November
Part of Emma hoped that with the leaves falling from the trees and cooler temperatures running rampant outside the school building, perhaps the same could be said inside. Their principal continued to run hot and cold, treating most of the faculty like their degrees came from a Cracker Jack box rather than a university. Her relationship with Emma and Regina improved marginally under the watchful eye of the superintendent. But, this morning, all progress they had made evaporated.
It started when Miss Blanchard-Nolan made scoffing noises as the two women walked into the building and checked their faculty mail slots together. Granted, Emma supposed, it appeared that they had ridden the same car; however, they had both driven into the parking lot, one right after the other. The previous night each woman slept alone. The blonde wondered why they bothered sometimes but then admitted that the traditional U-haul methodology ended badly more often than not. More than anything, she wanted a future with Regina, even if they weren't ready yet.
She sighed, pushing her frustration out of her mind. "Please open to the third page of your packet. Read the excerpt; Marco Polo's famous travels may or may not have been fabricated. Whether or not he lied, we celebrate them for what they taught the world about the Silk Road of China. Once you have read the assigned pages, please read over Waugh's discussion of the Silk Road. I need each of you to create ten discussion questions for a Socratic seminar. Remember Bloom's Taxonomy levels and how we discussed why we use them. Everything must be at the analysis level or above, or the discussion will fall flat."
Josue threw the door open and bounced on his toes, clenching and releasing his fists repeatedly.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class?" she asked, watching his panic-induced dance. His ADHD and anxiety manifested in physical ticks and mental ones; every single one was on display for the room to see. She smiled at him, hoping to calm his storm.
"Swan, she's got Raven in the office for using the ladies. She needs you like right now." The boy bounced on the tip of his toes and stayed there, frozen. He looked terrified.
Knowing her boss's short-comings, Emma had planned for this day. She hoped it never would, but she suspected from the moment Raven reappeared that sooner or later this would happen. She took a deep breath and released it slowly, then began to carry out her plan.
"Can you ask Mr. Hopper if he can watch my class? He should be in his room on planning."
Josue darted away while she grabbed her phone and texted the three people who needed to be involved: Martha from Covenant House, Miss Wolf, and Ursula.
ES: MMBN has Raven. She's not allowed to use the ladies' room. Going to the office now.
Emma sprinted toward the front office after Hopper agreed to watch her class. With a full head of steam behind her, the blonde stopped at Belle's desk. "Does she have her in there?"
"I'm afraid she does. But, you shouldn't--"
The history teacher disregarded the principal's secretary's objection and opened the door to the woman's office.
Raven cried, sitting in one of the guest chairs in the office. Miss Blanchard-Nolan berated the young transwoman. "Furthermore, you are to stop this foolishness. Boys can't wear dresses, makeup, or any other such thing. This is a school. You create a distraction everywhere you go. I will not have it in my building any longer." She slapped her hand down on her desk. "And, you will never set foot in the ladies' room again. You have a penis. That means you use the men's room. No one is safe as long as your kind can use the ladies."
Dr. Swan stepped between the principal and the girl. "How dare you?" Crossing both arms across her chest, Emma stared imposingly at the principal. "This is a public institution paid for with tax dollars, which means that if a trans woman comes to this building, they will be treated as the woman they are. IT IS THE LAW. You don't get to decide what is and is not okay for a trans person. It is a legal issue, which means it's above your paygrade."
Gnashing her teeth together, Miss Blanchard-Nolan's mouth turned downward, showing her disdain for the woman in front of her. "I would expect a deviant like you to support freakish behavior. But, you forget. I am the principal, which means I get to decide who uses which bathroom. That freak will have to use the men's room because I will not share a bathroom with that thing."
Emma's jaw tensed as she leaned down, towering over the smaller woman and into the principal's personal space. "I strongly recommend you check yourself. That hate speech can get you fired. On top of that, you cannot make Raven use the men's room. It isn't legal in this state to force her to do so. She has filled out the appropriate paperwork and has complied with all of the county office's rulings. You do not get to decide whether or not she has to use the men's room," Dr. Swan stated evenly between clenched teeth.
