Chapter Thirty-One: The Party
- Good morning, Love.
- Killian! You are here early – Emma said taking her usual spot.
- Indeed I am. I wanted to makes sure I catch you before class.
- And why is that?
- Because today is your lucky day, Swan!
- Why, are you dropping?
- Funny. Don't pretend you wouldn't miss this devilish smile of mine.
- I'm really not.
- Anyways, as I was saying, today is your lucky day. I'm throwing a party tonight and you are my guest of honor.
- Oh!
- Yes, Love. Congratulations, you are finally making a break-in on the wonderful world of University.
- Yeah, I'm not going.
- Why the hell not?
- I have better things to do.
- On a Friday night? Whats better to do on a Friday night?
Emma opened her mouth to answer him, but then she stooped. She Couldn't quite say things like spending the night with my girlfriend and her son to him. Other student started to break through the door, most of them going over to Killian telling they were excited about the party tonight and asking him what they should bring. Killian looked at Emma again to tell her she expected to see him tonight and Emma said she wasn't going again. At that time, Regina walked in and greeted the students. She gave Emma a knowing look that only she could see. She was reprimanding her for chatting with Killian. Emma shyly smiled back at her apologizing. Regina has talked to her before about chatting with Killian during her classes, but, she couldn't help. He was the only one who talked to her in there. At least this time they weren't doing during her speech.
- Today we are going to talk about the history of legal thought – Regina said – We will start with the Jusnaturalism. There is a natural right, a legal order previous to any other right created by man, which has always existed and will always exist. It consists of primary and moral principles that will guide legal activity. For the Jusnnaturalist if a rule contradicted natural law it would be invalidated…
Regina started her class and Emma focused on what she was saying. Sort of. Regina's voice always found an away to distract Emma in the most delicious ways. Regina, however, wasn't the one invading Emma's thoughts this morning. Emma was thinking about Killian's invitation. This was the first time one of her classmates invented her to a party. She had never hung out with any of them, not once. If Emma was honest, she had to admit she was kinda curious about this party. It was half the semester already and she hasn't gone to a single college party yet. Then again, it was Friday night, which meant, going home to Regina. And between Regina and some stupid party, Regina wins. Every single time.
Emma shooked her hand, focusing on Regina again. This was stupid. Why would she even want to go to that anyway? It wasn't like they wanted her there. She was only invited because Killian was the one throwing it. Emma put the thought behind her and wrote it down the important points Regina was making. But her thoughts kept circling around the invitation. It could be a good bond opportunity. She didn't know why they didn't talk to her. Okay, maybe there was the fact that she didn't talk to anyone else back, but still. Killian always did. And she was always hostile towards him. Maybe that was it. Maybe this party could give Emma a chance to show she wasn't such a bad person after all. But why was she even considering this? It was Friday night! It was Regina and Henry's night. It was family night. No. Emma would never change that to go to a stupid party. Nope. Not gonna happen. Time flew by and the next thing she knew, the class was over. Regina left the classroom as soon as the bell rang. That was odd, Emma thought. She packed up her stuff and rose from the chair. Killian did the same next to her and said:
- I'll see you tonight, Swan.
- I wouldn't count on it! – Emma said back.
She left the classroom and walked to the parking lot where she left her bug. She didn't have to take Henry from school today again. The kid was having afternoon activities at school now. She misses the day she didn't have to pick him up. Especially Fridays, where Operation Junk Food was supposed to take place. He was totally her pal. Her accomplice. She wasn't entirely sure he kept his promises of not telling Regina, even though he was the one who made her promise that. Regina didn't say anything to her yet, but she would always make a knowing face when Henry suggested they have Pizza at night after she's gone to bring them back to her place.
Emma arrived home dropping her backpack on the couch. She walked to the kitchen and opened her fridge taking every single leftover she had to warm up on the microwave. She was starved. She only had a tiny apple for breakfast that morning. When everything was warm, Emma walked back to the leaving room and ate her food in front of the tv. Once she was done, she reached inside her backpack for her cell phone. She dialed Regina's number, one she knew by heart now. The phone only rang once before Regina answered it.
