Chapter Text
Files upon files were tainted with her name, people admire her, and love her. Appearance-wise, she's beautiful. However, the foul personality that she possesses, like your typical mean girl seems to not appeal to you. Let alone you have so many reports with her name on it waiting to get finalized, and it's not looking good for her.
You wanted nothing but to do your work in peace but your morning was interrupted by the loud commotion not far outside of your office. If it weren't for your responsibility as a disciplinary teacher, you would just carry on with your work, dealing with a bunch of immature teenagers is like working with the Devil. Although working for him seems more favourable than putting these little rascals in their place.
Your face scrunched in annoyance. "Ugh, to hell with this." You grumbled. With heavy steps, you get up from your desk and then strut your way to the scene. And there they are, in the canteen, fighting. The three girls who you were ordered to keep an eye on for at least a week were fighting, great. Just what a record for the new students' needs.
The clicking sound of your heels on the floor might have alerted the entire school because every eye was on you, fearing for their life. Except for the brunette who was being held by two girls who looks like her siblings, she doesn't seem fazed by your presence. In fact, she kept her death gaze on the one and only, Lexi Rodley, she is 'that girl' and also 'that girl' who got herself on the verge of being expelled. Your mouth formed a slight frown.
A sigh came out of your nose, you watch the four of them with the gaze that everyone could tell that they are in trouble. The girls returned your gesture, with one clean sweep glance around the hall, you look back at them. Lexi parted her lips to say something but you quickly raise a finger to stop whatever nonsense she was about to say. "Save your saliva." You said sternly, though you only wanted to say it towards her and not to the other girls. "Come, the four of you." Without a word of protest, they follow your empowering strut back to your office.
"Now, Ms Rodley, mind telling me what happened?" You demand an answer as to why the fight happens. However, an equally demanding voice boomed in the room. "Why the hell did you ask her first? She's the cause of all this! If anything I'm the one who should speak up first!"
You flared your nostril at her, how dare she interrupted you. The other two seem to be equally angry as well because their knuckles are balled into a fist. "I didn't ask you to speak, now do I? Calmed yourself then I will permit you to talk, you have plenty of chance. But now I would like to listen to her side first."
Lexi flashes her cocky smirk to the three to anger them more before 'explaining' her side of what happened. By explaining I mean making excuses. You knew that she is the cause of all drama, if it wasn't for her then the school would be peaceful, so much for a mean girl. After some dramatic 'explanation', you told Lexi to wait outside while you talk with them. She gets up from her seat and waves goodbye, mean girl style then walk out.
When the four of you are finally alone, you reach for your phone and then dialed both of their parents. Since the Dimitrescu sisters only have a single mother, it saves you a few minutes.
The first parent that you called is their mother, Alcina Dimitrescu. You tried to be careful so the girls cannot hear a single word that their mother say, so you held your office phone particularly close to your ears. Surely she would recognize your voice even though you didn't use your mobile phone. "Miss [l/n] you cannot believe her. She is the first to trip Daniela and then insult her. I'm just defending - ." The brunette interrupted at the first ring. "If you would be so kind, remind me when did I ever say I believed her." You interjected sternly while keeping the phone on your ears "Now be quiet, I'm making a call." She sighed defeatedly before letting the room fall quiet in a millisecond. Even though the grumble that she lets out justifies her opposition, she thought better than to speak more. The brunette let her back slump to the chair in defeat. If this keeps up, it will be a hard time for you to manage the discipline amongst the students.
You know that their mother is a busy woman because the phone rings longer than you thought, but the second she picks up, you immediately switch to your authoritarian voice. "Hello, Ms Dimitrescu. I am the disciplinary teacher in your daughters' school, Miss [y/n] [l/n]. I am here to inform you that you are needed in my office as soon as you can to discuss a particular… event that happened not long today, your presence will be appreciated." You said carefully eyeing the three daughters.
After you are done with the phone calls, you elegantly put the phone down and give them your watchful eyes. "Now," you begin. "Tell me what happened."
"You are not going to believe us. Just like the other teachers." Cassandra muttered. You look at her with curiosity. "I beg your pardon?"
"Nothing." She mumbled again. The silence lingers a lot longer than you tend to.
