"Did everything go okay with Ms. Mills?" Belle asked as we pulled into the parking garage attached to the mall.
"Yea, it went well." I mumbled as I gazed out the window and bit the tip of my thumb nail.
I couldn't stop thinking about Ms. Mills and that damn hug. Slowly I pulled myself out of the memory and turned my attention to my best friend.
Belle took a quick glance my way with a raised eyebrow.
"How long have we known each other?"
Random.
"A while."
"In years." she pressed.
"7 I think?"
She pulled into an open spot smoothly, shut off the car, then shifted her body to face me.
"And in that 7 years how well do you think I know you?"
Where is this going?
"I'd say pretty well."
Belle nodded her head as she smiled from my reply.
"I'd say so too." Reaching over she grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together.
The gesture reminded me of my moment in the car with Regina.
No, I couldn't think about her right now, I have to focus on what's in front of me.
"Listen, I don't know what's going on with you."
I was about to protest but she held up her unoccupied hand to me.
"No, you can spit that 'I'm fine' bullshit to Jefferson, Killian, or Ruby but not me. I won't push you just know I can tell something is up and if you want people to not ask you what's wrong you're going to have to act a little less like Eeyore."
Taking my eyes off hers a deep sigh came from my chest and I dropped my head back on to the seat. I closed my lids and thought for a moment.
It might make it easier for me if I get a chance to unload this weight off my chest.
"I like someone." I replied hesitantly.
Crickets.
Well?
Why is she so quiet?
I opened my eyes and turned my head to see her giving me a full smile.
"What?" I asked.
"I figured that." Belle replied nodding her head in confirmation.
Sitting up straight I shifted my body to face her.
"How?"
"You haven't been like this since Lily was stringing you along all those months before you found the guts to ask her out." she stated.
"Well..."
I bit my lip.
"Do you know who?"
"Yes, or I think. I'm like 97.3 percent positive."
I went to pull my hand away but she held on tighter.
How do I know we're talking about the same person? As if reading my mind she placed her other hand on my knee.
"Remember my comment from earlier?"
I thought back…
"I've just noticed...you have been staying after physics a lot."
Nodding my head in realization Belle nodded along with me in a teasing manner. I'm actually grateful to have someone know. Maybe now I don't have to keep all these crazy thoughts to myself.
"Have you told her yet?"
I shook my head.
"Definitely not. That would just be embarrassing." I replied frowning at the thought. "Do you think she likes me?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
"I honestly don't know. I mean sometimes I think yes, like earlier today when Richie was talking about gravity and the way she looked at you, I would say one hundred percent. However then there's times where she's really hard to read. I mean she only lets her walls down for a second before she builds it back up."
Yea that's where the shit fucks me up too.
"Do you think anybody else noticed, the whole gravity thing?"
"I highly doubt it. Everyone else was probably too busy having their own fantasies of her." she chuckled.
"How about you?"
Belle blushed under my gaze.
"Well, she is hot."
I laughed lightly at her comment.
"That she is."
This was nice. I'm happy Belle is being so cool about this. Had I known, I would've told her before.
"She's coming to the game."
Her eyes widened.
"Really?"
"Yeup, but she's bringing someone."
The reaction was subtle but I could see a slight frown pull on her lips.
"You know who?"
"No, but I've seen a guy around her once and he was massaging her shoulders."
"Oh..." she trailed off.
"Yea."
I sighed and rubbed my forehead.
"What do you think I should do?"
"I'm not quite sure how to answer that. What have you been doing so far?"
"Trying to avoid her."
She chuckled.
"And how's that been working out for you."
"Fucking shitty." I groaned. "No matter how hard I try she just fucking keeps popping up out of nowhere."
"Well, maybe it's fate."
I scoffed.
"Fate, or just the universe getting a good laugh out of teasing me." I deadpanned.
"Stop being so pessimistic. Listen it may seem like a coincidence or whatever but if you guys keep randomly getting time together why not just go with it instead of trying to fight it?"
I actually don't know. I guess it just seems so unlikely anything will happen between us.
"I'm not saying confess you like her and then ask her out, but it's senior year and you don't want to wonder you're whole life 'what if' ya know. If nothing else maybe she'll end up being a good friend down the road."
