Jemma's POV:

I wake up at 5 and throw on my work out clothes, tie my hair up, grab my keys and head out. It takes about 5 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach trail.

 I jump out and do my stretches. Then head down the trail.

Usually I listen to my ipod while I run but I want peace and quiet to think with no interruptions. 

I let my mind wonder to him. He's so perfect, he's sweet and caring, has a great sense of humor, smokin hot body. He's so easy to talk to, he listens like really listens.

When he sees or hears about one of my little stunts he usually just laughs. I like his laugh.

He's protective of me without overstepping and usually lets me handle things on my own but I know he'd step in if I needed him to. That's very different to what I'm used to.

Ughh what is wrong with me?  I keep thinking usually like we've know each other forever when its only been a week. 

I cant help it though. That's just the way it feels.

 When he's near I feel like I'm spiraling out of control yet at the same time I feel so safe. Like absolutely nothing and no one could hurt me.

 Ughh I sound like a freaking fan girl stalker.

It's not normal how much I think about him. 

Obviously nothing can ever happen there. He's my teacher and I've got to stop forgetting that. 

Besides he said it himself, he would never even think about dating a student.

It's just a crush and it'll go away eventually. 

We're just friends, he doesn't see me in any other way. How could he? I'm just a kid to him. 

 I'd rather be just friends with him than nothing at all.

 He'd think I was a total creep if he found out that I'm crushing on him. He'd get all uncomfortable and not wanna hang out anymore and I really like hanging out with him. 

"What about the other night? Y'all did NOT dance like student/teacher. " a voice whispers in the back of my head.

 Like I said, friends dance and well yeah of course I enjoyed it and got a little turned on but that's just because of the crush. 

As for his reaction well that was just from the friction and the hot look in his eyes was just from the lighting.

It had nothing to do with me.

Wow I really don't like that thought. 

Uggh It's just a crush and it will go away. 

Yeah that's right Jemma keep reminding yourself, so you don't do anything stupid!

 Just a crush. No-go zone. Just his student. Maybe friend....

I spend the rest of my run thinking about everything going on. Drake, Carrie and Terri and why she hates me. It used to not be this way. It all started when I walked in on her and my 8th grade science teacher getting it on. After that everything changed between us and kept getting progressively worse.

Until the last fight we had a couple of months ago.

 I'd just reached the limit that I couldn't take anymore of her mouth and when she slapped me I slapped her right back.  Not the best mother/daughter relationship to say the least.

Since then things have been calm but only because she was so focused on her campaign run. I even think about my dad.

 He's not as cold to me as Terri but over the last few years he's pulled away. No doubt Terri is involved somehow.

I think about The Zone and how I missed it so much. It seriously felt like coming home when I walked in last night.

 It was so good seeing everyone and I'm ready to get back to work. I know that Tom made me take time off cause he was worried about me.

 But being away didn't help.

In fact, it made my stress level higher. I'm still debating about moving out when I turn 18.

 I'm so tired of the situation there but I'll miss Jen and Justin. 

I mean I was gonna move out to go to college right? So leaving 6 months early isn't that big a deal and they could come over whenever they want. 

Hell maybe they could move in with me. No, the parental unit would never let that happen because it would cause too much gossip.

I already got early acceptance to a few colleges. But I don't want to leave The Zone so I'm just going to go to the state university about 45 minutes from here. I'm planning on going for a business degree in club management.

Today is August 27th and my birthday is November 1st. So I have right at 3 months to go.

 Maybe I should start looking around at apartments so I'll know what I want when the time comes. 

Money isn't an issue. Tom pays me pretty well and the only thing I use my money on is my phone bill and car insurance.

So I have a pretty nice looking savings account. My car was a gift from Tom and Susan for my sweet 16. Him and Susan treat me more like a daughter they never had then a niece. 

I feel like they're my parents too. I even call them mummy and pops but only when we're alone. At work ya gotta stay professional.

