#Melissa Schemmenti x Original female character

[sweetcheeksschemmenti]

Red Rover, Red Rover Part 1.

Melissa Schemmenti x Fem Reader

Summary: You convince your wife, Melissa, to take in a stray dog until you can find its owner. She reluctantly agrees, reminding you that the pup will end up in the pound if no one comes forward. Spoiler: The dog doesn’t go to the pound.

WC: 1.8K

No warnings apply :)

One Monday afternoon, Barbara burst into the teachers’ lounge with a hand clutching her pearls. “Sweet baby Jesus and the grown one too! There is a dog running amok through the school, it almost knocked my kindergarteners over on our way to lunch,” she yelled.

You shot up out of your chair in excitement, you loved dogs and considered yourself to be a friend to all of them. You were determined to befriend this one as well. Without a word, you ran into the hallway with Melissa hot on your heels. She knew very well that if you were left to your own devices, whatever mutt was wreaking havoc in the school would be going home with the two of you.

Following the sounds of teachers yelling at children to get back to class, you were able to locate the intruding pup pretty quickly. The flash of red fur bolted back and forth between classroom doors, just trying to find someone who was willing to love and play with them. Melissa kept an eye on it while you ducked into your classroom for a split second to grab the tennis ball from your desk drawer- you kept one to erase scuff marks on the floor and Mr. Johnson loved you for it. Once you returned to the hall you got down on your knees and bounced the ball a couple of times to get the pup’s attention.

“C’mere puppy! Look, I’ve got a ball, you wanna play fetch? Hi puppy,” you cooed and patted your lap. Melissa whistled and the cocker spaniel bounded over to the both of you, very interested in the ball and the promise of attention. Though the pooch stayed just an arm’s length away, you could tell it didn’t have a collar and was a little too skinny. “Baby, could you grab my sandwich from the lounge please? I think this cutie might be hungry. And maybe a rope from Mr. Johnson so I can make a make-shift leash,” you asked and the redhead obliged.

While you waited for her to return, you tossed the tennis ball down the length of the hall and watched the excited dog chase it and bring it back. You were surprised when the dog gently placed the ball at your side each time. After a few rounds, Melissa returned with your sandwich and a shot rope, and sat with you on the ground. The dog immediately started sniffing and getting closer, eager to steal the food.

You pulled apart the sandwich, removing the bits of lettuce and tomato. You held up a piece of turkey and said, “Sit!” The dog very politely sat on its haunches, looking at you expectantly. Impressed by how smart the pup was, you tossed the turkey in its direction and it gobbled it up. After a few more tricks, you decided to try and get the dog closer to you so you could get the rope around its neck.

“Hi sweetie, why don’t ya come over here so I can love on ya,” you kissed at the pup and placed the last piece of turkey on your lap. The pup felt safe enough to take the snack and immediately rolled onto its back, submitting to you as you gently pet the soft fur. “You’re twins, Mel! You’re both redheaded and melt at my touch,” you teased your wife with a smile and she lightly swatted your arm. “She’s awfully cute, isn’t she? She looks just like Lady from Lady and The Tramp!” You stuck your bottom lip out and flashed the biggest puppy dog eyes possible at her.

Melissa pursed her lips, “She’s adorable hon, but we are not taking her home.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes before reaching out to pet the Lady look-a-like herself. The dog wiggled onto her stomach and army crawled over to Melissa. Once she was practically in her lap, she sat up and licked the tip of Melissa’s chin as if to say ‘please love me’. You watched as your wife’s face squished, earning her more kisses from the sweet pup.

“Baby, please! Even if it’s just to give her a place to stay until we find her owners,” you begged. Jacob rounded the corner with a bag from the pet supplies store down the street.

“No, Y/N. You’re gonna get attached and then I’m the one who’s gonna have to hold you while you cry when the owners pick her up. She’s gonna break your heart. And who’s to say we’ll even find the owners? What if we have to drop her off at the shelter, hm?”

Jacob dumped the contents of the bag on the ground, startling the pup who leaned closer into Melissa for protection. You smirked when you noticed her hold the sweet dog closer to her chest to make her feel safe. “As soon as I heard we had a cutie on the loose, I ran down the street and got one collar of every size and a leash, a couple of cans of food, and a bag of treats so we could capture them safely,” he said, out of breath.

He kneeled down next to Melissa while she held the pup and tried on a couple of the collars. Once he found the perfect fit, he attached the leash and handed it to you, sitting down to love on the cocker spaniel as well.

“Mel, I promise I’ll be okay either way. We can put up posters, put an ad in the paper, call vet offices to see if any pets have been reported missing, we can-“

“Oh, I can help! Let me snap a pic of her real quick and I can have a found poster ready in the next five minutes! Ten if you want it to look professional,” Jacob interrupted, eager to help. The redhead rolled her eyes and handed the pooch over to you as she stood up.

“Fine. But you have one week. After that, pipsqueak is going to the shelter. You better find somewhere to keep her until school’s out, lunch is almost over and the kids don’t need to be distracted more than they already are.” She smoothed her shirt and pants before helping you off the ground. You thanked her with a kiss and smiled wide at her before carrying the little lady to the lounge, Jacob trailing close behind.

Teachers took turns watching over the cocker spaniel while classes resumed until Ava walked in for a cup of coffee and said, “Aw hell naw”. Mr. Johnson confessed it was you and Melissa who decided to keep the dog in there. She stomped her way back to her office and pressed the intercom button. “Mrs. Schemmentis, please report to my office in regards to your furry friend.”

You asked Jacob to keep an eye on your students while you ran down to the office. Melissa was already there when you arrived, arms crossed. “I don’t care which one of you does it, but someone needs to take that dog home, it can’t stay here another minute,” Ava demanded. You sighed heavily before looking over to Melissa who raised a brow at you.

“I’ll take her home, my last period is planning anyway. Not like I’m gonna miss much,” the redhead said. You were shocked that she offered before you could, but your kids had a test that afternoon that they couldn’t miss and you really needed to stay.

“Thank you, Mel! I promise you won’t have to be alone with her for too long. I’m just gonna stop and grab a crate for her on my way home later,” you kissed her on the cheek and watched her roll her eyes. She knew you were already attached to the animal.

“Alright lovebirds, get outta here,” Ava dismissed you with a wave of her hand.

When you finally made it home with a crate and supplies for the week, you found Melissa curled up on the plastic wrapped couch fast asleep with the ball of fur tucked into her elbow. You snapped a quick photo and sent it to Jacob with the caption ‘Red’s gone soft, might end up with a dog by the end of this after all’. He responded with a simple red heart and a ‘sweet dreams, Big Red and Little Red’.

So as not to wake them, you quietly made your way upstairs to set up the crate in the spare room. You finished fairly quickly and walked back downstairs to see your wife sitting on the couch reading a book with the dog on the floor by her feet, almost as if she didn’t want to be caught enjoying the dog’s company. “Hi baby, have a good nap?”

“Hm? Oh yeah, slept pretty well. I told the pipsqueak she wasn’t allowed on the couch but she must’ve hopped up when I was asleep.” She placed the book on the table and invited you to sit next to her.

