#preschool assessment

[sewgeekmama]

Preschool Pressure: When Your Child Scores Below Expectations

I was a nerdy, book-loving, honor roll student, and I always imagined if I had kids, they would be too. So the day my son’s first preschool assessment arrived in the mail and that crummy little chart revealed he scored “Below Expectations” in Every Single Area, it came as such a crushing blow that I just sat down and cried. I cried because I was sure he was the smartest kid ever, and now I had…

[educationcambodia]

Choosing the right preschool in Phnom Penh is a crucial decision, especially for parents of children with special needs. Early childhood education plays a significant role in shaping a child’s future, and finding a special education preschool that provides the right support can make all the difference. At OrbRom Center, we specialize in creating

[marichild]

fuck roadys istg can't fucking leave us alone for a single month god forbid we mind our own business

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

By Sarah Schwartz

Test after test of U.S. students’ reading and math abilities have shown scores declining since the pandemic.

Now, new results show that it’s not just children whose skills have fallen over the past few years—American adults are getting worse at reading and math, too.

The connection, if any, between the two patterns isn’t clear—the tests aren’t set up to provide that kind of information. But it does point to a populace that is becoming more stratified by ability at a time when economic inequality continues to widen and debates over opportunity for social mobility are on the rise.

The findings from the 2023 administration of the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, or PIAAC, show that 16- to 65-year-olds’ literacy scores declined by 12 points from 2017 to 2023, while their numeracy scores fell by 7 points during the same period.

These trends aren’t unique in the global context: Of the 31 countries and economies in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development that participated in PIAAC, some saw scores drop over the past six years, while others improved or held constant.

Still, as in previous years, the United States doesn’t compare favorably to other countries: The country ranks in the middle of the pack in literacy and below the international average in math. (Literacy and numeracy on the test are scored on a 500-point scale.)

But Americans do stand out in one way: The gap between the highest- and lowest-performing adults is growing wider, as the top scorers hold steady and other test takers see their scores fall.

“There’s a dwindling middle in the United States in terms of skills,” said Peggy Carr, the commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, which oversees PIAAC in the country. (The test was developed by the OECD and is administered every three years.)

It’s a phenomenon that distinguishes the United States, she said.

“Some of that is because we’re very diverse and it’s large, in comparison to some of the OECD countries,” Carr said in a call with reporters on Monday. “But that clearly is not the only reason.”

American children, too, are experiencing this widening chasm between high and low performers. National and international tests show the country’s top students holding steady, while students at the bottom of the distribution are falling further behind.

It’s hard to know why U.S. adults’ scores have taken this precipitous dive, Carr said.

About a third of Americans score at lowest levels PIAAC is different from large-scale assessments for students, which measure kids’ academic abilities.

Instead, this test for adults evaluates their abilities to use math and reading in real-world contexts—to navigate public services in their neighborhood, for example, or complete a task at work. The United States sample is nationally representative random sample, drawn from census data.

American respondents averaged a level 2 of 5 in both subjects.

In practice, that means that they can, for example, use a website to find information about how to order a recycling cart, or read and understand a list of rules for sending their child to preschool. But they would have trouble using a library search engine to find the author of a book.

In math, they could compare a table and a graph of the same information to check for errors. But they wouldn’t be able to calculate average monthly expenses with several months of data.

While the U.S. average is a level 2, more adults now fall at a level 1 or below—28 percent scored at that level in literacy, up from 19 percent in 2017, and 34 percent in numeracy, up from 29 percent in 2017.

Respondents scoring below level 1 couldn’t compare calendar dates printed on grocery tags to determine which food item was packed first. They would also struggle to read several job descriptions and identify which company was looking to hire a night-shift worker.

The findings also show sharp divides by race and national origin, with respondents born in the United States outscoring those born outside of the country, and white respondents outscoring Black and Hispanic test takers. Those trends have persisted over the past decade.

[regressionschool]

Maturity Test Part 3

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

Anna, Lilly, and Olaf arrived at the reclassification center, the atmosphere tense with anticipation. The building, sleek and modern, loomed ahead, its polished glass reflecting the bright afternoon sun. The trio stepped inside, the cool air conditioning a stark contrast to the warmth outside. The reception area was quiet, a few others waiting with the same mix of nervousness and hope that hung around them.

They were guided to a private room where the reclassification tests would take place. The room was simple, with a few chairs, a large table, and several machines designed to assess the various levels of maturity, competence, and independence.

Olaf fidgeted nervously, clutching Lilly’s hand for comfort. Anna watched him with concern, noticing how little and anxious he seemed. This was a far cry from the Olaf she remembered from their school days. Beside him, Lilly exuded calm, her presence a constant reassurance for Olaf.

Rebecca entered the room next, her demeanor noticeably different from the last time Anna had seen her. Today, she wasn’t in her usual thick diaper but in pull-ups. She hadn’t worn one in so long, and the idea of showing off her “potty training” skills made her feel like she was on top of the world. Even though she hadn’t sat on a toilet in five years, she still clung to the hope that this was her chance to prove she was ready for a little more maturity. Her eyes lit up when she saw Anna, and she ran over, her pull-up crinkling as she moved.

“Anna!” Rebecca called, throwing her arms around her friend. “I’m so glad you’re here!”

Anna hugged her tightly, a mix of relief and sadness washing over her. Rebecca looked so proud in her pull-up, but Anna knew this reclassification would determine her fate—whether she’d remain in pull-ups or be placed back into diapers.

“You look great, Becky,” Anna said, smiling warmly. “How are you feeling?”

Rebecca grinned, her excitement palpable. “I’m gonna be a big girl again, Anna. I just know it!”

Olaf, on the other hand, was much quieter. His pull-up was already starting to feel damp against his skin. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his thumb creeping towards his mouth before he caught himself.

Lilly, standing nearby, exchanged a knowing glance with Anna. The stakes were high for all of them, and while Rebecca’s enthusiasm was endearing, Anna couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at her. The reclassification tests were unpredictable, and the outcome was never guaranteed.

Soon, the testers arrived, ushering each of them into separate assessment rooms. Anna felt a pang of anxiety as she watched Rebecca and Olaf disappear behind the doors. She and Lilly were led to their own rooms, where they were quickly and efficiently tested on their maturity, decision-making skills, and ability to handle adult responsibilities. The process was routine for them, and both women were confident in the outcome.

After what felt like hours, Anna and Rebecca were finally reunited in the main room, where the results were to be announced. The atmosphere was thick with tension as the testers entered, carrying the documents that would determine their futures.

The head tester, a stern-looking woman with a clipboard, began reading out the results.

“Anna,” she said, looking up briefly before returning her gaze to the clipboard, “remains classified as an Adult.”

Anna let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, relief flooding through her.

“Rebecca,” the tester announced next, her tone neutral, “has been reclassified as a Preschooler.”

Rebecca’s face lit up with a mixture of pride and relief. “I did it!” she whispered excitedly to Anna, practically bouncing in place.

But as they celebrated, the evaluator’s expression turned more serious. “There’s just one issue,” she said, her tone somber. “Rebecca, since you’ve been reclassified as a preschooler, you’ll need to have a caregiver assigned to you. Unfortunately, the regression school nursery is only for toddlers, so if you can’t find a caregiver, you’ll have to stay classified as a toddler.”

Rebecca’s joy faltered, her face falling as the weight of the situation settled in. “But… I don’t have a caregiver,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I don’t want to be a toddler again…”

Anna’s heart ached as she saw the distress in Rebecca’s eyes. She couldn’t bear the thought of her friend being forced back into toddlerhood after all the progress she had made. And in that moment, the decision became clear.

“I’ll be your caregiver, Becky,” Anna said softly, reaching out to take her hand. “You don’t have to go back to being a toddler. I’ll take care of you.”

Rebecca’s eyes filled with tears, but this time they were tears of relief. “Really, Anna?” she asked, her voice wavering. “You’ll be my mommy?”

Anna nodded, squeezing Rebecca’s hand gently. “Yes, Becky. I’ll be your mommy, and I’ll take care of you, just like you deserve.”

Rebecca threw her arms around Anna, hugging her tightly as she buried her face in Anna’s shoulder. “Thank you, Anna,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you so much.”

As they embraced, Lilly returned with Olaf. Lilly couldn’t contain her excitement as she led Olaf back towards Anna and Rebecca. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous joy, and she was practically glowing with pride as she looked down at Olaf, who was now waddling awkwardly beside her, his thick diaper forcing his legs apart. The word "Toddler" was emblazoned across the front of his diaper, a clear indication of his new classification.

“Oh, Anna, you won’t believe it!” Lilly gushed, her voice brimming with excitement. “Olaf had a little messy accident during his test. It was so unexpected, they had no choice but to regress him further!” She let out a lighthearted laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Isn’t that just adorable? He’s officially a toddler now, and I have to say, he looks so cute in his thick diapers, don’t you think?”

Anna looked at Olaf, her heart sinking as she saw the expression on his face. His eyes were wide and glistening with unshed tears, his bottom lip quivering as he processed Lilly’s words. The weight of the situation seemed to crush down on him all at once, and his thumb, which had been hovering near his mouth, found its way between his lips.

But even the comfort of his thumb wasn’t enough to hold back the flood of emotions that had been building inside him. His eyes welled up, and within moments, the first tear slipped down his cheek, followed by another, and then another. Before anyone could react, Olaf began to sob, his small shoulders shaking with the force of his cries.

“I-I don’t want to be a toddler!” Olaf wailed, his voice muffled around his thumb as he buried his face into Lilly’s side. The tears came faster now, streaming down his cheeks in a torrent of grief and frustration. “I-I’m not a baby… I’m not…”

Anna, feeling her own heart ache at the sight of Olaf’s anguish, stepped closer, her hand reaching out to rest on his shoulder. “Olaf,” she said softly, trying to catch his tear-filled gaze. “It’s okay to be sad. It’s a big change, and it’s okay to feel upset about it.”

But then, something clicked in her mind. She remembered Lilly had done something before the reclassification that she hadn’t paid much attention to at the time.

Earlier that day, when they were getting ready to leave for the reclassification, Anna had seen Lilly give Olaf a suppository. Anna hadn’t thought much of it, assuming it was just something to calm his nerves. But now, as she watched Lilly’s calm demeanor in the face of Olaf’s accident, it all made sense.

Anna’s eyes widened as the realization hit her. Of course. It was why Lilly hadn’t been worried about Olaf making it through the reclassification without an accident. She had planned this all along, ensuring that Olaf would be humiliated and further regressed. The suppository would have ensured that Olaf’s body would betray him, no matter how hard he tried to control it.

She couldn’t stay silent any longer. What Lilly had done wasn’t just manipulative; it was cruel. "Lilly, what the hell were you thinking?" she snapped, her eyes blazing as she glared at her. "That suppository was not to calm Olaf down, was it?"

Lilly paused, looking up at Anna with an expression of feigned innocence. "Anna, what are you talking about? I’m just taking care of Olaf, like any good mommy would."

