It was a warm day in London, the underground was crowded and unbearably hot. The carriage was full of serious men in serious suits and business women checking their make up on their phone cameras. Emma was dressed in tight blue jeans, a loose white t-shirt and a long black coat. She'd tried to take the coat off but didn't quite have enough room to get her arms out of the sleeves, her face was pressed up against the back of a very tall man who kept elbowing her to turn the page of a newspaper. She felt her back begin to sweat as she stared up at the underground map, praying it was her stop next.
Eventually they arrived at Camden Town station. She was so relieved to be pushed off the train onto the platform. Following everyone else she made her way up the stairs and out onto the High Street. Camden had always been her favourite place in London, full of creative, interesting people. She felt more at home here than anywhere else. The sun was shining and the air was cool. She put her sunglasses on and made her way down the road to Regent high school. 'Hi Miss', someone shouted. She said hello back but didn't recognise the boy. She was terrible with names and faces but reminded herself this was only her first week at the school. She swiped her pass to get into the main front doors, signed into reception and made her way down the corridor to the science staff room. The corridors were full already and yet she'd got to work much earlier than she should have.
"Morning Emma" said Mr Jones
"Morning", she couldn't remember his first name
"How are things going?"
"Good yeah, I'm really enjoying it. Just getting used to a different pace"
"Oh I'm sure. I worked in America for 2 years and it was a whole different world'
"Tell me about it, I've lived over here for 4 years now and I'm still getting used to it"
'Morning James' said an older lady with beautiful long greying hair
'James, that's it!' she thought. She downed her 2nd coffee of the morning and made small talk until he looked at his watch 'oh shit, duty calls'. They both hurried out the staff room and down to their classrooms. Mrs Orson was sitting on Emma's desk.
'Sorry June, am I late?'
'No, not at all, I'm early today. My bloody husband had me up all last night with his awful snoring. I woke up at 5 and thought I might as well just bloody stay up, so came in early'.
Emma liked June, she'd been helping her settle into the school, she'd sat in a few of Emma's classes to lend some support over her first few days. She was in her 60's but she looked 40. She'd mentioned earlier on in the week that it's teaching that keeps her young. Emma hadn't long celebrated her 30th birthday so desperately hoped this was true.
The morning went quickly, so many new faces. She thought about herself at this age. Awkward, nervous, shy. These kids were street wise, smart, unafraid. She admired them but knew they were not going to make it easy for her. Time seemed to fly, everyone talking and moving at double speed. Emma wasn't sure if she was going to be able to keep up. How could it be lunch time already? The corridors were manic. It was like getting the tube at rush hour. She stepped out the classroom holding her empty coffee cup and a mound of paperwork and practically got carried down the corridor by a sea of hungry students. Eventually reaching the staff room she stopped and fumbled for the door handle. All of a sudden, a student, a boy who must have been 6ft and only 14 years old, came charging through the crowd, going the wrong way in a one-way system, all his friends behind him laughing and shouting. He ran straight into Emma, knocking the papers and cup out of her hands and on to the floor. He hadn't even noticed. She bent down to pick everything up and heard a loud voice
'Jason Bryan!', The crowd came to a standstill, you could almost hear a pin drop. Emma quietly carried on picking her papers up
"How dare you barge down this corridor like that. You'll see me after school!'
Emma was embarrassed, should she have shouted? standing up, she looked around and came face to face with the angry teacher. She was a woman in her late 30's. Mid length dark hair, she wore a smart fitted dark red suit with a white shirt underneath. She nodded at Emma, straight faced and carried on walking past. Emma gave her a smile that said 'thank you, sorry, I'm new'. From the children's reaction, she knew this woman was not to be messed with. The corridor was still quiet, nothing but the squeaking of school shoes on the tiled floor. A month had passed so quickly, it was November already. Christmas decorations were already being sold, the weather had changed dramatically. Emma was now experiencing the discomfort of being on the underground wearing a winter coat, scarf and gloves. Sweltering! She eventually learned to take these off before stepping onto the chaotic tube.
