Mother's Teacher's Pet

Sovereign Syre straightens the last stack of papers on her desk as the final bell fades from the hallway. Gianna Gem slouches against the doorway, backpack slung low. She twists the strap in her hands. "You done yet, Mom?" Her voice drags with impatience. "Almost, honey," Sovereign answers, stacking books without hurry. Gianna exhales hard and mutters that she will walk if Sovereign drags it out. The sulk in her tone hangs between them like smoke. Sovereign looks up, catches the sour edge at once. "What happened?" Gianna hesitates, then drops the bag onto the nearest desk with a loud smack. "Do you really have to keep bragging about me in front of everybody?" she snaps. "All they do is laugh because my step-mom happens to be our homeroom teacher." "Your essays earned top marks," Sovereign says, calm but firm. "I’d show them no matter whose they were." "That’s not the worst part," Gianna mutters. "Ever since we started sex ed, you keep using my name in every example. I’m the joke of the whole week." Sovereign cocks her head. "I only mention you so often because it’s easier on the others. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable." "But it’s fine to embarrass me?" Gianna shoots back. Her eyes shine. She crosses her arms and adds, lower, "They think you want me." A short laugh bursts from Sovereign, but it dies when Gianna’s mouth tightens. "Is that what’s really eating you?" Sovereign asks softly. Gianna’s cheeks burn, the answer slipping out before she can swallow it. "Maybe I started wanting you back." She hates how small her voice sounds. Sovereign steps closer. The air thickens with the faint scent of chalk and Gianna’s vanilla body spray. She rests gentle fingers on Gianna’s shoulder. "You’re eighteen. Grown. There’s nothing wrong with the way you feel." Her thumb traces a slow line along Gianna’s collar. "I can help you through it." Before Gianna can gather another protest, Sovereign leans in and brushes warm lips along her neck. The soft contact short-circuits whatever fight is left. Gianna’s breath hitches, knees loose. Sovereign’s hand slides down her daughter’s arm, claiming. The classroom door clicks shut behind them with a small, deliberate sound. Whatever happens next is certain to earn extra credit.