"Don’t play dumb with me!" Anna shot back, her voice rising. "You knew exactly what you were doing. You set him up to fail! You wanted him to mess himself right at the reclassification, didn’t you? So that he’d be more dependent on you, sure to be reclassified as a toddler."

Olaf, who had been lying quietly, now looked up at Anna with wide, confused eyes. He hadn’t connected the dots, but now, hearing Anna’s words, a look of realization slowly dawned on his face. He turned to Lilly, searching her face for any hint of denial, but found none.

Lilly’s expression hardened, the pretense of innocence slipping away. "And what if I did?" she said coolly, standing up and facing Anna with a defiant tilt of her chin. "Olaf needs someone to take care of him. He’s happier this way, aren’t you, Olaf?"

Olaf didn’t answer, his face a mix of shame and uncertainty. He wanted to protest, to say that he didn’t need this, that he could manage on his own, but the truth was, a part of him was scared. Scared that without Lilly’s constant care, he would be lost. The dependency that had grown between them was undeniable, even if it wasn’t something he had chosen.

Anna’s anger only grew at Lilly’s cold response. "You don’t get to make that decision for him, Lilly. You’ve been manipulating him, controlling him, and now you’re pushing him further and further into regression just so you can have control. It’s not about what’s best for Olaf; it’s about what you want!"

Lilly’s eyes flashed with anger. "You have no idea what it’s like, Anna. He needs me. He can’t take care of himself—"

"But he could try!" Anna interrupted, her voice filled with frustration. "He was doing fine before, and now he’s so dependent on you that he doesn’t even realize when he’s wetting himself. That’s not care, Lilly. That’s control."

Lilly opened her mouth to retort, but Anna didn’t give her the chance. She turned to Olaf, her expression softening as she addressed him. "Olaf, listen to me. You don’t have to do this. You can still make your own choices. You can still try to be independent, to be more than what she’s trying to make you."

Olaf looked between the two women, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt torn, confused, and overwhelmed. The reality of what had happened was sinking in, and he didn’t know how to process it. Part of him wanted to cling to the comfort that Lilly provided, but another part of him was angry—angry at himself for being so easily manipulated, and angry at Lilly for doing this to him.

Lilly’s voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and cold. "Olaf, don’t listen to her. She doesn’t understand. She doesn’t know what’s best for you like I do."

Anna shook her head, tears of frustration and anger brimming in her eyes. "Olaf, please. You deserve better than this. You deserve the chance to be more than just… this."

But before Olaf could respond, Lilly turned and marched toward the center’s entrance, pulling Olaf along with her. Anna followed, her heart pounding with a mix of determination and fear.

When they reached the reclassification center, Anna didn’t hesitate. She stormed up to the front desk, demanding to speak to someone in charge. The receptionist, startled by her intensity, quickly made a call, and within minutes, Anna was ushered into an office where a stern-looking official sat, waiting.

Anna didn’t waste any time. She laid out everything she had witnessed, her voice trembling with anger as she described how Lilly had manipulated Olaf, how she had purposely sabotaged him to ensure he would regress further.

The official listened carefully, her expression grave as Anna recounted the details. When Anna finished, there was a long pause, the air thick with tension.

Finally, the official spoke, her voice measured and calm. "This is a serious accusation, Anna. If what you’re saying is true, it goes against everything we stand for in this program. We aim to support individuals based on their needs, not to force them into a classification that isn’t right for them."

Anna nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Olaf deserves the chance to be more than what Lilly’s trying to make him. He deserves the chance to choose his own path, not to be manipulated into one."

Olaf was led into a small examination room, looking more anxious than ever. Lilly tried to maintain her calm demeanor, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

The officials began their examination of Olaf, asking him a series of questions while conducting some basic tests. It was clear that Olaf was uncomfortable, shifting nervously as he answered, his gaze flickering between the officials and Lilly, who stood nearby, her expression unreadable.

One of the officials, a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes, took a sample from Olaf to test for any foreign substances. Lilly’s face paled slightly as she watched the process, but she kept her mouth shut, not daring to say anything.

Anna, who had been waiting outside the room, was finally called in after what felt like an eternity. She walked in, her heart pounding in her chest, wondering what they had discovered.

The lead official, the stern woman, looked up from the results, her expression grave. "Anna, we’ve completed our tests, and it appears that there were indeed traces of a substance in Olaf’s system—something that would have induced a bowel movement."

Anna felt a mixture of vindication and anger surge through her. She glanced at Olaf, who looked bewildered and on the verge of tears, and then at Lilly, whose composure had finally cracked. There was fear in her eyes now, a fear that she had been caught.

"Lilly," the official continued, turning her gaze to Olaf’s so-called caregiver, "do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Lilly opened her mouth, but no words came out. She seemed to struggle for an excuse, for some way to explain away her actions, but she knew there was nothing she could say that would justify what she had done. Her silence was damning.

Anna took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. "This isn’t just about what happened today," she said, addressing the officials. "Lilly has been manipulating Olaf for a long time, keeping him dependent on her, making sure he doesn’t have the chance to grow up and live his life."

The officials exchanged glances, clearly concerned by what they were hearing. The lead official nodded. "We take these kinds of accusations very seriously. We’ll need to conduct a full investigation into Lilly’s actions and her treatment of Olaf."

Olaf, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke up, his voice shaky. "I... I didn’t know. I thought Mommy was just helping me..." He looked at Lilly with wide, tear-filled eyes, confusion and betrayal written all over his face.

Lilly’s eyes softened, and she stepped forward, trying to reach out to him, but the officials quickly intervened, keeping her at a distance.

"Olaf," Anna said gently, stepping closer to him, "you didn’t do anything wrong. We’re going to make sure you’re taken care of, okay? No one’s going to hurt you."

Olaf nodded slowly, but it was clear that he was struggling to process everything that was happening. His world was being turned upside down, and he didn’t know what to think or who to trust.

The lead official turned back to Anna. "We’ll be taking Lilly into custody for further questioning. Olaf will be placed in temporary care while we complete our investigation. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Anna."

Olaf's eyes widened in panic as the officials began discussing his placement in temporary care. The very idea seemed to terrify him, and he instinctively reached out for Anna, his hands clutching at her arm with a desperate grip.

"Anna, please," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I don’t want to go with strangers. I want to stay with you... and Becky. Please don’t let them take me away."

Anna's heart broke at the fear in his voice. She knew how much Olaf had come to depend on Lilly, as manipulative as she had been, and the thought of being taken away from the only familiar person left in his life was clearly overwhelming for him.

She turned to the lead official, her voice steady but firm. "Olaf doesn’t want to be placed in temporary care. If it’s alright, I would like to take care of him instead. He can stay with me and Becky. I know how to take care of him, and he’ll have someone familiar around."

The official looked at Anna thoughtfully, then back at Olaf, who was still clinging to her. "You’re sure you can handle this, Anna? Taking care of someone in Olaf’s condition is a big responsibility."

Anna nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "I’m sure. I’ve known Olaf for a long time, and I want to make sure he’s in a safe and loving environment. Becky’s at the regression school, and she’d be thrilled to have Olaf stay with us. She’s always wanted a sibling."

The official considered her words carefully before finally nodding. "Alright, Anna. We’ll grant you temporary guardianship of Olaf, provided you meet the necessary requirements. We’ll conduct regular check-ins to ensure his well-being."

A wave of relief washed over Olaf’s face as the official agreed. He squeezed Anna’s hand, his fear slowly subsiding. "Thank you, Anna," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Anna smiled down at him, brushing a stray tear from his cheek. "Of course, Olaf. You’re going to be okay. We’ll get through this together."

The official began preparing the necessary paperwork, explaining the responsibilities and conditions of temporary guardianship. As she handed the documents to Anna, she also retrieved Olaf’s reclassification report.

"Now, Olaf," the official began gently, "I understand you were hoping to be reclassified as a preschooler again. But after reviewing your test results and observing your behavior, we need to have an honest conversation."

Olaf looked up, a flicker of hope still lingering in his eyes. "Yes, I... I tried really hard to stay a preschooler. I didn’t even... I mean, I tried not to have any accidents."

The official’s expression softened as she continued, "You did your best, Olaf, and that’s something to be proud of. But the truth is, even if you had managed to keep your pull-up clean and dry, your overall regression has reached a point where we would have had to reclassify you to the toddler level."

Olaf’s face fell, his hopes crumbling at the official’s words. He stared at the floor, his fingers nervously playing with the hem of his shirt. “So… I’m going to be in diapers again? Full-time?”

The official nodded sympathetically. “Yes, Olaf. You’ll be placed in the toddler category, which means you’ll be wearing diapers full-time and receiving the care and supervision appropriate for that level. I know this might be disappointing, but it’s what’s best for you right now.”

The official finished with the paperwork, handing the finalized documents to Anna. "We’ll keep in touch to monitor Olaf’s progress and ensure he’s adjusting well," she said kindly. "If you have any concerns or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out."

Anna nodded, thanking the official for her help. She then guided Olaf out of the room, holding his hand as he waddled toward the car.

[followsfrankiep]

Candied Prayers

Johnny Davis (Bikeriders) x Reader

Summary: Johnny Davis is struggling to make amends with the complications of his marriage. While abiding his wife's wishes, finds himself drawn to you, his kids' Catholic pre school teacher.

Word count: 7.2k (its supposed to be a one shot but yeah, I cant help it)

Trigger Warning: teasing, oral sex, abuse, violence, seduction, cheating.

You remember meeting Johnny for the first time. It was one of those mornings that felt heavy, even as the sun barely broke the horizon. Johnny’s face was a canvas of frustration and fatigue, the signs of a marriage on the brink. Betty was insistent on their kids growing up in a "proper" environment, which meant this Catholic preschool a few miles away. Johnny couldn’t wrap his head around it—why not a closer school? But he went along with it, clinging to any hope of fixing what was broken between them.

Religion wasn’t Johnny's thing. The whole idea of gods and prayers seemed like a façade to him. Yet here he was, at the threshold of the preschool, dreading every second of it. He hated being there, in a place that meant nothing to him, just another compromise in a long list of sacrifices. As he stepped inside, he wondered if any of this would really matter in the end.

You remember that morning vividly. As Johnny stepped through the preschool doors, his presence was impossible to ignore. Tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a dark blue denim jacket over a red shirt, he had this rugged vibe that screamed resilience. His piercing blue eyes took in everything with a mix of curiosity and quiet defiance. Fine lines etched his face, each one telling a story, and his dark hair was neatly combed, adding to his rough-hewn charm.

You stood at the entrance, dressed in modest Catholic clothing—a simple blouse and skirt. Your long, raven-colored hair framed your face, creating a striking contrast to Johnny's imposing figure. As his eyes swept over you, it felt like he was measuring you up, taking in every detail. His presence made you know that he was there. You tried to steady your breathing, reminding yourself of your duty to give him a tour around the school.

Johnny’s gaze lingered at the rosary you were holding for a moment before he broke the silence. “Hey, are you a nun or somethin’?” The bluntness in his voice was sharp, cutting through the quiet of the entrance hall.

You shook your head, trying to keep your composure despite the intimidation you felt. “No, I'm not a nun.”

