Author's Note: First of all, thanks for reading. Secondly, I'm not familiar with New York and if you guys have better places that are farther apart let me know. I, sadly, don't own any of the characters or even Once Upon A Time. Lastly, if you have anything you'd like to see, feel free to let me know. I appreciate any feedback.
Approaching the building, Emma started to doubt herself and nervousness took over. She was located in the expensive side of New York and the building looked far out her price range. But she desperately needed a place, after her previous roommate decided to get married and move out, Emma now had no way of paying for her current place. She thought of finding a new roommate, August had been begging to live with her, but Emma decided a new place and change of scenery appealed to her better than living with a boy. After reading several newspapers, she finally found an apartment in the Upper East Side of New York. The person had not state their price range but by judging the exterior of the apartment building, Emma knew she couldn't afford the place. But she already made the trip from Brooklyn and wanted to see the place out.
As she entered the building, Emma realized she did not know the apartment number or even which floor it was on. Great job, Emma. Screwing everything up, as usual. Trying to remember the apartment number, she raked her brain for the slightest clue. She couldn't believe it. How could she forget about the apartment number? Jesus, Emma you really should think things through. Emma failed to notice the front desk receptionist, waiting patiently for the frantic, nervous blonde to ask for help.
"Can I help you?" the receptionist decided to finally ask.
"Oh God. I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were there. How could I not? You're like right there. Uh, yeah I could use some help. I'm looking for a Regina Mills. She's searching for a roommate and I happen to be in need of an apartment. I saw her ad in the paper and got the address and everything but not the apartment number. Got myself in a bit of dilemma, you see. But you are probably thinking I'm some random stranger; stalking her."
The receptionist just smiled. She experienced people like Emma on a regular basis. They saw the fancy building, and thought they could never live here. Or they were afraid of being judged; sometimes they just felt out of place.
"It's fine. If you are a stalker, then you are quite an attractive stalker." She learnt that complimenting people helps to calm them.
A soft blush, crept on Emma's cheeks, but she took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure.
"Sorry, but I didn't catch the name of the person you are looking for," pondered the receptionist.
"Searching for a Regina Mills. Someone by that name does live here, right?" Emma started to rub her hands against her skintight jeans, a habit that formed whenever she was nervous.
"Of course, Miss Mills. She lives on the sixth floor, apartment 628. Good luck." The receptionist stated in a weary voice, trying to shed hope on Emma's situation.
Emma heard the change of voice but decided not to question it. She needed every ounce of luck she could get, even if it was out of pity.
"Thanks, umm I didn't catch your name. I'm Emma."
"Isabelle, but everyone calls me Belle. Very nice to make your acquaintance Emma." Belle put her hand out to shake Emma's and pointed her towards the elevators.
Pressing the button for the sixth floor, Emma thought of all the possible outcomes and how she would handle each one. She needed to prepare for the worst. Who knows what kind of person this Regina Mills could be?
Regina settled on the couch with a glass of red wine, after arriving home after a long day in court. Her boss finally allowed her to second chair on an important case for the firm, and everything went downhill. A case, which should have been concluded within an hour, lasted for over five hours, which concluded when the judge called for a well-needed recess. Regina wanted to kick off her heels and relax. But the leading lawyer wanted her to find anything that could benefit the case. Regina knew she had a long night ahead of her. She was due in court in less than twelve hours and Regina just wanted to sleep. But she had to prove to Gold that he picked the right person for the job, even if it meant sacrificing a few hours of sleep. She went straight to work, Regina looked through every database, news article and websites about the plaintiff. The plaintiff was suing their client for sexual harassment in the work place but Mr. Jones did not have a history for sexual misconduct. Regina had been searching for three hours and still empty handed. She looked over at the clock and noticed it was almost 10:00. Think Regina, why would someone want to sue Mr. Jones? Maybe he was just a walking penis but never got caught. But she could not afford to think like that. Regina knew even if Mr. Jones was guilty, she was responsible for making him look innocent. She was in need of her own mini recess.
Heading over to the fridge, she poured herself a bit too much wine. Leaning against the counter, the quietness of the apartment made her cringe a bit. Her mother bought the place when Regina was still in law school, hoping to stray her daughter away from college parties. Regina and her childhood best friend, Kathryn, moved in together, and both pitched in on groceries and amenities. Kathryn received a job offer in Chicago working in the DA's office, leaving her best friend alone in the big ole' apartment. Regina did not mind the quietness but after having a roommate for over five years, it sometimes annoyed you. She put in an ad in a two papers, hoping to get an offer within three weeks. It's been two months.
Regina missed Kathryn awfully bad and contemplated calling her, but knew she'd be busy with some hot case. Making her way back to reality, she heard a faint knock on the door.
"What the hell? It's 10:14." Regina huffed to herself.
Emma oblivious to the lateness of her visit hoped someone was home. She tried to imagine the kind of person, who lived in the Upper East Side but also needed a roommate. Caught up in her own imagination, Emma did not hear the click of Regina's heels against the hard wood floor or the opening of the door.
"May I help you?" Regina spoke in her stern, cold voice.
Looking at the person in front of her, Regina examined every inch of the blonde. She was wearing way too tight skinny jeans, a white v-cut t-shirt that was under a tacky red leather jacket. Her hands were placed in the back pockets of her jeans; hair in soft curls that fell pass her shoulders. There was a small amount of makeup on the blonde's face; either she cared very little about her appearance or she didn't have enough time. But either way, Regina wanted to know why this person was at her door.
"Uh, yeah. I'm Emma Swan. Saw your ad for a roommate." Emma said whilst rubbing her hands on her jeans.
"You were supposed to call first. That's why there's only a phone number and my address. How did you get the apartment number, by the way?"
"Your receptionist, Belle. I thought I forgot the apartment number. Look I live in Brooklyn; it is a hassle trying to get here. I didn't mean to interrupt, whatever you had going on." Emma said while pointing to the glass of wine.
Rolling her eyes, Regina opened her door wider allowing Emma to enter her apartment. She couldn't just turn the blonde away, plus it might take her mind off work.
Emma smiled faintly when she passed Regina, hoping she hadn't already screwed up her chance. Belle was right, she did need luck.