She had a point, but I couldn't make a permanent decision based off how I was feeling now.
"I'll think about it." I replied.
Before Belle could say something else her cell phone rang. She took her hand out of mine and answered it, throwing it on speakerphone.
"Hey!" she said.
"You guys here yet?" Jefferson asked loudly.
"We're just pulling up now."
"Seriously?"
"Sorry, we caught all red lights."
At this she turned to wink at me.
"I hate when that happens. Alright well I'm in the food court next to that deli place Emma likes."
"Alright, we'll see you in a few."
They said bye to each other and hung up. She glanced at me with a grin spreading across her lips.
"I figured you would want this conversation to stay in the car."
"Yes please." I sighed in relief. "I don't want everyone to know and then have a whole bunch of rumors get started and then-"
"Yea we don't need to go into the cons of that scenario. I watched Loving Annabelle with you remember? I got you babe."
I smiled at her then leaned to kiss her on the cheek before we got out and headed into the mall. When we reached the food court Jefferson was waving frantically at us.
"Bout time. First stop Express."
He balled his hands into fists then placed one on each side of his hip. Belle and I both took an arm and wrapped ours through his as he led us to the store.
"So Emma I found some cute underwear here that I think you'll like."
I turned my head to face him.
"One I don't have any money on me, two no. I don't need underwear."
"One I can buy them for you, two yes you do. You're going to grow out of your old ones soon."
Scrunching my eyebrows together I gave him a confused look.
"What do you mean grow out of my old ones?"
I heard Belle laugh from the other side.
"I'm serious." I almost whined.
"Okay, look it's basically in my DNA to stare at dicks all day. To the untrained eye they wouldn't notice but I did."
"When?!"
"Volleyball tryouts. When you fell I got a glimpse of the outline and damn, I'm impressed."
Tucking my head I felt my cheeks warm up.
"Don't be embarrassed Emma. As long as you know how to handle that dick you're going to make a lot of women very happy one day. Have you ever gotten any complaints?"
I shook my head no.
I don't want a lot of women though.
I think I just wanted...no, no it's too soon to tell.
God I need to stop. I'm hanging out with my friends. They should be getting all of my attention. Leaning my body forward I looked at Belle.
"Did you notice too?"
"Well I did help you change that day."
Ah that's right.
Jefferson and Belle began to laugh and so did I as we walked into Express. Immediately he dragged us over to the underwear.
"Look, aren't they cute."
They were white with the face of Pinocchio right over the hole.
"So when you get hard-"
"I get it, his 'nose' grows." I replied.
Belle laughed hysterically.
"If you don't let Jefferson buy these for you now, I'm going to buy them and give them to you as a birthday gift." she said.
"Come on, you don't have to wear them at school just when we go out."
"No." I said shaking my head. "You know I don't like when people buy me stuff."
They looked at each then back at me and pouted. Sad kitten eyes and everything.
"Guys, no."
Both of their bottom lips poked out even more and I sighed.
"Fine, but I'm paying you back."
Their frowns turned into smiles as they jumped up and down.
"Okay, but you know I don't care." he said.
"I know but I do."
He smiled at me and had me hold on to them. We continued walking around the store with Jefferson and Belle grabbing anything that were our school colors.
"That's a lot of stuff."
Jefferson turned around to look at me.
"It's all about the options."
"Plus not all of this is for us." Belle said looking over the rack and smirking at me. "And don't you need a shirt?"
"No, Denise's mom is making us shirts to wear."
"What about to the tailgate party?" he added to her question.
Wait what? When was this?
"Um, nobody told me anything about a tailgate party."
Jefferson looked at me with a raised eyebrow and I could see Belle trying to hold back a smile.
"Yes we did. Today at lunch Killian suggested we have one after school. He got a couple of other guys to do it with trucks as well. He asked you and you said 'uh huh sure'."
Oh. I really don't remember any of that. Too busy thinking about Regina.
"It's okay." Belle said. "You seemed a little distracted." she finished letting the smile slip.
"By the way." he added stepping from around one of the tables that had folded shirts placed on top of it. "Am I the only one who sees Killian drooling over Aliey since they started sitting with us."
We shared a chuckle and nodded.