"I believe you." As soon as those words articulate in their head, they look at you with hopeful eyes but quickly shuts it down after they predicted that you just trying to sweet-talk them. The corners of your lips curled down at their gesture. You never, in your career as an educator, sweet-talked a student to do something out of ordinary. If they have any kind of problems, your door will always be open for them to come in and talk. Especially with students who lack self-discipline and other matters.
"So tell me, what happened." They hesitate but give you the whole picture of what happened. Apparently, Rodley purposefully let her foot out to trip Cassandra so she could laugh at her face, but that plan failed miserably because instead of the brunette, she got the youngest. As the baby of the family, the two elder sisters would do anything for her, so they fight. "It starts with an argument but then she brought up our 'supposed' father. Saying that he left us because he doesn't want us."
You quickly detect Bela's sarcasm. God, just the mere mention of that man makes your blood boil. Indeed, he never wanted a life with Alcina, and so does she. He just wanted money. It was a forced marriage after all. You would never know this news if it wasn't for that random secondary school reunion. But you are grateful that Alcina is smart enough to not let him overpower her in any sort of way, I mean, you have to be an idiot to try and make her submit to you.
"Miss [l/n]?" You didn't even realise that you have been clenching your jaw until the redhead calls you. You let it loose, feeling the soreness circulating through your jaw muscles. "Do you still believe us?"
With a softened gaze, you cast them a glimpse. Just then, there are a few knocks on your door. The four of you glance at the door. "Yes. I do." You muttered an answer before loudly telling the person to come in.
Speaking of the devil, Ms Dimitrescu is the first to arrive, pulling her three children into a hug and whispering something inaudible in the ears. The businesswoman's gesture melts your heart but it still is not the reason for you to avert your focus. You faked a cough to get her attention which works wondrously, making her cast her usual sharp gaze while still hurdling the three in a hug. Then, Lexi's father came with his daughter. You did call both of her parents but every time you did, he arrived abnormally faster than his wife.
"If you will excuse us, the three of you may wait outside until further instruction. As for you Ms Rodley, your teacher instructed me to tell you to go back to class." You instructed. "What? That is not fair! Why do I have to go back to class whereas they just wait outside?!" When she whines, you look at her with furrowed brows. Never in your time, do you have to deal with a child-baby but yet here you are, get to deal with her whining and all.
"I am not one to defy a simple, harmless request from a colleague about their student's presence. You have an upcoming test for Ms McCarthy's class, did you not? Considering your record, you are not doing precisely well academically and from what I've heard from the Principal, you are hanging by your last thread." You rest your elbows on the desk and lean forward, not taking your eyes off her. "If I were you, I wouldn't be arguing."
Your stern and intense tone seem to intimidate her to fight back but she did, it is not a surprise. This happens a few times before, so you knew exactly what to do. "Did Ms Catherine tell you to?" The corner of her lips curled into a subtle smirk when you didn't reply to her.
"She called, if you are doubting me, I have witnesses, right girls?" You look at the three without moving your head, signalling them to agree with you. There must be some sort of chain connecting the three of them because when Bela takes the sign and verbally agree with you, both of her sisters do as well. "Yes, she did," Cassandra spoke up.
A little lie wouldn't hurt, right?
The mean girl tried to make her father persuade you but the spell that you put on him since the beginning of this ordeal made him tell her to fulfil your request. Lexi angrily huffed, sparing you an irritated glance which you remain unemotional, a way for a teacher to respectfully and subtly say 'fuck you to a student, at least for you, you have to keep your dignity but not be afraid to show your emotion somehow.
With heavy stomps and rolling her eyes, she walked out of your office, leaving the door open to show how pissed she is, I mean, you couldn't care less. Your gaze remains static before idly turning your head towards her father who is already looking at you unnecessarily enthusiastic, not showing an ounce of emotion whatsoever. "Maybe if you educate her some basic adequate, she wouldn't have a plenitude of files tainted with her name."
Her father stammered a few words in his reply. After a few meet up with him, you could read him like an open book. It's not your fault that he stares at you creepily as you talk, you tried so hard not to show your harsh and defensive side but with Ms Dimitrescu together in the office, you don't know how he would react, he barely keeps his hands to himself right now. Unbelievable, you thought.
