I stared at myself in the mirror. Up. Down. Up. Down. My eyes raked over my outfit over and over and over again. Blonde hair curled to perfection lay flawlessly across my shoulders. Compliments of Jefferson. The halter peacock purple dress popped beautifully against my skin, showing off my toned arms down to the way it hugged my hips like a snug blanket. High heels have never been my thing being that I spent most of my life in Vans, but I kept a pair in my closet for those times when I needed. Not to mention they make my legs look like they go on for days. So, I guess they're good for something. My make-up was nice, not too much but just enough to boost my confidence instead of bringing out the self-conscious.

"Emma!" Jefferson shouted from downstairs, clearly annoyed that I had been taking so long to get ready. But in his defense we are running behind. "I already called the Uber. Jillian G will be here in three minutes."

His footsteps thundered through the apartment before he appeared behind me. The charcoal colored slim-fit tuxedo and matching purple shirt brought something out of him, a self-respecting pride and confidence that glistened on the surface, combined with his freshly buzzed undercut hairstyle and slicked top made his blue eyes shine brightly.

"Okay, we look hot as fuck." His compliment did little to ease the nerves building inside of me. But, we did look hot as fuck.

"Is it too late to bail?" I halfway teased but judging by the raised eyebrow he was giving me it did not land the way I thought it would. From behind, Jefferson wrapped his arm across my chest and pulled me back, simultaneously resting his chin on my left shoulder.

"I think it's a little late for that." Slowly he turned me around so I was face to face with him, unable to run away. "Nerves are nothing but a signpost, love, the crossroads of adventure and fear. Tonight let's choose adventure." His lips pulled into a lopsided smile urging me to send one of my own. Yea, I guess there's no way around it now.

"You're right. Tonight will be amazing. We're going to celebrate the consummation of a beautiful couple." I stated, hoping those words would find their way to my anxiety and ease the tumbling feelings inside. Jefferson nodded, dropping his hands only to prop out his elbow for me to take. Grasping the inside of his arm we walked downstairs and as nervous as I was, I never felt more gorgeous. I didn't even feel this way for prom, but I mean, we know how well that night ended for me. Jefferson reached for my purse, disconnecting for only a moment before he was right by my side again. His phone beeped in his pocket as we opened the door and a beautiful black Bentley pulled up to the apartment. That must be Jillian G.

"Really? An Uber Black?" the surprise clear in my voice. He sent me a playful smirk, nudging my shoulder with his.

"You know the Hatter's have style." More like his mom has style, considering she's the one who got it for us. The deal was she gets us there and my parents get us one back. But an Uber Black? Shit has me feeling like a celebrity. The door opened and a woman in a suit hopped out.

"Hello, my name is Jillian and I'm your Uber driver for this evening." We both greeted her before Jillian opened the passenger door for us. Thoughts of Francis came to mind and for a split moment I wondered how he was doing and if he was still working for the Mills'. Would he be there tonight? It would be nice to see him. To know somebody outside of the bride and groom party. Jefferson kept up idle chatter with Jillian while my eyes gazed outside the tinted windows on the trees that grew in their infinite patience, leaves breathing out our oxygen, bathing in the same golden light as we soon will. The movement of the wheels over the road follow the curves and greet each slope in a smooth way. This car ride was my moment of meditation, a chance for my thoughts to settle before being in the presence of the family that I had thought was left in the rearview mirror, outside of Roland. Soon the car was slowing down, too quick for my liking and hoped the worries would dissipate upon arrival.

Limos lined the outside of the beautiful venue as crowds of people with smiling faces mouthed words that I couldn't hear. My green eyes scanned the area but came up empty and soon a gentle squeeze to my knee brought me back. Shifting my gaze to the left I saw Jefferson sporting a dazzling smile but eyebrows were furrowed hinting his concern.

"You ready?" his hand came off my knee before he flipped it palm up, wiggling his fingers urging me to take his grasp.

"Yea. Let's have an adventure."

We slipped out of the car hand and hand and were met with beautiful decorations. The venue was a garden party held upon a day of sunset skies and sweetly rising crisp air. Love was hanging in the atmosphere as if it were a new kind of electricity, palpable and real. Amid the flowers, amid the mass amounts of colors in breath taking hues, was a sense of newness.

"Damn. They really went all out." Jefferson let go of my hand to do a full three-sixty, before he set his sights on something in the distant. I followed his eyes, chuckling to myself once I saw what it was.

The bar.

And the bartender was kind of cute. Definitely his type.