Johnny's eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed you, his expression almost gruff. “You look too young to be a nun.”

There was a pause, the weight of his words hanging in the air. You just smiled and brushed his comment off. Johnny was there to check out the school, and you were assigned to give him a tour. “I’ve been assigned to give you a tour around the school. Please, follow me.” Your voice wavered slightly, but you forced a polite smile.

As you led Johnny through the halls, the tension between you was palpable. Every step you took, you could feel his eyes boring into you, scrutinizing every detail, and it was clear Johnny didn’t want to be there. He grunted occasionally, his demeanor suggesting he had better places to be. As you showed him around the preschool, you talked about the various classrooms and the activities the kids enjoyed.

Walking through the halls, Johnny couldn’t help but notice the religious symbols and decor. Crucifixes adorned the walls, and there were statues of saints placed at various corners. The classrooms had colorful illustrations of biblical stories, and there was a serene yet disciplined vibe throughout the school.

“This here’s the play area,” you said, pointing to a group of kids building with blocks. “We encourage creativity and teamwork here.”

Johnny barely glanced at the kids, his eyes wandering elsewhere. You noticed Johnny's rugged appearance—faded jeans that fit him well and jacket that had clearly seen better days. Back in his mind, Johnny disapproved of what he saw, thinking it was all hypocritical – a facade that didn’t align with his beliefs.

When you reached the classroom, you continued, “In here, we have our reading corner. It’s designed to foster a love for books and learning.”

You noticed Johnny’s hands were calloused, hinting at a life of hard work and rough play. He grunted, clearly uninterested. “Not bad, I guess.” He thought it was yet another part of the facade.

You then pointed to a small altar at the front of the classroom. “We also have daily prayers with the kids, fostering their spiritual growth.”

Johnny raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. The idea of imposing faith on young minds seemed almost laughable to him.

As the tour came to an end, you turned to face him, only to be caught off guard. Johnny was already lighting a cigarette, right there inside the school premises. You noticed how his fingers steadied the lighter, a small moment of calm amid his stormy presence. Your initial reaction was to tell him off, but his intimidating aura kept you silent. Nuns passing by glared at you, expecting you to enforce the school's rules.

“Are your kids goin' to be studying here?” you asked, trying to divert the tension.

Johnny exhaled a puff of smoke, his tone nonchalant. “Yeah, whatever.”

You watched him take another drag from his cigarette, feeling the weight of tense silence between you. Despite his tough exterior, something told you there was more to Johnny than met the eye.

-

A few days later, you found yourself standing at the threshold of a decision. Kathy, your old friend, had invited you to join her at a bar. You hesitated, knowing your partner disapproved of you going out with friends and drinking. But there she was, right outside your house, seated at the back of Benny’s motorcycle, with another guy ready to chauffeur you for the night. The roar of the engine and the thrill of the night beckoned you.

You glanced back at your partner, sprawled on the couch, drunk and snoring loudly. The sight of him, lost in his stupor, made your heart ache with a mix of frustration and resignation. The weight of his disapproval hung over you like a dark cloud, but the allure of freedom and the promise of a night out with Kathy was too tempting to resist.

With a sigh, you made your decision. You stepped out of the house, the cool night air hitting your face as you approached Kathy and Benny. The excitement in Kathy’s eyes was infectious, and you couldn’t help but feel a surge of adrenaline as you climbed onto the motorcycle. The engine roared to life, and as you sped away into the night, you felt a sense of liberation, a fleeting escape from the confines of your everyday life.

“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Kathy urged, grinning. “You deserve a night out.”

You smiled half-heartedly, “Alright, alright, I’m comin’. Just this once.”

As the motorcycle sped through the dark streets, a sense of unease settled in the pit of your stomach. The night was filled with possibilities, both thrilling and dangerous. You couldn’t shake the feeling that this decision might lead to something unexpected, something that could change everything.

The city lights blurred as you sped through the streets, and despite the nagging worry, the thrill of the unknown ahead filled you with a cautious anticipation. Tonight was just beginning, and anything could happen.

Upon arriving at the bar, you were taken aback by the lively atmosphere. The place was packed with Vandals—people drinking, smoking, and playing pool. The heavy bass of rock music thrummed through the air, creating an almost surreal vibe.

Dressed differently that night, you wore a pair of sexy jeans and a red checkered shirt with a few buttons undone at the top and the hem of your shirt tied up, showing off your figure. Black heeled boots completed your look. Kathy teased you about letting loose and not having your rosary around.

“Look at ya, all dressed up,” Kathy chuckled, nudging you playfully. “Who knew you had such a wild side?”

You blushed a bit, retorting, “Don't ya get used to it. I'm still the same person, ya know.”

As you joined the crowd, the energy of the bar enveloped you. Johnny couldn't help but notice you. He was leaning against the bar, a drink in hand, when his eyes caught sight of you. His gaze lingered, a flicker of recognition sparking in his piercing blue eyes. He watched as you held a cue stick, walking around the pool table, preparing for your turn. His eyes followed your every move, a mix of curiosity and something more intense.

The game of pool became heated, and the moment you tied your hair up into a messy bun, it clicked for him—you were his kids' Catholic preschool teacher. He smirked at the realization, the irony not lost on him.

“Always the quiet ones,” he muttered under his breath, amused.

Johnny continued to watch you, his gaze unwavering. You felt the weight of his stare, a mix of curiosity and something more intense. The air seemed to thicken as his eyes followed your every move.

Curious, Johnny turned to Kathy and asked gruffly, “Ya seem to know her well. What's her story?”

Kathy leaned in, her voice hushed but animated. “Sweetest person you'll ever meet. But she’s had it rough. Lost her kid two years back. Had him when she was young, and then her folks disowned her. Now, she’s stuck with that deadbeat partner of hers.”

Johnny raised an eyebrow, “Partner? Why not say husband?”

Kathy scoffed, “That jerk never married her. Normally, she wouldn’t even come out like this. It’s a miracle she joined us tonight.”

Johnny glanced at you, still playing pool, intrigued. “Pretty brave of her, comin' out tonight. She don’t seem like the type.”

Kathy smirked, “You're right. She’s usually more reserved. But everyone’s got their layers, right?” Then she added, eyeing Johnny knowingly, “Ya seem interested, Johnny. Forgettin' about your wife?”

Johnny smirked, dragging another puff from his cigarette. “Don't worry, Kathy. I ain’t askin' for that reason. Just recognized her as my kids' teacher.”

Kathy shook her head and smiled, “Good. Just lookin' out for ya.”

As Kathy continued to talk about you, Johnny listened intently, never taking his eyes off you. He watched as you bent over the pool table, carefully aiming your stick at the cue ball. You seemed focused and in control, a stark contrast to the reserved teacher he knew. When you pocketed a ball, your charming smile and laugh captivated him. There was something magnetic about you tonight, a part he hadn’t seen before.

Meanwhile, your pool game was going well. You moved around the table with ease, making calculated shots and enjoying the friendly competition. Benny was there at the pool table, laughing at your unexpected play. “You’re killin’ it. Who knew you could play pool like a pro?”

You smiled, feeling a sense of liberation. “Guess I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve."

Johnny couldn't resist asking Kathy more about you. “You said she lost her son... How’d she cope?”

Kathy sighed, her expression somber. “It wasn’t easy. She buried herself in her work at the preschool, and her faith kept her goin’. The woman don't get outta her house without that damn rosary." Kathy chuckled, remembering how you often whisper prayers when you are on the road. "But nights like this, where she can let loose a bit, are rare.” she continued.

He leaned back, his eyes never straying far from you. The more Johnny learned about you, the more complex and fascinating you appeared.

As you took a drag from the cigarette Benny handed you, you felt Johnny's gaze. His thoughts were swirling; he found it hard to reconcile the disciplined, devout teacher with the carefree woman enjoying her night out. What other layers did you have hidden beneath the surface?

The game was almost coming to an end, and you were about to win. You took a swig of your beer bottle, savoring the moment. Suddenly, Johnny appeared in front of you, his presence catching you off guard.

“Moonlightin’, huh?” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

You almost spit your drink but managed to swallow it just in time. Wiping the excess beer from your lips, you looked up at him, surprised. Johnny found the gesture unexpectedly sexy.

“Mr. Davis,” you said, trying to regain your composure. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

He chuckled, taking a step closer. “Call me Johnny. I’m the president of this club.” He leaned against the pool table, his eyes never leaving yours. “And yeah, didn’t expect to see ya here either.” He tilted his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t ya?”

You smiled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and intrigue. “Guess so.”

It was your turn to hit the cue, but Johnny’s sudden appearance threw you off your game. You took a long drag from your cigarette, trying to steady your nerves. Johnny noticed your sudden nervousness and offered to help.

“Need a hand?” he asked, stepping closer.

You nodded, feeling a bit flustered. Johnny moved behind you, his presence warm and steady. He placed his hands over yours, guiding you in aiming the cue stick. His breath was warm against your ear as he whispered, “Threw ya off your game, huh?"

With Johnny’s assistance, you aimed and hit the cue ball, successfully pocketing your last ball. The people cheered at your victory, while some others lost their bet, some others won. Still in the same position, you turned your head slightly and found yourself inches away from Johnny’s face. Your eyes locked, and you could feel each other’s warm breath.

“Thanks,” you whispered, not moving an inch.

Johnny’s other hand found its way to your waist. “No problem,” he said casually, his gaze lingering on your naturally red lips, glistening under the dim lights in this pool table. His thoughts were fighting with his mind about wanting to have a taste of that.

“Spend most of my time here. People might seem rough, but they’re good guys. We look out for each other.” Johnny said, his voice carrying a mix of pride and gruffness.

“Oh, I see,” you said, a teasing tone in your voice. You caught him staring and instinctively bit your lower lip. “Having the president of the Vandals at our school is quite an honor.”

Johnny chuckled, riding the joke. “Yeah, I’m sure they’d be thrilled to know.”

The both of you shared a laugh, the tension easing slightly as you stared into each other’s eyes. Moving away awkwardly, you took another drag from your cigarette.

“Please don’t tell this to the school’s headmaster. I will get fired. They are very strict about this.”

Johnny shrugged, “I don’t care about any of that. Your secret’s safe with me.”

You gave him a grateful smile, a blend of relief and excitement. Without realizing it, the two of you struck a conversation over cigarettes and beer, moving to his table. Johnny’s rough exterior started to soften as the night went on, and the tension between you grew thicker with each passing moment.

"So, what’s my kids teacher doing at a bar like this?” Johnny asked, his tone playful, as he leaned casually against the table.

You took a sip of your beer, smiling. “Kathy dragged me here. Besides, it’s nice to see a different side of life.”

Johnny chuckled, his eyes never leaving yours. “Guessing this ain’t your natural habitat, huh?”

“No, not exactly,” you admitted, biting your lip again. Johnny’s gaze lingered on your lips, and you could feel the intensity of his stare.

You began to take a liking to Johnny. After a few bottles, the modest Catholic preschool teacher shed her reserved demeanor, becoming more playful and bold. You leaned in closer, lowering your voice. “So, where’s your wife tonight?”