It was parents evening night, Emma's first one at Regent high. She was nervous. 4:30 arrived and Emma took her seat.
"Hi Miss Swan", shouted waving children as they dragged their parents into the room. Emma looked across and noticed someone familiar. It was the stern teacher that had shouted in the corridor on her first week. Her name card said "Mrs Mills - English". Emma wondered whether she was indeed married to Mr Mills from the Science department. They're about the same age, she could picture them together. Suddenly, their eyes met. Emma waved and smiled nervously. Mrs Mills just gave the same nod as she did that day in the corridor. Not a smile on her face.
"Ok then", Emma whispered to herself.
After 2 hours of polite, awkward conversation with mostly, disinterested bored parents, she lay her head on the table smiling across the room at June who laughed out loud. June mimed "drink?" to her and Emma nodded her head slowly pulling a sad face. She put on her coat, woolly hat and scarf and followed the crowd outside to the car park.
"oh, come for a drink Regina, we're only going for one", said June
Emma's eyes widened when she noticed it was Mrs Mills who June was inviting.
"No I can't, I have a million things to do"
"Tell her Emma, we're only going for one aren't we", said June
"Yeah", Emma said nervously, this woman made her uncomfortable
"Yeah, come on misery, we're only going to the Dog and Duck, come and have a glass of wine, I haven't seen you for weeks"
"Ok, just one though, I'm driving. let me just tell Luke"
Emma watched as Regina walked across the carpark, she was indeed speaking to Mr Mills, the science teacher. So they were married, she was right.
The Dog and Duck was a little cosy very British pub around the corner from the school. June was yapping away all the way there, telling a story about a very angry disgruntled parent she'd encountered.
They sat at a table by a fireplace. Emma rubbed her cold hands in front of it. June jumped up with her purse "I'll get us a bottle of wine" she said, hitting away a £20 note out of Regina's hand.
"It's so cold isn't it! such a cold November", Said Emma
"It is".
Emma moved nervously in her seat. Silence! the silence was deafening. Emma desperately tried to think of something to say.
"I like it", said Regina out of the blue
"You like the cold?"
"it's my favourite time of year"
June slammed down the bottle of red wine on the table and ran back to the bar to get the glasses.
"Well ladies, cheers to surviving another shitty parents evening" said June. "How did you find it Emma? your first one here"
"Oh, I've had worse"
"How long have you been teaching for?" asked Regina
"About 5 years now. I was working and living in Boston before this so it's been quite the change to say the least. Where about in the US are you from?"
"Portland"
"she met Luke and moved over here right?" asked June
Regina nodded slowly, looking into the fireplace
"So, tell me about this Christmas concert, you involved every year June?", Emma changed the subject.
"Yes, every year for 23 years, I organise the majority of it, with help from this one", June pointed at Regina.
"Really?!"
Emma couldn't help her surprised reaction.
"Why are you so surprised? you think a cold woman like me wouldn't get involved?"
Emma wanted to hide. "No, no, I just... I wouldn't have thought..."
"that a cold woman like me wouldn't get involved", Regina smiled, "It's ok, I can't believe it either really"
"Oh go away", she hit Regina's arm. "She's wonderful, you have no idea", she said to Emma.
Regina just looked down at her glass again, smiling.
"Maybe I could help out this year?"
"Oh love, that'd be great" said June.
After finishing the bottle, they headed back to the car park.
"I'll give you a lift home June", said Regina
"Well I'm heading up this way" Emma pointed up the road
"where are you going?" asked Regina
"the tube station, I live in Clapton so..."
"I don't live far from there, I'll give you a lift"
"No, you don't have to do that, I have a ticket and.."
"I'll take you home!" snapped Regina
"Are you sure?"