Now on to the school issues. Since freshman year I've been in four extra curricular activities. Debate team, Student council, Dance squad and the Majors which is an after school group of soloist that compete with other schools from the state.

I've decided since I want more time at The Zone and have to either make up all those hours or take credit by exams I'm going to drop Dance squad. 

Don't get me wrong I like it but last year just wasn't as fun and I'm just not feeling it as much anymore.

I'm thinking about dropping out of the debate team but since that doesn't start until next term I still have plenty of time to make my mind up about that.

I'm definitely sticking with the Majors. I love singing, it's my outlet and I love when we go on trips to compete. As for student council, well I've been treasurer since freshman year and I don't plan on changing that. Every year we have to re run for our position but I don't see that being a problem.

Wheww that was a great run. I thought everything through in 2.7 miles.

 I even stopped to watch the sunrise. It was seriously beautiful the way it sparkled off the calm morning ocean.

I wish I'd had my camera. I'm definitely gonna keep using this as my run route. It's so much prettier then my old one. Not to mention the breeze was refreshing and watching the waves has a calming affect on me.

I was laying on the bed reading Jane Eyre when my phone goes off. I reach over and see it's Justin. "Sup baby bro?" I answer.

"Hey sis, Whatcha doing? You know I love ya right?"

He must wants something. "I'm reading and yeah I know you love me. Whatta ya need J" I ask putting my book down and sitting up.

"Welllllll.... I'm still at Steve's and we wanna go to the beach but Steve's mom said we couldn't go by ourselves and I'll love you forever and you'd be my bestest sister if you take us." He rushes out.

"I thought I already was bub. Gimme an hour and I'll swing by to pick y'all up." 

I disconnect the call and walk over to Jen's room 

"Hey, Justin and Steve wanna go to the beach, you down?" I ask already knowing the answer.

"Hell to the yeah, lemme just throw my bikini on!" she chirps bouncing over to her closet.

"Take your time I'm gonna make some sandwiches and pack some snacks and drinks for the boys. You know how often they whine about starving."

A little over an hour later we're all in my car headed to the beach that's about 20 minutes away. We could have gone to the one in town but it's man made and doesn't get any deeper that about 3 feet. I doubt that would satisfy the 2 ten year olds in the back seat currently arguing over who the best super villain is.

We park and the boys unload the ice chest while me and Jen grab the beach chairs and towels.

"Hey boys it's 1 now are y'all hungry?"

Justin just shakes his head and heads into the water

 "Nah we're good Jemma. Mom made us eat before we left" Steve called following Justin to the water.

After laying out to tan with Jen for half an hour, we decide to go bug the boys. We jump up and run over to them jumping on their backs to dunk them. Then swim back a little so they can't retaliate.

"It's war!" the boys yell and take off after us.

 We have our water war for a while then we decide to take a break.

Just as I'm making it to the edge of the water I'm tackled from behind by my brother and Steve who decided they wanted to end the war by tickling me to death!

"Stop,. stop... I'm .....gon...gonna.... beat.... y'all.....punks!!" I pant out between hysterical laughs.

All of a sudden I feel those two let go. I roll over laughing still and see 4 guys and a dog standing there staring at me.

"Uhh only me. Hey guys long time no see." I breathlessly say as I sit up and try to catch my breath. The one with the dog laughs reaching a hand out to help me up.

"Well have fun guys I'm fixing to get a drink then heading back in, Thanks to those pip squeaks I have sand in some not good places." I huff then lean down and start to pet the dog.

"Aren't you a cutie!" I cooed to the giant dog.

"Hey Notta you think we could hang here for a while? Michael has been running us ragged, I mean we're supposed to be relaxing and being lazy. But noooo he wants to take us places." 

Mr. Jenkins rolls his eyes as Skip whines and gives a damn good pouty face.

"Yeah sure, just no funny business or I'll have to use my awesome ninja skills to kick your ass!" I playfully warn as I mock punch an imaginary foe. Making the boys laugh.

I glance down and holy hell just realized....