Johnny seemed to become tense at the topic, looking away momentarily. He shifted his weight, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the table. “She’s around… we’re hittin’ a rough patch, y'know?” he said, feeling a twinge of unease. He wasn’t sure why he was explaining to you, but he wanted to be honest.

You sensed that he was uncomfortable discussing it, but a mischievous glint sparked in your eyes. You took it as an opportunity to pull out a lollipop from your back pocket, slowly ripping off its plastic covering. Johnny’s gaze followed your movements, his eyes widening slightly as you placed the lollipop in your mouth, sucking it while staring at him. The round shape formed in your cheeks, and you could see the old man taking a deep breath when you did. You continued licking the tip of your lollipop slowly, still not breaking your eye contact, and smirking at him after. He couldn’t help but notice how this playful side of you made him feel something he hadn’t felt for a long time.

Johnny shook his head disapprovingly, though you noticed his left hand forming a fist and biting it, as if fighting his urges. You batted your eyes playfully and asked, “Ya want a pop?” while licking your lollipop. He admired how you had taken down your reserved demeanor, revealing a lively and confident woman. It was hard for him to reconcile you with the teacher persona you upheld at the preschool.

The old man took a deep sigh and smirked, dragging another puff of his cigarette. “Not tonight,” he replied, his voice low and gravelly. Internally, he questioned his own control and why he was holding back when every fiber in his being wanted to give in.

You both continued to talk, finding comfort in each other’s company, as the night drew out with a mix of excitement, laughter, and unspoken desires. Johnny felt a strange pull towards you, sensing there was much more to uncover beneath the surface. He realized he enjoyed your company. Much more than he expected.

As the night wore on, the bar began to empty out. Benny called Johnny out for a ride. It was already midnight, and you were supposed to head home. You were walking towards the exit alongside Kathy when Benny asked if you wanted to experience a ride on his bike. Kathy was already seated at the back of Benny’s motorcycle.

“Come on, give it a try,” Benny urged, a mischievous grin on his face.

You respectfully declined, smiling. “I’ll pass tonight. I’m just gonna walk home.” With that, you began to make your way out of the bar.

The Vandals left for their midnight ride, or so you thought, when you suddenly noticed Johnny riding his bike slowly beside you.

“Not joinin’ ‘em?” you asked, surprised.

He shrugged, a casual smile on his face. “Didn’t want my kids’ teacher goin' missin’ tomorrow.” He handed you a helmet. “Hop on, I’ll give ya a ride home.”

You paused, taking a moment to admire Johnny’s appearance. He looked rugged and effortlessly cool, the street light glinting off his leather jacket. There was a certain intensity in his eyes, softened only by the faint smile on his lips.

After a moment of hesitation, you agreed and hitched onto his bike. “Hold on tight,” Johnny said over his shoulder as he revved the engine. The bike roared to life, and soon you were speeding through the empty streets. The wind whipped around you, making you instinctively embrace Johnny’s waist.

At first, you were scared, your heart pounding in your chest. But as the ride continued, the fear morphed into exhilaration. You inhaled his scent, a mix of leather and cologne, which stirred unexpected feelings within you.

Johnny glanced at you in his side mirror, a smirk playing on his lips. “Wanna take a detour?” he asked, his voice barely audible over the wind.

You nodded, excitement bubbling up inside you. He took you to a quiet lakeside bench, the night air cool and crisp. The gentle ripples of the lake mirrored the stars above, creating a serene yet eerie scene. You shivered, the cold seeping into your bones. Both of you dismounted and walked closer to the lakeside, the sound of water lapping gently against the shore. Johnny lit a cigarette, offering you one, which you accepted. As you both smoked in comfortable silence, a sense of tranquility settled in.

Noticing your discomfort, Johnny took off his Vandals jacket and draped it over your shoulders. “Here, this’ll keep ya warm.”

“Thanks,” you murmured, pulling the jacket closer around you. The two of you sat in silence, staring at the dark lake and smoking.

“So, what do ya think of this place?” Johnny asked, breaking the silence. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, but you could sense the curiosity behind his words.

“It’s beautiful,” you replied, your voice soft. “Nice to have a spot like this to escape to.”

Johnny nodded, a half-smile playing on his lips. “Yeah, come here to clear my head sometimes.”

Johnny couldn’t shake the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him. Sitting here with you, a stranger in many ways, felt oddly intimate and comforting. He was used to the chaos and noise of his everyday life, but in this quiet moment, you brought a sense of tranquility he hadn’t felt in a long time. The fact that someone he barely knew could stir such deep feelings—comfort, curiosity, excitement—was both bewildering and exhilarating.

“So,” you began, your voice playful yet curious. “What does the president of the Vandals do at a lakeside spot like this?”

Johnny chuckled, taking a drag from his cigarette and exhaling slowly. “Besides escaping the chaos? Sometimes I just sit and think. Helps me keep perspective, ya know?” He flicked the ash off his cigarette, his eyes shifting to the water as he spoke.

You nodded, understanding. “Glad to know even the president needs a break sometimes.” You pulled Johnny’s jacket tighter around you, feeling its warmth.

Johnny grinned, enjoying the banter. “Yeah, even presidents need a breather.” He took another drag from his cigarette and then turned to face you, his expression softening. He hesitated, then added, “I don’t usually share this spot with anyone.”

You felt a flutter of warmth at his words. With a playful glint in your eyes, you teased, “Feeling special already.”

Johnny smiled, a genuine, boyish smile that reached his eyes. He took a step closer, his hand brushing against yours. The contact was brief, but it sent a spark of electricity through you.

As the tension built, Johnny couldn't help but lean in closer. You both sat down on a nearby bench, the moonlight casting a soft glow on the water. Your legs brushed against his, and you felt a spark of electricity. You playfully nudged him with your knee, and he responded by placing his hand on your inner thigh, caressing it gently. You felt a shiver run down your spine as his touch ignited a spark in you. He knew what he was doing as well, each stroke comes up higher and higher.

Feeling bolder, you swung your legs over his thighs, positioning yourself closer to him, opening your legs just a little. Johnny's hands continued to caress your thighs, his touch sending waves of warmth through you. You caught him off guard then your fingers started fiddling with the buttons of his shirt.

As you talked, your fingers instinctively reached for the buttons of his shirt, toying with them absentmindedly. Johnny's eyes widened in surprise, a soft smile playing on his lips as he watched you. He was intrigued by the way your fingers moved, gently tracing the fabric and occasionally undoing and redoing the buttons. It was a small, seemingly insignificant gesture, but it held a different meaning for both of you.

As your fingers continued to toy with the buttons, Johnny felt a sense of comfort and affection wash over him. He found himself captivated by the simple act, the way your touch show how much you are contemplating whether to act upon what you have been feeling right now, or not.

Your other hand slid to the back of his head, your fingers lightly grazing his hair and scalp. Your nails gently teased the back of his head, sending a ripple of electricity through him. He closed his eyes for a little bit when you started tracing small circles with your nails. His hands reached the top of your inner thigh, and his eyes opened when his finger grazed your warm and wet cunt. You two wanted something more, but neither of you made a move to act on it.

Johnny looked at you, his voice low and rough, “There’s a certain irony to this, ya know? Seeing ya all holier than thou during the day, and now you’re here, teasing the hell outta me.” He couldn't help but marvel at the contrast between the two sides of you.

You smirked, leaning in closer. “You don’t like this version?” you asked playfully, your lips just inches from his. Your heart raced as you watched his reaction, feeling a thrill at the power you held in this moment.

Johnny's gaze was intense as he replied, “Oh, I like it. But you’re playing a dangerous game, sweetheart.” His finger was still grazing your damp jeans, sending shivers up your spine. You could feel the heat radiating from his body, drawing you in. His eyes darkened with desire, and you could see the internal struggle as he fought to maintain control. Your touch was electric, and he couldn't help but be captivated by your playful and bold demeanor.

You simply hummed, a mischievous smile playing on your lips as you brushed his lips with yours ever so gently back and forth before pulling away. Johnny’s breath hitched, his eyes widening slightly, but he managed to maintain his composure. You could see the conflict in his eyes, a mix of desire and restraint. Your heart raced, and you felt a rush of excitement at the intensity of the moment. Johnny's hand moved to the small of your back, pulling you closer, his touch sending shivers down your spine.

As he pulled you closer, Johnny's head moved slowly to your neck. He inhaled your scent deeply, his breath warm against your skin.

“Guess we should probably get ya home,” His lips brushed against your ear as he whispered, his voice low and rough, carrying a hint of reluctant acceptance. It was the sensible thing to do, even if every fiber of his being wanted to stay.

You nodded, feeling the same pull but respecting the boundaries. “Yeah, probably.”

Johnny helped you back onto the bike, the closeness rekindling the same energy between you. The ride continued in comfortable silence, both lost in thoughts and emotions. It was hard. The amount of self control you two had not to mount each other right then and there at the lakeside. You thought to yourself, this man's married and you're his kids' teacher. Aside from that, there's also a person waiting for you at home.

When Johnny finally pulled up to your place, you unwrapped your arms from around him, but lingered a little longer. “Thanks for the ride, Johnny,” you said, a hint of warmth and playfulness in your voice.

Johnny smiled, his eyes lingering on you. “Anytime.”

As you took a step towards your door, Johnny’s voice stopped you. “Hey, try offering me a pop again, and I might take you up on that offer someday,” he said, amusement dancing in his eyes.

You smirked, a playful glint in your eyes. “We’ll see about that,” you teased before slowly turning and stepping inside your home, the night’s events playing on repeat in your mind.

-

Thinking about last night’s unexpected encounter, Johnny felt a spark that had long been absent from his life. The playful teasing and electric connection made him look forward to the next day in a way he hadn't in years. He decided to swing by the preschool to pick up his kids, a task he once dreaded but now found himself eagerly anticipating.

Arriving at the preschool, Johnny could already tell that something was different. One of the substitute teachers greeted him at the entrance. “Hey there,” Johnny said, a hint of anticipation in his voice. “Is she around today?”

The substitute teacher shook her head, a hint of concern in her voice. “She called in sick today. Is there something I can help you with?”

Johnny's heart sank a little. He had hoped to see her, to maybe catch a glimpse of the woman he shared that surprising night with. Despite staying perfectly composed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. “Nah, it’s nothing urgent,” he replied, trying to mask his unease. “Thanks, anyway.”

As he turned to leave, skepticism gnawed at Johnny. She was more than fine when he left last night. His thoughts drifted back to Kathy's words about her household situation. He couldn’t help but wonder if something was going on, but he decided not to act on it. It wasn’t his place to intervene.

Two days later, Johnny tried his luck again. The memory of the electric encounter with you was fresh in his mind. He wanted to see you, hell, he was craving to have you by himself again.

It was a hot day, and he could feel sweat trickling down his back. As he arrived at the preschool in his truck, he noticed you wearing long sleeves despite the heat. He couldn't understand why Catholics had to wear such clothing in this weather.

He was there to pick up his kids and felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. When you saw him, the memory of that night came flooding back. Unable to express what you felt, you forced a smile and greeted him timidly. “Hey there,” you said, trying to keep your tone even.