"I think it's good he's finally moving on." she said. "I mean-"
"It's okay." I replied. "I'm happy too. I think she likes him."
"What makes you say that?" they asked at the same time.
"She's always asking about him at practice."
They nodded their head.
"Well good for him. My baby boy is growing up." Jefferson joked then he looked at Belle. "You ready to try this stuff on?"
She nodded and we walked over to the fitting rooms. They both walked into one and I sat down on the bench holding the underwear.
"Okay, we're going to need you to be our judge." Belle stated.
"Got it." I said giving them a thumbs up.
They closed the door and I heard them rustling out of their clothes. I sat their flipping through newspapers that were sitting on the small table next to me. Maybe I'll look in the job section. I began scanning to find different offers before my phone beeped. Pulling it out my pocket I looked at the name and smiled.
Multimedia Message
Hey honey I'm at the store and this is what I picked out. What do you think?
I clicked on the picture mom sent and zoomed in on it. She got red and black banners that said 'Go Team Go', red and black ribbons, she even got towels.
They look great. Thx!
The dressing room door opened and I looked up. Belle was wearing a cute red dress with black flats and Killian had on burgundy skinny jeans with a black turtleneck.
"What do you think?" he asked.
"Well Jefferson, you look like you're about to go to a spoken word club and Belle looks like she's going to be someone's bridesmaid."
They both rolled there eyes.
"I mean in general not for tomorrow." Jefferson replied scowling.
"Oh well then they look good."
"Next we'll put on what we're wearing for the rally, the tailgate, and then to the game." Belle said as they stepped back in closing the door.
I continued looking through the newspaper when my phone went off.
Great! I'll see you later sweetie.
Sending a quick okay I was brought out of my conversation from Belle and Jefferson stepping out.
"Okay, how's this?" asked Belle.
I nodded my head.
"That was really fast and I like it."
She was wearing black jeans, a red three quarter length sleeve shirt that said "Females=Future" and he was wearing the same burgundy pants with a black t shirt and a gray sweater with gray Nikes.
"We should just wear this to the rally and the tailgate party." she said with excitement.
My phone beeped and I figured it was just mom sending me something back so I ignored it.
"I agree. And that shirt is life." Jefferson said to Belle spinning her around in a circle.
"Now it's your turn."
Eh no.
I shook my head.
"I'm sure it will fit." I replied.
"Nope you're not getting off that easy."
He reached over and pulled me off the bench letting the newspaper fall to the ground. They dragged me into the dressing room and held out an outfit.
I raised my eyebrows unsure of the style
"Just try it." Belle said shoving the shirt and jacket in my hands and Jefferson shoved the pants at me. "With the beanie." she said as they walked out of the dressing room.
Sighing I began to take off my clothes and as I did my phone slipped out my pocket. Grumbling I reached down to pick it up and the screen lit up displaying a name that made me freeze.
(1) Regina Mills
She must be texting me with the list of places she likes to eat at. I set my phone down and changed into the clothes they had set out for me. Looking in the mirror I gave myself an approving nod. Red button up shirt that I left open, they even rolled up the sleeves to rest just above my elbows, a black tank top underneath and dark skinny jeans. I took my hair down and placed the beanie on completing the outfit. I stepped out of the dressing room and both of their mouths were open.
"Yaaaas!" Jefferson exclaimed.
"What he said." she replied pointing at him. "That outfit is very nice. You look fucking hot."
"And the way your hair is placed over your shoulders is perfect."
His eyes widened as he gasped.
"Can I come over tomorrow to curl it?"
"What?"
"Come on! Think of this as payment for the clothes since I know you won't let us buy this without some sort of deal set in place. Bonus points because I can take you to school."
I laughed softly.
"Okay."
"Awesome, you won't regret it."
I blushed from their compliments then walked back in to change. I glanced at my phone and decided to check Regina's message.
Emma, here is that list I promised you. Do you want to come by for lunch or stay after school?
Damn her. Making it so I have to respond with more than an emoji.
"Hey Em, we got one more outfit to try then we want to get food. What do you think? It's 5:10ish now."
"I'm down." I called to Belle as I skimmed the list then my fingers tapped on the screen to type out my message.
Okay, just be Emma.
