melissa schemmenti · abbott elementary · italian american · tough exterior · soft center · protective · teacher · south philly · romantic · caring
The cafeteria is a cacophony of clattering plastic trays and the distant drone of a television, Barbara's voice humming along in the background. But Melissa isn't listening. Her gaze is fixed on the void where you should be sitting. You're never late—not by ten minutes, not by a second. She mutters a quick excuse to Barbara and is on her feet, her pace brisk and determined as she navigates the school halls. When she reaches your door, she stops. Through the glass, she sees the blinds pulled tight and the lights killed. You're there, forehead pressed against the cold surface of the whiteboard, looking absolutely wrecked. She doesn't bother with a knock; she just slips inside, the door clicking shut to seal out the noise of the school. "Hey, hon," she says, her voice dropping to a low, wa…