The principal clucked her tongue. "I am citing you for insubordination. How do you think the superintendent and the school board will see your antics? You are defying a direct order from your superior." Blanchard-Nolan's shrill voice cut through the air like razor-edged daggers.
Raven curled in on herself, sitting in one of the guest chairs with a bleeding nose and a split lip. Emma squeezed the girl's shoulder one more time, hoping Raven found strength from knowing she wouldn't let this stand. "Dr. Swan, don't get into trouble over me."
Emerald eyes flashed. "I don't suppose you would be willing to tell me how my girl here came by the damage to her face? Hmm. I don't see anyone else out there in trouble, so either you forgave the perpetrators, or you did it yourself."
Emma raised an eyebrow, only to notice Mary Margaret's mouth fall open in shock. "So you took the side of the assailant. You are off to a great start here. I can't wait until her lawyer arrives."
Emma didn't stop. She didn't worry about her job or what her boss thought about anything; her only concern was for this poor girl with no one in her corner. "Her lawyer will be coming through that door in a few minutes, and so will the superintendent. I strongly suggest you familiarize yourself with the state law on gender identity. In this state and many others, transgender people can choose to use the restroom of their chosen gender. What you are doing is illegal, immoral, and a form of bullying. Go ahead and tell the county office that I defied you when you are clearly discriminating against a student. I am sure you will find that the school board and the superintendent support me on this."
The student tugged on her arm. "I don't have a lawyer."
"Yes, you do. Miss Ursula Davenport is on her way. I texted her on the way down here. I promise this will be taken care of, and I am not leaving this room until someone represents you. Someone from the staff of Covenant House should arrive soon too."
Raven's mahogany eyes filled with tears. She clutched the hand sitting on her shoulder. "Who is watching your class?"
"That is a good question, Dr. Swan. Are you letting your students sit in an unattended classroom because you needed to attack me with your gay agenda?"
"It's Hopper's planning period. He's teaching my lesson AP World History kids about Marco Polo with excerpts from his travel logs. He's as qualified to teach this lesson as I am."
"Her gay agenda?" Neither woman noticed the superintendent entering the back of the room. "Dr. Swan, could you and your student please step outside for a moment? I need to have a brief discussion with Miss Blanchard-Nolan." Although Miss Wolf's face held no emotion, Emma witnessed the fury burning in her eyes. No acknowledgment of her text had come through, but then again, would the woman want Blanchard-Nolan to know who contacted her? The older woman's eyes telegraphed plenty. Emma breathed freer, knowing that someone higher up would take Raven's best interest to heart.
"Certainly. You should know that Raven's lawyer is on her way. I believe you've met Miss Davenport. She is Mal Friedman's partner." Recognition flashed in hazel eyes, the superintendent hid her glee well, but Emma saw it anyway.
"Yes, I've met her on several occasions. My wife has worked with her many times. I will have to make this brief. Can you please take Raven outside now?" The superintendent's words motivated the two to move. She sounded pleasant, but both felt that veneer could disappear quickly.
Dr. Swan led Raven to the sitting area next to Belle's desk. As the principal's secretary, her workstation sat in close proximity to the woman's office. It allowed all three women to hear most of the conversation. When the yelling began, all three flinched, then a small grin spread on the girl's face.
"Is it wrong that I'm enjoying this?"
"No, honey. Not at all." Belle said. Her genuineness cut through the growing tension.
On the other side of the wall, they heard Wolf yelling at her employee. "Do you not understand the seriousness of this? I don't care what you could get away with at a private school; this is a public institution. We have rules, guidelines, and laws that must be followed. Discrimination of anyone in any form is illegal and won't be tolerated." She huffed growling. "Your homophobia and transphobia are dangerous. You are bullying a student because you aren't happy that she's uncomfortable in the body that nature gave her. Here is a newsflash for you. It isn't about you. It is not for you to decide, nor is it for me to decide nor the school board. It is her choice. We legally have to accommodate her wishes. She can go wherever she can comfortably use the toilet."
