Ashley Rose tried to be a good person. In her daily life, she was mindful of other people, compassionate and kind to a fault. Ashley was an elementary teacher, faithful church member, and devoted friend and daughter. She was also a lesbian so far in the closet she could practically lay hands on the leisure suits and platform shoes. At 28 years old, she was proudly single, though she had plenty of interest from men around their small southern town. Ashley was 5'7", with a "curvy in all the right places" build. Her chocolate brown locks were permed into spiral curls that fell halfway down her back and complemented her dark features, making her look exotic and sexy. Despite her appearance, Ashley was shy and insecure. Add to that the fact that she could never come out...it would tear her entire world apart. Nothing to worry about, though. The meticulously stacked stone wall she had built around her could withstand any amount of pressure, right?
Wrong.
Enter Regina.
Regina Vaughn had been Ashley's high school history teacher. She had actually been Ashley's favorite teacher, and not just because she was beautiful. Regina was caring and patient. She obviously loved her job and her students loved her. She always had a smile on her face and was quick with a funny comment or pun. Ashley didn't particularly care about history but pushed herself to study and do well so she wouldn't disappoint Mrs. Vaughn. After high school, Ashley added Mrs. Vaughn as a friend on social media, and occasionally sent her links to world news articles or memes that reminded her of funny things that happened in class. Regina always replied with a laugh or an insightful comment. Eventually, though, Ashley got busy with life, as did Regina, and their conversations slowed to a stop.
Ashley had all but forgotten about Mrs. Vaughn until one perfect spring day. Ashley had gone out shopping, and after her third stop, her stomach was starting to protest. She stopped in her regular coffee shop, ordered a flat white and a blueberry muffin, and sat at a table. She was chewing her muffin and scrolling on her phone when she heard a familiar voice.
"I'll have a large vanilla latte with almond milk and a croissant, please."
"That'll be $9.24. Can I get a name for your order?"
"Regina."
Ashley turned around and sure enough, Mrs. Vaughn was standing at the counter, her slim frame and pretty face painting a perfect profile. Just as Ashley was debating whether or not to draw attention to herself, Regina turned her head slightly and spotted her.
"Ashley? Oh my goodness! How are you?" Regina walked to Ashley, beaming. She stood and Regina pulled her into a tight hug. Ashley was beaming as well, feeling once again like a giddy schoolgirl.
"Hey, Mrs. Vaughn! I'm doing great, how are you? Why don't you join me?" All of a sudden, Ashley felt short of breath, and silently cursed herself for stirring up those old feelings.
Regina happily accepted Ashley's invitation and they sat for over an hour, sipping coffee, laughing, and chatting equally about the old days and the present. Ashley gazed at Regina, admiring how she'd aged so little over the last ten years. Her shoulder-length blonde hair now had just a few streaks of gray and her beautiful face now sported a few more fine lines, but she was just as gorgeous as ever. In conversation, Regina had revealed in passing that she was in her mid 50s, and Ashley balked, which made Regina's eyes sparkle. Her eyes were mostly blue, with thin rings of green and a fleck or two of brown. They looked like the ocean and just as Ashley was thinking that she would happily drown in them, she became aware of Regina looking at her.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Vaughn, what did you say?"
"I said I'm going to have to leave, unfortunately. I've got to get home and take the dog out. This has been so much fun, Ashley! Thank you for letting me join you."
"Of course! It was great to see you."
As Regina gathered her things, Ashley had a brief moment of panic, not wanting their "date" to end. At the very least, she wanted to do it again...and again.