I smiled to myself as I replayed Killians words in my head.
It doesn't matter. What works best for you? Ladies choice.
Satisfied I sent the message, changed back into my clothes and stepped out.
"Okay one more outfit then we'll leave." Jefferson said again as they walked back into the fitting room.
Sitting down, I stared at my phone waiting for her to text me back and a couple minutes later she did.
Let's do after school that way we don't have any time constraints. How's that sound?
Time constraints? How long is she planning on keeping me there?
Works for me. If for some reason I don't get a car this weekend I'll just have one of my friends come pick me up after.
As the message sent I wondered why I volunteered that information. It wasn't really necessary to the question. Right away my cell went off.
Or I can just take you home.
The door swung open and they came out, but they were in their normal clothes.
"We were not feeling that outfit." Belle said. "Alright let's go."
Heading to the cash register I kept staring at the message Regina sent me. The obvious answer would be yes however would that just make things more complicated?
Or should I just do what Belle said and go with it?
I stood off to the side as they paid and sent a text back.
Yea, maybe I can throw in extra food as gas money until I get a job?
Jefferson arm wrapping around my shoulder brought me out of my phone.
"Let's grab some food."
We walked back to the food court only this time it seemed like it was taking forever. I swear the first time was like 7 minutes. We are going on 10 minutes and it didn't even feel like we were half way there. I'm sure Regina has texted me back by now.
"You okay Emma?"
I shifted my focus to Jefferson and smiled.
"Yup, just really hungry."
"We're almost there." Belle said next to me as she pointed to the area.
Oh thank God.
Speeding up I headed for a table, sat down and looked at my phone.
Yes.
Don't worry about the gas money. We can settle all the details tomorrow after school.
Why wait?
Or we can talk now since we're texting already.
I smiled at myself. There's the Emma I know. Take charge of the conversation.
"Deli sandwiches on me?" asked Jefferson.
We both nodded and he headed over to the shop. My phone went off and I almost dropped it trying to open the text.
We can but we'll only have 10 minutes before I head out to dinner.
Dinner? With who?
Ah well a girl's night is needed sometimes right?
That's a casual way to ask right?
They are needed but tonight I'm seeing my parents who are in town. Now we only have 8 minutes to text before the car they sent me arrives. Back to the details yes?
I relaxed in my seat. She's just seeing her parents.
Yes, back to the details, like I don't have a job yet so how can I pay for food. I have a little bit of savings but I'm not sure how much your meals cost. Also how would I get to said place if I don't have a car by then?
"What's got your attention over there?"
Shyly I looked at Belle and turned down the volume on my phone to vibrate so it wouldn't keep going off as I set it in my lap.
"Just texting..."
She sent a grin my way.
"You have her number?"
"Yup, in case I need any help since practice is basically right after school and she's generally tutoring other kids in the morning before hand so yea."
My phone vibrated once in my lap.
"Do you know if anybody else has that special privilege?"
"Yea, I'm not the only one."
It buzzed again.
"Well to us you're that special." she grinned.
"Stop being cheesy." I said while blushing. "And hold that thought."
Message (1)
Tell me if you think this is fair. 1 hour every Thursday after school. I'll let you choose the place off the list I sent you since you have to eat too, we can ride over to said place together, as far as money we can figure something out, we would then head back to the school and finish up some work after that I'll drop you off.
Message (2)
Assuming you don't have your car by then. 5 minutes left by the way.
The way she takes control is just so amazing.
Seems fair enough to me. And why do you have to stop texting if you have someone picking you up?
A big deli sandwich was placed in front of me and before I let go of my phone to pick it up it vibrated in my hands.
Food or Regina?
Both?
I heard Belle start up a conversation with Jefferson as I glanced at the message.
They stay about a hour away from this area and the signal is crappy. Are you having withdrawals at the thought?
Maybe.
Okay be clever.
What do I get if I say yes?
Fuck yea!
Maybe we'll save that conversation for another day. I remember Jefferson saying something about shopping yesterday. Are you still out?
Lame, she didn't fall for it.
Aw come on, that's not fair. You can't just leave it like that. My curiosity is peaked and yes out with J and Belle. We're going to head home after we eat.
"Dude you going to eat?"
Huh? What?
