The afternoon had quickly shifted from mildly hot to an intolerable scalding blaze that prompted her to mechanically remove her school sweater and wrap it around her slim waist. It was a Friday afternoon, another typical day, in typical Storybrooke, and after a week of typical homework and exams, she was pleased to dash from her less than typical High School. She stopped at the nearest convenience store, darting straight for the restroom, anxious to strip off her unappealing school uniform. She pulled a pair of high-waisted mini shorts from her schoolbag and a thin-strapped crop top, opting for a change of clothes that exposed as much skin as possible. She wrapped the sweater around her as a safety valve, in case she needed to cover up quickly. Once she was through redressing, she reapplied her makeup, paying extra attention to her lips as she glided the wine-colored lipstick carefully around its curves and edges, and loosened her uptight bun. Her raven hair smoothly cascaded down her shoulders, finally resting in subtle waves against her upper back. Pleased with her TGIF look, she exited the store, purchasing a grape popsicle on the way out and earning a concerned look from the cashier.
She walked casually down main street, eyes unfocused, robotically maneuvering her way in the direction of her vehicle - a 2014, semi-new, Aqua colored Electra Cruiser, or in other words, her bicycle. Not her primary choice of transportation (she would have preferred something with four wheels instead of two) but she had very little say in the matter. The vibration pulsating from her back pocket snapped her out of her daze as she reached for her phone.
Robin Hood
1 Unread Message
She grinned. Heart accelerating upon reading the name plastered on her screen.
Still down for 2nite rite? Let me know if you need a ride.
She wasted no time in conjuring a response, allowing her deft thumbs to type furiously.
Def still down! Pick me up at the intersection at 11. :)
She waited. Glaring at the blank screen in anticipation until she felt the gadget tremor as an incoming message re-brightened her darkened screen.
Cool. See u then.
Beaming, she re-read the last message once again before placing the phone back into her pocket, jogging across the intersection towards where she left her bike. Her steps, now laced with an added spring that was void all day, gracefully carried her to the edge of the Storybrooke Public Park, and she scurried along the sidewalk to the bike rack. It had become a routine now. She would decline her Mother's offer to drive her to school, insisting on riding her bike instead, in the name of exercise and health and other completely unrelated reasons that deviated from the truth. She would then head for the park, where Robin would be waiting for her. They would make out under a shaded tree, or really under anything that provided some sort of cover from lurking eyes, for a few minutes before she would have to break apart from his increasingly wandering hands, and plead him to drive her to school. Robin had a part-time job, and so she would have to make her way back to the abandoned bike on foot.
Thus, is the incredible, suddenly interesting life of one Regina Mills. A soon to be Senior in Saint Joseph's Catholic School for Women. A shy, reserved, socially awkward teenage girl taking her first steps into a wild, exciting, infinitely more desirable life she always imagined for herself. She got the 'lying to her overly-strict Mother' part down pat, got the stereotypical bad-boy older boyfriend, and tonight, if all goes according to plan, she will slash the last remaining cord tethering her to girlhood.
She skipped around the corner, the bike rack residing at the far end of the park, when her chestnut eyes scanned a figure that lingered mischievously by the metal rack and her parked bicycle from the distance. With his back to her, Regina observed how the clothes were fitted loosely around the slender form. Pale hands darted out from a black, slightly Goth looking, hoodie as slim fingers swiftly twisted bolts and chains. A similar Goth-looking pair of pants drooped down incredibly low, revealing white boxer briefs that fit snuggly around the bent waist. The hood of the sweater was pulled up, hiding the stranger's identity from sight. Regina continued to stroll leisurely towards the captivating figure. Mind baffled at how any regular human being could possibly tolerate the overwhelming heat that unceremoniously engulfed the city and its inhabitants. It wasn't until she heard a faint click and the sound of metal links hitting concrete that she refocused her attention away from the hooded figure to whatever it was that this hooded figure was doing. It didn't take long for her to figure it out. Almost immediately after the chain that strapped her bike to the metal rack was breached, the perpetrator swung a leg over the cushioned seat, straddling it, and began to ride Regina's bike into the bustling street that ran parallel to the bike trail.
"Hey!" Regina shouted after the dementor-like shape; waving her arms above her in an effort to thwart him from…. absolutely nothing. "STOP! That's MY bike, you IDIOT!"
Without so much as a glance in her direction, Regina was forced to watch helplessly as her bike rode away into the sunset under the ministrations of a complete stranger. She attempted to chase after the thief, but her efforts quickly vanquished as the bike disappeared from sight, swerving into a cross street. So she stood there a moment longer, half hoping the thief would change his mind and return, mumbling something about taking the bike out for a ride after being held captive all day.
Another moment passed. She finally groaned in acceptance and strolled away defeated towards home. She was tempted to dial her Mother's cell but quickly realized that was not an option. Number one, her Mother would be furious that she was careless enough to get her prized bike stolen (because, everything was automatically Regina's fault). Number two, her Mother would inquire as to why the bike was left at the mostly vacant park in the first place, and that is not a conversation she wants to take part in. Lastly, she would give Regina a quick look over, scoff at her distasteful and inappropriate choice of outfit, and ground her until the Messiah finally decides to pop back down to Earth. So she walked. It took her much longer than expected, and after a brief stop at another convenience store to change back to her former attire, she finally made it to 108 Mifflin Street. She noticed the black Mercedes parked in the driveway and tensed; Mother dearest was home.
