Chapter Twenty Four: Trouble in Paradise

Emma woke up in the morning with the loud sound of the alarm clock. That noisy little thing screamed in the room pulling her out of sweet dreams of a naked Regina in hotel rooms. Emma stretched her arm angrily in the direction of the nightstand, searching for her phone to shut the alarm out. When the noise stopped Emma turned to her side to bring Regina closer to her, but her hands were met with air and cold sheets. Emma quickly opened her eyes and realized she wasn't in New York with Regina anymore. She was at home. Back to normal life. She took a deep breath and stretched in bed. It was Monday. At least she would see Regina again in a few hours.

Emma rose from the bed and started her morning routine. She showered, changed, fixed her hair and makeup, had breakfast, packed her backpack, and then drove to classes. She was nearly late when she arrived. Everything that morning was made with very, very slow motion. She missed New York already. Not the city itself, but, Regina. She missed waking up with her in the morning. She missed walking hand in hand with her. She missed spending the night making love to her. She just missed her. Emma shook her head as she entered the classroom. Not the time or place to think about her teacher. Right? As Emma walked in, the first thing she noticed was that her usual spot in the front row was empty. The second was that Killian was, as usual, in the spot right next to it. Emma sigh and sat down. He was an asshole, but Regina's ass was worth the annoyance.

- Looking good, Swan! – Killian said.

- Thank you!

- How was your weekend, Love?

- Good.

- Aren't you gonna ask how mine was?

- Nope!

- Must we always do this dance, Love?

- I don't know. You tell me!

- Good Morning, everyone – Regina said entering the room.

Emma's eyes sparkled when she saw Regina. God, she looked absolutely beautiful. She was wearing a pencil skirt so tight that her ass poped. Emma smiled brightly at that. She did what she asked for back in the hotel. Regina started the Monday class and Emma focused all of her attention on what she was saying. And her ass. But mostly the class. Regina talked about the Circle Theory with them and Emma's mind immediately went to Regina's round ass. She could definitely learn more about this theory in private with Regina. But Emma's absolute delight about it didn't last long. Regina gave them an essay due that Wednesday and a test on Friday. She really was back to normal life. When the class finished, Regina left the room in a hurry and so, Emma packed her things quickly and went back home. That night, while Emma was in her room still studying at nearly midnight, she realized how behind she was with everything. As delightful as the weekend with Regina was, Emma had accumulated many things to study and essays to write, and now everything was coming to her all at once.

The week for Emma was hell. She was up until late at night almost every day. She hardly had time to talk to Regina apart from a few texts. She missed her. Badly. The cherry on top happened when Emma got her period. Not only she was in a terrible mood, but also, she was in a terrible mood with pain. She went to the grocery store one night and came back home with ice cream and chocolate. She cried once watching a kitten commercial while eating cheesecake for lunch in front of the TV. The weekend wasn't much better either. Emma still had a lot to study for and Regina was busy correcting the essays and tests she gave them. Emma hoped to God she had a good grade in them. Regina told her once she would kick her ass if she ever had to give her a low grade. As much as Emma study for all of her classes, she always made sure to study more for Regina. She was always her priority on her list of things to study for.

The following week wasn't any better. Regina was always busy with work and Emma had even more essays to write. What was the deal with college and essays? It felt like she had a hundred pages to write every day. There were days when Emma went a whole day without hearing from Regina. Twice, Emma pick up Henry from school and brought him home with her. When Regina arrived to pick him up she always left in a hurry, saying she couldn't stay.

When the weekend arrived, Emma had enough. It was Saturday morning and Emma wanted to see her girlfriend. She missed her. A lot. And so, Emma grabbed her phone to call her. She almost dropped the phone on the floor when she saw Regina's name flashing on the screen.

"Hi, babe" Emma answered it.

"Hi, dear. How are you?"

"I miss you. Like, a lot"

"I miss you too," Regina said "That's why im calling. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? If you are not too busy"

"I'm not. And even if I was, Regina, I swear there isn't t enough power in this world that would keep me from seeing you today."

"Really?"