You have to admit that Ms Dimitrescu is beautiful, she's beyond stunning you might add, but you keep your excitement down effortlessly easy, unlike you know who. "Right," Your voice cut the silence short. "Let's start our discussion, shall we?"
You give them the whole picture of what happened and do not forget the information that the students gave. Sometimes, you would catch Ms Dimitrescu grinning at you as you talk but when you turn your head, the grin disappears almost instantly.
After some time, you glance down at your wrist to check the time. Although you don't have any class after this, you still want this process to be quick because of your precious alone time in the office. A quiet sigh left your nose. "Alright, now that is settled, I have some important things to say to you Mr Rodley, I'm afraid that I have to be quick with this."
"What's the rush? I have all the time I needed. Please, Ms [l/n] you can take your time." He replied, saying your last name a little too, how should I say, upbeat. Please, he tried so hard to seduce you with that tone. It didn't work, Chad, you sound stupid.
Ms Dimitrescu's lips formed a thin line, turning her head to the side. Since she is a lot taller than any of you, she looks at him down her nose to intimidate the man. He looks so small compared to him that you swear he is shitting bricks right now. "Don't you have work to do after this?" She retorted, more of a statement rather than a question.
You hold back you chuckle by slightly bowing your head down. "I do but em, Lexi is important to me, I'm sure there is more to this than you let out, Ms [l/n] and Ms…"
"Dimitrescu." She said sternly.
He whispers back her name quietly. It's just another way for him to say 'I'd much rather spend time with these beautiful ladies than my work or on my spouse.' The other woman seems to not catch that but you do. Just then, your instinct kicks in and your eyes avert to the door, good, just in time.
"I don't think you should be saying that with the said tone, especially when your wife is here, Mr Rodley." You begin.
"Don't worry, she won't be here any minute, there's heavy traffic there."
"Afraid not. Hello, Mrs Rodley." You greeted the woman who is now standing directly toward you. Her eyes were glued to her husband, and then the sound of the door closing makes him look back frantically. See, this is why you should always watch your language, moreover when you are married.
The furious wife stands still as she is looking at her husband as if she's ready to devour him, she probably is, if you were him you wouldn't even dare. You watch the taller lady form a satisfying smirk of victory on her face which you absentmindedly return as you switch your focus to the married couple.
For the past 10 minutes, you told them about Lexi's poor discipline. You go savage mode and tell them every single thing, not leaving small details. "Judging how serious this problem is, I'm afraid that I have to send an expel letter to the Principal." Upon hearing this news, Mrs Rodley didn't seem surprised at all, she knew this is coming. But that doesn't mean she doesn't try to passively yell at you why this happens.
"I can see why you are furious, Mrs Rodley. However, you have to understand, that a school with a good reputation means discipline is highly demanding. We won't be as prestigious if otherwise."
Although they are rather defensive, you are glad that they didn't go Karen mode, it's pretty civil. Both parties understand the flaws and agreed to solve them in the most rational way possible. "Thank you for filling us in about our daughter, Ms [l/n]. We are aware of her behaviour but we didn't expect it to be this bad. If it weren't for you, we would never know." Mrs Rodley begin. With a tone full of empathy and sincerity, it is more than enough to convince you. Even if they aren't, then it's best to prepare for whatever happens next.
You flash them a friendly smile to lighten the mood. "Think nothing of it, you are very welcome." You replied with all of the professionalism that you learn throughout the year. When it's time for your guests to leave, you calmly walk to the door and held it open for Mr and Mrs Rodley. After saying your gratitude farewell, you are aware of the presence of the other 3 girls outside your office, though you didn't spare them a glance and simply close the door. You did tell them only to come in with your instruction.
When you are inside once again, the glorious Ms Dimitrescu is still seated on her chair, doesn't even disturbed by the fact that both of you are alone in your office. The room is silent, only the clicking sounds of your heels as you are making your way back to your chair fill the room. None of you dares to speak a word until you are seated. "I must say," you begin as you flick through files of papers. "You did a great job raising them. They didn't even hesitate to stand for one another."