Johnny sensed your hesitation immediately. “Hey, ya weren't here yesterday. Everythin' alright?”

You tried to keep your answers short and vague. “Yeah.”

Johnny noticed your unease and stepped closer, his eyes narrowing in concern. “Ya sure? You seem... different today,” he said, his voice filled with concern.

You smiled weakly, trying to come up with an excuse. “Oh, it's nothing. Just a bit tired. I should probably get back to my classroom.”

As you turned to leave, Johnny reached out and gently held your hand to stop you. The pressure wasn’t hard, but you winced in pain. Johnny's eyes widened with worry. "What’s goin’ on?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

You forced another smile, trying to mask the pain. “Yeah, just a bit sore. I’ll be fine.”

Johnny couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He gently pulled back your sleeve, revealing bruises and scratches on your arms. His heart sank, and his blood boiled with anger and worry. “What the hell happened?” he asked, his voice trembling with concern.

You didn't answer, just looked away, avoiding his gaze. Johnny realized that your partner probably did this to you. “Did he do this to ya?” he asked, his voice filled with a mix of anger and worry.

You immediately came to your partner's defense, unreasonably justifying his actions. “It’s not what you think. He didn’t mean to... it’s just... things got out of ha-”

Johnny's disapproval was evident. “This ain’t right,” he said, his voice firm. “Ya don’t deserve this.”

As he spoke, Johnny instinctively reached out to tuck a strand of your black hair behind your ear. But you instinctively moved away, a haunted look in your eyes. Johnny's heart ached even more seeing your reaction. He understood that your fear ran deep.

“Listen,” Johnny said softly, his voice gentle but resolute. “I get it, it’s complicated. Imma take care of this, alright?”

You looked away, unable to respond. As you walked back to your classroom, your mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Johnny watched you go, feeling a mix of concern and determination to find out what was really going on.

Johnny hated abusers, despising the idea of any man laying hands on a woman. While driving home, he couldn’t shake off the image of your bruises. He knew he had to do something, but for now, he focused on his kids, he had to get them home.

You never meant for him to see those marks, and now you weren’t sure what would happen next. While sitting down on your classroom's desk, you gently massages your temples, Johnny’s reaction and the anger you saw in his eyes frustrated you.

-

When you got home, you found your partner with a black eye and a beaten-up face, limping while loading all his things into his car. Your heart raced, and confusion and concern washed over you. "What happened?" you asked, your voice trembling.

He turned to face you, his eyes filled with anger. "What do you think happened?" he snapped. "You think you can just live a double life and get away with it?"

Fear crept up your spine. "I-I don't understand," you stammered.

He stepped towards you, hand raised, ready to strike, but something held him back—a flicker of hesitation. Instead, he grabbed your face forcefully. "You pretentious whore." he spat, his voice filled with venom. "Carrying a rosary during the day and a biker’s whore at night." he spat.

You were horrified, unable to comprehend the sudden outburst. Tears welled up in your eyes. "Please, just let me explain—" you began, but he cut you off.

"No," he said sharply, releasing you. "I don't want to hear it."

He turned away and got himself into the car, his movements filled with rage. You stood there, frozen, a whirlwind of emotions in your mind—pain, fear, hurt, isolation.

Watching him drove away, the initial shock and pain began to subside, replaced by a strange, almost manic laughter. The absurdity of the situation, the irony of your newfound freedom, hit you all at once. You laughed through your tears, a mix of relief and disbelief. You had been held hostage by your abusive relationship for so long that the idea of being alone, of being free, felt surreal.

---

After your partner left, you didn't go to work for a few days. Johnny, worried after not seeing you at the preschool, decided to check on you. When he arrived outside your house, he found it eerily quiet, almost empty. There was no sign of you around. He knocked on the door, calling out your name, but no one answered. He circled around, looking for any indications of where you might have gone. Concern gnawed at him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Johnny decided to head back to the club, hoping someone there might have heard from you. As he entered, the familiar faces of Brucie, Cal, Cockroach, and Wahoo greeted him. "Hey Johnny, you lookin' for someone?" Brucie asked, noticing the concern etched on Johnny's face.

"Yeah," Johnny replied, his voice filled with worry. "She hasn't been at work, and her house is empty. Any of ya guys hear from her?"

The group exchanged glances, shaking their heads. "Nah, man," Cal said, "we haven't heard a thing. You expecting trouble?"

"I dunno," Johnny admitted, lighting a cigarette. "But somethin' doesn't feel right."

As Johnny paced, trying to figure out his next move, Kathy approached him, already knowing why he was concerned. "Johnny, you don't need to go huntin' for her. She's dealin' with it on her own. She didn’t follow that bastard."

Johnny turned to her, his jaw set and his eyes steely. "Ya sure about that, Kathy?" he demanded.

"Yeah, I'm sure," Kathy replied firmly. "She'll reach out when she's ready. Right now, she needs time."

Kathy then looked Johnny straight in the eyes. "And Johnny, don't forget about Betty. Your wife. Ya married, remember? It's time to let the girl handle her own life."

Johnny's expression hardened, but the worry in his eyes was undeniable. He took a deep drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly. "I ain't forgettin' about Betty," he said, his voice low and steady.

Kathy sighed, knowing Johnny's stubbornness all too well. "Just don't do anything you'll regret," she warned, her voice softening slightly. The older guy gave a curt nod.

Johnny was back at his old routine again. He had heard at the preschool that you had handed in your resignation letter. Without you there, it felt like he was on autopilot, like going through the motions without purpose.

The club was packed, and Johnny was quietly observing the crowd, dragging on a smoke. He let his men have their fun, his mind elsewhere. As you walked behind him, he didn’t notice until you slipped into the seat beside him. Johnny looked up, taken aback by your new look. You had cut your black hair into a long bob and wore a plain fitted white tank top with low-waisted black jeans and high-heeled boots.

Johnny's eyes followed every movement, still grasping your presence. "Ya missin' for days," Johnny remarked, still awed. "Where'd ya disappear to?"

You took the lit cigarette from his fingers, running it across your lips before taking a puff. "Needed some time to figure things out," you replied, exhaling smoke. "Thought a change might help."

Johnny nodded, observing you closely. "Looks like it did. Ya look different."

You smiled, your eyes meeting his as you reached out and began fiddling with the buttons on his shirt. "I've been thinkin' about you while I was away," you admitted, your voice soft yet playful. "Couldn't get you outta my mind."

Johnny's eyes flickered with amusement and curiosity, feeling a warmth spread through him. He loved the way you played with his buttons, a gesture that always made him feel like there was a special connection between you two. "Oh yeah? What about me had ya thinkin' so much?"

You shrugged casually, still toying with his buttons. "I don't know.. you're different when I had you alone." you teased, the hidden meaning clear between you two.

Johnny chuckled, leaning in slightly. The way your fingers danced on his buttons was driving him wild. "Well, sounds like I left quite an impression."

You smirked, stretching your body and arms before heading towards the pool table. "Wanna play a game? I could use some practice," you said, the challenge evident in your tone.

Johnny followed, intrigued by your new demeanor. As you lined up your shot, he leaned against the table, his eyes never leaving you. "Ya any good?" he asked, playful challenge in his tone.

"I'm decent," you replied with a smirk. "Wanna make a bet?"

Johnny chuckled, matching your playfulness. He couldn't help but admire your confidence. "Alright, what's the wager?"

You leaned in, your voice low and teasing. The anticipation was electric. "If I win, you tell me what you're really thinkin'. If you win, I'll owe ya one."

Johnny raised an eyebrow, accepting the challenge. The thought of winning this bet excited him. "Deal."

You bent over the table, aiming your cue stick on the ball. Johnny's eyes roamed over your figure, appreciating the view. Noticing his gaze, you gave him a playful wink before striking the ball. Johnny couldn't help but chuckle, enjoying the playful interaction.

The game progressed with playful innuendos and teasing banter, the tension between you and Johnny growing with each shot. Johnny occasionally slipped his hand on your waist, feeling the warmth of your skin through your shirt, his touch sending shivers down your spine. He placed soft kisses on your hair, the scent of your shampoo filling his senses.

At one point, you leaned in to whisper something into his ear because the noise from the club was too much. "You drive me crazy," you whispered, your breath hot against his ear. As you did, you couldn't resist nibbling his earlobe a little, earning a low growl from him. "You're playin' with fire here," he murmured, his voice thick with desire. The feel of your lips on his ear sent a jolt of electricity through him, and he found himself wanting more.

When it was Johnny's turn to hit the cue ball, he turned to you with a playful grin. "Gimme a kiss for good luck," he said, tapping his cheek. He could feel the anticipation building inside him.

You obliged, placing a soft kiss on his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin, chuckling at his playfulness. It seemed like you were a couple for a long time now, the chemistry between you undeniable. The Vandals' men noticed your interactions with their boss, but they kept their opinions to themselves. It was the first time in so many years they'd seen Johnny this happy.

Despite your best efforts, Johnny's skill and experience shone through, and he emerged victorious. He leaned back against the table with a triumphant smile, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "Looks like ya owe me one," he said, satisfaction in his tone.

You laughed softly, trying to hide your disappointment. "Alright, Johnny, what do ya want?"

Johnny's eyes lit up with a mischievous spark. He loved the playful dynamic you two shared. "How 'bout ya offer me a pop?" he suggested, referring to the lollipop you had given him before.

You sighed playfully, a hint of disappointment in your voice. "Too bad I didn't think about bringin' any," you replied, enjoying the banter.

Johnny took another drag from his cigarette, exhaling smoke slowly. "Maybe there's some in the supplies closet," he said casually yet playfully.

You knew what he meant, and a smirk formed on your lips. "Maybe," you replied, anticipation in your voice.

With a shared look, you lead him the way and you both headed towards the supplies closet.

Kathy, who was sitting at the bar, noticed the two of you and paused, her eyes narrowing in disapproval. Her silent judgment was unmistakable, and it made Johnny's resolve falter for a moment.

As you reached the door, Johnny opened it and gestured for you to go inside first. You stepped into the small, dimly lit room and Johnny followed closely behind, quietly closing the door behind him. He locked it with a soft click, ensuring your privacy. You have been holding back for quite a while now, it's about time you have him alone again.

Wasting no time, you pushed Johnny against the door, his eyes locking onto yours. You got down on your knees and swiftly removed his belt and unzipped his pants, revealing his fully erected cock in front of you. You began with long, slow licks from top to bottom, then teased slightly with your tongue on the head. When you finally took him all in, you just kept going slowly and moaned lightly with every stroke.

"Fuck." Johnny muttered under his breath, gently holding your head moving up and down beneath him.

As he stood there, with his eyes closed, feeling the waves of pleasure mixed with guilt and desire to have you more. The weight of his actions weighed heavily on his conscience, but the pull towards you was too strong to resist. When he first saw you, you were holding on to your dear rosary. You used to kneel in prayer; now, you're kneeling in front of him

He silently prayed to Jesus, if he does exist, to forgave you both as you have sinned.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Hi! Hope you're doing well 🌟

Do you have any advice on how to write ten year olds? Like, not physically but emotionally. One of my main characters is ten years old and I wanna make sure I get it right, sometimes I feel like I'm giving him the emotional maturity of the characters that surround him that are in their 20s and 30s but idk ://

Writing Notes: Emotional Development

Emotional Development

Also called affective development.