“Uh huh, sure,” you said, giving her a knowing look as you rounded the side of the couch to snuggle into her. The dog jumped up and curled up between the two of you, and before Melissa could tell her no you reminded her that the couch was protected by the ridiculous wrapping. She agreed the pup would be allowed on the couch but made sure you knew she wasn’t going to be sleeping in your bed.

Bedtime rolled around quickly and you led the ball of fur into the spare room to put her in the crate for the night. You made her a bed with blankets and gave her a treat for being a good girl, closing the door behind you as you headed to your own room. Just as you laid your head on Melissa’s chest- your favorite place to sleep- and closed your eyes, the pup started howling. Melissa sighed and you untucked yourself from her arms to quiet the dog. You sat beside her crate until she was asleep and you quietly made your way back into bed. Wrapped in Melissa’s arms once again you started to fall asleep, only to be startled awake by the cries coming from the other room. This time, Melissa got up and left the room, returning less than a minute later with the pup in tow. She sat the dog on the bed, resumed her position and pipsqueak found herself a soft spot at the foot of the bed.

She pulled you back into her arms and kissed your forehead. “Sucker,” you whispered.

“Neither of us woulda gotten any sleep if it had continued. We’re not keeping her. I love you. Good night.”

You rolled your eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Love you too.”

[cosmicanemoia]

Caged Hearts

Melissa Schemmenti x reader

SUMMARY

After one too many failed and traumatic relationships you gave up giving love chances but then you met her. The one who you'd tear the walls you've built for, Melissa Schemmenti.

You're good at reading people. Their motives, true colors, and what they would do in a given situation or certain situations. Safe to say you're never wrong, except when you fell for them, and when love comes to picture, that's a whole different story.

Love blinds you. It makes you uncertain about things you are certain about. Though, you give it a chance, lots of chance, but then they break, and break, then break you even more. You decided not to give love a chance any more, "never again" you promised to yourself, but you got sent to Abbott Elementary as their new academic coordinator by the government (the last one quitting because the pay is low and the school doesn't have much budget) and you met a hot headed red head. "Schemmenti, Melissa Schemmenti" you recall her introducing herself to you and your heart bangs your ribs wanting to be let out.

"What are you doing here? You have a kid here? What's you're name?" Melissa bombarded you with question but you were too stunned to speak. "Hey kid, why are you here?" The world kid pulled you out of your trance "sorry, I was too stunned by your beauty I could not form words or sentences for a moment" you said which made her took a step back not believing what she just heard, looking around checking if its real, you saw her response and you complimented the woman beside her who you've come to know as Barbara, but not in a flirty way "You're very beautiful too, Ma'am" you said as you slightly bow your head down to her "such a gentle woman, thanks, dear" Barbara nudge Melissa with her elbow "Schemmenti, Melissa Schemmenti. Second grade teacher" she introduced herself and Barbara did too and gives you a hug out of nowhere, Janine joined in, and you cleared your throat after a few seconds making them back out. Jacob introduces himself and Gregory did as well.

Ava reached her hand out to you and say "Principal Ava Coleman. Are you too stunned by my beauty that you can't form words again?" Before you could response Janine butted in "Do you think I'm beautiful too?" You just smiled at her and nod. Melissa introduces the man who came to took the trash but you already know him so you greeted him "Hi! Mr. Johnson" "Oh hey, bye" Mr. Johnson replied and went. Ava inquire "you already knew him?" "Yes. It seemed that I went here too early, he showed me around. He's a funny guy" you said and Melissa replied "Oh yes. I have a guy for everything and he's my funny guy. He's also my plumber guy" "you have a guy for everything-- that's so cool" you said and your casual attitude change into your business attitude, you clear your throat covering your mouth with your closed fist and say "Principal Coleman, can we talk in private?" "Sure come by my office, we could do more than talk there" the principal said and you just laugh nervously "ok"

"That poor woman" Barbara commented after you're out of sight "she seem to like what's going on" Melissa replied and Barbara gave her a warning look "I didn't mean it Barbs" Melissa explained.

The moment your eyes meet hers, you felt something. When she showed you kindness, you know she'll give you a lot of trouble, so you took a deep breath and starts building a wall around her, which you willingly take down every now and then, you keep your guard up, but not even the strongest soldier can keep their guard up if someone they might "love" asks to bring them down. That word makes you hurl, makes you want to vomit, even when you just thought of it for a second, so you try very hard not to.

Your heart, mind, and guts is telling you the same thing, that she's actually a good person, that she genuinely care, but you know you have feelings for her, so maybe not. You know it's wrong to think that, but you just can't help but second guess anyone you have feelings for, especially when they're so kind.

Melissa is tough, speaks her mind. She tried to hide her softness, and you think she just needed a hug.

You flirt but you never commit. You let yourself feel something, but you quickly take a step back whenever you feel it could lead to something more.

What may be a harmless and a little mischievous flirting for you, sometimes might have lead to someone being led on.

Melissa and Barbara were at their usual table, while Janine, Gregory, and Jacob were in the table just behind the duo. Ava barges in, flipping her hair from side to side, with a gorgeous woman in tow, she's about your age, everyone thinks so. Ava and the other woman scans the room, obviously looking for someone who is not yet there.

"Who's she?" Melissa inquired, speaking everyone's mind. Ava looks at the woman "I don't remember. But she's looking for Y/N, said she's her girlfriend" Ava looked at Melissa when she said the word 'girlfriend', Melissa crosses her arms on her chest and let's out a quiet scoff only her friend could hear.

"Oh, Hi!" Janine squealed "You're so beautiful" she said with so much enthusiasm, it made Ava's eyes roll to the back of her head in annoyance. "Makes sense. You're both hot and beautiful" Jacob commented then Gregory raises his eyebrows and nods in agreement. "What's your name, dear?" Barbara asked and before the woman could answer, you open the door and walks in while your eyes are fixated on the food you were holding. Halfway in the room, you notice the silence, and you halt, you look up and look around, you narrowed your eyes, waiting for someone to tell you what's going on, you open your mouth to ask something but Melissa beat you to it "You just walk past your girlfriend" "I don't--" your reply is interrupted when someone suddenly give you a back hug, you flinched and tried to escape, but your reaction time is so slow, now your trapped.

"You're Y/N, right? I saw your pictures, you look more amazing in person" you turn to face her and push her away softly, you took a few step backwards to distance yourself from the beautiful stranger "I'm sorry but who are you?" "Don't you know your girlfriend?" You look at Melissa, confused by her question 'what girlfriend?' You think to yourself and you smirk at her understanding what's going on 'is she jealous?' You asked yourself and you scoff internally at the thought, slightly amused. "I don't have a girlfriend" you defended "I'm Jade. And we have a date" Jade said "Oh. Jade. You're the one they set me up with" you said thinking back on your silly friends "Yes, that's me. Didn't you see my picture?" She confirmed "I didn't bother to look. I thought they were bluffing.-- So, you're my date, not my girlfriend" you said and it relieves Melissa a little. "Yes and no. We'll go on a date, I'll end up in your bed, and I'll be your good little girlfriend in no time" Jade said and you just reply "Uh huh" "being your date and being your girlfriend is basically the same thing" she added, and Melissa scoffs in response, Barbara enjoying her friends reaction to the conversation, you say firmly "it is most certainly not" Melissa chuckled at your statement.

A few hours later you went to the date, after less than twenty minutes during the date you confronted the woman that you are not looking for a relationship, she understood, and you both ended up being friends.

