After these thoughts finished running through my head, I pulled myself out of Stef's hug. I decided I wanted to go outside and write, but I didn't want them to think I was running away.
"Stef?"
"Yes Em?"
"Can I go outside?"
"You promise to stay there?"
"Yeah, I just want to get some fresh air, gather my thoughts, you know?"
"Ok, go ahead."
"Thanks."
I ran upstairs, dug through my bag for my notebook and pencil, and ran back down with them in hand. I opened the sliding door, and felt a slight breeze rush past my face. I smiled before going to sit on the long bench—with very comfy cushions might I add—my back propped up by the pillows on the end that was facing the yard. Once I was settled, I opened my notebook, whose blue cover was almost falling off, but it was important. It held all of the songs I have written. Neal has seen it, but he has no clue whatsoever about what's inside it. I put my pencil to the page, and the words just seemed to flow. I was so into my writing, I didn't notice Stef and Lena watching me curiously through the window.
After Emma asked Stef about going outside
Lena and Stef watched as Emma rushed up the steps, and when she came back down, she was holding what looked to be a very old and tattered blue notebook and an obviously used pencil. They continued to watch as she opened the sliding door, then got settled against the bench and opened the cover, seeming to be lost in thought as she started scribbling on the new page with the worn down pencil. Stef's heart melted at the sight.
"What do you think's in there?" asked Lena.
"I don't know," replied Stef. "But, whatever it is, it clearly means a lot to that girl, much like her baby blanket if we've never seen it before today."
"You're probably right."
"Lena?"
"Yes Stef?"
"When do you think we should tell them we want to adopt them?"
Lena let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know. I think Neal would be absolutely ecstatic, but I'm still so unsure about Emma. I mean, she ran away because she wasn't comfortable."
Stef chewed on her lip guiltily and cast her eyes upon the floor. Lena noticed and went to her wife's side instantly. "Oh, Stef honey, it was not your fault. You didn't know that would set her off." Stef was about to respond, but Lena put a finger on her lips. "No you don't, Stefanie. You do not get to blame yourself. We didn't know, and we probably never would've if she hadn't run away. But since she did, now we know, and we can help her as much as she allows us to."
Stef's eyes filled with adoration for her wife. "How do you always know what to say?"
"Because I know you, Stefanie Marie, and I love you."
"I love you too, so much," she replied. Stef's eyes then filled with mirth. "You sound like my mother when you say my name like that."
Lena, noticing the twinkling of her wife's eyes, decided to tease right back. "Oh really? Well, would your mother do this?" she asked, straddling her waist, her arms wrapping around Stef's neck. Stef's hands immediately went to her hips, holding her in place. "Or this?" Lena asked huskily before kissing her wife.
Stef wasted no time in responding to her wife's kiss. She licked at the seam of Lena's lips, asking for further access. Lena acquiesced, letting out a moan when Stef's tongue met hers. As they kissed, hands roamed in safe places, knowing that at any time one of the kids could walk in. Sure enough, Jesus walked in complaining he was hungry.
"Ew, Moms! Teenager in the room!" he yelled.
Stef broke off the kiss, albeit rather reluctantly, and turned to raise an eyebrow at him. "Need I remind you of how many times we've caught you making out?"
He mumbled something incoherent before going to grab something from the pantry.
"Jesus, you know the rules. No unhealthy snacks before lunch. Come grab a fruit," said Lena while getting off Stef's lap. She pouted at the loss of warmth from her wife, and Lena laughed before giving her a quick peck on the lips. "Later," she whispered in her ear. Stef gave her a look as if saying "It better continue later, or else."
Jesus started to argue with Lena, and Stef didn't want to get involved, so she turned her gaze back to the window and studied Emma. She imagined that her baby would be biting her lip in concentration, maybe twirling the pencil around in her hand or rapping her knuckles rhythmically on the page.
"Stef," Lena said.
"Hmm?"
"Do you want some?" Lena gestured to the strawberries she was cutting. Jesus was sitting at the table, upset because he couldn't have the BBQ chips he was craving.
"Yes please, my love."
"Do you think we should bring some to Emma?"
"I'll bring some to her and then we'll find out."
"If you're sure?"
"I am, you know I'll take any spare time I have and spend it with my babies."
"Any spare time?" asked Lena in a sultry voice.
Stef felt a shiver go down her spine. "Maybe not any spare time," she said, scanning her wife's body.
"Ewww! I'm still here you know!" Jesus pronounced.
Lena simply chuckled at their son before addressing Stef. "Here, take these to Emma."