"Let me see if I can get us some liquid courage. Are you going to be okay without me for a moment?" I nodded. I'm a big girl, plus I want him to live his best life too. Not be dragged down by my nervous energy.

Looking around I tried to see anybody that I remotely recognized. Roland? No. Zelena? No. Marian? Nah, I probably won't see the bride until she walks down the aisle. How about…Cora? N-oh shit…yes. Two beady brown eyes stared me down, thin lips pulled tightly into a frown. Sup bitch. Bet she didn't think she'd see me here. Actually I know she didn't. She thought that when Regina and I broke up that meant I'd be out the picture. But one thing she didn't count on was the relationships I built outside of Regina. And high key, seeing the shock cross her features is worth showing up. But I can see it in her face that she has reduced me to nothing. Maybe today, just for today I can try and look at things from a neutral perspective. So instead of walking away, averting my gaze, or flipping this crazy hoe off, I gave her a small wave and like I expected the older woman standing in front of me didn't know how to respond with anything other than the bitterness that clung to her aura.

This bitch.

"Who's the old lady rocking the death glare?" Jefferson asked, causing me to jump out of my skin. Not expecting any sympathy he laughed lightly.

"I'll give you one guess."

"Oh shit. Is that the mom?" My lack of response was answer enough. "I guess it's a good thing I brought you this." With his Jefferson like smile a glass of wine was brought to my face. I don't drink wine all that much and the few times I did it made me cringe, but it looks like that's all we get.

"How did you manage to swing this?"

"That guy over there-" he pointed to the bar holding the glass in between his fingers. "His name is Isaiah and Isaiah thinks I'm cute. Cute enough to disregard my age in exchange for a dance this evening." We've only been here for ten minutes and Jefferson is already smooth talking his way into the perks. Maybe I should have him smooth out Cora for me too.

"Thank goodness for your charm and looks." I teased, leaning into his shoulder and grasping the inside of his arm as he led us around the venue. They picked a wonderful day to have an outdoor wedding. The September sun peaked through the trees that rustled around in the light breeze, cooling down the guests and family members. High end name brand clothing and accessories surrounded us which isn't surprising considering I know very well how the Mills' roll.

"Have you seen her yet?" his voice barely above a whisper as his fresh breath licked my ear.

"No." I replied swiftly. But I knew it was only a matter of time before I ran into her. Would I keep up the fake niceties or should I tell her that I haven't been able to stop thinking about her since she came to pick up Roland two weeks ago. "But it's only been ten minutes so…"

"Yea, plenty of time left." He finished for me. I hadn't told him about my surprise encounter with Regina, afraid that it would be made into a big deal. "It'll be okay." He said encouragingly.

"That's what people say when they don't actually know if things will be okay." I shot back sarcastically.

"Well, here's to the calm before the storm." He held out his glass and we clanked them together then took a small sip.

As we stood there drinking our wine various guests greeted us which ended in the usual small talk; 'how do you know the bride and groom?', 'how long have you known them?', 'are you and Jefferson a couple?' blah, blah, blah. There was an audible sigh of relief when we noticed people heading to their seats that sat under the shade of the willow trees and on either side of the walkway that led to the decorated gazebo. Balloons and streamers fluttered around the railings and banisters, a festive mixture of blue, purple, and green. At the end of each seated aisle jasmine scented candles hung on the few naked tree branches. A playground was to the right that was empty and the few children that were there eyed it with desire. I can relate because I too would rather be playing, jumping, and climbing and I wasn't even being fussed over by a family member the way they were.

The wedding band was a jazz ensemble, not elevator music, but the kind you would hope to hear in some smokey underground speakeasy. It was full of soul, emotion sung for the ears by golden saxophones, flashy trombones, and shiny trumpets. But the jazzy tunes stopped as the opening to the bridal chorus began to play. The chatter that continued began to quiet down as Coach and Cora walked arm in arm down the aisle, sending smiles to various guests. Luckily he was walking down our side and when he saw us a glittering smile was sent our way. Jefferson groaned behind me I'm sure from how handsome he looked and I agree. I've never seen Coach dressed up outside of the volleyball sweater and shorts.

"He so fine." He whispered from behind me causing a light stir of guests to eye us. What? He's not wrong. A squeal brought my attention to the back once more and there was Roland, doing his best to contain his excited emotions once we made eye contact. He looked adorable in his mini tuxedo with a bowtie that matched the color of my dress. As he walked down with a box that looked like it held the rings whispers of 'awws' and 'how cute' snaked through guests and once he made it to the front Cora reached out to him but he pulled away. Ouch, that was visible to everyone. Making his way down the opposite side he slid down our row. Once getting close he held out his fist to dap with Jefferson then his pointer so we could do our E.T. greeting and without hesitation or asking slid onto my lap.