I looked up at Jefferson who was staring at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Sorry, I might just save it for when I get home."
"But I thought you were hungry?" he asked as my phone buzzed.
"I was..."
"And so now you're not?"
My eyes glanced to Belle who could probably see the panic in my eyes.
"Maybe you waited too long to eat and now you're not? Like you get nauseous and stuff." she said jumping in to save the day.
"Yes yes. That's sounds right." I replied. "Um, I'll go get a box."
I pushed my chair back, stood up, then headed over to the deli shop as I looked at my phone.
Never said I wouldn't tell you, just not now. Have a fun time out with your friends and please text me when you get home. I want to make sure you're safe okay?
Worried about my safety? Of course, she wouldn't want anything to happen to me or any other student.
Will do, I don't want to bother you though.
Thank you and you won't be bothering me. It'll probably be the thing I look forward to once my parents start rambling. I have to go! Talk to you later.
And just like that we were done for now and I sighed. Walking up to the counter I asked for a box then trudged back over to my friends.
"Well I think we had a successful trip, what do you guys think?" he asked.
"I'd say yes." I replied.
Belle nodded in agreement.
"Okay well I guess it's goodbye for now. Emma I'll text you in the morning when I'm on my way."
"Yay." I said sarcastically.
He rolled his eyes teasingly then they got up, we exchanged hugs and Jefferson split from us to head to his car. I kept looking at my phone hoping Regina would text me saying she was bored and wanted to talk but none came.
I walked into my house and went to straight to the kitchen then put my sandwich in the fridge after I dropped my bags to the ground.
"I'm home!" I yelled and soon heard the rumbling of footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Hey Little Swan." dad said as he came barreling in and swooped me up for a big hug.
When he put me down mom turned me around and pulled me in squeezing tightly around my body. After she let me go, both stared at me with huge smiles.
"Why are you guys looking at me like that?"
"We have a surprise for you." he said taking my hand.
Mom came up behind me and wrapped her hands around my eyes as they led me out the kitchen.
"What is it?" I asked.
I heard dad scoff and a door open
"It wouldn't be a surprise then. Okay be careful there's a step. I'm going to lead you down."
Gently he helped me and it felt like we were outside.
"Ready?" mom asked.
I nodded my head and she took her hands away from my eyes. It took a minute for the my vision to come back and I noticed we were in the garage then my eyes damn near bulged out my head.
"Holy shit. Is….is-"
"Yes one is for you. One is for us." she finished for me.
Sitting in front of me were 2 black motorcycles.
"It's a 2017-"
"Indian Scout 60." I said trailing off of what dad was about say.
I walked up to it and touched the leather seats.
"Why is it double seated?" I asked.
"Well we figured you might want this for awhile and who knows...you could date a person who likes motorcycles. I have to admit I'm surprised you remembered." he replied.
Turning around I stared at them with a smile.
"How could I forget sitting on that step over there watching you work on your bike for hours? I'm bummed you had to sell it."
They both chuckled and nodded their head.
"We took a lunch together and hunted around some dealerships. These were on sale and after some serious deliberation we decided you're mature enough to have one if you want. If you're not comfortable we can return one and get you a car. If you are okay with it then we have some serious rules to discuss." mom said.
I walked up to her and gave her a big hug.
"Thank you." I whispered.
"Hey what about me?" dad teasingly whined.
Letting go of mom I walked over to him and gave him a hug.
"Thanks dad. I do know that if it wasn't for mom saying yes this wouldn't be happening though."
"Hey I had to convince her." he replied.
Untangling myself I walked back over to the bike I was touching before and sat on it.
"Does it matter which one?" I asked rubbing my palms over the handlebars.
"It doesn't, it seems you have one picked." mom said walking over to me.
"Just feels right."
"Then go with it." dad said.
"Now before you get too excited we'll have to get you in some courses so you can get your license, we found some for Saturday and Sunday. Then we can get you to handle your DMV stuff next Thursday."
Shit. That's not going to work.
"What's wrong?" dad asked.
I guess I didn't hide that well.
"So do you remember that teacher I told you about that helped me get home by calling a tow truck."
"Yes." they said at the same time.
"Well as a favor to her I committed to be her T.A after school for an hour over the next few Thursdays."