"Thank you, my love."
She took the bowl of cut up strawberries and carried them outside to where Emma was sitting.
Emma Outside
I heard the door open, so I speedily closed my notebook and put the pencil in the spiral part, leaving just enough of it out so I can easily remove it. I turned my head to see it was Stef, holding a bowl and what looked to be strawberries inside.
"Hi love, do you want some?" she asked kindly.
"Sure," I said, shrugging my shoulders. No way in hell I was going to tell her that I loved strawberries. I don't know why, I just love them.
She patted my legs, signaling me to lift them so she could sit and we could eat. Instead of lifting them, I adjusted so we were sitting shoulder to shoulder. Stef looked surprised, and I shrugged my shoulders again.
"Easier to reach this way," I explained.
She nodded her head in understanding, and we sat in silence, chewing on our strawberries and our thoughts. I could see her trying to discreetly look at my notebook, probably wondering what's inside.
"Are you going to keep staring at it, or are you gonna ask me what's inside?" I asked.
Stef startled at the noise my voice made in the silence. I inwardly smirked. She responded after she had managed to compose herself. "Are you gonna tell me if I ask?"
"Probably not."
"Then there's no point in asking, is there?"
"Nope," I said, popping the p.
We fell back into a comfortable silence before I worked up the nerve to ask Stef a question.
"Stef, can I ask you something?"
"You just did," she teased. We both laughed and then she turned serious. "Em, you can ask me anything."
"I know," I said nervously.
"Then what's the matter, love?"
"Nothing's wrong, I'm just wondering," I stopped there.
"Wondering what?" Stef asked.
"Never mind," I mumbled bashfully.
"No sweets, I want to know."
I hesitated, but I thought, what the hell. It's better to know so I can prepare myself. "When will you guys send me back?"
"What?"
"You heard me."
"What on earth would make you think we'd send you back baby?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know, but if you do, will you keep Neal? He can't go back, he just can't," I practically begged her.
Stef then took the initiative and wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. I couldn't help but to snuggle into her, and I laid my head on her shoulder.
"Emma, look at me," she said. I adjusted my head so my chin was resting on her shoulder, and I dragged my eyes up to meet hers, and almost gasped at the love and adoration in her eyes when she looked at me. "We would never, and I mean never, send you or Neal back. This is your last stop. You're stuck with us, sweetie."
"But you already have five kids. Isn't two more too much?"
"Love, we always have room for more in our house."
"Are you sure?"
"I've never been more sure about anything in my life."
"Songs," I mumbled, not wanting to talk about it anymore.
"What was that?"
"In my notebook, it's songs. I've written them myself."
"I'd like to hear one, if you'd like to share," she said, but hastily backpedaled when she saw my face. "Or not, it's your choice."
"No, it's just, I've never felt safe enough to share what was in here with anyone, even Neal. And I'd really like for you to hear one, if you don't mind."
"Of course I don't mind, love."
"Ok, this one was from when I was in the system after Neal and I got separated. I wrote it for some of the older kids at the group home who were sick of the system and needed some comfort, and it's a bit sad," I warned.
"That's perfectly fine, baby."
I took a deep breath and began to sing.
When your day is long
And the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough
Of this life
Well hang on
Don't let yourself go
'Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes
Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone (hold on)
(Hold on) if you feel like letting go (hold on)
If you think you've had too much
Of this life
Well, hang on
'Cause everybody hurts
Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts
Don't throw your hand
Oh, no
Don't throw your hand
If you feel like you're alone
No, no, no, you're not alone
If you're on your own
In this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much
Of this life
To hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes
So, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts
You are not alone
When I finished, I heard Stef sniffling and she then shifted so she was hugging me.
"Oh Emma," she said in a tearful sounding voice. "I'm sorry you had to feel that way. But you're so strong, so so strong, baby, for not giving up. And I'm so glad you didn't, because otherwise you wouldn't be here, and I can't imagine a world without me knowing you, Emma."
Her words had me fighting tears. No one has ever cared so much about how I feel, let alone about my existence.
"Thank you, Stef," I said in a small voice.
In response, she just held me closer and kissed my forehead. "There's no need to thank me for something that's true and something that I believe with all my heart."
I didn't argue with her. If there's one thing I've learned while being here, it's that Stef is as stubborn as a mule (and me). She eventually let me go, but not before cupping my face in her hands and wiping away a few stray tears I didn't realize had escaped with her thumbs.
