A/N: 1. I took no offense to any reviews. I appreciate all comments good and/or constructive. And while this story has a pace that I will stay true to always, always, always, leave me your honest opinions. It's the only way I'll become a better writer. I do understand the concerns about it being too much of a slowburn, possibly becoming repetitive and boring but I promise it stays interesting and it won't be dragged out too far.
2. While this isn't significant and she has a minor part in the story I wanted to note that Maleficent and Lily are NOT related in this fic.
3. We find out the mystery man Regina is bringing and I had to make up a first name because I don't think he had one in the show.
4. Finally I'd like to say again, thanks for the reviews and don't hold back. I know there are a ton of student teacher SQ fics out there so I'm grateful you all are showing love to mine.
As Jefferson and I rounded the corner I was met by my old and new friends. All their mouths hung open as they stared at me, except Belle since she already knew what my outfit was.
"Hot damn duckling!" Sadie said.
"Girl you don't even need to where the shirt my mom made you." Denise added.
Blushing I shook my head.
"No, I want to be apart of the team."
"No, you should definitely keep that outfit on." replied Killian.
"And your hair is beautiful." complimented Rachel.
I felt Jefferson nudge me with his shoulder.
"See I told you."
I nudged him back and smiled.
I wasn't completely hating my look. He did a great job curling my hair into loose waves and the outfit they got me looked really good on me once everything was complete. I wonder what Regina would think. I know she's here because I saw her car as Jefferson had pulled in with only a few minutes to spare before school started.
The warning bell rang and like always everyone grumbled.
"Okay, Emma and Kelsey meet me at the office after break so we can count the votes. You're 3rd period teacher already knows so you won't get marked late." said T before we all broke off.
"I'll see you both then. See ya later guys." I said before turning around and walking off.
"Bye you hot mama." Belle called to me.
As I walked to my 1st period class, I noticed there were a lot of people staring at me. Checking me out. It's gotta be the hair. I took an ass backwards route to my class, by way of Regina's hall, and when I opened the door to enter a ton of kids just stopped and stared at me. I smiled and blushed before a girl with black hair, big doe black eyes, and a tan complexion came up to me.
"Hey are you new here? My name is Jazzy."
I laughed at her comment.
"Actually I'm not new here, but thank you."
"Oh!" she said scrunching her eyebrows. "What grade are you in?"
"I'm a senior, um, I should get going." I said sliding past her then moved through the crowd. All the attention was a little uncomfortable since I wasn't use to getting it like this.
When I cleared it I saw Regina, with her back facing me, standing at her door with it open as students walked in. Today she was wearing a black tight jump suit with black heels. From my spot it looked like her hair was wavy and parted at an angle and I could see her long diamond earrings shimmering under the fluorescents in the hall. I sped up my pace, when I got close I reached my hand out and gently placed in on her back.
Regina jumped a little then spun around. A surprised look crossed her face and then she stared at me, her eyes once again dragging up and down my body. I'm positive she's fucking checking me out. When she brought her gaze up to me she smiled.
"Hey you." she said with a smirk. "Shouldn't you be headed to class?"
"I am, just making a pit stop."
Nodding her head she turned her gaze to the final student walking in and smiled at him. He blushed and rushed inside.
"One second." she whispered to me before gracefully kicking up the door stopper, letting it close behind her.
I leaned the top of my shoulders against the wall behind me and nodded to students who were either staring or smiling at me. Come on boys keep walking, there's nothing to see here. I'm just a girl in clohtes. The door to her room opened and she stepped out. When it closed, Regina looked down at me and copied my position as the bell rang officially starting school.
"2 days in a row you're looking like that. You're sure you're not trying to impress somebody?"
Scoffing in a playful manner I rolled onto my right shoulder to face her.
"Who would I be trying to impress?"
"Me?" she replied back just as playful.
I rolled my eyes with smile on my face.
"Why would I be trying to impress you?"
"Because I control you're grade?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
I went to push her gently but she caught my hand, grazed the top of it with her thumb then she let me go. This woman is fucking sneaky with that shit.
"You should get to class."
"Its just English Lit. All we're doing is going over the Twelfth Night."
"The Twelfth Night huh? That's one of my favorites." Regina replied. "I haven't met anyone who likes it as much as I do."
I eyed her closely.
"This isn't some ploy to try and mind fuck me into going right?"
"Language, and no it's not, but even if it was you should still get going."
Sighing I stood up straight.