A gradual increase in the capacity to experience, express, and interpret the full range of emotions and in the ability to cope with them appropriately.

Cortical control, imitation of others, hormonal influences, home atmosphere, and conditioning play major roles in emotional development.

It is nearly impossible to imagine emotional development as separate from changes in cognitive development that occur in the first two decades of life.

As memory and thinking become more complex and abstract, emotional development changes as well.

Similarly, markers of emotional development are intimately linked to a child’s social experiences.

The following examples are major markers of change in emotional development as they occur within a social context.

Emotional competence (7 to 10 years). Emotion expressions are used to manage relationship dynamics, such as smiling at a new friend (Saarni & Camras, 2022).

Emotion regulation (infancy through adulthood). Emotion regulation strategies are processes used to monitor, evaluate, and modify our emotional reactions in order to achieve a goal. Strategies become more sophisticated from extrinsically based regulation in infancy to more intrinsically based regulation from preschool-age through adulthood (Eisenberg et al., 2010; Thompson & Goodvin, 2007).

8 to 9 years: Cognitive emotion regulation strategies emerge, and children begin to use thoughts and feelings about themselves and others to control their emotions (Garnefski et al., 2007).

The ability to regulate our emotions is one of the most important skills for learning, social relationships, and mental health. 

Adolescence - The period of human development that starts with puberty (10–12 years of age) and ends with physiological maturity (approximately 19 years of age), although the exact age span varies across individuals.

During this period, major changes occur at varying rates in physical characteristics, sexual characteristics, and sexual interest, resulting in significant effects on body image, self-concept, and self-esteem.

Major cognitive and social developments take place as well: Most young people acquire enhanced abilities to think abstractly, evaluate reality hypothetically, reconsider prior experiences from altered points of view, assess data from multiple dimensions, reflect inwardly, create complex models of understanding, and project complicated future scenarios.

Adolescents also increase their peer focus and involvement in peer-related activities, place greater emphasis on social acceptance, and seek more independence and autonomy from parents.

How Emotions Develop in Adolescence

Once self-conscious emotions such as guilt, embarrassment, and shame emerge in middle childhood, very few new emotions develop. Adolescents’ cognitive skills to reason about abstract concepts improve their ability to manage and reason about their own emotions and improve emotional competence in relationships (Rosenblum & Lewis, 2006).

Research on adolescent emotional development shows how emotions change during this time of rapid physical development.

Emotion Expression. Emotion expression in adolescence differs from that in childhood and adulthood. Adolescents report experiencing greater extremes of emotion and more negative mood states than adults. Adolescent emotional experiences are reported to include less happiness than during childhood (Rosenblum & Lewis, 2006).

Emotional Dissemblance. Emotional dissemblance is the ability to separate one’s emotional expressions from one’s internal feelings. Children learn how to control the emotions they display in order to avoid negative outcomes. During adolescence, teens begin to display expressions according to the norms of adult interaction (Rosenblum & Lewis, 2006); for example, the ability to outwardly display a facial expression of congratulations to a competitor immediately after a tough loss, while feeling intense emotion internally.

Emotional Competence. A successful transition to adulthood is associated with increased emotional competence across several skills during adolescence; for example, learning to regulate intense emotions, knowing how to attend to emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them, and learning how to manage interpersonal relationships in the midst of intense emotions (Rosenblum & Lewis, 2006).

Emotional Maturity - A high and appropriate level of emotional control and expression.

Prerequisites for Developing Emotional Maturity

Emotional maturity is a skill that can be nurtured and developed through psychoeducation, therapy, and coaching (Kaur et al., 2015).

Possessing or developing the following characteristics provides the foundation for developing emotional maturity:

Personal Reflection & Self-Awareness. Self-awareness and a willingness to reflect on one’s emotions and behaviors are crucial for the growth and development of emotional maturity (Herwig et al., 2010).

Openness to Feedback. Personal growth and emotional maturity are dependent on our willingness to accept and learn from constructive criticism (McEnrue et al., 2009).

Commitment to Growth. Personal growth is hard work and requires a dedication to ongoing personal development and emotional learning (Bauer & McAdams, 2004).

Empathy. The ability to identify, interpret, and share the feelings of others is integral to emotional maturity (McNaughton, 2016).

Resilience. All personal growth requires the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and adapt to change (Still, 2023).

Sources: 1 2 3 ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

There are some children who exhibit the same (or almost similar) level of emotional maturity of adults surrounding them, depending on the circumstances. Consider these notes and incorporate which ones are most suitable for your own story. Hope you're doing well yourself, and that this helps with your writing! :)

[tomurakii]

I kind of hate all the comparisons between kipperlily and like. Those fuckass "affirmative action fucks me over I wish I was [minority] so it would be easier" people because none of that. Is what she said. She said the bad kids already had more experience with adventuring before they got to augefort and it meant they had an advantage. Which is true. Yeah Riz was lower-class but his mum was a COP. Riz, Kristen and Fig had parents who were heroes (Sandra-Lynn is an active ranger, Kristen's parents are paladins, Sklonda is a rogue), Adaine's family was super rich and politically influential, Fabian had both. Gorgug's the only one who wasn't actively at an advantage [IN THE CONTEXT OF HAVING PRIOR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HEROISM] and she didn't have shit to say about him. Kipperlily was the first person in her family to try heroism, the bad kids are largely legacy admissions.

Additionally to the people comparing it to the "anti-affirmative action" crowd: do you know what affirmative action is. The bad kids didn't receive special consideration on their admissions to aguefort or scholarships or additional financial support or extended assessment times or anything. How could she be mad about affirmative action if none of these people received affirmative action. What they DID have was knowledge about their classes that started much earlier than high school, which is what Kipperlily said in her file that she thought grading should be adjusted for because she did not have that.

To me it's less like affirmative action and more like augefort is like an IQ test. They pretend that it's fair and objective, but you can be taught how to do those things from a younger age, and if your parents took the time to teach you pattern recognition and shit then you'll do better on an IQ test than someone who wasn't trained for it and everyone will act like that makes you innately smarter when it doesn't. It just means someone taught you how to do that earlier.

Barring Gorgug, every one of the bad kids had access to information about heroism and their class at a younger age than Kipperlily did, which primed them for success in their classes. Every one of them got additional information about mysteries from their families (and even direct battle-tactics training from Bill), Riz especially with getting classified info out of his mum. Kipperlily does not have hero relatives. She's the first in her family line to attend a hero school. She knew nothing about it before her first day, meanwhile Kristen was already the chosen of Helio, Adaine had already been attending the best wizard school in the country, Fabian had already spent his whole life training with his father, and Riz was already involved in solving mysteries using info and tactics he got from his parents.

They aren't necessarily "privileged" (except Fabian and Adaine), but Kipperlily didn't say they were, she said that in the specific context of attending a hero school they had a prior-knowledge advantage. Saying they didn't is like comparing the grades of a kid who's academic career started with preschool with a kid who didn't attend until middle school and acting like one of them wasn't better prepared.

[profoundbondfanfic]

Fighting Alarms

Fighting Alarms by Altiria Rating: Explicit Word Count: 13k

The five times Castiel had to deal with a false fire alarm and the responding fire-fighter Dean Winchester, and the one time it wasn’t fake. Or two idiots in love who can’t seem to get on the right page long enough to confess their feelings.

This fic was tooth achingly sweet. First off, Cas as a preschool teacher? Please sign me up!! This Cas was perfect; in tune with his students' needs and always ready to assess the situation, especially when the school fire alarm continues to go off at random. The only thing that seems to fluster him is his neighbor, and the fireman who continues to respond to the alarm calls, Dean Winchester. 

Dear readers, Cas is down bad. He has epic levels of pining going on, fully head over heels for Dean, who he has gotten to be acquainted with through neighborly favors, including walking his dog Miracle. As if that wasn’t good enough, halfway through we get a POV switch, only to find out that Dean is just as much a smitten kitten as Cas. Especially when he pieces together that Cas is the same teacher his god son Ben won’t stop talking about. 

This one is adorable, and Cas and Dean’s miscommunication and mutual pining is to be adored. Hope you give it a click! 

[suzukiblu]

YJ accidental baby acquisition and Billy adopts Conner and it actually goes pretty good for wip Wednesday pls?

YJ accidental baby acquisition:

“How did B not have an aneurysm while you were wearing that again?” Tim says, and Dick laughs, and he wonders what the hell they’re going to do with Kenley. The kid is a preschooler with superpowers and clearly already knows how to access at least some of those superpowers; what, are they going to put them in the system? Because that would end well. Even if anyone in the government didn’t conveniently “disappear” Kenley into some kind of weird fucked-up lab or training program or boarding school for national security or “their own good”, even if Kenley lucked out and got a good placement with a good family, what would that family even be able to do for them? Would they even be able to take care of them? 

Also, Tim’s pretty sure Kon isn’t going to let them put Kenley in the system. Tim’s not even sure Kon’s going to put Kenley down for five minutes, much less give them away. 

He might not even want to give them to someone who wasn’t the government or an unprepared civilian. 

So that’s . . . a thing, yeah.

Billy adopts Conner and it actually goes pretty good!

“You should come in, probably,” Billy decides, stepping back from the door. Kid Flash zips across the threshold and his parents follow. Superboy looks . . . wary, maybe. Mostly of him. 

Billy can also empathize with that experience. 

How many people has Superboy even met so far, he wonders? Like–the other genomorphs, obviously, but he’s known them all his life, and they’re probably pretty different than humans. And for all Billy knows, the only civilians he’s met are the Wests; he probably only “knows” a bunch of people who were on duty doing the whole hero thing. He’s probably not used to meeting strangers in a random living room. 

He’s definitely not, actually. Shit. 

“Wanna take a look around?” Billy asks, trying to smile reassuringly without looking like either one of those too-pitying foster parents or one of the lying asshole ones who only bothers to behave for the social workers. Not that Superboy knows what either of those look like, but–still. That’s not the kind of first impression he wants to make here. 

“No,” Superboy says. 

. . . well, Billy also empathizes with that, honestly. 

“Okay,” he says. “Um. Do you wanna come in anyway?” 

“No,” Superboy repeats. Then he walks into the apartment and starts scanning the interior with an intent expression. 

. . . yeah, okay, Billy thinks, and closes the door. Well, he can leave Superboy to his threat assessment, he figures, and then just go from there.

[evidence-based-activism]

My mother keeps saying men are better suited for mathematics, numbers and coding because of their brains and supposed inclinations to be logical. She took a coding class and claimed that the men just understood it better, and were better at it.

I told her, women were the first ones to dominate coding in general, but she still believes the male brain is just better for practical use. She's a nurse by the way... I'd thought she'd know better than the believe the myth sex based brains.

How can I prove to her that she's false?

Hi Anon! I'm sorry your mother believes this! Maybe you can show her this post to help her understand the evidence!