You went in early to school and went to the teacher's lounge to make something to drink, there is only one other person in. You see Melissa drinking something, looking at something on her phone, you didn't bother her and just went to the vending machine. Melissa looks up and see you getting an energy bar from the machine, "How's your girlfriend?" Melissa teased and you tease back "I won't know if you don't tell me. How are you my baby?" You sit next to her, on her right, not wanting to sit on her best friends place looking at Melissa with puppy eyes and she just scoffs at you. "How's your good little girlfriend?" She paraphrased, it sounded like a mock. "FYI. She did not become my 'good little girlfriend' nor did she end up in my bed. And I was not looking forward to be her girlfriend, although, a beautiful woman wanting to end up in my bed sounds promising" you replied trying to convince no one, making Melissa's heart warm and swell up, she's now grinning ear to ear "Dinner. My place, just you and me"

This time the flirting got too much, you don't know how it happened, Melissa invited you to dinner. DINNER! at her house! Just the two of you. Then your vision blur and your face turn red.

"Now that's a good one" you point and nod at her "If that's a real offer I would decline, but it wasn't, so, sure. I'll play along" you added "I'm not kidding yah, kid. Let's have dinner" Melissa defended "Oh, so I'm a kid now, that's not what you were calling me earlier, baby" a smirk starts to show on your face. She just stares at you and you decline "I can't. I have a thing" Melissa's ego is bruised a little "You have a flipping thing so you can't. Okay. That's totally understandable" she said sarcastically and looks at you with a straight face "Yes. Thanks. Maybe some other time, we should invite the others as well" you declined again and she's just sitting there with an unreadable expression on her face, but you're getting the vibe that she wants to beat you up, hearing her in your head saying 'you don't know who you're messing with', you see her looking away from you "Sorry, babe. I swear I have a thing so I can't" Melissa rolled her eyes and scoffs at you "Whatever kid. Just admit that you won't have dinner with me because you truly think I'm too old for you" She looks down to hide her smirk, pretending to be sad. "What? That's not--" you were interrupted "Sure, kid. Whatever helps you sleep at night" Melissa's smirk grew wider and wider, she knew what she's doing and you have not yet catch up on it.

She's guilting you into saying yes, and with those eyes, now looking at you with so much anticipation, how could you say no 'it's just a friendly dinner and nothing more' you said to yourself but you know deep down, in your caged heart, it is something more.

"Fine. I'll have dinner with you, at your house" you finally cave in. Melissa looks up to look at you, the smirk she had, have turned into a wide grin, making you suddenly realise what she just did. "Come by my place at six" Melissa proudly said, so you try to burst her bubble "I see what you did there" but ended up kind of complimenting her, "I'll show you some more on our dinner date" Melissa said which made your eyes grow wide, not by her showing you 'more', but by her saying its a dinner date  "I don't doubt that for even a second-- so, it's  a date, huh-" you said and she shakes her head "what do you think it is?" She asked, you answer "like not a date, just something" you shrug "you're seriously so thick" she told you "oh my, thank you for the compliment. I could certainly say the same thing about you" she rolled her eyes, sick of you playing the fool, she sighed, and someone enter the room, bursting their bubbles and bringing them back to reality.

You are now in your lonesome trying clothes to wear for your date with Melissa. You applaud her for how she played you, but you can't believe how you let yourself be played and how you play along, how would you let her play you. 'Ah, shit. Here we go again' you told yourself before leaving your place.

You are now sitting infront of Melissa, eating her delicious home cooked meal.

"Why'd that beautiful woman didn't end up in your bed?" Melissa asked out of the blue "Eh, she's too young for me, and she's not my type" you answered her "too young? She's literally your age" she scoffed "exactly, too young, for me at least" you replied "What's your type, then?" You look up from your food already meeting her gaze, you almost blurted 'you' but you didn't, you describe her instead "short tempered, red head, leather wearing woman, who's great at cooking, uses her said 'old age' into making people to come have dinner with her. You know anybody like her?" She scoffs and tries to hide the red on her face that is now matching the red of her hair. After a minute of composing herself she finally answers your question "No. I don't think I do, but I know a guy who knows a guy who might" "of course you do"

You burst out laughing and the sound of your laughter warms and lights Melissa's house, she watch at the sight infront of her thinking 'I would love to get used to this' "I have something to say" she said way too loudly, the neighbors can hear, you look at her, willing and ready to listen "I'm all yours" you said with a sultry voice, Melissa sighed and thinks 'I wish' to herself.

"I've always keep people at arms length. Especially the people I find hot and am attracted to-- I flirt here and there, sometimes even date, but never something more, something real" you listen intently to every word she said, thinking to yourself 'same', you  and Melissa simultaneously took a deep breath and she continues "But you... You. When I met you, and get to really know you, somehow my walls came crashing down on me, but it didn't hurt- not even a little bit. I'm just glad. Glad that you came in to my life, glad that you took the walls down, and super glad to have asked you to have dinner with me. I'm so grateful that I get to hear your laugh and see your smile, and its because of me" the tears that have been falling from her eyes earlier, only got notice now that she's finished her speech, she brought her hands to wipe her tears and eventually cover her face "I'm sorry-" "stop" you commanded her and she followed.

You stand up from your seat and walk towards her, you hugged her. The warm of your embrace made Melissa hum in response. A couple of minutes later you break the hug and cup her cheeks, wiping some tears away using your tumb "you stole my line, you thief" you said and it made her chuckle "what do you mean? you won't know when I steal from you" you wanted to say 'I know. Cause you've stolen my heart long ago but I only notice earlier, when I saw you crying' but you didn't, instead you just say "I mean I was supposed to say that because that's exactly how I feel as well-- Everything you just said, all of it. Me too--"

You pulled each other into a kiss, your mouths working as one. Each minute the kiss starts to deepen. It gets sloppier every couple of seconds. The desperation, the passion, and the hunger, sated by each others tongue on the others' mouth.

"Why have we waited this long to do this?" Melissa asked out of breath "because we're both traumatised by our past relationships. --And we're both idiots" you replied, also out of breath and then kiss each other again.

You both pulled out of the kiss needing oxygen and when you get your fill you get back to kissing each other desperately. Hands wandering and exploring the bodies that is not their own.

You're both out of breath again "Wanna take this to my bedroom?" Melissa said panting, you nodded and she took your hand, kissing each other while walking over to the bedroom.

After making love with each other, one or two times. You're now spooning each other. "If you tell anyone about this, I know a guy who will make you regret it" she threatened you "I won't Ms. Schemmenti" you said in a slow and a grade schooler manner, teasing her "You're secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone, that you're the little spoon" you shower her face with kisses "also, you're not very threatening in this position" you added and she scoff "Yeah, Right"

In the morning, you wake up with someone laying her head on top of your chest. You smile at the sight of red strand of hairs in front of your face. There's still some doubt and worries, but for Melissa, you don't care if she'd end up hurting you. You're only focusing in the now, not dwelling back when and then, just thankful for the present.