"Fine. You win." I replied with a pout.
She went to take a step to me but paused in mid movement then backtracked. I think Regina wanted to hug me. If I'm being honest, I wanted to hug her. Casually I looked around the hall and when I felt like the coast was clear I took a step to her, wrapped my arms around her neck as I gently pulled her in to me.
At first she was stiff but slowly I felt her body melt into mine then she pulled me in closer. I took deep a breath and let her scent fill me. She pulled back all too soon blushing and smiling.
"Did you place your vote?" she asked.
"Nope, the team opted out."
"Well if you could who would you vote for?"
I pulled my lips into a crooked smile.
"You, but because I know what the outcome is."
"Ah, well I'll have to remember that." Glancing at the watch on her wrist she sighed. "You should head to class."
"Trying to get rid of me?" I teased.
"Never. Now get to class." Regina whispered sending me wink then slid back in her classroom.
I stood there stuck in the moment even after she was gone. She never wants to get rid of me? Well she could have meant as friends but the look on her face when she said it seemed she meant it on a deeper level.
And I don't think I'm reading too much into that.
Kelsey and I walked to the office after break as we chatted about the game tonight. She filled me in that the girls from Acalanes don't play nice, they're extremely good, and they talk a lot of shit.
"Just in time!" yelled Tanya, greeting us as we came in. I smiled at her and we headed over to the principle's empty office with 5 tin cans placed on his desk already.
"Why is there 5?" I questioned.
"Ms. Mills's tin overflowed." T replied. "Okay you count hers, I'll count O'Leary and Carson, Kelsey you count Coach." She said.
With the last week and a half filled with complicated physics formulas counting out a couple cans of tickets was pretty easy.
"Wow." I said when I was finished. "She got 862 votes."
"Fucking hell, that's almost half the school." Kelsey said. "Coach got 504."
"O'Leary got 401 and Mrs. Carson got 410." added T. "Which is perfect because according to the list Mr. O and Mrs. C will be in Rally A for 4th period before lunch and Ms. Mills is suppose to be in Rally B after lunch. Coach already told us he wouldn't be able to be here early so he can go with Mills."
"Well that was easy." chuckled Kelsey. "I'll text Coach on my way back to class."
"Just so I get this straight." I interjected. "We're basically missing half of 3rd and because the rally falls on periods 4 and 5 we'll be out of those too?"
Kelsey and T laughed.
"And those are the perks of being apart of the rally's." T replied.
"Fuck yes." I said with a fist pump.
"But we should still at least try to get to 3rd period." she finished.
"Yea I got a fucking test in Physio." Kelsey added with a tone of annoyance.
Agreeing we got up and walked out of the office and after saying goodbye to each other we all split.
Maybe I should text Regina and let her know.
Pulling out my phone I sent her a message.
Just a heads up you are 100% getting messy at the rally today.
It took her little time to respond.
Looking forward to it ;) you better be there to clean me off.
My step faltered. How am I suppose to take that? My phone vibrated again.
Also why are you texting me? Aren't you suppose to be learning?
I will be there with a towel in my hand for you ;) as far as class goes, I had to go count the tickets. Aren't you suppose to be teaching?
Not when the students are taking a test. See you at the rally.
A huge smile spread across my face.
Yes, see you at the rally.
My Government class seemed to go by quickly once I got there and I got to leave early to help decorate the gym. The first rally flowed well. It was fairly low energy until we got to the game and then finally the kids roared, cheering on their friends. During lunch they were able to keep their mouths shut about what happened sustaining the element of surprise for their peers.
When it was time for the 2nd rally I got anxious.
Students rushed into the gym as they shouted for their friends and found seats on the bleachers. The team and I were standing in a tucked away corner. My eyes scanned the crowd looking for Jefferson, Killian and Belle who had luckily made it in the same rally.
As I skimmed the crowd I zeroed in on Regina who was talking and laughing with a blonde woman who looked about the same age as her. Who is that? I don't think I've ever seen that woman here. My stomach dropped as I watched their interaction closely. The blonde chick leaned in causing her to laugh even harder.
What the fuck is that about?
"You stare any harder you're going to burn holes in her back." Ruby whispered closely making me jump.
"The fuck." I cursed. "Don't do that."
She laughed.
"Sorry. You were just clearly checking her out and I had to say something."
Her who? Which one is she talking about?
"Yea, you know. She's pretty."
"Yes she is." Ruby replied.