"Don't argue with her Emma, she'll give you detention", June laughed, she was tipsy.
"Get in the front, June only lives around the corner".
She was right, June did indeed live just around the corner. She got out shouting "see you tomorrow gorgeous girls"
"She's wild" laughed Emma.
The car was now quiet without June's shrill. The radio was on quietly,
"So do you live alone? Asked Regina
"Yeah just me, my apartment's so small, I'm not sure anyone else would fit"
Regina was quiet again. She turned the radio up loud. Emma took the hint and didn't speak for the whole journey. They arrived outside Emma's flat.
"You live above the Elder field? I used to drink in here years ago, I lived just down that road" Regina pointed.
"really? You know, I haven't even been in for a drink yet"
"you should, it's a nice pub"
"Goodnight Regina, thanks for the lift"
"you're welcome, goodnight".
The next day, as Emma was heading down to the canteen on lunch break, she heard a familiar voice fill the corridors "Gareth Jones! Slow down!", that's all it took for the corridor to come to a silent halt. Not a sound was made.
"Hi", whispered Emma
"Hi Miss Swan". Regina look flustered and exhausted
"bad day?" asked Emma.
Regina just gave Emma a look that said "the worst"
Emma laughed, "I'll see you later"
Emma was half way down the corridor before she felt someone touch her arm. It was Regina.
"June said, if I see you, to remind you about this concert meeting we're having at 4?"
Emma laughed "oh yeah, I'll be there. 4 o clock right?"
"yes, in the theatre, only for an hour"
"yeah I'll be there"
Regina looked over Emma's shoulder and shouted "Michael Davies! What have I told you about running in the corridor?"
3 weeks passed, the first concert rehearsal night had arrived. Emma watched on as Regina took control. People did exactly what she said without question.
After an hour and a half of noise and chaos, the students had flooded out.
"Thanks for that darling" said June
"I didn't really do anything"
"you did, you made great cups of tea and you shouted at James Bates for talking over Regina"
"Oh you heard that"
"James Bates, Regi…Mrs Mills is talking, be quiet or you can leave" laughed June
"Yeah, I nearly said Regina. God remember in school when you'd find out your teachers first name and find it hysterical, why is that?"
"I suppose we're not meant to be normal people. We're just robots who plug themselves into the school sockets at night" said Regina
"Let's get out of here shall we, AND it's Friday, thank god" said June raising her hands to the sky
"I know, I need a weekend of doing nothing" said Emma, yawning
"need a lift home?" asked Regina
"if you wouldn't mind, that'd be great"
It was a quiet drive, they didn't talk much, but it was a comfortable silence.
They finally arrived outside Emma's flat
"Well, thanks for the lift"
"No problem. I won't see you until Monday now will I" said Regina
"umm, I suppose not"
"I'll see you on Monday then"
"see you then. Have a good weekend" said Emma closing the door
Emma got in, made herself a quick dinner, had a hot bath and got into bed early to watch a film. For some reason she kept thinking of Regina and kept replaying the panicked "I won't see you until Monday" comment. Like Monday was 3 weeks away.
The next day, it was still on Emma's mind. It was 10pm on Saturday night, Emma had done nothing all day, she'd only walked up to the shop to buy milk and chocolate and the rest of the day was spent in front of her fire wrapped in a blanket. It was a very cold winter and Emma still wasn't used to the UK weather. Her phone buzzed, she ignored it for a minute or two thinking it was just the usual "are you ok?" from her mum but when she eventually looked, she saw Regina's name. She opened her phone and there was a message saying "what are you doing?", Emma was taken back, no "Hi, how are you", just "what are you doing?"
Emma text back "I'm wrapped in a blanket, eating chocolate, watching a terrible film in front of the fire, why? what are you doing?"
A whole hour passed and Emma assumed Regina must have sent the message to the wrong person, maybe she was at the theatre or something, maybe the text was meant for her husband who was picking her up? all these different scenarios went through her head.