"Yes. I miss you so much, you have no idea"

"That's good to hear," Regina said "Wear something nice"

"Oh! Where are we going?"

"Just this small little place I know," Regina said "The nice is for my amusement"

"Ohhh" Emma laughed out loud "Will do. What time do you want me?"

"Seven, seven-thirty. We have reservations at eight"

"Okay, I'll be there," Emma said "I'll see you tonight, babe"

"Indeed you will"

Emma hung the phone and smiled. Regina called her first. She had missed her just as much as Emma did. The rest of the day Emma spent trying to figure out what to wear. Something nice! What did she have that could be considered something nice? She went through her closet and found something that she was certain it would make Regina's jaw drop. When the night came, Emma started to get ready for her date with Regina. She showered and shaved first. After that, she curled her hair into think curls, just the way Regina liked it. She told her once that it made her look like a Princess. It was the cutest thing Emma has ever heard. Princess Emma. No one certainly never called her that. When she finished her hair, Emma put on a little makeup and dresses. She chose a tight black dress that hugged her body like a second skin. She liked how it made her boobs look bigger. She put on a pair of short black boots with a blue leather jacket and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked nice. She checked herself a few more times in the mirror before grabbing her phone and wallet. She walked to the kitchen and drag a glass of water before picking up her car keys and leave the apartment.

Emma drove to Regina's mansion in a hurry. Sure she respected all the signs, and traffic rules and all that jazz. She certainly didn't want to get a ticket. But she also wanted to get to Regina's place as soon as possible. She missed her like crazy. Seen her only in classes three times a week and for a few minutes in her apartment wasn't nearly enough. When Emma arrived, she parked the car right in front of the mansion. She got out of the car and jogged a little to the front door. She was just about to ring the bell when the door swung open.

- My, My, Miss Swan – Regina said with a mischievous grin – Don't you know how to dress nice!

- I'm glad you approve, Mills.

- Shall we go?

- In a minute – Emma said.

- Why?

- I want a kiss first!

Emma closed her eyes and pout her lips. Regina laughed out loud and held Emma's face between her hands and kissed her. Emma opened her eyes and smiled at her as Regina intercalated her fingers with Emma. They walked to the garage, to Regina's car. Regina gallantly opened the car door for Emma who smiled widely at the gesture and kissed her one more time before getting inside. Regina walked around and got in herself. She had just turned the engine on when Emma turned to her side and asked:

- Why do you let yourself ride in my car?

- What? – Regina asked.

- Look at this car! Seriously, Regina, why?

- Oh, don't be an idiot! It's just a car.

- Just a car? The inside of this has more…technology then my whole house.

- I don't care about that. Your bug…It has a history. It's not just a car to you.

- True. But still, we should drive this one more often.

- Really?

- Oh yeah! We can even make history in the backseat.

- Oh Dear God, Emma!

- What? I'm in if you are.

- I'm not a teenager anymore.

- Hey, if you want a car with history…

- You're lucky you are cute – Regina said rolling her eyes.

- Am I now? - Emma said taking Regina's hands.

- Very! – Regina said as she turned her head to the side and smiled at Emma.

The drive to the restaurant was filled with Emma telling Regina how they could make all sorts of history in her car and Regina rolling her eyes at some and cracking out loud at others. They told each other about the awful week they both had and how they needed to make up for it spending time together. They arrived at the restaurant, a little Italian village looking place that looked absolutely cute and simple on the outside. But only on the outside. When They entered, the restaurant was, well, very fancy. Regina gave her name to the receptionist and soon they were shown to their table. The waiter gave them the menu and Regina asked if it was kay if she ordered for them both. When Emma said yes, Regina asked for the black truffle pasta and two glasses of Barbaresco wine. Dinner was amazing. Emma really enjoyed the food. The conversation flowed between them, everything was absolutely perfect until Emma noticed a woman staring at her from the other side of the restaurant. Emma's features hardened on the spot as her eyes went wide. Emma knew who that woman was. She was a former client of hers. And she knew the woman had recognized her as well, otherwise, she wouldn't be looking at her that way. Emma took a sip of the wine, but she did it so fast that she choked on it. She excused herself and went straight to the bathroom. Once inside, Emma locked herself inside one of the stalls and sat down on the toilet. She closed her eyes and placed her head on her legs. That couldn't be happening. Not now, not when she was with Regina. Her breathing got faster and faster and Emma felt like crying. She needed to get Regina out of there. Out of the restaurant. They needed to go back home where it was safe. Emma took another deep breath to calm down. She knew the woman had recognized her, that much was obvious. But, at least they were in public, and if there was one thing Emma knew about her former profession was that discretion count above everything else. And it worked both ways. She didn't want to be pointed out as a hooker just as much as the woman wouldn't want to be pointed out as someone who pays for sex. Emma had that to her advantage. Emma took a big breath again and opened the stall door. She walked to the sink and threw a little bit of water on her face. Just a little not to ruin the makeup. She gently dried the water and walked out of the bathroom determined to take Regina out of the restaurant and just gorget about this incident.