She let go of my face so she could wipe her own tears. "Look at us, a sniffling mess. I'm never this emotional," she said with a watery chuckle following.
I gasped in fake shock. "Really?! I never would have guessed."
Stef playfully punched my arm. "Alright Miss Smarty Pants, what do you say about going back inside?"
"Actually, I'd like to stay here and write a little more, if you don't mind."
"Ok, if you're sure?"
I simply nodded my head. She picked up the bowl with no strawberries left, and gave me another peck on the forehead before going back inside.
I let out a sigh before going back to the original position I was in. I was about to pick up my notebook and write, but then my phone chimed, signaling I had gotten a text. I took it out of my pocket, and it was from Gina. A giddy smile formed on my face.
Gina: Hey Emma, I just wanted to know if everything was ok with your foster family
Emma: Hey Gina. Yeah, everything's fine. I got grounded, but that's nothing compared to what other families did.
What did they ground you from?
I felt grateful that she didn't ask about the last part. I quickly responded, not wanting her to worry.
Emma: Well, for one, I can't go anywhere without either Brandon, Callie, Lena, or Stef.
That kind of sucks.
Yeah, but like I said, it's nothing. I also can't go over anyone's house and none of my friends can come to mine.
For how long? I'd really like to hear you play again.
A week. And you can hear me play in school tomorrow. I usually go to the music room after lunch.
That sounds wonderful. Your voice is very beautiful.
My heart beat about a million times faster at her words, and my face felt flushed.
Thanks. Do you sing?
Oh goodness no, I'm awful.
Come on, I'm sure your voice is amazing.
Believe me dear, it's really not.
That's what you say.
Because it's very true. Even my family agrees.
Let me be the judge of that, since you think mine is beautiful.
It is. And you really want to hear me sing?
Yes, because if it's half as beautiful as you are, then it'll be absolutely amazing.
I was internally freaking out. I can't believe I just sent that. What if she doesn't like me like that? What if she finds me repulsive? What if she doesn't ever want to talk to me again? What if— My internal monologue was cut off by my phone vibrating in my hand signaling Regina's response. I took a deep breath before reading it.
Thank you, Emma. That's very kind of you to say. I also think you are beautiful.
I let out the most girlish squeal ever. I then calmed myself down before deciding to ask her a question.
Regina?
Yes dear?
Would you like to hang out with me sometime? After I'm ungrounded and not while we're in school, I mean.
I'd love to.
I jumped out of my chair and started doing a happy dance. I probably looked like a maniac, but I didn't care. I asked Regina Mills, the most stunning woman I've ever seen, to hang out in a non-school setting, and she said yes.
You have no idea how happy I am right now.
Then I believe we are in the same boat. I'm afraid the bell is calling me, so I must be going now. I'll see you tomorrow, Emma.
See you tomorrow, Gina.
Lyrics were now overflowing in my mind. There were so many things I could write about her, and I couldn't wait to get started.
Regina at school with Kathryn, when Emma was there after running away
Kathryn and Regina were walking past the music room on their way to lunch when they heard the piano. Regina then heard the most beautiful voice she's ever heard singing, and she stopped in front of the room.
"Do you hear that?"
"I'm not deaf, Gina, course I hear it."
"Don't call me that," she growled.
"You should know by now that's not gonna happen, Gina," Kathryn said, emphasizing the "Gina".
"Shh, I want to listen," Regina hissed.
"She sounds pretty good," Kathryn whispered. "Let's go inside."
She rushed right past Regina and went into the room before Regina could stop her. She grumbled but followed, feeling drawn like a moth to a flame to the voice. When she went to where Kathryn was standing, all Regina could make out was the long blonde hair that fell in waves, looking almost golden in color. She also seemed very lean, but still seemed to have quite a bit of muscle for someone who Regina assumed was their age. She then stopped her thinking and listened to the angelic voice finish the song.
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Breakaway
Breakaway
Regina felt compelled to clap, so she did, Kathryn quickly following suit. The blonde startled and turned around, and she took Regina's breath away. Her eyes were a piercing emerald green, and coupled with the wavy golden hair, she truly looked like an angel. Regina scanned her body subtly so the blonde wouldn't notice. She had creamy skin which looked absolutely delectable, pale, pink lips that Regina wanted to cover with her own, a white shirt that gave a generous view of Emma's top half and showed a slight outline of abs, covered with a red leather jacket, and a pair of skin tight jeans with long black boots. She blushed under Regina's gaze, and Regina internally smirked at the thought.
"Holy shit Gina! Wasn't that awesome!"