She was just getting into bed when her phone buzzed.
"not much, just reading" the text said
Emma put her glasses on and text back "I should read more. I watch too much TV"
"I get distracted watching TV, I find I can only ever relax when I read"
Emma sat in silence for a couple of minutes wondering how to respond. Why was Regina texting her? Did she want to talk about something? Is there something wrong? Maybe she needs a friend?
Her phone buzzed again "Goodnight Emma, see you on Monday"
Emma quickly text back, "Goodnight, enjoy your book. You've inspired me to read, I'm about to dig out a book"
Regina didn't text back
Monday came around so quick and what a Monday it was. Absolute chaos all day. Emma was exhausted by the time the end of school bell rang. She was busy tidying up when she heard a knock on her door
"Come in"
"Hi, have you seen Luke? He's not in class", it was Regina
"No I haven't, but I could hear him about 10 minutes ago singing at the top of his voice" laughed Emma
Regina shook her head
"Emma…" Regina was interrupted
"Oh hi love", It was Luke, "what are you doing up here?"
"I, I just thought I'd come and get you" said Regina
"Oh that's a first, what have you done? Or what have I done?"
Regina laughed, "nothing, I just…"
"Ooh actually, what are you doing on Saturday night Emma?" asked Luke
"ummm, I'm not sure"
"we're having people over for our annual Christmas party, drinks, food. You should come!"
"I think I'm free…"
"you should come" insisted Regina,
"ok, yeah I'll come along"
"good good, and of course you're welcome to bring a plus one" Luke said with a wink
"Oh no, it'll just be me, just one"
"well, maybe we can change that at the party hey. I know a few single gentlemen" laughed Luke
"gentlemen? Pfft! Yeah right" said Regina
"Don't listen to her Emma, she just thinks nobody compares to me, it's ridiculous" smiled Luke
"right we're going, see you tomorrow" said Regina pushing Luke out the door
The week flew by and before she knew it, Emma was getting ready for the party at Regina's. She had no idea what to wear or what kind of party it was, relaxed? Formal? She eventually settled for tight black leather trousers, high heels and a tight white shirt. After a quick taxi journey, Emma arrived outside the house, it was beautiful. It made Emma nervous. It was a far cry from her tiny messy one-bedroom apartment. She rang the doorbell. Luke opened the door
"Emma darling, come on in" he said, kissing her on the cheek.
He led her into the kitchen. There were so many people there. Music was playing right through the house. It was decorated beautifully. Luke started introducing Emma to everyone, "This is David, he's a lawyer, this is Susan, she's a dentist", their friends were lovely but Emma couldn't help but feel slightly out of place. Just then she heard a familiar voice
"Emma! Hello my love", it was June, she threw her arms around her
"Oh hi, I didn't know you were coming"
"oh please, I AM the party", isn't that right Regina
Regina was standing in the kitchen doorway
"Hi", Regina smiled at Emma
Emma looked Regina up and down, she looked gorgeous. She was wearing a tight black dress and high heels.
"you look nice" said Regina
June interrupted, "I wish you'd both look like shit, just once, make me feel so much better about my old face"
"Oh shush! can I get you a drink Emma?" she asked
"I brought wine but I can see you have so much" said Emma looking around at the amount of alcohol in the kitchen
"no, this is great, Luke bought everything apart from a nice bottle of red wine, which of course is my favourite". She opened the bottle and poured them both a large glass.
"your house is amazing" said Emma
"Thank you, we've lived here for years now. I'm actually ready to move. I hate staying in the same place for too long"
"so do I. I love change, some people are scared of it but I think it's what makes life interesting" said Emma
"I completely agree".
An hour passed and everyone had started to talk a bit louder, Emma and Regina had finished off the bottle of red and were now drinking Gin and tonic. They both agreed they never usually mixed drinks but when needs must…
"right, time for games" shouted Luke
Everyone groaned
"No, this year we're switching things up, everyone in the living room" he said excitedly
They all packed into the living room, some sitting on the floor, some on the sofa, Emma sat opposite Regina on a chair brought through from the kitchen.
