinking I'd welcome him back with open arms after I had a chance for my girlie emotions to calm down. 

He's pretty but not a whole lot goes on in that head of his.

Robert leaned over and whispered in my ear "Sweet cheeks you want me to kick his ass? Maybe arrange to have him super glued to his toilet at home? Switch all his porn to hardcore man on man action?" He asked seriously with a look that meant he was totally picturing doing any or all those things to my ex.

 He never did like Drake he only tolerated him because of me.

My giggle was interrupted by Mr. Jenkins "Robert I know Ms. James is lovely but do you think you could refrain from flirting with her during my lesson" He asked in a bored tone.

"Sorry sir I'll try. She's just so hard to resist, you know how young love is!" Robby pop cooed dramatically with one hand over his heart and the other out stretched towards me.

I rolled my eyes at that. He's such a dork but I love him even more for it!

"Yes well if you continue to have problems containing your love, I'll have to move you." Mr. Jenkins said with a small shake of his head like he thought Robby was a simpleton.

"Right sir, wont happen again... well at least not today." Robby said smiling broadly. Mr. Jenkins just rolled his eyes and continued his lesson.

The bell rang dismissing us and as I was walking out Mr. Jenkins called "Don't forget Ms. James. My class after school".

I nodded and continued out.

I was changing out for gym when Tammy gasped and yanked me around to face her "Girl I can't believe what happened at lunch. That was some serious craziness. Everyone was wondering why y'all broke up. Y'all were like the school's golden couple. I can't believe-"

I cut her off "Hey Tams seriously it's no big deal. It's old news and I'm over it. Now let's go. Tina is already out there and bound to be getting herself in trouble with Psycho Mrs. Monday."

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

I walk in to detention not even bothering to knock. What's the point? He's expecting me. I look up and feel my eyes bulge. Mrs. Keef was leaning over the front of his desk towards him

"Are you sure you don't want to get a drink after work? We can go back to my place. My husband won't be home tonight." She said in what I think was supposed to be a seductive tone but in my opinion fell short of that mark.

They hadn't noticed me yet so I stayed quiet. For some reason I was really curious about his answer. She just stated that her husband wouldn't be there so duh he knows she's married. Is he the kind of guy that will take an easy offer regardless of spouses or significant others. I hope not, I don't know him very well but he strikes me as way more honorable then that and I really want to believe my intuition about his character.

"Look Diana I already told you more than once that I wasn't interested. Not now and not in the future. I have a strict rule about dating a co worker and an even stricter rule about married women. So just give it a rest already." He said in a tone that reeked of annoyance.

I released the breath I hadn't realized I was holding

"I'm sure I could change your mind." she persisted leaning forward more.

Before I could check myself I laughed and said "Wow desperate much?"

I guess I said it a little too loudly since she stiffened and slowly straightened up turning toward me with a tight fake smile.

"Ahh Jemma what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be home already?"

"Yep but I have detention to serve with Mr Jenkins. I wasn't interrupting anything was I?" I asked quirking an eyebrow and crossing my arms in disgust at the way she was behaving. She narrowed her eyes at me and mimicked my stance.

"No dear just a friendly chat. I see old habits die hard. We're only on the second day and already you have detention. Goodness it boggles the mind how you haven't been expelled yet. No doubt your current bout of trouble is because that little drama you played out with Drake earlier. Not that I blame you for that of course. It must hurt terribly to find out what he did."

Now it was my turn to smile tightly.

She wants to mouth off. Pshh she doesn't realize I'm queen of shit talkin. I nod my head slowly while walking up to her.

"Absolutely Mrs. Keef but then we all know you have plenty of experience with infidelity. Oh I think you missed a few of your buttons on your top. Either that or you've gained weight and they popped. Don't worry, I heard it's natural to pack on the pounds during menopause. I heard my grandma say the estrogen supplements really help" I cooed sweetly giving her arm a sympathetic pat.

"Jemma I am no where near that age and I suggest you show some respect or I'll write you up for your smart mouth!" She all but growled.

I mentally laugh and roll my eyes "Sorry Diana, I was just trying to be helpful and I absolutely meant no disrespect. I honestly thought menopause starts to really kicks in around your early 40s. My mistake. " I shrugged my shoulders.