 Mr. Jenkins is wearing a grey muscle shirt and low slung swim trunks.

Oh sweet tea and lemon that man is sexy in everything he wears.

 He should really take his shirt off though. Ya know so he gets an even tan.

I hear a throat clear and a few snickers. 

"You may wanna close your mouth Jemma you're starting to drool." Mr. Jenkins whispers in my ear.

Without thinking I reach up and wipe my mouth. That just makes him laugh harder.

"Pshh I was so not drooling. There's nothing drool worthy round here grandpa!" I taunt but fall silent as him and the rest of his friends shed their shirts.

"Hot damn you have some hottie friends! Are any of them young enough to date me?" Jen whispered and fanned herself as they walked to the water. 

"Absolutely not, miss jailbait." I shot even though my focus was completely riveted to that sexy beast of a man.

We all played in the water having a splashing and dunking war and even played tag. Jen decides it'd be fun to play chicken. So she's up on Skip's shoulders and I'm on Mr. Jenkins and we're wrestling.

I'm not gonna lie, I don't mind being on his strong shoulders one bit. He was just so sturdy and hot.

 We hear an annoying noise and look towards shore.

"Are you fuckin kidding me?!" I snapped and flop off Mr. Jenkins shoulders into the chest high water.

Jen shoots me a worried look. "Jemma I'll handle this. You stay here and-"

"Yeah right she already hates me. Don't get involved. Ughh she can stop with the flippin siren already!" I stomp out and walk over.

She turns her sirens off and before I can say a word starts yelling " Dammit Jemma I have been looking everywhere for you. What's the point in paying for a phone for you if you never answer?!?"

She looks behind me at the others making their way back to shore. "I see you're corrupting your brother and sister with your whorish ways. Thanks for that dear." She sneered.

I snorted and rolled my eyes "Don't go there Terri. We both know it's not me that's the whore in this family. Besides you don't get to bitch about my phone. I pay that bill so I'll chose when to answer it and when to decline your call."

She stepped closer grabbing my arm in a death grip "You better watch your mouth or-"

I pried her hand off my arm and leaned towards her and leveled a glare to match hers. "Or what Terr?i We both know you're not gonna do anything. There's too many witnesses and we'd hate for everyone to find out what kind of person you really are. Especially since that could really ruin your chances to win mayor next month."

I turned around and started to walk off just as the group got there.

 "Jen, you and Justin need to get in the car. We have an campaign dinner in 2 hours that y'all need to be at. Jemma can clean up this mess. She isn't needed tonight." She snapped as she watched her kids scurry to comply. 

Well two of them at least.

I smiled at my brother and sister despite being pissed at our mother. "Yeah guys I got this, and I'll take Steve home. Bye Terri. Please try and make sure the waiter remembers Jen has a severe allergy to nuts this time." I said knowing full well that she didn't give a damn if Jen had to bust out with her inhaler because she accidentally ate a peanut and her throat started to close.

"Ya know maybe if you didn't dress trampy all the time and spend all your time with nothing but guys, Drake would forgive you and come back." was her parting shot as she went to get in her patrol car and rolled the windows down.

I responded with " What the fuck makes you think I want him back. Especially since I dumped him not the other way around. So get your facts straight lady. Besides I'm a lesbian. Ya know, as in me and Tina are always donut bumping, carpet munching and taco crunching!!" I flipped her off and turned around and started picking everything up.

I hadn't realized I was crying until I felt a hand slowly wipe the tears under my eyes away. I looked up at Mr Jenkins then around and noticed we were alone.

"Where'd everyone go?"

"They took Steve home for you. Don't worry they'll take care of him." He assured me as he wiped the last of my tears away.

I nodded "Thanks, Ugh I think I'm really starting to hate that woman!" I huffed.

"Come here sweetheart." he pulls me into a hug and kisses the top of my head. It felt so natural being in his embrace this way and so comforting. 

"Shh its okay, everything will be alright. Come on kiddo, wanna get some ice cream?" he asks leading me to my car.