"so, this year we're going modern, this year, we're getting naughty" laughed Luke
"Oh no Luke, what have you done?" sighed Regina
"so, I've downloaded this game, it's sort of truth or dare.. for adults", he was holding an iPad. "so, we go round, you choose truth or dare and have to answer or do anything it tells you to do"
Emma laughed.
"It's always the quiet ones isn't it Emma"
"oh Luke, are we 12?" said Regina
"oh shush" piped June, "I'm game Lukey, me first", everyone laughed
"so June, truth or dare?"
"dare"
"Oh no" Regina said, shaking her head
"right June" Luke said, pressing 'Dare', he started laughing holding the iPad to his chest, "This involves ice…and the person sitting on your right". Everyone burst out laughing as June ran to the kitchen shouting "brace yourself Steve". The game was wild, Regina's neighbour Mary had just licked Luke's chest and 63-year-old Mrs Hughes from the art department had just answered a truth about the first time she'd had sex. It was that time in the party where all the men had removed their ties and jackets and all the ladies had removed their shoes.
It was Emma's turn. "So, what's it going to be Emma Swan?"
"umm, truth?" she hiccupped. She hadn't drunk this much in months.
Luke pressed the truth button and laughed to himself. "right Emma, if you could have a threesome with any couple here, who would it be"
"Oh no" she laughed
"If only my Pete and his bald head was here" shouted June. Everyone laughed
"um, well, I don't really know you all so it's hard" said Emma
"Oh come on Emma, it's not about personality, take a look around, see anything you like?" laughed Luke
"well, um, I guess… if I had to choose… um, I suppose it'd have to be you, and Regina?", Emma looked over at Regina. Regina took a sip of her drink.
Luke ran over and kissed Emma on the cheek, "I knew it, I knew she fancied me", everyone laughed. After taking a break for some more tequila shots, the game had eventually made its way round to Regina.
"right my gorgeous wife, truth or dare?"
"Dare"
"Oh yes! Fantastic!" he said, pressing the button, "well well well… it's my lucky night" he shouted staring at the screen
"I dread to think" said a drunk Regina
"choose and kiss someone of the same sex", he said, high fiving his friend Tom
"Luke, press it again!" laughed Regina
"No, definitely not, everyone else has done their dares and you're lady of the house, it's your party"
Regina put her glass down
"well, since Emma chose me for her truth, I guess I'll choose her for my dare"
Everyone cheered!
"Looks like this threesome is on" shouted Luke, clinking glasses with June.
Regina stood up and walked over to Emma slowly. Emma watched her, looking her up and down. Was she about to kiss this woman in front of all these people? She felt her heart begin to race.
"Are you sure about this?" she said nervously.
"Would you rather me choose somebody else?" asked Regina as she leaned down
"No" whispered Emma
Regina stared at her for a second and kissed her softly on her lips. Everyone screamed and cheered. Regina pulled away. Luke put his arm around Regina, breaking their moment and kissed her on the cheek "you wild woman" he said.
The game came to an end, Emma was on her way back from the toilet and met Regina at the bottom of the stairs.
"Hey" smiled Regina
They both laughed
"That was a great game. Very…unexpected?" said Emma
"Oh every year I say I'm going to have a sophisticated night and then it ends like this"
"well I had a great time" said Emma
"I'm glad"
They stared at each other.
"Hey you two, you're not kissing again are you?", slurred June, "listen I've got to go, I'm talking shit to people that I shouldn't be talking shit to"
"I'll get you a taxi" said Regina
"No, Pete's picking me up, he should be here in a minute. Ooh Emma, fancy a lift home?
"Yeah, could do, if that's ok?" She could feel Regina staring at her. A car horn beeped outside.