Regina growled at her. "Kat, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?! It's not my name." She turned back to face the angel and gave her a smile. "Yes, dear, that was rather lovely. May I ask where you acquired such skill?"
"Ummm, my foster mother," she answered, blush deepening.
"Foster mother?" Regina asked.
"Yes, I'm an orphan," she explained.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Forgive my friend and I, we have terrible manners. She is Kathryn Nolan, and I am Regina Mills. What's your name?"
"Oh, I'm Emma Swan."
Emma, Regina thought. It suits her. "It's nice to meet you Emma," she said, pronouncing it more like Em-ma. "Are you new to this school? I'm afraid I haven't seen you around here before."
"Yeah, I just got here this past weekend, actually. New foster family and all that."
"Oh!" Kathryn exclaimed. "That means you're probably staying with our vice principal and her wife, Mrs. Adams Foster!"
"Lena and Stef, yes, I am. How's you know?"
"They're the only foster family I know around here. I'm sure there are more, but I've only known about the Fosters."
"Well yeah, my brother and I are staying with them?"
"You have a brother?" Regina asked.
She squirmed a bit under her stare. "Yes, his name is Neal and he's nine."
"Aww, that's awesome!" Kathryn said. "Regina has a sister too, right Gina?"
Regina gave the blonde a withering stare at the nickname before turning back to Emma. "Yes, I have an older half-sister named Zelena. She is two years older than me and she's actually visiting this weekend with her girlfriend, Mal."
"Half-sister?" Emma asked curiously.
"Yes, she was my mother's from a previous marriage before she met my father. Zel was still a baby when her dad died, so my father has always been her father."
"That's pretty cool. I'm assuming you guys are close then?"
"Oh yes, she's my rock. Without her, I wouldn't have ever told my parents I was a lesbian. I thought they would be disappointed and kick me out, but they didn't. My father told me that nothing I told him could ever make him not love me, while my mother sat in silence. I was so scared of what she was going to say that I was practically bawling in my father's arms. When she finally looked at me, she told me she couldn't have asked for a better daughter, and that she loved me whether I liked boys, girls, or even horses."
Emma let out a snort at that. Regina then looked very bashful, not understanding why she just explained something so personal to an almost complete stranger.
"I've never told anyone that the first time I talked to them," she explained shyly.
"I guess I'm special then, huh?" She playfully asked Regina and gave her a wink. It caused Regina to blush even more.
"Should I leave you two alone?" Kathryn asked, amused.
They both had blush staining their faces then, but then Kathryn must've seen the tear tracks on Emma's face, for a frown overcame her face. "Emma, are you alright?"
Regina looked concerned at Kathryn's words, and she studied her face closely, noticing the tear tracks as well.
"No, not really," she said, then proceeded to explain what had happened and what had caused her to run away. They both listened intently, Regina wanting to hold her and erase her pain.
When Emma had finished explaining, Regina spoke. "Have you called them to at least let them know you are ok? I'm sure they are worried out of their minds looking for you."
"It's not going to happen. Stef started to chase me, but I was too fast, so I'm sure she thought I wasn't worth it." She said, wiping away the angry tears that were falling.
"Love, of course you're worth it."
They all turned at the voice that came from the door. It was Stef.
She walked over to Emma and pulled her in for a hug. She returned it, but she seemed to be in shock.
"I'm so glad you're alright. Everyone was worried sick when you ran off."
She then let go of Emma and glanced over to see Regina and Kathryn. "Miss Midas, Regina, nice to see you."
"Nice to see you too, Mrs. Adams Foster," Regina replied. Kathryn was looking anywhere but Stef.
"You guys know each other?" Emma asked.
"Yes, we do."
"How?"
"My father and your foster mom are very good friends," Regina answered.
Emma looked at Stef to see that she was nodding her head in agreement. "Could you be a little less cryptic?"
"Regina's father is my lieutenant," Stef said.
"Really? That's kind of cool," she answered. "And what about Kathryn?"
"Miss Midas was at a high school party where minors were being served alcohol. She got quite drunk and decided it would be a good idea to drive. I got called to pull her over," she explained.
Kathryn looked sheepish. "I apologized, several times might I add, and I did my community service hours! I don't know what else you would like me to do!"
Stef raised an eyebrow. "For starters, learn how to talk to an adult properly, and second, your apologies mean nothing so long as you continue to attend those parties."
She simply stared at the floor, not saying anything else.
Stef then turned back to Emma. "You, young lady, are going to have a talk with me and Lena when we get home. I will let you say goodbye to your new friends, but I will be waiting right outside that door, so do not try anything."