"From the one and only." She replied the heels become louder with each step she made towards you. Knowing how daring this woman can be, you keep your gaze on your files, not because you don't want to know what's happening next, it's because you don't want to give her the satisfaction of you knowing what she is doing. Without your knowledge, the other woman got hold of the hem of the file and set it aside carefully, of course, not without marking the page you read earlier.
She goes around your desk and with one swift movement, she managed to push your chair backwards only to make her way and settle directly in front of you. She hopped onto the desk and sits in front of you with her legs crossed, only giving you a teasing view of her legs.
Your vision flicked quickly from her legs to meet her powerful gaze that is already on yours.
"Nicely strategic office." She grinned. "No window, and very private. I like it." Then a wicked grin formed on her face. Slowly, yet surely, she uncross her legs and then started to spread. The oh-so-tempting image-filled your eyes but you shouldn't forget that you are still at work. Moreover, her children are outside. Suddenly, she gasps at the feeling of your hand on either side of her thigh. "I'm sure you do." You said as you slowly closed her legs.
She looks stunned, she would never expect that you would do that even though you are alone. "My office, my rule." You muttered. "Their father is the main topic again. I am worried about what they will feel if this keeps happening."
Alcina lets out a frustrated sigh and averts her focus to the side. "The legal fight is about to come to an end."
You raised your eyebrows. "I'm surprised."
"About?"
"About how Walter would give up so easily. I mean that man has a thick skull," You paused, looking at Alcina like you are asking for permission. "But has a micro brain." She laughed at your insult that was directed to her late husband.
"You don't have to ask for my permission to insult him." She chuckled.
"Oh?" You chimed in. "Isn't you the one who pushed me to the ocean when I insulted him?"
"Have to keep my image, love." You giggled at her response. After the moment died down, you look into her eyes with adoration. If you ever have the chance to tell your younger self about how things ended up with you and Alcina, she would flip her shit.
"Are you excited for tonight?"
×××
There is silence settled between the three sisters. Not one of them knows what to do or what is going on. They tried to not think of the worst-case scenario but they can't help it. The empty hallway was occupied by the sound of a shoe keep tapping on the floor. "That's it," Cassandra said as she abruptly stood up. "I'm going in."
"Cassie no." The blonde teenage girl protested. "Let the adults do their thing."
"Wha-" Her younger sibling scoffed. "Sure, 'adults' thing." She snarked which immediately received a displeased look from her older sister. "They've been taking for ages now, don't you want to know what they're talking about?"
"Whatever that is, I'm sure it's important," Bela stated, but once again ignored by the brunette. "Don't you wanna know? I for sure want to know. How about you Dani?"
"No." Bela scoots closer and puts her arm around her sister's shoulder. "Daniela doesn't want to know. Do you Dani?" She continues.
The redhead kept quiet as she was caught up in her sisters' feud. "Not gonna lie though, it's tempting."
Cassandra shows the blonde her victorious smirk, which happens whenever she tries to take advantage of their youngest. "C'mon, Bela, don't be such a party pooper. Who knows! Maybe they're making out?"
"That's nonsense, Ms [l/n] is nothing but professional. She would never do that."
"Unless?" Cassandra cut her off while raising one of her eyebrows, waiting for Bela to finish her sentence.
"Nothing. Mother is a beautiful lady but that will never happen."
"You wanna bet?"
Just then, the door of your office bursts and opens and walks out of the pristine Ms Dimitrescu. "Daughters," their mother greeted them. "Why do you look like you just finished arguing?"
"It was my fault," You apologise as you follow behind her while rubbing… your neck? "I wished to talk personally with your mother and it took us longer than I anticipated." Cassandra looked at Bela with a suggestive expression, though that doesn't prove she's right. "Now if you may, I assume emotions on the three of you are running high, why don't you go home early and rest."
Alcina turns to smile at you while resting her hand on her youngest's shoulder. "That is very kind of you, Ms [l/n]."
"It's the least I could do." You replied, still rubbing your neck. You both share a short moment before Alcina hands her car key to the blonde and told them to wait for her in the car, causing the same looks to be exchanged among the eldest and the middle child. As if they are her puppets, they listen to their mother without a word of protest.
Their feet carried their body as fast as they could through the hallway. When they are far enough, Alcina begins to menacingly look at you.
