Author's notes:
Another story! I already posted this story in Tumblr but is still incomplete. This version is edited (thanks to coelibear!) only to correct grammatical errors and to tighten the sentences/paragraphs. The story remains the same.
Reviews are much appreciated! I'd love to hear from you on how I can improve my writing and story-telling in general. I may not be able to change the chapters that I've already written (and currently being edited) but I may consider it for the chapters I've yet to write.
I hope you enjoy this one. :)
Chapter One
Rain pelted angrily at the car slowly making its way up the mountain. Inside the vehicle, Regina wiped at her tears furiously with one hand while the other continued to grip the steering wheel. But her tears continued to fall despite her attempt to control them. Her now useless GPS lay on the floor behind her where she threw it. She wished she can find that stupid map that Kathryn insisted Regina bring, but it must have fallen off her lap when she filled up the tank at the gas station. The car swerved a bit to the left, going over the faint broken white line separating the two-way road. She immediately grasped the wheels with both hands and turned the vehicle right back on its proper lane. She really needed to use both hands as the unpaved road and the strong wind combined made her car sway slightly. It was dark and if not for the faded ribbons tied to the trees, she would have probably gotten into an accident.
THUD.
Regina stepped on the brake, her heart slamming loudly against her ribcage, as something tumbled from the hood of the car to the windshield.. She turned the ignition and breathed out a thank you when she realized it was just a small tree branch. The car started with no problem, but the branch stayed in place. Regina cranked up the windshield's wiper, put both hands on the steering wheel again, and continued her journey.
#
Regina checked her phone for the umpteenth time and growled when it still didn't have any signal. She'd kill Kathryn for pushing her to take a vacation in this godforsaken place. She'd been driving for what felt like hours and she hadn't seen neither a house nor a person since she started going up the mountain. She wondered how many months it would take for anybody to find her body. Maybe years. The thought led her to a painful memory and she once again berated herself. Just drive, Regina. Stop thinking about it!
Drive, she did, and finally came upon two structures. She remembered Kathryn saying that her family's vacation home had two houses. The one near the road was for family while the one at the back was for guests. Kathryn said Regina should stay at the former.
Regina parked the car out front. Everything was still dark and Regina wondered if there were even lamp posts, much less electricity, in the the vicinity. At least her cellphone had battery and can still serve as a light source. She pressed a button and brought it to life before she rummaged through her bag for the key. She'll get her luggage tomorrow, she decided. Regina opened her door and raced towards the door.
#
Emma kissed Henry, her son, on the forehead and then turned off his bedside lamp. She heard the loud creak of the barn door as it swung from its screws, and she berated herself for forgetting to lock it. She knew there was a storm coming but Henry had one his mood swings and his fear of thunder made matters worse. He simply would not let go of her, waking up and wailing whenever she tried to put him down. It was only now, a little past ten, that Emma had finally put Henry to sleep.
She ran through her mind the things she had to do as she went down the stairs. She needed to wash the dishes, clean up the mess at the kitchen table, put away Henry's toys, and fold up their newly washed clothes before she went to sleep. Scrutinizing the table waiting for her, Emma decided that no one would steal from an old barn during a storm so she'll leave that for tomorrow. She stretched out her arms and then began picking up the toys.
#
Emma hummed while loading up the dryer. The lights finally went out, just giving Emma enough time to get candles and matches from the cupboard. She checked on Henry again before going back to the kitchen.
She placed the last plate in the cabinet and then rolled her shoulders to sooth the ache. She heard a faint noise behind her and disregarded it. But then she heard a thud against the door in the living room and her defenses went up.
Emma walked silently to the living room, keeping her eyes on the front door. She crept towards the window and saw a dark figure crouched by the door knob. Emma grabbed the shotgun from the secret trapdoor under the front desk, and moved back closer to the door. All she can think about was her Henry sleeping peacefully upstairs. She had to keep them both safe. Emma unlocked the gun's safety and then opened the door.
Lightning streaked through the sky, illuminating the face of a woman, her eyes wide open and mouth agape as she came face to face with the nozzle of the gun. With another quick glance up and down the intruder, Emma saw that the person was holding a key. "Who are you?"
There was no answer. "I'm going to put my gun down but do anything funny and I won't hesitate to shoot you. Understand?" Emma threatened.
There still was no answer and Emma wondered if the person was deaf. She lowered the gun anyway. "Now, let's try this again. Who are you?"
"Re-Regina," was the faint reply.
"Okay, Regina. Why are you trying to get into my house? Are those even the right keys or were you trying to pick the lock?"
This time, Regina answered with a firmer tone. "Kathryn gave me the keys. The question is, what are YOU doing here?"
Emma was confused. Who was this Kathryn and why was she giving keys to Emma's house away? Why does she even have keys to Emma's place? "I don't know who this Kathryn is but this is my place and had been my parents' home before me."
Another flash of lightning allowed Regina a glimpse of her surroundings. It was quick but it was also enough for her to realize that it would be weird for Kathryn's house to have a front desk.
"Oh, god. I'm sorry. I thought this was her house. I'll just go. I'm sorry."
"No, wait!" Emma said. When Regina turned to look at her, she motioned outside. "It's not safe out there. You can stay here until the storm subsides."
She saw Regina hesitate but lightning struck again. Emma saw the other woman flinch, so she decided for her. Emma held the shotgun with one hand and used her other hand to tug Regina further into the room. She felt Regina become tense but Emma held her hand firmly. "Come on. No one should be out there right now."
"Okay," Regina replied.
Emma let go of her hand and went to lock the door. When she turned to face her guest, Regina said. "Thank you. I promise I won't get in your way. I can sleep on your couch."
Emma shrugged. "I have a perfectly good bed you can use."
Regina's eyebrow raised. "Excuse me?"
Emma chuckled and extended a hand. "Emma Swan. Welcome to my bed and breakfast."
To be continued.