Regina rode alongside her Mother in submissive silent; gazing intently out the passenger side window as dusk descended upon Storybrooke. On any other occasion, Regina would have admired the scenic view. The way the orange sky gently collided with an increasingly deepening blue over the mild skyline was simply breathtaking to witness. The mood however, was tainted by her Mother's presence. She forced her eyes to carefully look at the woman who sat in the driver's seat; eyes cold and unwavering, deep lines mercilessly invading her face, settling at the corner of each eye and around the lips, which remained clamped together into a permanent scowl. Her Mother was beautiful once. Regina knew as much from old family portraits she stumbled across when searching for long forgotten items in the basement. She briefly wondered if the Cora immortalized in those solemn portraits had ever been happy; a term she would never associate with the rigid woman she had known all her life.
"Don't worry," Cora said, eyes never leaving the road, sensing her daughter's gaze on her, "Minor or not, I'll make sure this thief is thoroughly punished. A summer in Juvie should rectify such behaviors."
"Sure, Mother." She replied, sounding monotone. Barely listening to her Mother's ramble.
Shortly after arriving home from her grueling, uncomfortable walk from the park, Regina caved under her Mother's inquiring glare and relinquished slightly altered details leading up to her stolen bike. It took little persuasion and a number of silent threats to get the Sheriff department actively searching for the robber. She knew her Mother cared little for her bike, but this was more than a simple misdemeanor in her view. This was a defiance of authority, and her Mother would not allow it to go unpunished. It didn't take long for the Sheriff himself to ring back, triumphantly stating the thief was apprehended and in custody.
Upon arriving at the Sheriff's Station, Regina and her Mother waited impatiently in the visitors lounge as Sheriff Nolan retreated into the depths of the facility to retrieve the cloaked felon that stole and apparently, sold Regina's bike and was then caught almost immediately after trying to purchase liquor with a fake ID.
Her Mother paced furiously around the small area; whispering threats under her breath about how "the youth is corrupt and must be disciplined." Regina had learned at a very early age to tune out her Mother's rants, and leaned against the back wall, staring blankly into the space ahead.
The door finally reopened, and both women were momentarily silent and still as Sheriff Nolan escorted the still very concealed figure out into the lobby. The prisoner had both hands handcuffed behind his back, and his face still remained a mystery to Regina since it hung uncomfortably low, hoodie still draping over the head. Mother and daughter took tentative steps towards the culprit as the Sheriff moved him closer, finally stopping a few short paces away from where the women stood.
"Here is your delinquent, Mayor Mills." The Sheriff addressed Regina's Mother, tone slightly sarcastic, as he reached over and yanked the hoodie off.
Regina gasped as long, blonde curls were liberated from the cloth that was sheathing them; spilling forward and down past small, but firm breasts that hid behind a tight white tank. She was even more surprised when she finally glanced upon the pale face of her assailant and saw piercing emerald eyes stare back at her, outlined in too much black eyeliner and golden lashes that curved lusciously upwards. She also couldn't help but notice the soft, pink lips that stood out against her fair features, and was even more captivated when those lips curved into a grin, taunting the brunette.
"Emma Swan, 17, soon-to-be Senior at Storybrooke High. Multiple minor infractions, nothing too serious." The Sheriff explained. "Foster kid, currently residing with the Blanchard's, a few blocks from here. We retrieved your bike, Miss Mills, it's right outside, ready to be taken home." His tone became slightly warmer as David addressed Regina, forcing the young woman to break her stare from the bewitching face of Emma Swan and look at him, offering a weak smile.
"Thank you, Sheriff Nolan. Much obliged." She replied, quickly turning to look back at Emma, catching the blonde mid-way through a thorough scan of her body; eyes lingering a little too long on her chest. Regina shifted uncomfortably under the intense glare, urging another self-satisfied grin out of Emma.
"She is still a minor, and responsibility resides with her foster parents, whom I'll be sure to have a serious discussion with regarding such inappropriate behavior." David continued, tone stern, but lacking sincerity. "However, she still committed a crime. So it is within your rights to press charges, if you wish to do so."
Regina's head snapped up to meet the Sheriff.
"Why is that even a question?! Of C-"
"There will be no need for that, Sheriff Nolan." Regina, suddenly drifting on a wave of insanity, cut her Mother off mid-sentence and addressed the Sheriff in her most regal tone possible. "You said the bike was recovered, and honestly that is all I'm concerned about. No need to involve the law in such a trivial matter, Isn't that right, Mother?" She looked confidently at her Mother, whom simply stared back at her, mouth opening in protest. "Especially being the Mayor and all. I'm sure the crime and one petty offense is not worth the resources." That last statement had the desired effect. Cora regained composure, and clamped her mouth shut, nodding firmly in reluctant agreement.
"Yes, well, you said you will be discussing this with her caretakers, yes?" She uttered to David, determined to regain the control.
"Absolutely, Madam Mayor."
"Very well." She nodded once in David's direction, and after gracing the blonde with a scowl, turned on her heels and began to strut in the direction of the door.
Regina followed suit, the sudden burst of confidence beginning to waiver. She turned her head before disappearing into the warm night, and took one last glance at the blonde who was currently being released by David. She lifted her head up at that moment, catching Regina's stare and reciprocating the gesture. Another grin forming on her lips as she took in Regina's slightly flustered expression.
The heat invaded her senses all at once upon stepping out into the open terrain. As she drove home in deafening silence, she was not bothered by her Mother's building wrath nor her speech about overstepping boundaries. She didn't care that it meant she would be grounded for a week. All she cared about were those alluring emerald eyes that so easily captivated her.
Her thoughts swirled around the hooded figure and blonde curls. It lingered on the thin, rosy lips that smirked boldly at her. No speech was exchanged between the two, but the intense vibe Regina felt radiating off the blonde matched her own. She sighed and redirected her focus to the road ahead.
It seemed, momentarily at least, that Emma Swan had taken more than just a bicycle that day.