I smiled hesitantly still unsure of which woman she was looking at.
"But you know I've always had a thing for blondes." she said before tapping me with her elbow.
I rolled my eyes and smiled.
"Who is that anyway?"
"Rumor is she's filling in for Mr. Leskew's Vice Principle position. Her name is Mal Page I think."
Nodding my head I continued to stare as I watched her openly flirt with Regina. Touching her a lot…like a lot. Touching her like Regina touches me when she's trying to get my attention. It shouldn't bother me this much. She's not my girlfriend.
The lights dimmed in the gym and students began to scream. Fuck, they are way more energized than the first rally. The intro to We Will Rock You started and everyone began to stomp their feet and clap their hands.
"We will we will rock you!" The students shouted as Principle Glass ran out on to the court with a microphone in his hands.
"How are we doing this afternoon?!" he yelled.
The gym filled with cheers and his smile grew.
"We have a ton of energy in here I like it! Now how is my graduation class of 2019?"
A load roar erupted as the seniors went crazy including us.
"Love it. Alright you guys don't want to hear me ramble on so I'm going to pass the mic to a very special guest, Coach Robin."
Music played and the lights brightened as Coach jogged out to Principle Glass. They shook hands and mumbled some words before he took the mic. A loud whistle echoed and I looked up to the top left to find Jefferson with his thumb and forefinger in his mouth.
"RED ROSE HIGH MAKE SOME NOISE!" he yelled and everyone responded with shouts. "As Principle Glass mentioned the energy in the building is electric. I want you guys to have that same energy for our game tonight. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes! Absolutely! Of course!" scattered through out the gym.
He smiled then turned to us.
"Will my girls come out here and join me on the floor."
We looked at each other with confused expressions crossing our faces as we walked out on to the court. Standing side by side we lined up to face him as he looked at us individually.
"Emma Swan will you come over here."
Cheers hit my ears and I walked up hesitantly. Why is he calling me out? He reached out and pulled me into his side. Like I said, I wasn't hated but I didn't realize I was this popular. Before the nerves could take hold I felt the tingles run through my body. Turning my head towards the teacher section Regina was there to meet me. She had a gentle smile placed on her lips but before I could smile back the possible new VP reached over to touch her knee taking her gaze away from mine.
"Let me start by saying I think we all agree how happy we are for this young spit fire to join our team." he said and I brought my attention back to Coach. "I'd just like to say we're lucky to have you as an addition and I would personally like to say in front of everyone, welcome to the squad."
Every student stood up and clapped. I smiled at Coach Robin as he smiled back he pulled me in for a quick hug.
"Now I'll be passing this on to my girls." he said handing me the mic.
Uh no. I don't do public speaking.
I grabbed it and went to pass it to Ruby but she just pushed it back to me. The gym was quiet as they waited for one of us to talk. The girls urged me to speak and the more time we took the more awkward it became.
"Well it looks I'm taking over this time." I joked, not recognizing my own voice echoing in the gym speakers.
Laughter scattered around me.
"So we have a very special game for all of you. It's called Go Bananas. In a minute a few members from the team will go to each of the classes section and pick one guy and one girl to be on a team. As partners your job will be to build a banana split. One person will lay on the ground holding a bowl and the other person will drop the contents of a banana split in the bowl."
Murmurs of excitement bounced off the walls as the girls split up and walked to over to different sections to pick people. Kelsey and Aliey took off to grab the items and I took up idle conversation with Rachel. As she spoke about how enthused everyone was I glanced at Regina who was too busy talking to Mal to notice me. Her hand gestures moved frantically, it looked like she was telling an exciting story and the blonde woman was laughing hard at whatever she was saying.
A subtle wave of agitation rose and I took a deep breath in trying to fight it. Now is not the time, I needed to relax and have fun.
"Hey we're ready." T said.
I handed her the mic when Kelsey and Aliey came back in carrying a picnic table with everything we needed on it. As they set it down in the middle the lights dimmed and 4 spotlights shined down on the teams.
"We'll start with some introductions." said T. "Representing the freshman are Jason and Makayla. For the sophomores we have Alice and D, making our way to the juniors I give you Jacinda and Lee, and saving the best for last representing the class of 2019" the crowd went crazy. "We have Lexi and Jefferson."
I chuckled to myself. I figured he would worm his way into this somehow. Taking a step back and away from the mess that was about to happen I hid myself in the shadows of the dimmed lights.