Her alarm rang and she wokes up, " I hate Monday mornings " she said groggily "good thing it's a Sunday morning then" you said certainly "No. It's monday" she said less groggily, you check your phone for the date and saw that it's indeed Monday, sighing in defeat you say "I better get going then" "what?" Melissa asked, now looking at you "I need to go, I need to shower and change clothes" you told her and she say "you could do that here, I'll lend you some of my clothes, we could shower together" you hummed at the thought of her last sentence "we can't, we'll be late" Melissa rolled her eyes and stands up from the bed "fine. Go take a shower first, I'll find some clothes for you to wear, and I'll cook us breakfast" "Roger that miss Schemmenti"

You ride with her on the way to school. You're both earlier than anyone as usual, or so you thought, you walk in the teacher's lounge hand in hand not noticing someone is there, Melissa kissed you and the person cleared their throat, which made Melissa jump "Shit. Barb. You scared the hell out me--" she looks at you seeing you with a grin on your face "why didn't you say anything?" "I was but I can't, your tongue was in my mouth" you replied.

"Everyone pay up" Barbara announced when everyone is in the room Melissa took her wallet out of her bag and you check your pockets "What for?" Melissa asked "Not you two" Barbara replied and it hit you, they've placed bets. You smile and nod your head.

"No, they didn't" Ava said, not wanting to pay. Barbara replied "They very much did, I saw it with my own two eyes earlier. If that is not enough proof, look at Y/N, she's literally wearing Melissa's clothes" Everyone looks at you and their eyes widened "you didn't" Jacob said to you and you just nod and grinned in response. "We very much did" Melissa confirmed.

Janine, Ava, Jacob, Gregory, and even Mr. Johnson placed their twenties on Barbara's palm. You raised your eyes at Melissa and then it hit her " You placed bets on us? Why didn't you tell me so I could join in" You just shake your head at her with a smile on your face.

[the-bad-batch]

Chapters: 5/? Fandom: Abbott Elementary (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Melissa Schemmenti/Original Female Character(s), Ava Coleman/Janine Teagues Characters: Barbara Howard, Melissa Schemmenti, Ava Coleman (Abbott Elementary), Kristen Marie (Abbott Elementary), Janine Teagues, Gregory Eddie, Jacob Hill, Original Characters, Gary (Abbott Elementary) Additional Tags: mentions of sickness, Sex Club, Mommy Kink, Fluff and Smut, Shameless Smut, Romance, breakdown - Freeform, Strap-Ons, Praise Kink, Mentions of Cancer Summary:

Forced to take time off work after a breakdown, Melissa finds herself taking her sisters advice and going to an sex club which her sister had mentioned, just to prove that Kristen Marie has terrible ideas. There she finds a new place to let loose and a woman she only knows by the name of El, who will change her life forever.

[ladyorlandodream]

Reblogging because I updated my list with the Abbott Elementary One Shot

I will try to finish the dovesso ff this week so I can focus on Lady Dimitrescu x OC

My Works

Hi! I am writing this post to link all the FF I wrote or that are still in progress

I will teach you all I know (Doom Patrol TV show - Rita Farr x Female Original Character - Ongoing)

Under a "not so evil" care (The School for Good and Evil, movie - Dovesso - Ongoing)

This crystal is not for display (Resident Evil 8 - Lady Dimitrescu x reader - Ongoing)

Care to Dance? (RE8 - Lady Dimitrescu x reader - One Shots Collection)

All hallow's eve (RE8 - Lady Dimitrescu x reader - Completed)

Forever with you, Mother (RE8 - Dimitrescu Family - Completed)

Lost in the woods (RE8 - Lady Dimitrescu x Female Original Character - Completed)

Wonderful Tonight (Abbott Elementary - Barbara Howard x Melissa Schemmenti - Completed)

[televinita]

Top 100 Ladies of TV

Looking at old blog posts, many years ago I did a "100 favorite female characters" list, but I have met so many wonderful new ladies now that it is quite out of date and needs a major update to accommodate them. International Women’s Day seems like the perfect time to do so!

Only this time I'm restricting it to TV characters, or I will die of Overwhelm.

NOTE: This list is not in any kind of order, I just wrote them down as they came to mind. I considered alphabetical, but found it was nicer to keep everyone from a given show together. And rather than starting from scratch, I kept as much of the original list as I could and just added newer favorites on at the end, if you're wondering why some of these Very Old Fandoms are clustered at the top.

Rose Tyler (Doctor Who)

Donna Noble (Doctor Who)

Sarah Jane Smith (Doctor Who/The Sarah Jane Adventures)

Kimberly Hart (Power Rangers)

Katherine Hillard (Power Rangers)

Pamela Beesly Halpert (The Office)

Kelly Kapoor (The Office)

Angela Martin (The Office)

Amita Ramanujan (Numb3rs)

Abby Sciuto (NCIS

Ziva David (NCIS)

Abby Lockhart (ER)

Neela Rasgotra (ER)

Sarah Riley (ER)

Rachel Berry (Glee)

Quinn Fabray (Glee)

Tina Cohen-Chang, respect (Glee)

Marley Rose (Glee)

Juliet Burke (Lost)

Alex Rousseau (Lost)

Kensi Blye (NCIS: LA)

Nell Jones (NCIS: LA)

Marisol Delko (CSI: Miami)

Alexx Woods (CSI: Miami)

Calleigh DuQuesne (CSI: Miami)

Samantha Spade (Without a Trace)

Miranda Bailey (Grey's Anatomy)

Cristina Yang (Grey's Anatomy)

April Kepner (Grey's Anatomy)

Addison Forbes Montgomery (Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice)

Sara Sidle (CSI)

Jess Angell (CSI: NY)

Dana Scully (X-Files)

Summer Roberts (The O.C.)

Charlotte "Chuck" Charles (Pushing Daisies)

Olive Snook (Pushing Daisies)

Joan Girardi (Joan of Arcadia)

Kat Miller (Cold Case)

Tru Davies (Tru Calling)

Elaine Benes (Seinfeld)

Daphne Moon (Frasier)

Carla Espinosa (Scrubs)

Jordan Sullivan (Scrubs) -- it's either her or Ellie Torres from Cougar Town, real 6-of-1 situation

Donna Pinciotti (That 70s Show)

Jackie Burkhart (That 70s Show)

Kitty Forman (That 70s Show)

Kara Danvers (Supergirl)

Stephanie Tanner (Full/er House)

Grace Adler (Will & Grace)

Lexi Vaziri (Blood & Treasure)

Jaz Khan (The Brave)

Lux Cassidy (Life Unexpected)

Rachel Matheson (Revolution)

Julia Shumway (Under the Dome)

Nancy McKenna (L.A.'s Finest)

Paige Donohue (Scorpion)

Happy Quinn (Scorpion)

Max Black (2 Broke Girls)

Penelope Garcia (Criminal Minds)

Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (Criminal Minds)

Emily Prentiss (Criminal Minds)

Mae Jarvis (Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders)

Reba Hart (Reba)

Cheyenne Hart (Reba)

Jess Parker (Primeval)

Abby Maitland (Primeval)

Sansa Stark (Game of Thrones)

Tani Rey (Hawaii Five-0)

Kate Beckett (Castle)

Alexis Castle (Castle)

Kat Warbler (The Class) - FOREVER UPSET we were robbed of more than 22 eps of her snarky glory!