---

Mathematics Performance

First, some studies that show women and men/girls and boys have similar math performance/aptitude:

This international study [1] examined boys and girls performance on standardized math exams around the world. They found that "gender equity and other sociocultural factors ... are the primary determinants of mathematics performance," which indicates that there is no inherent/biological difference in math performance just artifacts of an unequal culture.

This 2008 analysis of representative USA data [2], found "effect sizes for gender differences, representing the testing of over 7 million students in state assessments, are uniformly <0.10, representing trivial differences." Further over half of the individual effect sizes actually indicated better performance for girls. That being said, the weighted mean was consistent with no gender differences. In addition they completed a sub-analysis of items that targeted "cognitive complexity or depth of knowledge", as some suggest that boy's higher performance on these types of problems would explain their over-representation in STEM. However, this study found that "even for difficult items requiring substantial depth of knowledge, gender differences were still quite small."

This meta-analysis [3] of "242 studies published between 1990 and 2007, representing the testing of 1,286,350 people" found "no gender difference" in mathematics performance. They also performed a second analysis of data from large data sets based on probability sampling of U.S. adolescents over the past 20 years" and found that no gender differences on average; in addition the effect sizes again indicated girls performed better on some assessments.

This international meta-analysis [4] "representing 493,495 students ...across 69 nations" found "all of the mean effect sizes in mathematics achievement were very small" indicating that boys and girls performed similarly on the mathematics exams. Interestingly, despite the similarity, "boys reported more positive math attitudes and affect."

This review [5] found "research on cognitive development in human infants, preschool children, and students ... provides evidence that mathematical and scientific reasoning develop from a set of biologically based cognitive capacities that males and females share. These capacities lead men and women to develop equal talent for mathematics and science."

All of this indicates that there are no inherent gender differences in mathematics performance between the sexes. There may appear to be a difference, but this is a result of sociocultural factors and/or slight natural sample variation.

---

Stereotype Threat

In addition to the above, I want link to a past post where I address stereotype threat. I've copied the relevant portion below, but please see the link for sources:

As suggested by @mycodyke, an important factor here is the stereotype threat. This refers to how "behavior can be a consequence of priming effects, ... when a stereotype becomes activated, stereotype-consistent behavior may follow automatically from that activation" [21]. The study she linked [22] goes into this, finding that men performed the same in a cognitive task regardless of priming condition, whereas women performed worse only when primed with female condition. This replicated an earlier study [23] that found "no sex differences were observed" when the task instructions didn't emphasize sex-stereotypes. Other similar studies: -- This study [24] found "sex difference was reliably elicited and eliminated by controlling or manipulating participants’ confidence" -- This meta-analysis [25] suggested that "male superiority on spatial ability tasks ... is related to the implementation of time limits". -- This study [26] also suggested this, finding that "the magnitude of gender differences was linearly related to the amount of time available for test completion". All of this indicates that sex differences on this task (and likely in other similar situations) are the result of individual expectations about their performance. This is also commonly brought up for self-fulfilling prophecies; that is, if someone believes they will succeed/fail they are more likely to succeed/fail. And this has real-world consequences. For example, in this study [27], "in a simulated job interview, [participants] … were confronted with either sexist … or non-sexist … behavior … [and] results indicated that female participants in the sexist condition performed significantly worse on the mathematical test than female participants in the control condition … suggest[ing] an influence of psychological and interpersonal processes on seemingly objective test outcomes."

These studies were on a different "male typical" cognitive task, but the same principles underlying these results apply to tests of mathematical performance.

In short, the belief that men are naturally better/women naturally worse on a particular task can actually lower women's performance on the task. Eliminating or reducing this perception results in higher female performance.

For specific studies on this with reference to mathematical performance, see:

This study [6] found that "[math] test performance of women in a stereotype-nullifying presentation ... was raised significantly to surpass that of the men in the course" specifically for "the most highly qualified and persistent women [and men] in [upper level] college mathematics." (And as a note, they also find that when "test-takers were given the test under normal test instructions, women and men performed equally.")

This experimental study [7] that found women's performance on a math test, but not men's performance, was reduced by the stereotype threat condition (where they were told their sex is expected to perform worse) both within and between sexes.

Taken together, these results suggest that the current cultural expectation that men are naturally better – and women naturally worse – at math is actually harming women's performance.

---

Coding Skills

In addition to all of that, I've also discussed how there little to no evidence of sex differences in the human brain.

There's a lot less research on sex differences in computer coding proficiency, but a few include:

This study [8] that found that while "males have significantly more previous exposure to computer programming ... females do equally as well or better in programming comprehension."

This study [9] on programming lessons for primary school children found "no gender differences in coding ability".

This experimental study [10] also found no gender differences in "accuracy and efficiency of codes".

This interesting code review [11] found that "while there is gendered variation in programming style, there is no evidence of gender difference in code quality" [emphasis mine].

The above studies on gender similarities in math/spatial reasoning all also support gender similarities in coding considering they are often considered to underlie programming skill.

You are also correct about women being the original programmers! You can see these sources [12, 13] for an introduction to the history here.

---

Conclusion

In addition to all of that, I've also discussed how there little to no evidence of sex differences in the human brain.

All in all, there's no evidence that men are better suited for STEM fields than women. Instead, there's substantial evidence that there is no innate gender differences in mathematical ability, complex reasoning skills, spatial reasoning ability, and computer programming proficiency.

I hope this helps you convince your mom, Anon! If either of you have any questions, feel free to send them!

References under the cut:

Kane, J. M., & Mertz, J. E. (2012). Debunking myths about gender and mathematics performance. Notices of the AMS, 59(1), 10-21.

Hyde, J. S., Lindberg, S. M., Linn, M. C., Ellis, A. B., & Williams, C. C. (2008). Gender similarities characterize math performance. Science, 321(5888), 494-495.

Lindberg, S. M., Hyde, J. S., Petersen, J. L., & Linn, M. C. (2010). New trends in gender and mathematics performance: a meta-analysis. Psychological bulletin, 136(6), 1123.

Else-Quest, N. M., Hyde, J. S., & Linn, M. C. (2010). Cross-national patterns of gender differences in mathematics: a meta-analysis. Psychological bulletin, 136(1), 103.

Spelke, E. S. (2005). Sex differences in intrinsic aptitude for mathematics and science?: a critical review. American psychologist, 60(9), 950.

Good, C., Aronson, J., & Harder, J. A. (2008). Problems in the pipeline: Stereotype threat and women's achievement in high-level math courses. Journal of applied developmental psychology, 29(1), 17-28.

Johnson, H. J., Barnard-Brak, L., Saxon, T. F., & Johnson, M. K. (2012). An experimental study of the effects of stereotype threat and stereotype lift on men and women's performance in mathematics. The Journal of Experimental Education, 80(2), 137-149.

Du, J., & Wimmer, H. (2019). Hour of Code: A study of gender differences in computing. Information Systems Education Journal, 17(4), 91.

Price, C. B., & Price-Mohr, R. (2023). Exploring gender differences in primary school computer programming classes: A study in an English state-funded urban school. Education 3-13, 51(2), 306-319.

Akinola, S. O. (2015). Computer programming skill and gender difference: An empirical study. American journal of scientific and industrial research, 7(1), 1-9.

Brooke, S. (2024). Programmed differently? Testing for gender differences in Python programming style and quality on GitHub. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 29(1), zmad049.

Little, B. (2021, February 9). When computer coding was a “woman’s” job. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/coding-used-to-be-a-womans-job-so-it-was-paid-less-and-undervalued

Thompson, Clive. “The Secret History of Women in Coding.” The New York Times, 13 Feb. 2019. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/13/magazine/women-coding-computer-programming.html.

[educationcambodia]

Preschool for Special Needs in Phnom Penh

Preschools for children with special needs provide a tailored approach to learning that fosters both developmental and academic growth. These schools address challenges in communication, social interaction, and sensory processing, offering children the opportunity to thrive at their own pace. At OrbRom Center, our programs are designed with early intervention strategies to help children build essential skills, preparing them for inclusive education and everyday life.

[transparencyboo]

For the last two weeks or so I've been playing the Mega Drive dungeon crawler Shining in the Darkness. I've recently been going through all the various action-RPGs the system had to offer and kinda found myself lusting for more, so I expanded the scope.

Shining in the Darkness had one of those cover arts I vividly remember seeing in game stores during the 90s, I understood already back then that whatever this was would be too complicated for my feeble preschool brain, but it had a shiny glossy allure that still beckoned to me with promises of daring adventures and grand battles. Questions lingered in my head: Who is that evil bastard zapping sparks at Cavin from the Gummi Bears? Why has the king entrusted the safety of his kingdom to a meagre boy and his two misfit friends?

Well, it turns out that big bad guy is called Dark Sol, the bane of all game difficulty discourse, and the reason the king has enlisted three poor kids is because there is no one else to rely on after your daddy went missing. Everyone else just sorta gives up along the way.

My initial conclusion of this game was to commend my young self for the striking assessment, my five year old self would never get anywhere in this game between the English text, abstracted navigation and number crunching battle mechanics. Shining in the Darkness is a bona fide classic dungeon gauntlet endurance simulator, where you traverse vanishing point block tunnels and encounter enemies. I've played one or two games like this before, like the original Phantasy Star, but this time a new desire struck me. I wanted to draw maps. Maybe I'm just getting older and more patient, leading me to wilfully ignore easily available resources online.

By my recollection, this is the first time I've dedicated myself to playing a game like this. Usually I just resort to my sense of direction, which I've gathered seems to at least be above average, since anytime I go anywhere with anyone I always end up playing shepherd so they don't get lost. Worst case scenario I'll just fall back to mapping efforts by online heroes from years past. For Shining in the Darkness I persisted blindly about halfway through until I admitted to myself charting a map of the labyrinthine caves would be a lot easier. Luckily, the game allows you to spend 1 MP to see a chunk of where you've walked, meaning I could get neatly organized segments to copy by hand.

Perhaps my biggest takeaway from this endeavour was how much of the game experience was expressed through this map project. I spent just as much time slaying beasts as I did counting tiles and filling them out with my pencil. It became a natural counterbalance that provided vital pacing to the game mechanics. Walking, fighting, charting. In turn, through the principle of learning by doing, I gained a more intimate familiarity with the environments by just replicating them out on a sheet of paper. I found that while the map helped, I actually didn't need it much for backtracking because my drawings had helped me remember the layouts of the corridors anyway.

I guess the lesson learned is that while old design sensibilities may appear to be arcane and cumbersome when easier solutions exists, the obfuscation is part of the fun. The game hands me an intentionally hard to navigate world, shows me that it's fully capable of displaying maps of it, but still asks me to provide that dimension myself. Through doing this, I discover that drawing maps is both surprisingly enjoyable and cognitively stimulating. I realize that had I downloaded some pre-packaged maps online and used as my bible, Shining in the Darkness would've been a vastly different experience, one of monotonous meandering through endless fights while confidently striding along the known path.