"Will Ms. Mills and Coach Robin please come up." T asked.
Just the sound of her name makes me nervous. I heard the girls and boys swoon over both of them, through it all though I only heard the sound of Regina's shoes clicking against the gym floor. It was getting closer until finally her slender figure popped up beside me. I kept calm on the outside but my heart was pounding in my chest.
Why is she standing so close to me?
"Okay everyone, get ready to cheer on your classes. Teams are we ready?" They all nodded. "3...2...1...GO!"
Music thumped loudly as students screamed for their team, the partners on the chair jumped down and raced to the table each grabbing a banana in their hand then ran back to get on the chair. Ruby walked around commentating while Sadie and Denise checked each team to make sure nobody was cheating.
"Why aren't you cheering for your best friend?" her warm breath hit the side of my face and I let my eyes flutter shut for a moment.
I shrugged my shoulders in response then started to clap forcing myself to ignore my childish jealousy and focus on the game.
"Better?" I asked keeping my eyes on Jefferson.
She cheered on some of the team's before slightly dropping her head.
"Much." and her whisper almost has me sweating. "By the way I love those pants on you."
I growled lowly.
"You really don't play fair." I said feeling the warmth creep on my cheeks.
Jefferson dropped the pecans from up top and yelled done. Sadie jogged over to him and checked his split, after she held her thumb up in the air. They won! In the uproar I felt Regina side step behind me and her breast rub against my back. I sucked in a sharp breath and didn't let it go.
"What can I say, you bring that out in me." she replied as she slipped past me and to the winning team.
"So for the prize." T said as she spoke into the microphone with the lights coming back on. "The winning team, our seniors over here, will get to throw a crème pie in the faces of Ms. Mills and Coach Robin."
Casually Regina turned around to face me with a raised eyebrow and a crooked grin. I smirked back at her enjoying the look of surprise she's trying to contain. Sadie handed out the pies to Jefferson and Lexi as Coach and Regina placed the tarps we had for them over their clothes.
Jefferson held the pie in his hands as he walked up to Coach Robin who had taken off his sweatshirt. His biceps bulged out of his t-shirt and I thought my best friend was going to jump the man right there. Regina stood in front of Lexi with a smile on her face as she told the girl something making her chuckle.
She just has that effect on people.
"Mills and Coach you ready?" asked T. They nodded in reply and as soon as she gave the go ahead, 2 pies went flying into their faces. Lexi held it in Regina's face then moved in circles making sure to the smother her in it. The entire student body erupted with laughter and cheers. Jefferson and Lexi dropped the pie and held their fists in the air causing the volume to increase. I looked over at Regina who had globs of crème dropping off her face and onto the floor. With her fingers she swiped some off then licked it.
Gah, even when she's covered in crème she's fucking hot.
"Okay everyone that's it for the rally! We'll see you at the game tonight and bring your school spirit!" shouted Ruby.
Rachel grabbed my attention and we began cleaning everything up. When I looked to where Regina and Coach were at they were gone. I skimmed the gym but they were no where to be found. As I dropped to my knees with a trash bag in hand I felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket. I pulled it out and smiled at the name.
Just so you know I'm getting you back for that ;)
We stood in the tunnel that led the gym and the crowd was going crazy. My jersey was tight but breathable, Ruby said you could see my abs through it making a slightly self conscious. I had a decent body but wasn't the type to show it off all the time.
"Okay we ready?" asked Coach Robin from the front.
Nodding in response we heard the announcer call out our team and the doors opened as we jogged out onto the court with Ruby leading the way. The bleachers were fucking packed with bodies. Mom and Dad were sitting next to Belle. Then it was Killian and Jefferson, they all sat in the 2nd row of bleachers behind the our home team bench. They waved frantically at us and we smiled as we waved back.
"We've got 7 minutes to warm up." yelled Coach Robin.
Ruby ran to the ball basket and I took the side closest to our friends and family. As we began to pepper mom took out her phone and started recording us. I smiled at her and she waved again from behind her phone. Killian and Belle were chatting and Jefferson was talking on his cell. He laughed then got the attention of Belle, Killian and my parents, motioning to his sweater he was wearing. She stopped recording as they began to take off their jackets and pass them down to him, he lined them up claiming the last few open spots.
"Swan, focus. You can hang out with your friends after!" yelled Coach.
Well that was embarrassing.