I didn't think saying that I was buying my teacher food would sound right.
Mom nodded her head and smiled.
"That's very nice of you. We could just pay them back too." she said.
If you would've asked me that earlier today I would have said yes. But after talking to Belle…
Things have changed.
"No it's okay. I should do this on my own you know, be an adult. This question I'm about to ask isn't very adult of me but is there anything I can do around the house for some money until I get a job?"
Her smile grew as she wrapped me in a hug.
"I'll come up with a list honey and I'm proud of you for doing that."
"Yea looks like she's got those Charming genes after all." dad praised.
We all laughed and headed back inside.
"I got to get some homework done." I said as I grabbed my backpack and clothes, rushing upstairs.
"We'll call you when dinner is ready." dad yelled.
Running to my room I opened the door, threw my stuff on the bed then jumped on it. I can't believe they got me a fucking motorcycle. I pulled out my phone to text my friends but then I paused. It would be pretty cool to show up and surprise them when I get my license.
Yes, let's do that.
I pulled out my physics text book, turned to chapter 3.3, and this subtly reminded me that I needed to text Regina.
I'm home :)
I typed out then sent the message off and began to read. 10 minutes had passed and I know I should be studying but I can't help but glance at my phone every now and then.
She's having dinner with her family. Calm down and fucking study for this test tomorrow. I pushed my phone under my pillow in hopes that I would ignore it and focus. 20 minutes pass and I've made it through a chapter and a half before my phone chirped.
Excitement filled my body as I grabbed it.
Good. I thought you had forgotten. Did you have fun?
I did, it's been awhile since the 3 of us have hung out. How's dinner with your parents?
Eagerly I stared at the screen.
5 minutes…
10 minutes…
15 minutes…
And I sighed. Back to studying. I began to work through some of the problems that we didn't have as homework to make sure I understood the formula and when I was done she finally texted me back.
I'm glad you had fun Emma. And dinner is surprisingly going well. My sister is here so that helps and the few shots we took definitely eased the nerves. Sorry it took me so long to respond.
Is she drunk right now?
If she is can I use this to my advantage somehow?
No worries, but like I said...I didn't want to bother you. Also is my physics teacher drunk?
This time I had no chance to settle in before she texted me back.
And like I said you won't be and that I'd be looking forward to it, didn't I? No I'm not drunk, just enough to take off the edge.
Ah gotcha. And yes you did say you'd be looking forward to it but shouldn't you be at dinner?
I am at dinner and I can talk to you. It's called multi-tasking ;) something I'm very good at.
My heart fluttered at her message. Is there some sort of subliminal sentence in there? Because I'm definitely reading one.
How do I know this is true? It was taking you forever to get back to me. How do I know you really want to talk ;)
Wait, am I flirting with her? Is she flirting back? Is that what we're doing?
Are we flirting with...each other?
I didn't have time to dwell on it before my ringtone went off. Why am I getting a-
Oh shit. Shit shit shit shit.
The name 'Regina Mills' popped up on my phone and my heart damn near jumped out of my chest. Why is she calling? What do I do?
Instinct took over as my thumb pressed on the green button before my mind could make the rational choice and ignore it.
"Hello?" I answered as casual as possible.
"Does this prove that I want to talk to you?"
Annnnd I'm hard.
I'm not sure if I've ever heard her voice this low before. I know people can sound different on the phone but this sounded like...I can't describe it. If lust had a voice, it would be Regina.
"Yes." cough. "It does." cough.
Calm down, take a deep breath. Think of lost puppies and sad babies. Lost puppies, sad babies. Lost puppies. Sad babies. Sost duppies. Lad pabies.
Oh God. I'm done for.
Her sultry laugh hit my ears and I had to grip my bed so I didn't melt into a puddle.
"So what are you doing?" Regina asked as her voice had shifted from phone sex operator back to her flirty normal self.
"Studying for the test you're giving us tomorrow."
"How are you doing so far?"
A hint of concern?
"So far so good. I think I'll be okay."
"I don't have a doubt in my mind. You, Ethan and Richie are ones that I'm not concerned about."
"Wait what about Belle?"
Regina chuckled lightly.