Ivy Lynn (Smash)

Elizabeth McCord (Madam Secretary herself)

Carrie Heffernan (i'm sorry i LOVE HER) (The King of Queens)

Frankie Heck (The Middle)

Sue Heck (The Middle)

Mindy Lahiri (The Mindy Project)

Lisa Miller (News Radio)

Beth of no apparent last name (NewsRadio)

Sabrina Spellman (the Teenage Witch, Good Version [WB])

Tia Landrey & Tamera Campbell (Sister, Sister) (I know it's rude but they're both aces and this way my list is secretly 101!)

Jade McKellan (Family Reunion)

Holly Tyler (What I Like About You)

Anathema Device (Good Omens)

Eve Baxter (Last Man Standing)

Sabina of no official last name (Siberia)

Ryan Clark (Off the Map)

Phoebe Buffay (Friends)

Monica Geller (Friends)

Rachel Greene (Friends)

Janine Teagues (Abbott Elementary)

Melissa Schemmenti (Abbott Elementary)

Barbara Howard (Abbott Elementary)

Ava Coleman (Abbot Elementary)

Molly Flynn (Mike & Molly, a terrible show made watchable by its women, though I only have room for 1 today)

Henrietta/Hetty Woodstone (Ghosts [CBS])

Shirley Bennett (Community)

Alex Russell (Maid)

Jenny Hoyt (Big Sky)

Cassie DeWell (Big Sky)

In conclusion:

[cosmicanemoia]

Ms. Nobody

Melissa schemmenti x reader

SUMMARY

You show up at Abbott Elementary and stick your nose into everybody's business, and no one knows what you really do.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

You were walking down the hallway of Abbott Elementary looking for the principal's office, but you couldn't seem to find it. You were wearing a black and white, three piece pinstripe suit, looking like a stuck-up, but also, like a million bucks, you thought its suffocating.

A woman with a leather jacket paired with tight leather pants walks in your direction, as she gets closer from where you stand, you realise her hair is red, some of it tuck in a cat-eye-framed glasses.

You noticed she's fixated on her phone, so you block her way to make her notice you, she accidentally bumps into you, noticing you too late to stop on her tracks "Sorry, miss. Could you please point me in the direction of the principal's office?" She observed you with a stoic look on her face, you know she's trying to get a read on you "just follow me. I was going there anyway"

The walk to the Ava's office was filled with silence and when you got there, Ava checks you out and raises an eyebrow, she looks at the red haired woman "Damn! Schemmenti, thanks for bringing me a hot stripper. How'd you know I need to release some stress" miss Schemmenti made a dumbfounded face "wha--" she's trying to say something but you interrupted her "That's highly inappropriate" you said that left a silence in the room for a few seconds until you break it "That's highly inappropriate if I wasn't a stripper" both of the women's eyes widened by your revelation.

You started unbuttoning your blazer "but lucky for you I was" their jaw dropped at the sight "woah-- w-what the hell is going on?" Melissa earnestly asked looking around the room, confused by the act happening in the principal's office, you took your blazer off, throw it in a chair, and started unbuttoning your vest "I don't know-- but I'm liking every second of it" Ava replied, her eyes fixated on you. A smirk starts to form in your mouth, both women liking the scene more than they should, you took the vest off and throw it in with the blazer, you started to loosen your tie, you were holding back a laugh for quite some time but you couldn't hold it in anymore, so you burst out laughing, the two women bewildered "I'm just kidding!-- I'm not a stripper" you announce "what!?!" Ava and Melissa both shouted at the same time, their voice both frustrated and annoyed.

"Principal Coleman, I need to talk to you in private regarding classified topics" you took a seat in front of her. Ava gulped and clear her throat which Melissa mirrored "of course. Melissa, what do you need?" The principal asked the teacher "Uh- I forgot... I'll just come back later" Melissa walks out.

You've been there for a couple months now since that day. You've easily made friends with most of the teachers there. Janine always asks you questions but you rarely get to answer them because the topics sometimes change way too fast. Jacob jokes around you, talking nonstop, mostly dropping random facts about something not very well known but you already knew them so it fascinates him. Gregory asks you questions out of nowhere, he's quite and he listen but speaks his mind when he feel the need to do so, and you're just willing to listen. Barbara is always glad when you come to observe her class and is always kind to you. Ava unashamedly flirting with you everytime she can, you sometimes flirt back which makes her fluster and blush. Mr. Johnson telling you stories no one would bother to listen to or believe, but you always listen and you don't care if his stories are believable or not, they're still good stories nonetheless. Melissa scoffs at you when she sees you but it only lasted for a week, and she eventually warms up to you, but you know she still have some doubt and still don't fully trust you, you make her smile and you make her laugh everytime you can.

The teacher's are gathered in the teacher's lounge given that it's lunch time. They were chit chatting and catching up until the topic of their conversation became you.

"There's this mysterious woman who came from nowhere and people doesn't know what she really does here, where she came from, we only know she observes the school and do nothing else" Melissa stated making the other teachers question what are your true motives. They added and added so called facts and evidence of your actions trying to figure you out.

You made your way to the teacher's lounge with your hands in the pockets of your jacket, when you open the door and walk in, the room fell silent. You made your way to the vending machine "how is everybody?" You inquired but your met with silence still and you could feel the tension, you turn your back to check on them and when you do, all their eyes are shooting daggers at you. "What's going on?" You inquire once again, and once again your met with silence.

"You a cop?" Melissa ask you, breaking the silence. You slowly walk closer to her and you sigh "actually, I am." You pulled out a hand cuff out of your jacket, and everyone is stunned, "and Melissa Ann Schemmenti, you are under arrest for obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting, and harboring a criminal in your home" you started to handcuff her, she scoffs "That's ridiculous! I don't know what you're talking about" everyone is in complete shock. A smirk that has formed in your face since you handcuff her begins to become a grin, you tug softly at her shoulder and starts to walk, but halfway through the door you halted and speak again "but mostly for stealing my heart" you burst out laughing and it clicked to everyone what you just did, everyone is holding back their laughter, afraid of the redhead's wrath that you might have unleashed. Your laugh fades when you realise you're the only one laughing, it turned into an awkward chuckle "oookaayyyy. Tough crowd"

Melissa rolled her eyes "ha- ha- satisfied? Now get this off of me" she commanded. You started to search your pockets and nothing "Uh- I might have lost the key" you look at her with puppy eyes, "if this is another one of your jokes, I swear--" her sentence, unfinished, as you tug her and interrupt her "come, I have a copy hidden somewhere" you said as you lead her out the door. When you both are out of sight everyone sighed loudly releasing the breath they didn't know they were holding back.

While walking down the hallway Melissa ask you "so, you just carry around a handcuff with you?" "Who doesn't?" You answered like it's a totally normal thing to carry handcuffs around. She rolled her eyes again, tired of your antics, now clearly irritated, "what kind of idiot carries a handcuff and not have the keys?" You raise your two thumbs and started pointing it to yourself "this idiot, obviously. --Is it idiotic? Or is it part of my grand master plan to get you alone in a private room, with me?" You whispered the last part of your sentence in her ear in a seductive tone.

She's quite for a long time until she ask another question "where'd you put this key anyway? I feel like we've been walking in circles" you smiled and stop in front of her "we actually are" she stopped on her track and looks at you, furious, evident in her eyes.