I chuckled "Wow you totally just sounded like a pedophile!" I teased to lighten the tense atmosphere.

He made a strange face. "Well I am hanging out with a kid soooo" He shook his head and grimaced.

"Oh shut up dork. According to Texas law I'm an adult, besides you're only like 4 years older then me, and its not like we're doing anything. We're just friends Mr. Jenkins. You're not some freak in a pedo van offering me candy so you can do unspeakable things to a child. It was just a joke, ya know, supposed to be funny?"

He nodded and looked thoughtful for a second. "Okay Ms James where would you like to go get Ice cream? Obviously I'm definitely not going to offer you any candy." He cracked a smile to show he wasn't mad about the pedo jab.

I look at the clock and notice it's almost 7. "You don't have to stay with me. I'll be fine. I can drop you at your place. Didn't you say the guys were leaving in the morning? They probably wanna spend tonight doing guy things."

"Yeah they gotta leave tomorrow morning but I know for a fact they'll be okay without me for a little bit and what exactly are guy things?"

I rolled my eyes at him "Ya know eat pizza, watch the big game, drink beer, belch the alphabet and check out hotties!" I say in a duh tone which caused him to laugh

"Close but no, we're planning to eat pizza, watch a movie and maybe play cards."

"Wow way to live it up!" I teased.

His phone buzzed and he clicked open the message "That was from Skip. He said they dropped Steve off with no problems and already ordered the pizzas. They're picking up a movie now and want me to ask if you wanna join movie night."

He looked up from relaying the text message. "Of course you don't have to. I mean you probably have plans with Tina or Robert or something. So don't even worry about it I'll tell him you're busy" he said scratching the back of his neck.

Which was kind of adorable. In a totally friend-ish way of course.

"Sure I'll go, I mean if you don't have a problem with it. I don't want to impose or anything." I said trying to act like it wasn't a big deal when I really want to spend more time with him.

He's almost perfect, except for being in the no-go zone....

"Ms. James I wouldn't ask if I didn't want you there. Besides friends hang out and have movie and pizza nights right? I just don't want you to feel like you have to spend time with me cause I'm your teacher and I'll give you a dentition or something." he says shaking his head.

"Ha sorry Mr Jenkins but most of the time I forget you are my teacher and besides that buddy boy, you can't give me detentions when we're not in school" I said rolling my eyes.

"Well if you forget I'm your teacher most times, why do you only call me by my first name when your sister and brother are around? hmm?"

"Well... I guess I'm just used to calling you that and I cant exactly call you Mr. Jenkins in front of Jen. She goes to our school as a freshman and she doesn't have you but if she heard your name something might click and I don't want you to get in trouble for being friends with me. Besides you call me Ms. James most of the time too sir. Even in class where you call everyone else by their first name."

I've been wondering about that and now seemed like the perfect opportunity to find out why.

"I hadn't realized I did that. I'll work on that Jemma if you work on calling me Michael. At least when we're out of school. Deal? " By now we had pulled up at my house.

"Deal Michael, umm my family is still here so I don't think it's smart to stay for long. Would you mind if I just grab some stuff and shower at your place? Or you could just wait out here. I'll be as fast as I can. I just really want to get rid of the sand."

"Don't worry about it, go grab your stuff, you can shower at mine."

I grabbed a bag and stuff my undies in along with a pair of jeans and tank top. Lastly I toss my toiletries and neon green with hot pink polka dots socks in. Then literally run out of the house so I can avoid another mother-daughter bonding moment with mommy dearest.

We get to Michael's apartment and I'm a little surprised. It's not a typical bachelor pad. It's normal and really welcoming feeling. I see Paul and Vin as we pass the kitchen and wave at them. Michael takes my hand and leads me to the end of the hall opening the door.

"This is my room, the bathroom is the door on the left. It'll be much cleaner then the other one after all the guys used it. So I'll take that one. Towels are in the top cabinet. I'm just going to get some clothes then get out of your way. Take your time and make yourself at home."