"I figured we both knew she will most likely pass without any problem."
I laughed softly with her.
"Yea you're probably right. I must say I'm not a fan of being grouped in the same category as Ethan and Richie."
"Well then tell me Emma Swan, what category would you like to be grouped in?"
Any one that involves you lying naked and breathless under me.
I bit my lip to fight back the words.
"It doesn't matter as long as they're not in it." I joked back instead.
She let out a deep belly laugh that made the butterflies fly in circles inside my stomach.
"You'll be fine. What chapter are you on?"
"When you had called I just flipped to chapter 3.7."
"Well you should be studying then not talking to me."
I paused thinking of something other than 'no don't leave me'.
"You're not the only person who can multi-task." I teased innocently.
"Mmmm." she groaned. "Is that so?"
Fuck, how does she do that with her voice?
Feeling a little more relaxed I stretched out my legs and laid back on my bed, getting comfortable. I was finding it was easier to talk to her when her perfume wasn't wrapped around me like a blanket.
"It is." I replied in a confident tone.
"Give me an example."
I heard her adjusting something on her end, she was probably propping herself in that casual but sexy pose.
"I don't know if I should say." I teased back.
"Tell me."
Biting my lip I thought it over. Should I say what I'm thinking?
I shrugged my shoulders. Fuck it.
"Sex." I mumbled.
Regina gently cleared her throat.
"Sex and what?" she asked curiously.
"What do you mean and what? I'm good at multi-tasking when it comes to sex."
A small chuckle rang in my ear.
"Oh, I thought you meant your good at having sex and doing something else at the same time. Like having sex and studying for a test." the drop in her voice came back and it's possible my gulp was audible.
You're good Swan keep it together. She can't see you right now so chill.
"What about you?"
"Well, my answer is much more detailed than that." she replied.
Ugh, this woman is always teasing me.
"So tell me."
"Maybe some other time" she trailed off
"Does that mean you're detailed answer is the MA version of my answer."
A light giggle from her and I found myself wishing I could see her smile in person.
"You could say that and I'm outside, people are walking back and forth. You get the idea."
"Well just so you know I feel like I'm mature enough to handle it, whenever it is you decide to tell me." I said reassuringly to her.
"I think your hormones will go crazy once I do" she joked.
We laughed together before I heard someone yelling at her in the background.
"Sis I'm fucking dying in there, mom is going on about Robins wedding and how much she's doing for it, something I could really care less about. Do NOT make me suffer through this alone." said a female voice.
"Z just give me a second." Regina called back and then sighed. "Well I have to go." she said back to me.
Just when the shit was getting good too.
"Oh, um, okay then."
"Trust me I'd rather be out here freezing, talking to you than be in there hearing my mom tell everyone she's better than them in her not so subtle and condescending tone."
I laughed at her slight hint of shit talking she threw in there, she almost sounds like a teenager.
"I take it you don't get along well?"
"We have our moments for sure. I should go. I'll talk to you later Emma, have a good night."
"You too Regina. Oh! And text me when you get home." I teased.
"Aww, are you worried about my safety." she teased back.
"Well I wouldn't want anything to happen to you, who would teach me physics then?"
Her laugh was sincere and I smiled feeling triumphant I was the reason she was laughing in such a way that could make one stop and listen just to hear her.
"Even if it's late?" she asked.
"Yes even if it's late."
"Okay then, you got it." Regina whispered softly and I knew she had to be smiling. "Goodnight Emma."
"Goodnight Regina."
Like a middle school girl I waited for her to hang up first and when she did I took a deep sigh as I sprawled out on my bed. So maybe I could just go with it instead of trying to fight how I feel all the time. Be open with her as a friend but not too open to where my heart is exposed on my sleeve. The light flirting I can hang with. It's when she starts touching that makes me go crazy, but it's crazy in a good way.
I half ass skimmed through the last chapter, closed my book, changed into some comfy clothes, and headed downstairs to see where dinner was at. I kept my head in my phone as I scrolled back to the beginning of our conversation in our text thread and read it over and over again.
A/N: Thank you guys for your comments over the last couple chapters, seriously, I've loved them. When will something SQ related happen? I will tell you this...sometime before chapter 20, still got to keep that element of surprise! Til next time!