"Real smooth, Dimitrescu." You said sarcastically at the other woman. She overlaps your hand on your neck to put it down. Then, she started to rummage through her handbag and pulls out some wet tissues for the um… ehem, the red lipstick stain on your neck that she took advantage of when you both near the door.
The damsel chuckles, wiping the stain until it's gone. "It's a perfect opportunity to take advantage of and a little something for you to keep your mind busy all day long."
"Right. Sure. Of course. Nothing spells Alcina Dimitrescu without her making a cheeky move." You replied.
"Don't act like you don't like it." She whispers seductively.
You did, very much.
"I must excuse myself, otherwise they will think of nonsense." She continues, folding the wet tissues into a neat triangle and tucking them into your shirt pocket.
"I think they already have." I mean, true.
There was an unspoken rule for the Dimitrescus when they are out in formal places. Although they might appear cold, powerful and intimidating, they are unlike when they are behind closed doors. Knowing the mother since when you are still in primary school, you know for sure deep down she is awfully affectionate to people that she cares about.
Her entire walk back to her car is nothing less than she expected: teenagers would gawk at her, stare at her, and even the brave ones, would ask how her day going so far. But as confident as they thought they are, never once does she reply or even look in their direction. Head held high, shoulders are relaxed but not enough to make her look slumped and the footsteps of a queen. Once she arrived at her destination, her car has already started. However, from a little peek inside the car that she managed to witness, she saw her daughters bickering about something that she might know of. And when the youngest interfere, they acted as if nothing happens after sparing a brief glance of the outside. Alcina sighed before continuing her stride to her car.
The car ride was rather tame, there was no talk about what happened earlier until she glance at her middle through the mirror. "Something is on your mind, Cassie?"
The young brunette piped up her head. "Nothing, mom."
"Are you sure?" Alcina asked again to get a double confirmation of whether her daughter felt comfortable enough to talk about it openly.
"Cassandra," Bela warned as if she know what her sister will say.
"WhatwereyoutwodoinginMs[y/n]office, mom?" Cassandra blurted out catching Alcina by surprise until the car swivelled for a brief moment but recover from it in no time.
"Mom! Are you alright?!" Bela overlaps a concerning gesture to her mother's left hand which she nodded.
"Excuse me, dear?" The older woman said again as she is looking at her middle through the mirror. For some reason, she found herself stunned by the question.
"What she was trying to say is what is your relationship with Ms [l/n]." The blonde answered but quickly got shut down by the brunette.
"Shut up Bela, you know exactly what I'm trying to ask."
The two continue to argue, that is common for siblings to do that sometimes but it tested Alcina's patience. However, it doesn't mean she will do it without class. "Daughters," her voice vibrates, quickly silencing the two. "Stop bickering. It is not good for our family." She commented before continuing. "And to answer your question, dearests. We are friends. We've known each other for as long as I could remember." The damsel waited for a few minutes as the silence settles in. "Now that is settled, let's head back home in peace. Shall we, Daniela?"
Once they were back home, the three walked separately to their room to put their things down. "Dearests? In the living room now please?" Alcina called for their presence. A few moments later, the eldest is the first to arrive, witnessing their mother grabbing a glass of water to quench her thirst.
"Now. You three know how busy I could get. Therefore, I'm afraid I don't have enough time. Later tonight, there will be a guest visiting us so if you three can be so kind, please help to tidy up this house. Just, as tidy as the three of you could get it." Their mother requested though the three young teenagers sensed the nervousness in her voice.
"Who is it, mother?" The blonde asked.
"Someone who I've been meaning to introduce to you three." She stated. Though she knows too well that they will start bickering again, she enjoys the amusement of watching her children having that type of conversation. Maybe not to the extreme. It's as if she can tell the future, there it is again, the two older sisters argue again with the youngest trying her best to stop them. It is a fresh occurrence in the house of Dimitrescu after their father moved out. And she plans to keep it this way. And maybe, witness it with someone who she never thought would capture her heart.
"Young ladies, your mother is still here." She cleared her throat before she speaks. "I will leave you three to do your tasks while I report back to my office, okay?" Her daughters immediately answered back, leaving the older Dimitrescu smiling. "Good luck, my ladybugs."