"here's the old sod now, listen, Regina, it's been bloody marvellous. Gets better every year, I love you"
"go on, go home, get to sleep. Tell Pete I said sorry" laughed Regina
"Thanks for the invite, tell Luke I had a great time"
"I will, thanks for coming, I've really liked having you here"
"I'll see you on Monday"
"Bye Emma"
Sunday was long and lazy for Emma. She caught up on school work and watched a couple of movies and before she knew it, it was Monday morning, the start of another hectic week. As Emma walked into school through the car park, she noticed Regina's car. Luke got out the passenger seat and headed into the school. Emma leaned down and saw Regina dabbing her eyes in her mirror. She jumped up quickly and walked away hoping Regina hadn't noticed her but heard a voice. "Emma?"
"Oh hi"
"How are you?" asked Regina
"I'm good yeah. You ok?"
"yeah fine"
silence.
"So, last concert rehearsal on Friday" said Regina
"yeah! When's the concert? Wednesday or Thursday?
"It's Tuesday, 7 o clock"
"Oh shit, my mind's everywhere"
"I'll see you later anyway" sighed Regina as she walked up the stairs to her classroom.
Emma didn't see Regina the whole week. Emma's friend had made a last-minute trip to London and wanted to meet on Friday. She knew she wouldn't be missed as she wasn't much help anyway but Emma had text Regina and June to let them know that she won't be making the last rehearsal. June had text back but she hadn't heard from Regina. Sunday afternoon, Emma text Regina again saying "you're right, the Elderfield is beautiful", she'd popped downstairs into the pub for the first time for a beer while she marked some school work. Two hours later when Emma was back in her flat, she got a reply "it's a nice pub isn't it". That was all it said.
Tuesday morning arrived, she was on her way to the canteen and spotted Regina walking towards her
"Mrs Mills!" Emma shouted "hey, how are you doing?
"yeah good. You ok?"
"yeah, I was gonna text you. I'm going for some dinner in the pub after school before the concert if you want to join?"
"Is June going?" asked Regina
"No, just me, she can't come"
"um, no I best not. I'm going to go home and get changed"
"yeah, no worries. I'll see you there then, about 6 right?"
"yeah, see you at 6"
Regina walked off. Emma wondered if perhaps she'd offended her in some way. She seemed so off.
The Theatre was full. Every seat was taken. Emma felt nervous all of a sudden, she was sitting front row holding the running order sheet and making sure the students were quiet in between act change overs. Regina was up there on stage announcing each performance. She was wearing a navy blue tailored suit and her glasses. She looked so professional. Like the hot teacher in a movie. Emma looked down at her jeans, shook her head and sighed. She looked up and noticed June looking at her from across the room
"you ok?" she mouthed, concerned
Emma laughed and mouthed an over enthusiastic "yeah".
The choir gave their last performance and everyone flooded out dragging their winter coats back on before they braved the cold.
June and Emma joined Regina on stage
June hugged Regina, "wonderful, wonderful. Thank god it's over hey"
"yeah", Regina sighed, "until next year"
"drinks! We must have drinks!" snapped June
"No drinks tonight, I've got to get home" said Regina
"Misery arse. What about you Emma?"
"Do you know what, I'm exhausted. I might just head home"
"oh you two are boring. I'm meant to be the old lady"
"you want a lift home Emma?" asked Regina
"That'd be great yeah". Emma was quite awkward, they hadn't spoken in days.
"Oh, Emma, what were you shaking your head about before? I thought we'd missed something out" asked June
"No no, I was just… umm" Emma laughed "I was actually thinking how smart Regina looked compared to me, I was just shaking my head at my own scruffiness"
June laughed
"what was that?" asked Regina who didn't quite hear
"oh nothing" laughed Emma
It was another quiet drive home. Regina didn't even put the radio on. It was an awkward silence. Emma kept trying to make conversation but Regina was only giving one worded answers.