- Is everything okay? – Regin asked when Emma sat down in front of her.

- Yeah! Wine just went down the wrong pipe.

- What should we ask for dessert? – Regina asked.

- Nothing. Maybe we should just go.

- Why?

- I have a headache!

- Oh! I'm sorry to hear that. I'll ask for the check.

Regina hit the little button under the table to ask for the waiter. Emma kept a close eye on the woman across the room. She tapped her foot impatiently on the floor. Where the hell was that damn waiter with the check? All Emma could think about was getting Regina out of the restaurant. She wanted her home. She wanted to be in a place where there was just the two of them. Where nobody knew Emma. Where nobody could hurt her. Emma kept on watching the woman, but suddenly the woman looked back at Emma and their eyes met. Emma looked away but she knew she had been caught. Emma took another sip of the wine and almost choked all over again when she saw the woman standing up and walk towards them. Emma panicked. She could feel herself panicking. Her breathing was faster and her eyes were wide. As the woman came closer, Emma tried to hideaway. She lowered her body down the chair hoping the woman would just pass straight by them.

- Crystal? – The woman said as she stopped in front of Emma.

- Ah, no! Wrong person! – Emma said back.

- I've called the agency, they said you weren't there anymore.

- I think you have mistaken me for someone else! – Emma said looking nervously at Regina.

- Oh, I see – The woman said as she looked at Regina – Sorry to interrupt.

The woman smiled at Emma and then turned to Regina. She bent down closer to her and looked into her eyes.

- This one is great between the sheets, isn't she? I never hired anyone as good as her. You are in for a treat – The woman said and then looked at Emma – Here, that's my number. Call me so we can arrange an appointment.

The woman left a card right next to Emma's plate and walked away. Emma's face fell. She looked at Regina but she couldn't read her. Her face was solid rock. She didn't give anything away. Emma knew she was upset, the lack of expression told her as much. But Emma had no idea how upset she was. It was bad. She knew that. Emma looked down when the waiter came with the check. Regina paid for it and rose from the chair. Emma did the same and followed her out of the restaurant. The drive back to the mansion was silent. Regina didn't say anything and Emma didn't dare. One could easily cut the tension with a knife. Emma played nervously with her hands, stealing glances at Regina from time to time. She was embarrassed. What happened was humiliating. And the worse part of all was making Regina go through that. That was the thing that was killing Emma the most. The thought that she hurt Regina.

They arrived at the manor but Regina didn't bother going to the garage. She parked the Mercedes right behind Emma's bug. Regina unclipped the seat belt and left the car. Emma did the same and walked behind her, all the way to the front door.

- I think I want to be alone tonight! – Regina said as she opened her purse and took her keys.

- Please don't do this – Emma said in tears – Please, don't shut me out!

- Emma…

- Please, Regina, please – Emma said sobbing – Please don't do this.

Regina turned her back to Emma and opened the front door. Emma was sobbing now, tears falling down freely down her face. How could that have happened? Why? Everything was good, things were perfect between them. She left that life behind her, she wasn't that person anymore. Emma turned around and started to walk away from Regina. She was halfway out when she heard her voice behind her saying:

- Get inside, Miss Swan!