Raven, Emma, and Belle covered their smiles with their hands. Each tried not to laugh at the voice booming through the walls. The receptionist buzzed through to Belle's phone. "There is a Miss Davenport here to see the principal."
Belle immediately responded, "Please send her back. Her client is sitting here, waiting at my desk."
In most schools, I would recommend it, but in your case, I will order you to give her a key to the faculty bathroom nearest the lunchroom. It will not give her access to any sensitive areas; it will provide her with a safe single-stall bathroom she can use to close and lock the door without fear of a man or a boy intruding on her. I doubt anyone that uses that bathroom would mind her having access to it."
Emma gave a thumbs up to Raven. The girl rolled her eyes. "You are too old to do that. It's embarrassing." The blonde snorted in response.
Once again, the voice next door rose. All of them suspected that Wolf wanted to be overheard." Now, as to how you spoke to the county teacher of the year, please understand she is the face of this county to the state for the whole school year. I would strongly suggest you accept her lifestyle choice is hers. Her sexuality is hers. Her use of technology is commendable. Her strength of character and love for her students is unmatched. The person in the wrong here is you. If Miss Davenport chooses to talk to you, you better listen to what she has to say. If your behavior continues, Raven will have every legal right to sue you personally for any stress created. And, you are well aware that Emma has grounds to do so as well. Now, Miss Blanchard-Nolan, do you understand your situation or do I need to get the school district legal counsel to break it down for you."
A throat cleared close by, alerting Belle, Emma, and Raven to a new presence. Ursula smiled broadly. "And, you must be Raven. Mal and Emma have said wonderful things about you."
The girl's spine straightened as she stood up to greet the newcomer.
Then, the principal's door slammed against the wall with force. Eugenia Wolf stepped out with a politician's grin on her face, but anyone with intelligence could feel the danger lurking beneath the surface. "Ah, Miss Davenport, I am sorry we wasted your time today. You shouldn't have needed to be here. I am sure that Principal Blanchard-Nolan now fully understands the county policy on dealing with transgender students."
Ursula smiled back, flashing teeth menacingly at the principal. "I would hate ever to have to come back, but I am certain that if I do, there would be at least one if not two lawsuits brought forth. I am more than willing to do anything Raven needs to have a productive and happy life. She may be a pro bono client, but she is my favorite client, so I strongly suggest all of you keep that in mind." She cleared her throat. "May I have a private room to confer with my client, please."
Belle hopped up from her desk. "Yes, ma'am, right this way."
Ursula winked at Emma as she led Raven away from the rest of the adults.
"Dr. Swan, don't you have a class to be teaching?" The superintendent lifted a solitary gray eyebrow. The blonde felt Eugenia's command even though it came out as a question.
"Yes, I do. Now that someone is here to support Raven, I can be on my way. Thank you, Miss Wolf, for taking time out of your busy schedule to handle this." Emma hoped her words didn't sound as accusatory to the older woman's ears as it had her own. She judged by the cut of Eugenia's eyes that she may owe the woman an apology much later. "Thanks again," she tried to sound genuine as she quickly left the room.
*****
"Where have you been hiding all day? It looks like it might be under a mound of papers." Dr. Mills teased from the doorway.
Tireder than she should have been, Emma shrugged. "I've been busy. I even missed lunch." She smiled over at her girlfriend, "I missed you today if that helps."
"It does. Are you coming over tonight?" Regina's reassuring voice crossed the space, bringing contentment and comfort.
The question sparked an internal debate, should she cancel on the kids? Would they get anything done? Should she go home and sleep, or should she spend the evening wrapped around Regina like she wished to do? Emma looked up from the stack of papers that she needed to grade. Her favorite brunette slowly stalked her way, swinging her hips a little more than usual. A move Emma had noticed that Regina used when she wanted a yes for an answer.