They pulled up outside The Elderfield pub.
"well, thanks for the lift", Emma opened the door
"wait!" Regina put her hand on Emma's shoulder. "sorry for being miserable. I don't mean to be"
"You haven't been miserable", Emma lied
"We both know that's not true"
Emma smiled
"I've just been thinking a lot and I get like this sometimes. I'm just… I'm fine really. Just tired, that's all". Regina looked away
"well I'm here, if you want to talk about anything. I know we don't know each other that well but I'm a good listener"
"thank you. I'll keep it in mind" smiled Regina
Emma smiled and got out the car. She was about to shut the door when Regina said "Oh and by the way, I think you look great. You always look great".
Emma smiled, embarrassed. She had heard what she said to June.
Friday finally arrived. It'd been a long week in Regent High School. The final bell of the week had rung and excited students hurried down the corridors. Emma was just tidying her desk when she heard a knock at her door
"Hi". It was Luke. "what are you doing tomorrow night?"
"um, I'm not sure, why?"
"Wondered if you'd like to come over for dinner? And I mean dinner this time, not games" laughed Luke
"um, does Regina know you asked me?".
"Yeah of course. She just text me to tell me to remember to ask"
"oh right, yeah sure. Why not"
"brilliant! 6 o clock?"
"sounds good. I'll see you then".
Emma sat down at her desk and realised she felt a bit nervous. Why was she nervous? She'd been round there before. It's only dinner. She never really got nervous either. After moving from one country to another and completely changing her life, she'd felt empowered and strong but for some reason, in the past couple of weeks, she'd felt strangely off.
Saturday arrived and Emma was having one of those "that's it I'm not going" days. She'd tried on 8 different outfits and didn't like any of them. I mean, what kind of dinner was this? She didn't want to turn up like her usual scruffy self. She pulled out a black leather skirt and a see through black blouse and held it up to herself in the mirror. Should she? Too revealing for dinner? She tucked her blouse into her skirt and put on a pair of high heels. Her favourite ones. She hadn't worn them in months, no, probably years. She finished the outfit off with red lipstick. You could just about see her favourite black bra through the shirt, "too much?" she thought. "Fuck it", she said out loud. She felt good.
Emma got out the taxi and walked slowly to the front door. She was just about to knock when Luke opened the door. "Wow! You look amazing. I saw you get out the taxi and thought all my dreams had come true"
Emma laughed and kissed him on the cheek.
"Hi". Regina was standing in the kitchen door wearing black jeans, a white t-shirt and her glasses.
Oh my god I'm over dressed - she screamed in her head.
"Excuse me ladies, just got to make a quick phone call to my needy mother", Luke ran upstairs
"you look beautiful" said Regina taking her glasses off
"oh no, I just, I didn't know what to wear, I wasn't sure".
Regina looked her up and down
"I'm overdressed" said Emma
"No, not at all. You're stunning"
"Thank you", Emma blushed. She was certain she'd never blushed in her life.
"Let me get you a drink" smiled Regina
Emma had taken a bottle of red, the same one Regina had enjoyed last time.
"So, is June coming?", Emma asked
"No, she couldn't make it. Just Carla and Mark? You met them at the party. She's a dentist and he's a writer?"
"Oh yeah, Mark was the one who swapped clothes with Mrs Tamper from IT right?"
Regina laughed loud. "Yeah that's him. God, that party. We'll never live it down"
"Best night I've had since I moved over here, so funny"
"well we couldn't have scared you too much, you came back after all".
The other two arrived and they sat down at a huge dining room table. There were candles lit and a beautiful chandelier hanging above them. Regina brought through a giant bowl of paella. It looked amazing.
"She's a great chef Emma. When she actually cooks" said Luke, nudging her
"Luke, the last time you cooked, you gave yourself food poisoning"
"Yeah you did, who'd have thought you could get food poisoning from Beans on toast?" Joked Mark
"you're a fine one to talk" said Carla. "In all the years we've been together, you've cooked for me twice. Two times Mark!"