She nodded her head and watched her exit. Sure enough, Stef was waiting outside. Emma looked at Regina and Kathryn. "Is it alright if I get your phone numbers? I'd like to be friends, if that's ok," she said rather nervously.
"Yes, that's quite alright dear." Regina said.
"Yeah sure! Give me your phone and I'll put my number in," Kathryn said.
Emma fumbled around in my pockets nervously before taking out her phone and opening the contacts app. Regina found it somewhat adorable, and immediately scolded herself for those thoughts. She saw Kathryn take a picture of herself for her contact, and she assumed the typing was her putting her number in. She then whipped out her phone with the hand that wasn't holding Emma's. Regina waited somewhat impatiently for Kathryn to finish. She then gave Regina the chance to put her photo and number in after Emma had done something on her phone. Unlike Kat, she didn't put a photo in, but she did put her name in as Gina. She texted herself so she could have Emma's number, then Emma gave Regina a megawatt smile. Regina couldn't help but to return it. Emma thanked them, then exited the music room. Regina's eyes then followed the unintentional light sway of Emma's hips and ass. She shook herself out of her trance, only to see Kat smirking at her.
"So, Emma's pretty hot, huh?"
"I have no clue as to what you are talking about Miss Midas."
"Would you cut it with that bullshit? I saw you checking her out, Gina."
"I did no such thing!"
"Have you forgotten that I've known you since we were babies? I know what you're gonna say before you even say it, and I know you well enough to know when you are checking someone out."
"I've still got no clue as to what you are insinuating, Kathryn, but if we don't leave now we will be late to class, and I'd much prefer not to be. Now, let's go, because I'm sure you don't want to incur the wrath of our parents."
Regina left with a flourish, leaving Kathryn scurrying along in order to catch up to her.
"God damn it, Regina," she muttered under her breath when she reached her. "How you move so fast in heels, I will never understand."
"With the poise and composure of a queen," she teased.
"Haha, hilarious Gina. I'm dying of laughter over here," Kat said sarcastically. "But in all seriousness Regina, I think you really like her, and you're scared and don't want to acknowledge it because you've never felt like this about anyone, much less so quickly."
"If I say yes, will you drop the subject of Miss Swan and I?"
"Not if you don't mean it."
"Honestly?"
Kathryn nodded.
"I've never felt like this, Kat. The butterflies are a hundred times stronger than with anyone else I've liked, she clearly has the amazing talents of singing and playing piano, she's very humble about said talents, and just draws me in, like a bee to pollen. Oh, and the fact that she's absolutely gorgeous doesn't help in any way, shape, or form."
Kathryn was stunned at the words of her friend. She had never heard Regina talk about anyone this way before.
"Wow Gina."
"I know," she whined. "And I don't know what to do about it, Kat."
"Well I'd say the feeling is very much mutual if the way she was devouring you with her eyes is an indication."
"I doubt it," Regina scoffed.
"I'm being serious. She was totally, 100% checking you out, and trust me, it wasn't subtle at all."
"Can we stop talking about my crush on Miss Swan and actually go into the classroom?" Regina asked, waving her hand to indicate that they had indeed arrived at the entrance of their class.
"Sure Gina, but this isn't over."
"It never is with you butting in Midas," she said not so quietly.
"I heard that," Kathryn responded playfully.
"I know dear, that was the point," she said while walking past Kat to enter the room.
Kathryn just shook her head before taking her seat next to Regina. She opened her mouth to say something else, but was interrupted by the bell and the teacher saying they had a quiz. She almost groaned out loud, but Regina shot her a look before she could.
"Ok class, quiet down and listen. This is a short quiz, twelve questions. When you are done, simply put it in the bin by my desk and find something quiet to do. You know the rules, phones and/or watches go inside your bag until everyone is finished. If I see them out before everyone is done, you will get an automatic zero." the teacher explained. "Understood?" Everyone nodded. "Good. When I hand you your quiz, you may begin."
The students watched silently as he handed out the quiz, and soon enough, the only sound in the room was the sound of pencil scratching on paper. Regina tried to focus, she really did, but her thought kept drifting back to Emma and this morning. She couldn't get over just how stunning Emma Swan was, and her incredible voice. Regina thought about what it would be like to kiss those lips, to run her hands over those impressive muscles, to bury her hands into that golden mane, to feel Emma against her as they kissed. She wondered what it would be like to have those arms around her, comforting her, along with her voice soothing her. Regina felt something hit her head, and she looked up to see it was an eraser that Kathryn had thrown.