Smirking, Emma dropped her favorite purple pen on her desk and stood up to greet the woman. "Would you like me to spend the night, or is this a need for a quick snuggle or a booty call?"
Regina smacked her on the arm for the teasing remark. "You've never been a booty call to me, and you never will."
"Good," She kissed the other woman on the cheek. "Now, answer the question."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Of course, I want you to spend the night. That great big bed gets lonely without you in it. The brunette blushed when she realized she said more than she intended.
But, Emma's happy grin quelled any worry the other woman had. "I have tutoring until 5 or 5:30, depending on how much work the kids at the home have to do. Do you need me to pick up anything along the way?"
Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's neck and kissed her soundly. "Nope. But, you know, if you'd like me to drop by at the shelter, I'd be more than willing to help."
Taken aback by the offer, stunning emeralds sparkled with happiness. "If you did that, we would need to buy dinner on the way to yours. I will be way too hungry to wait for an hour to eat."
"Don't you need to go home to get clothes?" Regina ignored the first statement because her girlfriend had skipped over that detail.
Emma captured her lips again and pulled back. "Augie is leaving Friday. I picked up enough clothes that I can crash at your place until then if you will have me."
The golden flecks in Regina's eyes shone in clearly. "I'd love that."
"I thought you might." The blonde pulled her closer and swayed their bodies in a slow dance. "I know you don't know him yet. I would like you two to get to know each other better, but this thing he has going between Christie, Dani, and himself, I don't want to deal with the fall out of that."
The brunette bumped their foreheads together. "I don't either. I don't know what Dani was thinking, but this could get ugly."
Emma clutched the lapels of the other woman's coat, keeping them close for another couple of seconds. "I hate to tell you this, but I have to bring grading home with me tonight. I've managed to fall behind in between the ToTY activities and Augie-"
"And me?"
Regina's voice sounded reticent and concerned in Emma's ears. The blonde rubbed their noses together. "I don't mind when you distract me. You don't do it all the time, and you aren't demanding about it, unlike the other two issues."
Eyes like black coffee rolled. "I have plenty to grade myself. Why don't the two of us spend the evening together doing work?"
"I can live with that." Pale hands dropped to her side as Emma stepped away from her lover. "Is it weird that I find the idea of us grading together kind of sexy?"
The brunette laughed. "No weirder than I find it sexy that you help me with grocery shopping. I have a feeling you and I find it sexy when our partners see our worth."
Emma did her ridiculous finger gun salute from the door. She tossed. "You are probably right," over her shoulder while she went to go gather her things to leave. The blonde couldn't escape the idea that Regina was holding something back. Hopefully, spending the evening together would loosen her tongue.
*****
"Badass boss in da house!" Josue called, dancing around Emma and swinging his fists in the air like Rocky Balboa. Then, he noticed the woman following after her. "Oh, God, you brought the Evil Queen! Are you going to vanquish her too?"
Regina's eyebrows raised at his antics. "What's all this about?"
Ignoring the brunette entirely, "Josue, we don't use that language."
"Bullshit. You told him to sit his happy ass down just last week," Maritza said, pretending to find the whole situation beneath her, but unlike most weeks today, she didn't vanish as soon as the teacher appeared.
The blonde shrugged, while several of the kids gawked at her. Raven shook her head knowingly. "You didn't tell her about our morning," she jibed.
"Dr. Swan, did something happen today?" The coldness of Regina's voice didn't go unnoticed.
Emma turned wide-eyed toward Regina. "Babe, I thought you would've heard by now, and I didn't think it was worth mentioning."
"You betcha something happened," the boy crowed while swinging his fists again. "Blondie shut down the principal. She put the bitch on notice!" He laughed heartily before plopping in a chair. His face shining with glee, a fete Emma had failed to accomplish to this moment.