"you want me to cook more? Said Mark
"No thank you, twice was enough"
"I rest my case", Mark winked
"I swear they do it on purpose" Carla said to Emma. "What about you? are you married? Seeing anyone?"
"Carla!" Regina gave Carla a look that said "how rude"
"No, I'm not with anyone at the moment" Emma said confidently
"You don't need a man… or woman, sorry, it's 2018, shouldn't presume"
"Are you saying this because last time she was here she kissed my wife?" said Luke
They all laughed
"Actually, I kissed her" said Regina taking a sip of her wine with a smirk
Emma smiled
"oh don't you worry, I can still see it in my head quite clearly" said Luke. He smiled at Mark.
"I think I could be a lesbian you know" said Carla.
"oh do you now?" said Mark
"I'd love to try it. well, I don't think I could sleep with a woman, but I could probably kiss a woman"
"A lesbian that will only sleep with men? Good lesbian you'd be" laughed Mark
"No, you know what I mean don't you Emma?" asked Carla
"umm, well, I've actually…" Emma laughed
"what what, tell us!" snapped Mark
"I've actually slept with a woman"
"I knew it!" shouted Carla
Regina was silent
"You didn't know anything" said Mark
"I so did! You can just tell. I can see it in the way she walks. She's open. I like it"
"Christ watch yourself Emma, I think my wife fancies you"
Emma laughed "well I've kissed Luke's wife, perhaps yours is next".
Everyone laughed
"lock up your wives" laughed Luke
"are you gay?" asked Regina, staring at Emma
"I just like who I like I guess. It's been a long time since I was with somebody. Like, a very long time", she laughed, "I've been so focused on work, I just haven't met anyone". Emma couldn't believe she was having this conversation.
"I'm trying to think now if I know any women I can set you up with" said Luke
"I'm sure Emma doesn't have any problems attracting women" said Regina
"well like I said, I just like who I like, men, women… I'm open to anything really"
"that's so brave" said Carla with a mouthful of food
"thinking women are hot is not brave. It's common sense" snapped mark
"here here!" Luke held his bottle of beer up to Mark "cheers! To women, gorgeous, wonderful women"
Emma held up her glass of wine and laughed.
Regina stared across the table with a look Emma had never seen. She watched her take a deep breath.
Emma couldn't help but wonder if Regina was now horrified that she kissed a woman who might have enjoyed it. and Emma did enjoy it. As Emma sat watching a relaxed Regina laugh and talk across a candle lit table, her mind kept jumping back to that game, that kiss. Those eyes looking right into hers. Just as she was lost in that memory, Regina turned and looked right at her. They both took a sip from their glasses at the same time. Regina's eyes were breath taking. Deep dark brown.
"Isn't that right Emma" said Luke
"sorry? What was that?"
Luke was talking about the new science equipment they had. She looked back at Regina.
"excuse me, I'm just going to use your bathroom", Emma stood up and made her way up the stairs. She felt a bit light headed from the wine. She'd had 2 glasses and these days, that was enough. She headed back down the staircase and heard a voice from the kitchen
"Emma? Come here for a second?" It was Regina, standing in the door way.
Emma took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen.
"You ok?" she said, staring into the eyes of a very serious Regina.
Before she could ask again, Regina grabbed her waist and threw her against the fridge door.
"I can't bare it" she whispered as she pushed her body against Emma's
"Regina…" whispered Emma. Their mouths were almost touching. Emma could feel Regina's breath against her lips.
"Gina?" Luke shouted
Regina jumped back
"Yeah?"
"Are you bringing that dessert in or what?"
"Yeah, coming"
They stared at each other in silence. Regina picked up a dessert from the table and walked out.
Emma was left breathless, standing in the kitchen alone, wondering what had just happened.