You started to walk again and this time with the intention of getting the key. You knock at Ava's door and she tells you to come in. You walk in and Ava lifted her gaze from whatever she was doing on her laptop to you "Hey hottie" you shake your head unimpressed with her flirting "where's the key to your handcuffs?" Melissa burst in "This is Ava's handcuffs?!" She lifts and wave her hands "Yes. She gave it to me earlier to hold onto. And you presented an opportunity for it to be used-- so, here we are..." you answered her and she scoff "you won't see another light of day, when I get out of this freaking situation" you smiled at her, daring her to follow through her threat "Nobody carries a handcuff around unless they're actually a cop" you explain "or a stripper" ava added to the end of your sentence.

"Dear god give me patience or I might actually commit murder" Melissa closed her eyes and prayed, as Ava toss the keys to you, and you catch it. You walk over to Melissa to uncuff her as she glares and growls at you. When you finally freed her she massage her wrist and she fake pouncing on you which made Ava flinch, but you stand there unfazed.

Melissa walks out the room first. You drop the cuffs on Ava's table and walk out the office without saying a word.

You had an eventful evening, but today's school is over. You made your way outside the school through the parking lot.

Someone suddenly pulled you, then pushed you against the wall, it was Melissa who is out for blood, your blood. She has you pinned against the wall, you're not complaining, in fact, you actually like it, that position, but really, you just like her.

"Don't think I'll pity you because you're young and pretty. You don't know who you're messing with" she said and you cant help but blush "you think I'm pretty?-- I think you're pretty too, pretty and HOT!" You said emphasising the last word. You were looking eye to eye, faces inches away from each other, you let your eyes wander on her lips, and before both of you knew it, you were kissing her, but you suddenly pulled away when you realise she's not kissing back. She let go of you "first you handcuff me, call me hot, and now kisses me--- what the hell is wrong with you kid?" You look down at your feet ashamed of yourself but you look back gazing in her eyes "I'm not a kid.-- And there's nothing wrong with me.--- I'm just... just-- completely and utterly head over heels for you" you felt something hit the side of your face, you caress it with your hand, she had slapped you, you bit on your lower lip, your chest starting to tighten "don't mess with me like that" she said plainly "I'm no--" "Shut up" she said before you could explain yourself.

You just stood there in the cold as you watch her drive away. 'I really fucked this, shit!' You thought to yourself. You let out a loud sigh thinking how you screwed out really big.

The next day you went to school early, hoping you'd catch her and apologise for being such an asshole, but she didn't get in until before the class starts leaving no time for chit chats, especially with you.

Lunch came and you announce your presence when you walk in the teacher's lounge. You scan the room and you saw everyone is there. "I know you have question. I'm going to answer them truthfully and seriously" you said confidently and you sit on the couch.

Janine raises her hand and you raises your eyebrow at her signaling her to go for it "I actually forgot what to ask- I'm just eager to learn more about you" you nodded and you lean in the couch resting your elbows in your thighs "I know none of you know my name. That's OK. Ms. Nobody sounds good to me, but my name is y/l/n, y/n y/l/n.

"I have a question" Melissa speaks up "What is it you actually do here?" You think for a second "good question. *sighs* I help school that are about to be shut down by the government because the number of students doesn't meet the minimum quota for a public school to be open and for the lack of teachers teaching at the said school or schools that are barely making do"

"We're about to be shut down?" Janine asked to no one, and the teachers starts to converse among themselves, everyone of them shocked by the revelation.

A few minutes later "all teachers please proceed to the library after class we're having an unplanned meeting" Ava said to the intercom.

Someone is about to ask you question but the bell rang and they all dispersed, saddened by the news you told them. You rest your back on the sofa sighing with relief that you don't have to carry that secret anymore.

They went on to their classes pushing the news to the back of of their minds and went teaching like they always do.

The class are over and after the teachers tidy up and finish some things before they head to the library. There are a lot of them when you got there so you didn't bother to sit, you just stood and lean against the bookshelf trusting that if it can hold that many books, it can hold you as well.

Everyone is settled in the library. "I know y/n, has break the news to you. But we are not going to be shut down" Everyone simultaneously lets out a sigh of relief.

Melissa turns her head to look at you "you think everything is a joke, don't you? K--" "No. Of course not." You interrupted her before she finish.

"Everyone listen up. Let me rephrase my beautiful self. We are not going to be shut down because of y/n, and as long as she's here, we'll be okay" Ava collects her things and starts to walk away "Is that all? Are we finished?" Janine ask the principal "Janine, why'd you always gotta be so needy?" She scoffs and continues on her way.

You walk over to where Melissa and Barbara are sitting. "Hi Barbs" you greeted her with a pleasant smile and she replied "thanks for helping the school dear" you smile at her more before you turn your attention to Melissa "Hey, hot stuff. Can I talk to you?" "What'd you wanna talk about?" She ask and Barbara excuse herself so you sat next to her.

You are now alone together in the library. "I just wanted to say sorry for the handcuffs thing, and for stealing a kiss from you" she's just sat there quietly "also, I really mean what I said that night" "what? That I'm hot?" She ask still not looking at you, you look down on your knees and smile to yourself "yeah. That too" You grabbed her hand that is resting on her thighs and rest it on yours instead while you held it "I know you think I'm just messing with you. And I can see why you think that. But, I'm not. I'm being serious and I really mean it.-- please, look at me" you requested and she obliged "I'm in love with you" she just stares at you for a moment and then look away, her hand still held by yours.

You close your eyes and smile but you feel defeated. You let go of her hands and stand up. "I'm sorry" she said right before you walk away so you turn on your back to face her "what?" she's quite for a minute contemplating something "I'm sorry for slapping you" she said and you smiled to her "it's okay. I deserved it.-- and I kinda like it" you said and you wink at her "of course you do" she smiles more wide than usual, she's amused.

She stands up and walks up to you closing the space you made when you walk out, she reach on your fore arms and rub it gently, trying to warm you up. "You're getting cold" she said to you but you know you're hot on the inside caused by the woman's touch "And, no. You didn't deserve it" she said and she starts to let go of you but you pulled her into a hug "it's okay. I know you didn't mean it" you said as you hug her tighter.

You let yourself loosen the embrace but you feel hers tighten, not yet ready to let go, so you tighten your arms around her once more, waiting for her to be ready to let go.

You hugged for more than a couple of minutes until she finally let go, you smiled at each other, saying goodbye with your eyes knowing that you'll meet again soon.

After you've taken a few step away from her she shouted "come over for dinner at my house, let me apologise properly" you look at her with a grin "if you wanted to ask me out for a date, you could've just said so" "and there it is" she gesture with her hands showcasing you and you curtsied at her before you went on your merry way.

You knock and rang on Melissa's door and she opens them right away, inviting you in. Your eyes fixated on her, she looks so comfortable and it warms you, secretly hoping she would be comfortable with you too.

You watch her as you sit on the kitchen counter while she cooks making light conversations.

Her homecooked meal taste so good, you're saying "mmmhh" and nod your head at the same time every time you take a bite. She looks contented and proud of herself.