Perhaps that's why the game was called Shining and the Darkness in Japan, it doesn't flow as well as the western title, but at the same time it poetically reflects this act of discovery. I am Shining, the game provides the Darkness, we work together, we must unify to become whole.

As for Dark Sol, he turned into a big monster boy and was vanquished by a spunky cartographer child and her two cohorts. The unknown has been made known and the kingdom is once more saved.

/Kiki

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

The Trouble With Love

Part two

Summary; Nancy and Steve's marriage is breaking apart, you decide to go on a date with a fellow teacher. Gossip rages in the playground which Steve overhears from Vickie.

He's not prepared for how that makes him feel.

Warnings; Major Angst, Sexual Tension, arguing, Jealous Steve

Taglist; @lou-la-lou @eddiesguitarskills @heyyimmisunderstood @alycunningham @mxcheese @micheledawn1975

Lmk if you would like to be added to the tag list 🌸❤️

Eventual Steve Harrington x Reader.

❤️

🌸

Nancy came back the next day and the argument was worse than the first.

"Don't start with me Steve, just don't okay? I'm tired and I need some space to think" He shakes his head just pissed that they don't communicate now, there never seems to be communication anymore.

"We need to talk about this Nancy. I keep trying to talk to you but you keep deflecting and when we do talk its like you don't listen"

She rolls her eyes and grabs her jacket.

"And then you just walk away. I'm trying here Nance but we cant get past this if we don't talk" she sighs.

"Talk about what?" he stares at her stunned and feels his irratation growing.

"About kids Nance, you shut me down every time and I just want to know if it's even something you want?" Nancy turns away from him and there's silence for a moment.

"I don't know, she yells. I don't know if I even want kids!!" Steve swears he feels like his heart has been ripped out.

"You don't know for like now? Or forever?" she swallows and speaks softly.

"Ever. I've never wanted to be like my mother, the nuclear family. I love her but that's just not me" Steve sits down his head pounding, agony ripping through him.

"Why couldn't you tell me this before? You've known what this has meant to me for years, it's one of the first things we talked about after getting married" he asks Nancy and there are tears in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry Steve. I have to get to work" He looked at her exasperated.

"Right. Fine". The door slams as she heads out and Steve puts his head in his hands, he just doesn't know what to do.

💕🌸

After getting lost in his thoughts too much Steve calls Robin and invites her over to have pizza here.

It will be a good distraction, take his mind of a few things.

The minute that Robin sees the expression on his face she pulls him into a hug and he explains what had happened.

"I don't know what to do Robin," he tells her feeling conflicted about what he should say to Nancy.

Anna and Vickie arrive and Anna beams.

"Hi Uncle Steve, Pizza time" she exclaims excitedly and Vickie ruffles her hair.

"Not yet. Soon baby" Anna pouts adorably so he distracts her by pulling out one of her favourite jigsaw puzzles.

Vickie gives Robin a quick kiss and looks excited about something.

"So I heard some interesting gossip on the playground today" Robin looks intrigued by this and he listens as well curious.

"Do tell" Robin urges Vickie who smirks and settles down on the couch.

"Well, a certain Hawkins preschool teacher and Hawkins elementary school teacher are going on a date" Steve's hands freeze on a piece of the jigsaw he was handing Anna.

"What? I mean she's a babe but Matt Daniels? He was such a... ( Robin chooses her words carefully because of little ears listening) meany in high school"

"He's a poo poo head" Anna giggles and Robin and Vickie exchange amused looks at Anna's very spot-on assessment.

Steve is half listening because there's a funny feeling in his stomach at the thought of you going out on a date.

He was concerned that's all. Robin is right Matt was a douche in high school, he was older than you and still a bit of a shithead if Steve was being honest.

There's no way that Steve is entertaining the intense flash of jealousy he just felt but he couldn't ignore it either when it makes him feel like there's a deep pit in his stomach.

He shouldn't be feeling this way and he immediately feels like shit but it doesn't help the burning feeling in his gut at all.

🌸❤️

You had put a plan in action to bury your feelings for Steve and you hoped to god that it worked.

It involved you on a date with Matt Daniels who was Hawkins Elementary teacher.

Matt was nice, interested in you and available.

The two of you were planning to go out to a bar in Hawkins, just grab a quick drink and chat and see if the two of you could be compatible.

It was a little nerve-wracking because you hadn't been on a date for so long and you had dressed up for the occasion.

Matt was coming to your house to pick you up for the date and when he arrives your nerves reach a crescendo.

"Hey babe. So you ready?" you nod and take his arm as he leads you outside.

"Miss Smiley" you hear a tiny, happy voice shout and you smile as you turn around and Anna is waving at you.

She's playing in the front yard with Steve, she has tea cups out, her teddies and is having a tea party all for Uncle Steve.

It's so precious and Steve is the perfect guest, so sweet with her. It makes your heart flutter.

Then his gaze meets yours and his eyes widens.

"Jesus" he whispers under his breath and it makes your legs shake a little at the way he looks at you.

"Hi, Anna. Steve" You nod and give him a little wave. Matt comes over and his arm slips over your shoulder.

"Better get moving babe" he locks eyes with Steve and smirks.

"Oh hey, King Steve Harrington, princess tea and dollies, fun times huh?" there's a mocking way in which he says it and you frown as Steve's eyes flash.

"I think it's very sweet" you murmur and the angry look on Steve's face melts away. Matt snorts and tugs on your hand.

"Come on, I need a beer" you reluctantly follow and begin to have a bad feeling about tonight.

Hopefully, you were wrong.

❤️🌸

Steve watches you and Matt go, that sick feeling in his stomach growing more and more intense.

What did you see in that jackass? You could do so much better than Matt Daniels.

"He's a big poo poo head" Anna announces suddenly and it breaks the tension that Steve is feeling and he chuckles.

"Yeah honey you're right, he is a big poo poo head"

❤️🌸

Unfortunately, your bad feelings about the date were very much spot on and it's an hour before you've had enough.

It's a relief when he takes you back home but he's still being a dick, just drunk and handy and you're growing tired of it.

You push away from Matt disgusted at his attitude and tell him" Yeah, I think this date has ended"

His eyes flash and he moved to grab your arm but there's movement and then Steve is in front of you both and he pushes away Matt.

He must have saw you come back from his house.

"Take the hint dickhead and clear off yeah?" Matt sneers.

"Hero Steve Harrington huh? Hey, how's Nancy? Saw her with Jonathan earlier looking pretty cosy if you ask me?" Steve freezes, eyes flashing in pain.

"That's enough, you snap. Get out of here Matt" he sneers then storms off.

You turn to Steve and he swallows, running his hand through his hair. He looks so lost and you want to comfort him.

"Thanks for helping me, Steve" He comes out of his reverie and softens.

"Anytime. You okay? Jesus, you're shaking" He shrugs off his jacket and places it around your shoulders.

It takes all of your willpower not to snuggle into it... Yeah cause that wouldn't look weird at all.

"Thanks, I'm sorry what he said about Nancy" Steve shrugs and looks so sad that it makes your chest ache.

"It's fine, Nance and I... We'll be fine. I think" His face scrunches up in pain and he looks so helpless that your heart hurts for him.

"She'll come around. She's very lucky, and so are you. You'll work it out" you rush out hurriedly.

"I hope we can" his tone is unsure though and you wonder what is going on, was it about Steve wanting kids? Then you realise its none of your business and keep your mouth shut.

"You look beautiful by the way, Matt's a total butthead"

Beautiful. He said you were beautiful, a giddy feeling envelops you but you know you have to fight it off as nothing good can come from this.

Very gently you kiss Steve's cheek in thanks, the air crackles around you both and you meet Steve's gaze. His hazel eyes are intense and it makes your stomach fill with butterflies.

His eyes trail to your lips and it feels like your heart is beating out of your chest. Is he going to kiss you?

It feels like the two of you are magnets, you just draw closer together. His lips are inches away from yours then they brush across them so softly.

It's a feather-light touch but it ignites every bit of want and desire in you.

But it's still wrong, very wrong and you both step away in an instant.

"We, we can't. You're married. We shouldn't" he moves further away from you.

"I'm sorry, this was a mistake, I love Nancy. This is a mistake" Hurriedly you shrug out of his jacket and hand it to him before rushing inside.

Fuck! You were so stupid! Steve's words playback in your mind on a loop and you let out a groan of frustration as tears pool down your cheeks.

You were supposed to get over Steve. Not fall even more for him. What a mess.

🌸❤️

Steve heads back into his house, his lips tingling.

When he kissed you it felt like...like fireworks, his mind is racing and Robin comes up to him she looks very distressed while holding an envelope.

"Steve, Nance must have dropped this off when we were out getting pizza" He takes it from her.

Inside is a note and Nancy's wedding ring and his stomach bottoms out as he reads the contents of the note.

Nancy told him she was going to live with her parents for a while, she needed space.

She had left him.

❤️

[books-and-kids]

I know it's been a while since I've posted. I took a step back from hosting and have been focused on supporting Coco and Charlie's mom. Babysitting, picking things up for her (she doesn't have a car, I do), etc. She's struggling and I want to help.

My worry is that Coco is 2.5yo and not speaking. She says "hi" and "mama" occasionally, but nothing else. She seems to be tracking what I say - the kids were over yesterday and I told Charlie that we were leaving in 10 minutes to go back to mommy's house, and Coco ran to the door and started putting on her shoes, so she understands me. She was a late walker and now she runs around fine, so maybe the speech will come in time. But maybe it won't... and if intervention needs to happen, the sooner the better.

Meanwhile, Charlie has a speech impediment (lisp) that makes it hard to understand him. I worry he will not succeed academically if his teacher can't understand him. And how will he get socialization without verbal communication? It will be harder to make friends. I talk to him less than I would talk to a kid without a lisp, because when I can't understand what he's saying there's no way to have a conversation. And it must be so frustrating for him to say things and not have people understand him (though he is the sweetest kid and so far not expressing much anger about that yet).

I talked to their mom yesterday about this and she said that Charlie will grow out of his lisp with time and with more interaction with other kids. Is that true? And even if it is, will that happen fast enough to enable him to get a good start academically? Mom clearly is resistant to the idea of intervention (not just for the kids, but also for herself, this seems to be a general principle for her). She did agree that I could take Coco to a free screening with early intervention professionals from school district. Charlie will be in preschool that day but I will talk to the assessment person about his situation and see if they have advice for him as well.

I am praying they say that I'm worried too much. But what if they suggest early intervention for Coco that her mom either cannot afford or will not accept? I don't want to push too much and risk damaging our relationship. But I feel a clench of terror whenever I think about the educational outcomes that could happen if the kids get off to a bad start. Things can spiral so quickly for kids in an underresourced, overcrowded public school without a parent who can afford private supports. I wanted them to get off to a great start in preK and kinder and build from that - getting praise from teachers, developing a sense of themselves as smart and good at school, coming to like school and therefore be more motivated to try hard, etc. Maybe things will work out fine, but it feels so existential to imagine the ways it could go wrong.

And ALSO, their mom texted me today that she was in the hospital for a heart attack?? Which is terrifying and she did not seem interested in help and she left before the doctors wanted her to and all of that scares me to bits.