"Hello, darling" Regina's voice said on the other side.
"Hi, babe. You left in a hurry today"
"Yes, I had to go pick up Henry"
"I could have done that."
"I know, sweetie. But he had other activities this afternoon"
"I could have taken him to that too. Was it his horsemanship lesson?"
"Yes. But, I didn't want risk you seen Mother"
"Oh! Right"
"Exactly," Regina said and then there was a pause "So, what did guy liner wanted with you?"
"Killian?" Emma laughed "He wanted to invite me to a party"
"Oh!"
"Yeah, but don't worry. I'm not going"
"This is the first time you are invited for anything by one of them isn't it?"
"Yep! But as I said, I'm not going."
"Emma…Do you want to go?"
"Noo!" Emma said unconvincingly
"Emma!"
"Okay, the thought did cross my mind, but I prefer to stay with you"
"You should go"
"What? Why?"
"You should bond with your classmates"
"Regina, I…"
"I have a lot of work to do tonight, anyway"
"You do?"
"Yes."
"Are you…Are you sure you don't mind?"
"No. I trust you"
"Thank you. Really"
"Of course. I have to go now. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yep! Bye, babe"
"Goodbye, sweetheart"
Emma was grinning when she turned off the phone. I trust you, Regina had said. That was huge. Hearing Regina said that meant the world to her. Emma was also excited about going to the party. It was her first University party. Or at least her first party with her University classmates. She was excited about the possibility of talking to anyone else other than Killian. Maybe he wasn't such an asshole after all. At the end of the day, he was the one inviting her to her first official party. Regina was right. She should at least try and bond with them. They had one hell of a journey together, it wouldn't hurt to actually try and make some friends.
Emma spent the afternoon studying, mostly what Regina taught them that morning. It was amazing how she could always understand things when Regina was the one explaining it to her. She was always completely mesmerized at how effortlessly Regina explained things to her. Emma always wondered if she would ever get to that level. To just simply know things. It was fascinated, really. Emma kept on studying through the afternoon and most of the night. By the time she was done, it was also time to get ready for the party. Emma rose from her chair and starched her body. She had been sitting there all day. She walked to the bathroom and took a quick shower. She was still wrapped around the towel when she opened her closet to try and find something to wear. Should she wear a dress? Nah! That was pushing. Not that she didn't like dresses, but, she would feel more comfortable with jeans. She also preferred to reserve those fo Regina. Her jaw always dropped every time she saw Emma in a tight short dress. Emma should definitely wear those more often for her. She picked up a pair of jeans and a white tank top. She put on high boots and then her beloved red leather jacket. After getting dress, Emma fixed her hair to the usual curls she was so fond of. She put on some light makeup and decided she was ready for the night.
She drove the bug to the address Killian had texted her earlier. The address made her stop at the marines. Emma stood there for a moment thinking he had just tricked her. She checked the address twice in two different apps and they all said the same. You arrived at your destination. Emma heard the sound of music and decided to leave the bug and take a look. She followed the sound and soon she found her destination. Emma was completely shocked. Her jaw fell open when she saw where she was.
- Swan! - Killian screamed when he saw her – You made it.
- A yacht? Seriously?
- Welcome to my humble home.
- Why am I not surprised? – Emma said getting up the steps.
- Play your cards right and you'll be screaming Capitan later.
- You wish!
- That I do, Love – He winked at her
Emma entered the yacht and spied several of her classmates enjoying the party. She had to admit, Killian knew how to throw a party. Everyone was drinking and dancing, taking selfies, chatting with each other. Emma took a beer from the cooler and walked to the deck, looking out the sea. It was such a beautiful view, she could only imagine how it would look like if they really were out there. She thought about Regina, and how much she wished she was there with her at that moment. How good it would be to wrap her arms around her and look out the sea. To kiss her neck and have her head dropped o her shoulder, looking up at her with that beautiful smile that always made her heart melt on the spot. While she was there thinking of the woman she loved a realization hit her. She didn't want to be there. Not really. Not without Regina. She had this idea of coming out to this party and be part of the group, just so she could feel included, but the truth was, the only thing Emma really cared about was to be included in Regina's life. Why would she waste her night with people she didn't care about when she could be with the woman she loves? Emma took another sip of her beer deciding to leave when she heard a voice behind her:
- Hey, you are Emma, right?