Turning my attention back to Ruby we continued passing the ball back forth. First me bumping it, then she set it and I spiked it down. We went in this rotation until the buzzer sounded and both teams gathered around their coaches.
I kept my back to the bleachers because I knew Killian would be making faces trying to get me to laugh to shake the nerves I was feeling. Not that I didn't want to laugh. I just needed to focus.
"Okay ladies, they have the ball first and Erica is starting them off. We know how difficult her floaties can be so we need to focus-"
I tuned him out as the sweet smell of perfume filled my nose.
She's here!
"...So this mean Emma will be isolated ready for Hut and Go. Ready?"
Fuck! No! What did you say?
The girls nodded their head and we put our hands in the middle.
"H-O-T-T-O-G-O Red Rose is hot to go!" shouted Coach.
"SAY WHAT? SAY WHAT?" we yelled!
"Hot to go!" Coach yelled back.
"WE'RE FIRED UP, WE'RE SIZZLIN, WE'RE TURNING UP THE HEAT CAUSE WHEN IT COMES TO VOLLEYBALL WE JUST CAN'T BE BEAT!" we cheered as we threw our hands in the air and ran on the court.
I took my left side of the net as our friends and family cheered for us. The girl on the opposite side of me stared then rolled her eyes.
"Number 4 I'm about to make you my bitch." she sneered.
My anger boiled and I felt my fists curl before Ruby gently touched my arm.
"Hey don't let her get to you. We told you they were going to do this." she whispered.
I nodded my head as she walked back to her spot.
"Had to have your mommy come save you." she hissed.
Rolling my eyes I took 3 steps back from the net to set up my position. Erica the first server, bounced the ball twice, tossed it in the air then jumped up and hit it. The ball floated and it didn't look like it was going to make it until it got closer and I realized it was going to land just inside the net right in front of Ruby. She was ready for it and bumped it up to T for the set. The girls from Acalanes shifted to my side reading the play and T set it to Rachel for the hit. With a loud smack the ball went flying down but the girls were quick and bumped it back to their setter.
Number 32, the girl on my side called for the ball. Okay, I got this. Ruby slid over to me as we set up for the block but I was pumped with adrenaline and jumped too early and just as number 32 was jumping up I was coming down, a loud hit to the ball sent it flying just over my hand and to the ground.
"Come on Emma! Read the play." yelled Coach.
With a frown I rummaged my eyes through the faces of my friends and family, finally landing on Regina as we rotated. She had an encouraging smile on her face and nodded to me. Still wearing that same sexy jumpsuit, that I might add did not get a drop off pie on it and when I came into physics it was like nothing even happened. Regina was all dolled up like she had just stepped out of the house for work.
I glanced over the people with her. The tall dude from last week was next to her, a red haired woman who looked about the same age as Regina and Roland.
The ball being hit from the other side brought me out of my gaze and I returned my attention back to the game. Bump, set, spike, and our shot was blocked and they scored again. Much of the match went on like that and Acalanes ended up taking the first set 15 to 25. I was pissed, I served 6 times in the first set each hitting the net, giving up free points. It could have to do with nerves, the shit talking from my opponents, or the fact that Regina hasn't looked at me since the first fuck up. I would glance to my parents or friends and they would smile and encourage me either when the game was on or off. But not her, every time I looked her way she was talking to her friends or Jefferson.
And that fucking guy either had his arm over her shoulder or a hand on her knee. She didn't seem fazed by any of his advancements like it's something that happens all the time.
I felt like my worst fears were coming true. They might be together.
As the set ended we walked to our bags for the 15 minute break. Coach Robin was not looking happy as he ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
"Swan? More like Ugly Duckling." I heard Number 32 hiss and her friends giggled.
I balled my hands into a fist and when I got closer Coach looked at me and motioned for me to come over to him. I jogged over their still heated from that bitch's comment.
"Take 5 outside." he whispered.
"What? Why?" I shouted loud enough to get the attention of my mini fan base.
"Don't argue with me just do it. I don't need you playing the next set from an angry state of mind." He said staring at me hard. "Go." he whispered.
I didn't stomp out of their like I wanted to and instead walked to my bag to grab my water with a straight posture. Gazing at Regina and her friends I saw they were laughing and joking around.
I heard encouraging words from Mom and Dad. Telling me 'it's okay', 'don't let them get in your head', 'you got this'. I smiled softly at them, finally reaching my bag I noticed that Regina had conveniently placed herself right behind my stuff. They could have sat in any order but no she chose that seat.