"Jemma you know very well I'm only 30. Sit down and let the adults finish speaking!" She snapped while she smoothed her hair with her blood red manicured nails.

I looked over at Mr J who had been pretty quiet so far. He was biting his lip with his cheeks a little red. He looked ready to bust out laughing and the memory of his full on laugh made me what to hear it again. It really was an attractive sound. So I pushed on annoying Diana. Besides she really does deserve it.

"Are you sure you're only 30? Maybe you should start using moisturizer. I've heard it really helps with wrinkles. You'd be so pretty without all those and maybe a little hair dye to hide the premature greying." I advised making a show of critically looking her over.

If looks could kill I'd be really be dead right now.

"That's it I'm writing you up. Expect a call down to Mr. Erickson tomorrow!" She practically screeched.

I shrugged and plopped into a chair " Sure thing Mrs. Keef, whatever melts your butter. By the way, I'm headed over to the sheriff's office later. I'll tell Donald you said to hurry home cause you miss him." I taunted.

She threw a furious look at me and stormed out. Pshh I hope she writes me up. It would be kinda funny getting my self out of it. Plus I'm pretty sure Mr. Erickson would get a kick out of it.

As the door slammed shut I heard Mr. Jenkins bust out laughing. I grinned at the sound and looked away from the door over to him. 

"Sorry I didn't interrupt. That was just too damn funny! Thanks by the way. I was worried she was about to jump across the desk at me" He said shuddering slightly.

I laughed but nodded in agreement, trifling tramp did look like she wanted to jump across the desk. Poor Donald, being married to such a crappy woman when he's such a nice guy.

"Sure thing teach. I'd hate for a member of our armed forces to make it through the war only to come here and be torn apart by that screeching banshee!" I joked.

"She does have an amazingly annoying voice. So how do you know her husband and why are you going to the sheriff's department Missy? In trouble with the law at such a young age tsk tsk Ms. James" He said getting up from his desk and walking toward me. He parked it in the seat in front on mine.

"Ha no, both my parent work there and I've grown up with all the guys. They're my extended family. I'm closer to some of them than I am my own parents. Donald, Mrs. Keef's husband is like an uncle to me. He saw me running a couple mornings ago down the back roads on the loop while he was patrolling and literally almost had a stroke, that I was out at that time of the early morning by myself. So after arguing with me about going home we compromised. He followed me while I finished my run than made me promise not to go out again until I go see him so he can give me some cop issued pepper spray." I rolled my eyes.

"He's absolutely right Ms. James you have no idea how dangerous that could be. You should also consider running with a partner and maybe a less secluded place as well. It's not safe for anyone, especially a young lady to be out in the boondocks in the dark by herself. There are people out there that wouldn't think twice about harming another person. " He replied with his brows furrowed.

"Yeah well I use to run with Drake every morning but that's not gonna happen and all my friends are total lazy asses and there's no way they'll go with me at 4 or 5 in the morning. So that's out. Plus I kinda like running on my own. Gives me time to think, ya know, time just for me to be me. No need to bullshit or put on a front for anyone else's benefit."

"Yeah I get that, that's actually part of why I enjoy working out alone. Just remember to be safe. You can go detention was technically over 5 minutes ago."

I stood up "Bye Sir see ya tomorrow"

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

Over the next couple of days I settled into a routine at school. Apparently Mrs. Keef decided not to write me up. Luckily I hadn't had anymore drama and the time passed by smoothly. The highlights of my day believe it or not were my detentions.

It felt more like we were just a couple of friends hanging out. We talked and joked, he taught me how to play gin and I taught him how to play cootie catcher. I was so comfortable around him and oddly enough he seemed pretty comfortable around me too. 

I have to admit it was nice even though it was technically supposed to be a punishment.

Most of the time I feel like I have to put on a front. The only ones I can truly be myself with are Jen, Justin, Tina, Robert and now Mr Jenkins. I know it's weird to consider him a friend but I do, and I think he does too.

He's told me a lot about himself. He moved here a few months ago, right after he was honorably discharged from the army. He has an older brother and sister whom he's really close to. He did his education while deployed in between interrogations. He spent a total of 37 months overseas and his dog's name is scruffy and he actually came back with him from overseas.