I nod and head over to the door giving him a small wave as he walks into the closet.

I walk into the bathroom and turn the shower on and wait for it to heat up.

 Wow he must be a neat freak or something. The bathroom is spotless. Like white glove clean and from what I've seen of the rest of the house which isn't much but still it was all very tidy.

 I bet he has OCD or something. Oh duh, he was a military man for six years. He's probably used to everything being neat and orderly. 

I wonder if he would notice if I rearranged some stuff in here? I bet he will. Hehe I'm going to do it.

By the time I finish moving things around on the counter in random places and a few other things the mirror was completely steamed. I decided to write a little note before I hop in the actual shower. 

Hmm.... What to write?....????

Ha I got it!

Jemma rox my sox!!

She could totally kick my ass at thumb wrestling!

Long live Queen Jemma

xoxox

I take a quick shower then throw my clothes on and leave my hair to dry on its own. I make my way into the living room to see the guys laughing and Michael throw a couch pillow at them.

"Aww Mike's blushing, that's so cute!" Skip teases giggling like a girl. They continue laughing until they notice me.

"Damn Notta we were fixing to send a search and rescue team for you. Mike was afraid you might have drowned" Skip teased.

"Oh haha I'm a girl, dip shit we have girly things to do that take a little time, and you can stop calling me Notta" I teased walking deeper into the living room.

"Sorry babe to me you'll always be Notta, the one that got away!" He said batting his lashes and wiping an imaginary tear from his eye. 

I giggled, that boy is such a dork.

Michael pats the space beside him for me to sit down.

"Alright Pizza time!" Paul and Vin scream running to the kitchen and bringing everything back. The lights were turned down as the movie started.

"Hey Michael what movie are we watching?" I ask as the previews start.

He leans over and whispers "The new Saw movie is that okay?''

"Sweet! I've been wanting to see that but no one wanted to go with me and there was no way in hell I'd watch it by myself" I say doing a little fist pump.

 We sat back getting comfy as the movie began.

Half way through I was leaning into Michael's chest blocking my view so I wouldn't throw up. He had his arm around me and my legs were thrown over his lap. 

I felt his chest shake and looked up to see him silently laughing.

"Oh shut up jerk face that was gross. It was totally normal to jump a little and I only turned away so I wouldn't puke on your couch" I huffed

"Sure, sure. Or is it that you just wanted to hold onto my hot body" he winked "You don't have to make up excuses to be in my arms Jemma" he teased tightening his arms around me just a fraction.

I elbowed him and moved as far away as I can on the couch.

Is he flirtiing?.... 

No he's just joking like he would with any friend.

 Bummer.. Stupid jerk face teasing me like that.

"I was just teasing Jemma, I'm sorry!! Please forgive me!!" He says in an over dramatic voice while giving me the cutest puppy dog eyes ever. He even popped out his bottom lip a little.

I couldn't help but laugh. 

He took that as a sign that he was forgiven and pulled me back over into the same position as before only with my head in the crook of his neck and his head resting on top of mine. 

It was nice, really nice....

In a totally platonic way of course.

During the next scary part he rubbed my back and whispered "Shh shh Jems I gotcha. I'm not gonna let the psycho killer jump out of the tv and kill you."

Before I could sass him back for his silly teasing he kissed the top of my head and I thought so what if he wants to joke around. 

It's not like I don't secretly like it.

After the movie was over we spent the next few hours playing card games and talking. I got to hear some hilarious stories from the guys about Michael when they were growing up.

 Paul and Vin talked about their girlfriends and family. Skip talked about his army contract being up in a year and that he still hasn't decided if he was staying in or gonna go the civilian route.

They asked about me, my life, friends and The Zone. By midnight I figured I should leave so they could rest since they have to drive 4 hours to get back to the base. 

We all swapped numbers and they made me promise to go visit them soon and that they'd be sure to see me the next time they came down to visit Michael.