- Yep, that's me. – Emma answered her.
- I'm Mulan – The girl said.
- Yeah, I know.
- How come you never came to one of our party's before?
- I was never invited.
- What are you talking about?
- Ladies – Killian said approaching them – How would all like some rum?
- No, thank you – Mulan said.
- Same- Emma said as well.
- Come on, Swan. Have a sip.
- I don't think so, Killian.
- I knew you were no fun, maybe it was a mistake inviting you after all.
- Come on, Emma. Have a drink – Mulan said – This is your first party with us after all.
Emma pondered her options. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to take a sip. Just a small one. Maybe Mulan would even introduce her to others, she could have a chat with them and still leave early enough to go to Regina's place. With that in mind, Emma took the flask from Killian's hand and took a sip of the rum. It tasted weird, but then again, Emma wasn't the rum kind of girl.
- Excellent Swan – Killian said when Emma gave him the flask back – Now let's have some fun.
Killian grabbed Emma's hand pulling her with him from where some people were dancing. Emma started to feel a little dizzy like something wasn't right. She couldn't be drunk, she only had half a beer before, and a sip of Killian's rum. Her vision started to get a little blurry and then she felt Killian's hands on her. She couldn't quite comprehend what was happening, it felt like the whole boat was spinning. She just needed to lay down for a bit. The next thing she felt, was Killian holding her hand and pulling her with him. She wasn't sure why she followed him when she did, all she knew is that she needed a second to gather her thoughts. He pulled her under the boat and then to a room. She sat down in bed and for a second she was grateful that she followed him. Maybe he noticed she wasn't feeling very well. He was just trying to help her. But that thought only lasted a second, as the next thing she felt was his lips on hers. He had his hands on her thigh, moving up, his lips tracing kisses down her neck, she felt his beard scratching her face and that feeling was making her sicker.
- No – Emma said – Killian, stop!
- Come on, Love. I know you want it.
- No – Emma pushed him away from her, feeling her eyes watering – Stop it.
- I see the way you look at me, Swan. Come one, lets enjoy this.
It took everything in Emma to push him away from her. She stood up from the bed, feeling another round of dizziness that almost made her fall down to the floor. She placed her hands on the wall and stumbled to the door, opening it and leaving the room. She used the walls again to support herself, looking for a way up when suddenly she felt arms around her waist.
- We are not done yet, Love – Killian whispered in her ear.
Emma felt another rush of disgust and fear wash over her. She couldn't think about anything else. All she knew was that she needed to get away from him. Fast! He held her waist tighter and pulled her to his body. Emma wiggled herself from the embrace trying to escape but she couldn't. She was too weak. Her mind was foggy, everything was spinning. She closed her eyes and the image od Regina formed behind them. She smiled at the thought of her. She needed to get away from him. She needed to get home to Regina. Emma felt the adrenaline kick in giving her a little bit of strength. She turned around in his embrace and faced him. He gave her one of his smug smiles, loosen his hold on her a little. Enough for Emma to hit his balls with her knees. He fell to the floor and on his knees and Emma started to walk away again. She was still dizzy and weak but she had enough in her to make an escape. She saw the stairs and ran to it, placing her hand on the handrail she started to climb up. She took two steps up and started to think she was almost free when suddenly his hands were on her neck pulling her down.
- Where do you think you are going, Love?
- Get off of me – Emma screamed.
Emma had no straighten anymore. She couldn't fight. She was too dizzy. Killian was too strong. He was pushing her down again. She tried to fight, but it didn't seem to have any effect. Emma screamed again and suddenly the hatch above them was open.
- Hey, what are you guys doing? – A voice asked above them.
- Nothing much, Love. Go back to the party – Killian shouted back.