Luis spoke up from behind her, "I heard that puta. She yelled at Raven and told her she still had to use the boy's room because God says she's a dude." He scratched his head. "I mean, shit. If Raven's got no use for a dick, why can't she use the ladies? She ain't a dude. No offense, Rav, but I don't want her in mine. She belongs with the ladies."
A growl came from the far side of the room. "The freak doesn't belong here. He doesn't belong anywhere."
"David, that's enough." One of the counselors snagged the boy and dragged him from the room.
"Who is that?" Emma asked, alarmed that Raven would have to live with someone cruel enough to call her a freak."
Raven bumped shoulders with her. "He's new. Give him time. Luis and Josue used to be like that, but they got to know me and figured it out. Some of the girls are still struggling. Jasmine likes to help me with my makeup, but Tricia hates my guts."
"What does any of this have to do with Emma?" Regina's confusion bubbled into worry.
"Dr. Swan defended me from the principal. Miss Blanchard-Nolan forced me to walk to the office after I used the ladies' room. She was so angry. She told me she was going to throw me out if I continued, and I got more and more upset, and then Dr. Swan appeared and said she wasn't leaving me until my guardian, my lawyer, and the superintendent arrived." Raven's watery smile made Emma blush profusely. "She told her she better get to know her law better because she was breaking it." The girl sat, trying to calm her nerves. "And, a few minutes later, the superintendent came in the door. I thought Dr. Swan would be fired on the spot. But, Miss Wolf asked us to step out for a minute. Man, that old woman can chew someone's ass out. By the time she came back out to see us, I knew everything would be okay. Then, Miss Davenport came in to help. And, after that, Miss Blanchard-Nolan didn't speak."
Regina beamed over at her girlfriend. "You know you should have told me about this."
"I didn't want to brag." The blonde shrugged. "Besides, there are a lot of us in the building which would have done the same thing. I happened to find out first.
*****
Hours later, the ladies found themselves sitting on opposite sides of Regina's dinner table with Chinese takeout acting as a makeshift barrier between the two competing stacks of classwork. Emma reread her student's paper, leaving a few comments on the page before brandishing it with purple ink.
"Please tell me you are not one of those teachers that believe red ink causes psychological harm to a student."
Emerald eyes looked across into challenging chocolate. "No, but if I know that it's going to be overly doused in ink, I prefer another color; I hate it when the page appears to bleed."
Regina nodded. "I can see that." She eyeballed Emma's stack, then her own. "I'm grading essays. What are those?"
Emma sighed and rubbed at her tired eyes, "DBQs. They are sometimes fun; other times, like now, they are the bane of my existence. Fortunately, I only have two more to read tonight. Then, I can devote all my time to distracting you."
Regina's pursed lips decried how little the blonde's statement impressed her. "Considering I finished my grading a few minutes ago, I think you might want to reconsider who is going to be the distracted in this scenario."
"Umm," the blonde hummed noncommittally and focussed on the page at hand. First, she ignored the toes questing up her calf. Soon, the woman's efforts stopped. Regina picked up her papers and carried the bag out of the room. Emma scratched a few more notes onto the page, wrote the grade, and picked up her last item to evaluate. She sighed. The room felt colder, lonely even without Regina working on the far side of the table. She shook her head to place her thoughts back on the poorly written page.
"Did he write this with his toes?" she asked the silence. Then, tried to reread it. She made little progress before something blue and lacy dropped onto the paper's surface.
She could feel Regina's breath tickling her ear; warm hands brushed her hair away; warm lips began their trek across the muscles of her neck.
"I take it that you think it's time to stop." Emma dropped her pen on top of the stack and turned toward the brunette's lips.
"What gave you that idea?"
She felt the woman's lips twist into a smirk before she resumed her efforts, which would most definitely leave a visible mark for tomorrow.
Emma moaned, then swallowed harshly. "Can I ask what spurred this on?"
"It's a reward," Regina purred, "for putting the moron in her place. And for defending one of our babies. Raven needs all the support she can get."