Leaning down I went through my stuff to find my water and couldn't help but listen in on their conversation.
"What do you mean you don't get why people at the hospital call you Dr. Hyde? Warren, you're tall as fuck and your basically a mad scientist. Oh yea and you're last name is Hyde" said the girl with red hair in a joking tone.
His last name is Hyde? Well that's unfortunate.
"How does me being a neurosurgeon equal me being a mad scientist."
He's a doctor and is name is Mr. Hyde. I had to bite my cheek in order to keep my laughter inside.
"Because you're a doctor and you're name is Hyde!" she said like it was so obvious.
That's what I'm saying!
I heard his deep laugh fill the air.
"Oh babe, what are we going to do with your sister?"
Sister? Wait did he just call her babe? Finding my bottle I squeezed around it to control the jealousy slowly rising. If she has a boyfriend then what the fuck has she been doing with me? Has it all really been just for fun?
"Hey, kid." said the guy who can burn in fucking hell.
I raised my head and looked around. Who is he talking to? I hope not me.
"Girl with the blonde hair." he whispered.
I turned my head to him and he was smiling. Standing up I stared at him with a straight face. Can I help you asshole?
"You can do this." he said in an uplifting tone.
I should've replied. Instead I pursed my lips while nodding my head and walked out of the gym feeling the steam rise off me. Who the fuck was he to say 'i can do this'. I know I can fucking do this. When I was sure I was alone I let the green little monster out.
"FUCK!" I shouted as I threw my bottle to the ground and placed the palm of my hands on the wall taking deep breaths. "Stupid, I'm so fucking stupid." I grumbled as I shut my eyes fighting back the tears.
"Don't cry. Don't cry. You can't be upset about something you let happen." I whispered.
The cool night air blew across my skin and goosebumps rose. A warm hand was placed on my back and Regina's soft smell surrounded me.
When did she come out here?
She didn't say anything, just slowly rubbed comforting circles on my back. She probably thinks I'm upset about the game.
"You can come back from this." Regina softly said.
I scoffed, raising my head.
"No, I can't." because you have me wrapped your pinkie so fucking tight.
"You can Emma. You're a fighter, it's just first game jitters."
Rolling my eyes I turned around and leaned my back against the wall. My gaze was on her intently but of course she didn't back down.
"Who's the guy you're here with?"
"Just a friend." she answered swiftly.
"Well in today's world, teenagers use 'just a friend' as code for fucking." I said harshly.
I saw the surprise for my comment flash across her face before she covered it. Her demeanor changed form soft and kind to hard, emotionless, and stoic. Regina tilted her head to the side and took a step to me.
"He's just a friend and I'm not a teenager. I'm an adult."
She didn't laugh. She didn't scoff. She didn't do anything. She just looked at me and my emotions were so heightened that I couldn't hide how I was feeling. How jealous and truly envious I was of the doctor.
"Why does it matter?" Regina pressed.
Is she fucking serious right now?
"It matters because-...because…" and I can't do it.
She took a step forward never leaving my eyes.
"Because what…?" There's that thing in her voice again. There's emotion behind her words but her face is blank.
"Because..." I said trying to fill the silence but nothing came after that.
Another step forward and now my back is pressed against the wall. Placing a hand on either side of my head Regina leaned in and shifted her gaze to the ground as she bit her lip.
"Emma I…"
You what? Say it!
"I have to be responsible." she whispered, bringing her eyes back to mine. "I'm an adult and I have to be responsible about-"
The gym door swung open jarring me from her words. Coach had his head poked out the door first looking at Regina, then me.
"It's time Emma." he said.
Fuck. It was just about to get good. I gave her a final look and headed back inside. My body was still swirling with frustration and I decided to use it to my advantage. Use it to drive my competitive nature. When Coach and I had made it back to the team the girls huddled around us.
"Listen up." he said to us sternly. "First set is done and over with. Now you've got the nerves out the way play like I know you can. They are reading our hits so we're going to go with the Front and Back Slide on offense. My hitters, don't always go for the kill shot, their expecting that, you have to change it up. Look for the holes and the gaps, they tend to leave their outside right open so Emma when you get up there look for that hole. T, get those sets out to your hitters quickly, switch it up, go between the front rows and the pipes in the back rows. On defense we need to cover the endline and the corners so we're going to set up a Deep 6. Got it?"