You were quite for a moment so she ask you "What are you thinking?" You look at her with a wide grin "you don't wanna know" you tease "just tell me" she commanded and you quickly abide "I'm just thinking that my grand master plan actually works. Even better than I'd imagine. Now, I'm eating delicious home cooked meal at your house with a beautiful view right in front of me"

She pulls you in for a kiss, a passionate kiss, which you return with the same desperation she had. You both pulled away at the same time, gasping for air, and catching your breath "I'm just taking back the kiss you stole from me" she said trying to defend her action, you smiled at her "How long have you been wanting to do that?" "Way too long, apparently" she replied and you both burst out laughing.

The night is going great and maybe it will get greater. You don't know where this night might lead you, but you don't care, as long as she's with you, every step of the way.

[the-bad-batch]

Chapters: 4/10 Fandom: Abbott Elementary (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Melissa Schemmenti/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Barbara Howard, Melissa Schemmenti, Ava Coleman (Abbott Elementary), Kristen Marie (Abbott Elementary), Janine Teagues, Gregory Eddie, Jacob Hill, Original Characters, Gary (Abbott Elementary) Additional Tags: mentions of sickness, Sex Club, Mommy Kink, Fluff and Smut, Shameless Smut, Romance, breakdown - Freeform, Strap-Ons, Praise Kink, Mentions of Cancer Summary:

Forced to take time off work after a breakdown, Melissa finds herself taking her sisters advice and going to an sex club which her sister had mentioned, just to prove that Kristen Marie has terrible ideas. There she finds a new place to let loose and a woman she only knows by the name of El, who will change her life forever.

[the-bad-batch]

Chapters: 3/10 Fandom: Abbott Elementary (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Melissa Schemmenti/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Barbara Howard, Melissa Schemmenti, Ava Coleman (Abbott Elementary), Kristen Marie (Abbott Elementary), Janine Teagues, Gregory Eddie, Jacob Hill, Original Characters, Gary (Abbott Elementary) Additional Tags: mentions of sickness, Sex Club, Mommy Kink, Fluff and Smut, Shameless Smut, Romance, breakdown - Freeform, Strap-Ons, Praise Kink Summary:

Forced to take time off work after a breakdown, Melissa finds herself taking her sisters advice and going to an sex club which her sister had mentioned, just to prove that Kristen Marie has terrible ideas. There she finds a new place to let loose and a woman she only knows by the name of El, who will change her life forever.

[the-bad-batch]

Chapters: 2/10 Fandom: Abbott Elementary (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Melissa Schemmenti/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Barbara Howard, Melissa Schemmenti, Ava Coleman (Abbott Elementary), Kristen Marie (Abbott Elementary), Janine Teagues, Gregory Eddie, Jacob Hill, Original Characters, Gary (Abbott Elementary) Additional Tags: mentions of sickness, Sex Club, Mommy Kink, Fluff and Smut, Shameless Smut, Romance, breakdown - Freeform, Strap-Ons, Praise Kink Summary:

Forced to take time off work after a breakdown, Melissa finds herself taking her sisters advice and going to an sex club which her sister had mentioned, just to prove that Kristen Marie has terrible ideas. There she finds a new place to let loose and a woman she only knows by the name of El, who will change her life forever.

We have chapter 2! 

[the-bad-batch]

Chapters: 6/? Fandom: Abbott Elementary (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Melissa Schemmenti/Original Female Character(s), Ava Coleman/Janine Teagues Characters: Barbara Howard, Melissa Schemmenti, Ava Coleman (Abbott Elementary), Kristen Marie (Abbott Elementary), Janine Teagues, Gregory Eddie, Jacob Hill, Original Characters, Gary (Abbott Elementary) Additional Tags: mentions of sickness, Sex Club, Mommy Kink, Fluff and Smut, Shameless Smut, Romance, breakdown - Freeform, Strap-Ons, Praise Kink, Mentions of Cancer, mentions of a rough childhood, Slight Violence, Punches are thrown Summary:

Forced to take time off work after a breakdown, Melissa finds herself taking her sisters advice and going to an sex club which her sister had mentioned, just to prove that Kristen Marie has terrible ideas. There she finds a new place to let loose and a woman she only knows by the name of El, who will change her life forever.

(I’m backkkkk) 

[the-bad-batch]

Chapters: 8/? Fandom: Abbott Elementary (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Melissa Schemmenti/Original Female Character(s), Ava Coleman/Janine Teagues Characters: Barbara Howard, Melissa Schemmenti, Ava Coleman (Abbott Elementary), Kristen Marie (Abbott Elementary), Janine Teagues, Gregory Eddie, Jacob Hill, Original Characters, Gary (Abbott Elementary) Additional Tags: mentions of sickness, Sex Club, Mommy Kink, Fluff and Smut, Shameless Smut, Romance, breakdown - Freeform, Strap-Ons, Praise Kink, Mentions of Cancer, mentions of a rough childhood, Slight Violence, Punches are thrown Summary:

Forced to take time off work after a breakdown, Melissa finds herself taking her sisters advice and going to a sex club which her sister had mentioned, just to prove that Kristen Marie has terrible ideas. There she finds a new place to let loose and a woman she only knows by the name of El, who will change her life forever.

Surprise! I took a break from revision and got it done early. Still planning for a chapter next week! 

[sweetcheeksschemmenti]

As Long As You’ll Let Me (part 1)

Melissa Schemmenti x Original Female Character

Warnings: Joe is an ass, implied cheating, no other warnings yet

Summary: Melissa realizes her life is not at all what she expected but can’t find the courage to leave it all behind. That is, until Joe breaks her heart one last time and she finds herself in the arms of someone who truly cares. Through thick and thin Calliope never fails to be there for Melissa, even when Melissa breaks the younger woman’s heart.

tl;dr: Melissa learns how to love and be loved.

Chapter 1: Is There Life Out There

“She married when she was 20

She thought she was ready, now she's not so sure

She thought she'd done some living

But now she's just wonderin' what she's living for

Now she's feeling that there's something more

Is there life out there? So much she hasn't done

Is there life beyond her family and her home?

She's done what she should, should she do what she dares?

She doesn't want to leave, she's just wonderin', is there life out there?”

-Reba McEntire, Is There Life Out There

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

Listening to her husband and his buddies cheer as their team scored in the other room, Melissa paused her cooking and stared out the window at the freshly fallen snow. For the last fifteen years, her entire life revolved around Joe and his wants and needs. If he wanted to host a super bowl party, she played the perfect hostess and stayed in the kitchen while everyone else enjoyed the game, occasionally handing the guys a beer. If Melissa was invited to spend an evening with friends she had to decline because Joe needed her to make dinner. Joe this and Joe that. Joe. Joe. Joe.

She couldn’t remember the last time they did something she wanted to do. She tried the think about their travels and dates, but all that came to mind was their many trips to the time share cabin that Joe picked. Her mother repeatedly told her when she was younger that her twenties were the prime time to see the world and experience the wondrous things life has to offer. So, as a teenager, Melissa made a list of places she wanted to see and things to do before she turned thirty. Remembering the list, she rifled through the junk drawer and pulled it out.

Smoothing the now yellowing sheet of paper, she read:

- [ ] Road trip down California’s coast

- [ ] Visit Sicily

- [X] Fall in love

- [X] Graduate college with a teaching degree

- [ ] Get a tattoo

- [ ] Ghost tour in Savannah, GA

- [ ] The Outer Banks, NC

Melissa let out a sigh, she’d achieved two of those things- well, only one if she was honest with herself. She did what she was supposed to do, what she was told her whole life she had to do. She married her high school sweetheart, graduated with a degree, became a teacher just like her mother.