"What are you doing?" she mouthed. "Everyone is done."
She looked around the classroom, and sure enough, everyone was done except for her. She scolded herself for being distracted by Emma, and rapidly started filling out the quiz, making sure to still read the questions before putting down an answer. As soon as she was done, she got up and put the quiz in the bin.
"Now that everyone is done, you guys have a free period."
Everyone either whipped out their phones or started talking to their friends. Kathryn punched Regina in the shoulder.
"Ow! Kat! What was that for?" she said while scowling at her friend.
"You were totally thinking about Emma, weren't you?" Kat said rather smugly.
Regina's blush and avoidance of her gaze was all the answer she needed.
"Oh my God! You were!"
"Kat! Not so loud!"
"Seriously Regina, nobody's listening."
Regina's eyes scanned the classroom to see that Kathryn was right. Almost everybody was talking to their friends, and those who weren't were occupied on their phones.
"Still, keep it down," she insisted.
"Yes my queen," Kat responded teasingly.
Regina just grumbled at her friend. "I'm so glad this is the only class we have together."
"You're forgetting we have lunch too."
She groaned. "Kathryn Midas, if you dare to even mention Emma one more time I will go tell Frederick that you like him."
"You wouldn't," Kat said, eyes narrowing at the brunette.
"Try me," she said, narrowing her eyes right back.
"Ughhh, fine," she relented.
"Excellent. And quit calling me Gina. It's a horrid nickname for someone whose name literally translates to 'Queen' in Latin."
"So you've said."
"Because it's true."
"Yeah, yeah. Maybe I should start calling you 'The Evil Queen' with all the threats you've made towards me. And those glares?" Kathryn shuddered. "Those glares could kill."
"The Evil Queen?" Regina asked. "Why, I quite like the sound of that."
"Of course you do," Kat mumbled.
"Now, now, Kathryn, don't be so grouchy."
"I'm allowed to be grouchy with you, Mills."
"Oh Kat, how you wound me."
Before she could respond, the bell rang, which means they had to part ways.
"I'll see you at your house, Gina," Kathryn said, rushing off before Regina could say anything.
Regina shook her head at her friend, then proceeded to go to her next class. She couldn't stop thinking about Emma, so on a whim, she withdrew her phone from her bag and texted her.
Gina: Hey Emma, I just wanted to know if everything was ok with your foster family.
Emma: Hey Gina. Yeah, everything's fine. I got grounded, but that's nothing compared to what other families did.
Regina wanted to ask what other families did, but refrained herself from doing so.
What did they ground you from?
Emma: Well, for one, I can't go anywhere without either Brandon, Callie, Lena, or Stef.
That kind of sucks.
Yeah, but like I said, it's nothing. I also can't go over anyone's house and none of my friends can come to mine.
For how long? I'd really like to hear you play again.
A week. And you can hear me play in school tomorrow. I usually go to the music room after lunch.
That sounds wonderful. Your voice is very beautiful.
Thanks. Do you sing?
Regina flinched at Emma's question. She knew she was awful, and so did her family. They constantly teased her about it. She loved music, she was just a horrible singer.
Oh goodness no, I'm awful.
Come on, I'm sure your voice is amazing.
Believe me dear, it's really not.
That's what you say.
Because it's very true. Even my family agrees.
Let me be the judge of that, since you think mine is beautiful.
It is. And you really want to hear me sing?
Yes, because if it's half as beautiful as you are, then it'll be absolutely amazing.
Regina felt her face flush at those words. Emma thinks I'm beautiful are the words that kept running through her mind. She bit her lip to contain her squeal. She didn't think it appropriate to do something like that at school. She gathered her wit before texting Emma back.
Thank you, Emma. That's very kind of you to say. I also think you are beautiful.
Regina's heart thumped wildly in her chest while awaiting Emma's response.
Regina?
Her hands were shaking as she typed this.
Yes dear?
Would you like to hang out with me sometime? After I'm ungrounded and not while we're in school, I mean.
She almost jumped up and down right there before remembering where she was. Regina quickly responded to Emma's text.
I'd love to.
You have no idea how happy I am right now.
Then I believe we are in the same boat. I'm afraid the bell is calling me, so I must be going now. I'll see you tomorrow, Emma.
Part of that statement was a lie, but also true. If Regina didn't get going right then, she would be late to her class.
See you tomorrow, Gina.
Regina's smile didn't leave her face for the rest of the day.