Author's Notes: Everyone in this story is eighteen years or older. This is a longer format, slow burn. Read it however you see fit, but I'd encourage you to start from Chapter 1 and work your way through. My opinion is that bigger is better, I make no apologies for that, but understand that's not everyone's cup of tea. I hope you enjoy it all the same.
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Monday
Hearing that Coach Franks had retired early due to declining health was the worst news Noah could have heard on his first day back at school. He wasn't expecting to find out that his final year would be without the best water polo coach he'd ever had.
"Couldn't he have just held on one more year?" he asked his best friend and water polo teammate, Andy.
"Yeah, I'm sure when he planned his retirement, old Franks thought about only pulling the plug after you'd finished high school," Andy jested.
"This year's going to suck," Noah said glumly. "We could have gone all the way. Strong team, good coach, the whole package. Now we'll be drifting on the water like a boat with no rudder."
"Cheer up, Moapy Dick. I take it you didn't hear they already got a new coach? A new English teacher who happens to be an ex-all-state water polo champion," Andy said, elbowing Noah in the arm.
"Bah, he'll be nothing compared to Franks. That guy was a legend."
"She," Andy corrected.
"Oh great," Noah groaned. "As if things couldn't get any worse. I bet she's some butch Russian bird who will drill us till we drown."
"Guess we'll find out," replied Andy. "We've got her second-period English."
First-period Adv Calculus with Mr Wei was a drag, so the bell at the end of class couldn't have come soon enough. Forcing their way through the crush, the boys made their way to English, taking turns guessing what the new coach/teacher was really like.
It turned out all their guesses were wrong.
Upon entering the class, both Noah and Andy were floored. Their English teacher was no butch Russian. Nope, she was head-to-toe all-American gorgeousness.
The boys exchanged looks and quickly took their seats. The teacher stood before her class and introduced herself, her light, effervescent voice carrying to the back. She spun on her mid-height heels and wrote her name in large, elegant letters: Miss Reed. Noah took the opportunity to check her from a different angle.
Miss Reed stood at about average height (about 5'9" in heels). She had what looked like long, black hair pinned in a tight bun, minimal make-up, thick black-rimmed glasses, and simple silver ear studs. Her outfit was far more professional than any other teacher Noah had ever had: a white collared shirt buttoned up to the neck, an oversized navy blue jacket, and a matching skirt that ended just above the knee.
Noah couldn't help but think Miss Reed would be better dressed for a courtroom than a classroom. Her body, however, told a different story. She had the kind of figure that was both athletic and full, an hourglass shape that made her look as if she belonged on a magazine cover rather than in front of a classroom. Her waist was defined, accentuating her wide hips and a curvy, shapely backside that seemed only enhanced by the tailored skirt and heels. It was hard to ignore her ample chest, even with the ill-fitting blazer. She cut a powerful, feminine silhouette.
Body aside, Miss Reed had a stunning face - a sharp, angular jaw, long neck, and piercing brown eyes that added to her fierce look. Yet her demeanour was warm when she spoke. She presented as genuine and down to earth, which was refreshing given how cold and blunt old Franks had been. Noah knew she would be his favourite teacher within the first five minutes of class.
The class took turns introducing themselves. When it was Noah's turn, he raised himself to his full 6'2" height and listed his usual hobbies and pastimes, including being part of the school's water polo team. Miss Reed's ears pricked up.
"Ah, brilliant; I hoped to meet more players throughout the day." Miss Reed said, beaming. "I met our goalkeeper, Johannes, in the last period. If you're not already aware, I'm the new coach, replacing your truly great and inspirational Coach Franks. Would you mind staying after class for a minute?"
Noah nodded and passed the baton to Andy, who also mentioned his water polo membership. Miss Reed gave him the same invitation. Tanya, who was seated in the back and a crucial part of the mixed-gender team also got the invite.
The class continued, and at the end, Noah, Andy, and Tanya stayed behind.
Miss Reed gave each of them a handshake and mentioned her eagerness to meet with the entire team before practices began. Noah volunteered to message everyone and add Miss Reed to the water polo team's group chat. Once the message was sent, they agreed to meet back at her classroom at the end of the day.
By day's end, the 13 players from last year's team had confirmed Noah's request and met after the final bell. When the last straggler entered, the team crowded in. Those who hadn't yet met Miss Reed were easy to spot, judging by their surprised looks and whispers.
Miss Reed stood at the front of the class and addressed the team. "Wonderful; thank you all for making time. First, your team used to train on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, correct?"
The team nodded collectively.
"Great, I don't want to waste any time. Let's start tomorrow?"
Nods, thumbs-ups, and "OK's" spread through the group.
"Brilliant. Tomorrow at 3:30 in the pool, then," Miss Reed declared. "Who was last year's captain?"
The group collectively eyeballed Noah, some pointing and two guys shouting, "Don!"
"That would be me," Noah stated.
"Don? I thought it was Noah."
"Errr...yeah, Don is a nickname. Noah's fine," Noah said awkwardly.