Agreeing we walked back on the court switching sides. It was my turn to serve first and I could see the other team relax. They weren't taking me seriously and why would they? I missed so many damn serves in the first set that I wouldn't take me seriously either. Mom and dad cheered as Killian, Belle, and Jefferson stood up and clapped for me. Regina was back in her seat, eyes glued to me. We looked at each other, the shouts from the crowd drowned out as she winked with a crooked smile slipping on her lips
Instantly the tension cleared from my body. I got this. I began with my server ritual, threw it up in the air, focused and with a loud smack the ball flew across the net landing on the endline of their side.
"Ace!" yelled the referees.
The crowd cheered wildly but I only cared about Regina's reaction. She gave me a full smile while she clapped. My team crowded me blocking my view from her as they gave me high fives. The refs passed the ball to me for another serve. Again I hit it and it went over the net, bounced off one of the girls shoulders and out of bounds.
The girls from my team looked at me and shouted compliments, urging me to continue this streak. Finding my groove, I served 5 more balls just like that.
We stood outside the gym in our normal clothes with our parents talking in a circle next to us. Kelsey was going on about party she wanted to throw since hers were out of town. Walking over to mom I told her what they were thinking.
"You can go if you want sweetie."
I should go. We won after all. I should celebrate with my team and friends. But I was still feeling weird from how I left things with Regina and when the game was over she disappeared from the gym quickly.
"No it's okay, I think I'll just go home and catch up on some sleep before my motorcycle class tomorrow."
"Okay." dad replied. "Do you want to ride home with us?
Before I could answer a sweet, melodic voice entered our conversation.
"Miss Swan." Regina said politely.
I spun around and she smiled at me then looked at my parents.
"Mr and Mrs. Swan I presume?" she asked sticking her hand out.
They each shook it with a smile.
"Yes we are." my dad said. "And you are…?"
"Ms. Regina Mills. You're daughter is very bright."
"She is." mom replied with a proud grin. "Are you a teacher of hers?"
"Yes. Physics."
"Oh Emma talks about you all the time. It's finally nice to meet you." she said.
I felt the color drain from my face. I don't talk about her all the time. Just most of the time.
"The feeling is mutual." Regina replied. "Sorry to jump in your conversation, I couldn't help but overhear that you were about to leave? I was wondering if I could have a few words with her. I can take her home if need be."
They both looked at me.
"It's up to you." dad answered. I didn't want to look like an ass in front of my parents also I was geniuenly curious of why she was doing this.
"Yea that's fine."
"Hand me your volleyball stuff, we'll take it home for you." mom held out her hand for my bag. "And if for some reason you change your mind about the party let us know okay?"
"I will." I nodded and leaned in to kiss them both on the cheek.
I said my goodbyes to them and the team as they headed to their cars and the lot began to clear. Regina placed her hand on my shoulder and I noticed she kept her distance. I would say it's because she's mad at me but as teachers, students and parents walked by I realized it was because we were still technically at school. She needed to be in teacher mode. It had to be formal.
"Walk with me." This was not her asking.
Folding my arms over my chest to appear tough I huffed.
"We can talk here." I said.
"You know we can't." Regina replied.
What does she mean? Why can't this fucking woman just ever say what she's thinking instead of this shitty code language.
"What about your friends?" my tone had a hint of annoyance as I made reference to Mr. Fucktard Hyde.
"You are my friend." her hazel eyes bore into mine, slowly I surrendered.
Letting my arms fall down to my sides I nodded my head. Smiling at me she turned around and walked as I followed behind her.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"My car." she whispered then smiled at a teacher she knew walking by. "I parked over there." pointing with her fingers, it was tucked away on the far end and hard to see.
Of course it would be her car. A place she was comfortable and knew that I was not. My shoulders slouched as I kept a step behind her and when her Porsche came into view my heart began to speed up and my palms began to sweat. Unlocking the door she let me in like the last time and my reaction was the same, to hide the stupid blush from such a small gesture. After Regina got in, she turned on her car, fastened her seat belt and pulled us out of the lot as we headed in the direction of my house.
"Are you just taking me home?" I could have rode with my parents if that was the case.
"No."
"Then?" I pressed.
As we stopped at a red light she turned to look at me. Her stare was heavy and the tension between was thick.
"Do you trust me?" the words fell from her lips with a hint of mischief behind them.
Eh. That's a loaded question.
But I guess overall, I'd have to say...
"Yes."