When Melissa married Joe nearly fifteen years ago, he was so in love with her. He bought her flowers every Friday, took her out to fancy restaurants just because, told her she was beautiful and meant it. Somewhere along the line, though, they fell into a dull routine. Joe bought her flowers only for their anniversary and her birthday. Melissa cooked for him almost every night and he did the dishes. Joe kissed her on the cheek before work each morning as she tied his tie. Each action lacked what they both craved, what they once had.

About a year ago they decided they should try to date each other again. They would go to their favorite restaurant on Saturday nights and enjoy a delicious meal that Melissa didn’t have to cook. At first, Melissa thought it was a nice change of pace. Until Joe started skipping out on their dates for weekend business trips to Boston. She found it odd that after eleven years with the company the first out of town trips just so happened to be when they had time together. After the first couple of trips, she noticed a big change in the way he treated her. On their date nights he would barely look at her, would compliment or flirt with any other woman but her. He started making comments about her weight and told her to diet. He became a vile man, someone she no longer knew. Despite these things, Melissa stayed. She was never a fan of change, good or bad, so she sat complacent with her misery and heartbreak.

“Melissa, can you grab us another round,” Joe shouted from the other room, bringing the redhead back to the present. She shook her head and blinked back the tears threatening to fall. She grabbed five ice cold beers from the garage and sat them on the coffee table for the guys. They mumbled their thanks and she went back to the kitchen to see the pot boiling over on the stove.

“Fuck!” Melissa rushed over and turned off the stove, moving the pot to a different burner so she could clean up the chili. Many paper towels and one first degree burn later, the kitchen was back to normal. She took her place staring out the window once more, thinking about what would happen if she did leave. If she did what she wanted for once instead of what she was told.

The following weekend Joe took Melissa out to their favorite restaurant after his boss called and cancelled his trip. When they arrived they asked for their favorite waitress, one Melissa had quietly grown particularly fond of. “Does Callie have an open table for us,” Joe asked the host at the front.

“Absolutely! She always has room for you two. Right this way,” he beamed as he grabbed menus and led them to their usual table in the back corner. Once they were seated he told them he’d send Callie over as soon as he could before he disappeared.

Through the hustle and bustle of the busy kitchen, the host dodged servers with hot plates to get to Calliope. “Cal, your regulars are here! Table 75, all yours.” He started to walk away before she whipped her head around, angry she had been triple sat.

“Ugh, which ones?” She slammed her server book on the counter and began to grab another basket of bread rolls.

“Jessica Rabbit and her troll of a husband.” He ducked to avoid the roll she chucked at his head. Callie absolutely adored the redhead, but her husband was a horrible human being and she simply did not have the patience to put up with his crudeness and the belittling of his wife. She sucked it up though, and grabbed their drinks from the bar before heading their way.

As she approached the table she could already tell it was going to be a rough evening. Joe seemed to already be a little tipsy. She took a deep breath and walked up. “Howdy! Bud light for Joe, and a glass of red for the prettiest lady in Philly.” She placed the respective glasses in front of them as well as the basket of rolls and looked right at Melissa just in time to see the blush creep up onto her cheeks. Her shy smile quickly faded as Joe chimed in.

“I don’t know about all that, now. You give her a pretty good run for her money,” he chuckled as his eyes passed over Calliope’s cleavage and curves, completely unashamed. Callie noticed the hurt in Melissa’s eyes before the woman masked it with a fake smile.

She refused to acknowledge his remark and addressed Melissa instead, “If you ever decide to leave his ass, let me know. I’d treat you right. We having the usual tonight, folks?” She winked at the older woman, ignoring Joe’s glare. Melissa gave a stiff nod and took a large sip from her glass. The couple ate their meals while Joe ranted about work stuff and Melissa nodded along pretending to care. After checking in and refilling their glasses a few times, Cal stopped at the table before she ran to print the check to see if the couple wanted to share a dessert.

“Anything sweet tonight? We just added chocolate cheesecake to the menu, it’s better than the Oreo pie we had a while back.” Calliope smiled at the redhead.

Joe chuckled, “You ain’t on the dessert menu by chance, are ya?” Both women stared blankley at the man. He cleared his throat and said, “No dessert tonight. I’m sweet enough and the missus here needs to drop a few pounds. I’ll go ahead and pay now.” He handed her his card with his shit eating grin.

“I think you’ve got that backwards, Joe, but alright,” Cal scoffed. “I’ll be back in a minute.” She again winked at the older woman before making her way to the computer. Once she returned, Cal said her goodbyes and walked back to the server’s hallway to put in another table’s order and wait for the inevitable visit from Melissa.

It was the same routine almost every Saturday night. Joe would flirt with Callie, Callie would flirt with Melissa. They’d order their usual meals, eat in near silence. Joe would pay the bill and not tip, Melissa would excuse herself to the restroom to find Callie in the server hallway and slip her $20 so he wouldn’t see.

From time to time, Melissa would dine alone while her husband was out of town on business. On those nights, Cal would drop off a brownie sundae at the table and tell her the kitchen made an extra by accident. In reality, she used her employee meal to cover the dessert just to put a smile on the woman’s face. She would do anything to see her smile. Melissa would stay well past close to talk with Callie in the dim lit dinning room once she was cut for the night, often being the very last customer to leave. Conversation after conversation, Melissa revealed more about her relationship with Joe and it broke the server’s heart. Cal met a totally different Melissa when she dined alone. The woman was strong, witty, kind, incredibly smart and outspoken. It made seeing her look so small with Joe even more unbearable. Melissa did not deserve to have her heart broken over and over by the man every day. She deserved to be loved gently, to be treasured.

As she stood at the computer tapping away at the screen, she felt a familiar presence behind her. She turned around to see Melissa holding out a twenty dollar bill with a sad smile. “For you, thank you for being so wonderful as always. And per usual, don’t let Joe find out, please. He’s blowin’ all his pocket money in Boston these days so he’s trying to control my spending now too.” The redhead rolled her eyes and shoved the bill into the server’s hand.

“Thanks, Melissa, I truly appreciate you,” Callie said as she grabbed Melissa’s wrist and pulled her close. Close enough that she could smell her perfume. She whispered so no one else could hear, “I meant what I said. I’d take good care of you. You’re a beautiful woman worth so much more than what you get from Joe.”

Melissa blushed and pulled back slightly to look at the younger woman. “I know, Cal-“

“See, I don’t think you do. Why do you stay with that asshole anyway?” She turned to finish placing the order at the computer.

The redhead furrowed her brow. “I- I don’t really know if I’m bein’ honest. I guess I don’t have a good reason to stay aside from the fact that he’s all I’ve ever known.” Tears formed in the corners of her eyes and she tilted her head back to keep them from falling. Callie stepped forward again and brushed her thumbs under the woman’s eyes to dry them.

“No reason to stay is an awfully good reason to go.” She grabbed a pen from her apron and scrawled her phone number on a napkin, handing it to Melissa. “If you ever need a friend… or more, I’m here.”

They shared a quick hug and Melissa made her way back to the table to grab Joe and head out. Melissa spent the entire drive home pondering what the waitress said. Maybe Calliope was right. Maybe no reason to stay was a pretty good reason to leave.