- Let me go! – Emma screamed.
- Why Swan? We are just having fun, aren't we?
- No! Get away from me – Emma said still feeling dizzy.
- Killian, what's going on? – The voice asked.
- Nothing! Guess Swan here doesn't want to party anymore.
Killian let her go and the voice, Mulan, she noticed, helped her up. She had her arms around Emma who was still feeling sick and helped her off the boat. They sat outside and Emma was grateful for that. The quiet rest to get her thoughts back in place was all she needed. She cried. A lot. She couldn't control the tears running down her face. It was from both fear from what had just happened and relief for being outside now, away from him and his touch. She wanted to get out of there. She needed to go home to Regina. She needed her. She was the only one who could make it all better again. That could make the pain Emma was feeling go away. Emma looked to her side where Mulan was patting her back. She was still out of focus. Emma was trying hard to concentrate on what she was saying but her brain kept going over and over to Regina and how much she needed to be with her.
- Wow, Emma! How much did you drink? – Mulan asked.
- I, I don't….I need… - Emma started to say.
- Is there anyone I can call for you?
- Regina!
- Okay, who is she and what's her number? – Mulan asked.
- Regina. I need…I need Regina. – Emma said between tears.
- Who's Regina?
- Please, call her.
- You don't mean Professor Mills, do you?
- Hey, what's going on? – A voice asked behind them.
- I think Emma had too much to drink inside, Belle.
- Ouch! Okay, I'll go get her some water.
- Oh, that's a great idea – Mulan said.
Emma watched as the girl behind them, Belle, ran quickly back to the boat. Emma put her head between her knees but that only made her feel dizzier. Belle came back with a bottle of water and a sandwich that she gave to Emma. Emma refused at first but the girl insisted and soon Emma started to feel a little bit better. She drank the whole water bottle. She didn't even notice how thirsty she was until she drank the whole thing all at once. Emma ate half of the sandwich and felt her brain slowly getting back into place. It wasn't dancing inside her brain anymore. Her thoughts cleared to the point where she understood what had happened to her. What could have happened to her. Tears fell down violently again, even more, intense than they did before. She stood up from the floor at once. The movement made her feel a little dizzy but soon it went away. She turned around and walked away from the girls in the direction of her bug.
- Emma where are you going? – Mulan asked.
- I have to go! – Emma said back.
- You are drunk! You can't drive – Belle said.
- Im fine! – Emma answered her.
- Look, let me just call this Regina you said earlier. It's better if she comes and picks you up.
- Who's Regina? – Belle asked.
- Nobody. – Emma said quickly – I'm fine. I'm good enough to drive.
- Are you sure? – Belle asked – You were pretty bad earlier.
- Yes! Thank you. For your help, really. I can't thank you enough, Mulan. Both of you.
- It's not a problem. – Mulan said to her.
Emma walked the rest of the way to her bug. She went inside and turned the car on. She needed to go to Regina. All she could think about was going home to her. She needed Regina. The drive to the manor was a little rough. As better as Emma was feeling now, her head was still a little dizzy and her eyes a little blurry. She drove slow and steady even though she had an urgency to get to the other woman. She needed to hold her. She needed to feel her arms around her. She needed to be safe inside the arms of the woman she loved. Tears fell down again as Emma kept on driving. When she arrived at the manor, the house was completely dark. Emma left the bug and ran to the front door. She rang the bell and started to knock on the door when no one came. She screamed Regina's name over and over again while knocking. She was so scared she wouldn't come to her. The silent house, made Emma panicked. Emma knocked again and when the door was finally open she felt her knees go weak and almost fell on the floor.
- Emma? – Regina wrapped her arms around her – Emma, what happened?
Emma held Regina, as hard as she could. So tight that not even air could pass between them. Her nostrils were invaded with the familiar scent of Regina's shampoo and that made Emma cry harder on the woman's shoulder. Regina tightened her hold around Emma, patting her hair gently. She was asking things to Emma, but she couldn't understand what she was saying. All Emma knew was that she was with her. She was home. She was finally safe.