"I'm really happy you are here." But even the sweet compliment couldn't shake the feelings that came over me with the death glare Cora was shooting my way. I heard Jefferson suck in his teeth beside me noticing the look as well. Fuck. Her. She can't ruin this day for me.

Luckily the groomsmen and bridesmaids were lining up at the end of the aisle. I recognized none of the men but Zelena was first to walk down the aisle with a very handsome man that I knew Jefferson would find attractive. She waved then sent a smile as they walked down, splitting up at the end to stand on their perspective sides. Then the next couple, and the next couple, and the next, until finally she was there. Standing beside a man who should be so lucky to cling to her arm. My breath caught in my chest as our eyes met and when she passed me her hand came out as if she wanted to brush her fingers across my face but refrained from doing so. Finally the rabbi came out, asking everyone to stand. Jefferson picked up Roland so he could see and taking one last fleeting look at Regina I turned my head to find Marian and an older man who I assumed was her dad.

Her wedding dress could have been made for royalty. I never understood why women go all out for dresses that they'll only wear for one day but as I saw the smile upon her face that was sent to her groom I understood why it was worth it. It was the perfect Cinderella-Princess gown. It was her dream dress for a dreamy day with her very own Prince Charming. So wouldn't she go all out. Guests looked at her, taking pictures, smiling and waving but one thing was certain-nobody made a sound. As she passed all of us turned our bodies with her as if we are all attached to a string that was connected to her. I looked at Coach who stood taller, had his shoulders back, never taking his eyes off his future wife. And I could've sworn tears filled his eyes.

At the end of the aisle her father hugged her, placing her hand in Coach's and smiled. Before walking away he patted his soon to be son in law on the shoulder as if that was his way of welcoming him into the family. The rabbi dropped her hands cueing us to sit and I did my best to focus on the happy couple instead of my ex.

"Friends, family, and loved ones, we gather today to celebrate the marriage of Robin and Marian. Two halves joining together to create one long, happy life together." Jefferson nudged my shoulder with his shoulder, sending me a comforting smile.

"I'm okay." I whispered feeling his arm drape across my shoulders, pulling me into his side while Roland sat on his lap with his legs on me.

"Robin do you promise to love Marian unconditionally, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

"I do."

"And Marian, do you promise to love Robin unconditionally, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

"I do." She replied a little more cautiously than him causing snickers to float from the guests.

"And now the rings."

Roland slipped off our laps and walked to the front holding the little box, hair bouncing with each step that he took. He stood in between them as he held the box open.

"These rings symbolize your commitment to each other and a daily reminder that you are a family."

"My best friend." Coach said.

"My heart." Marian responded.

"Forever." They said in unison and stepped on the white bag, breaking the class inside.

"Mazel tov!" everyone shouted.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." Cheers and whistles blessed them as they embraced in a passionate kiss and walked hand in hand down the aisle with the bridesmaids and groomsmen followed. When Cora passed she sent me a scowl as if my existence was the foulest of stenches that fucked up her perfect little world. Jefferson murmured under his breath that was something along the lines of rat faced bitch. I mean…accurate though. As she turned away I sent Jefferson a smile and he winked back at me. Golf carts lined the pathway ready to take us to the reception area but Roland stayed with us while the bride and groom stood off to the side getting their pictures taken. Regina stood with her sister, talking to the groomsmen who were so clearly drooling over their appearances.

"You should go over, say hi. Get it out of the way." Jefferson stepped behind me while Roland moved in front of me.

"He's right. Don't worry. It'll be okay." Oh great. There we go again with the 'it'll be okay'. The little boy below me nodded his head urging to make the move I was so hesitant about but I know he's got ulterior motives. However before I could walk over there and start up a conversation she was already climbing in one of the golf carts and before being whisked away. Both Roland and Jefferson grumbled and moaned at my misfire.

"Roland!" Coach's voice rang through the open field with Marian waving him over. Without hesitation he moved over to his parents sending us smile as he walked away. Jefferson and I began to head to our own golf cart.

"Wasn't that ceremony beautiful?" his voice was dreamy as if he were thinking about his own wedding in a venue like this someday.

"It really was. You know what? If we don't find anybody by the time we're fifty let's get married." He laughed, a hardy one that shook both of our bodies. Damn. I didn't think it was that funny.

"You know what, assuming my future husband isn't floating around here somewhere, you may be on to something." His hand came down, interlocking his fingers with mine before planting a kiss on top of it. We got in the golf cart, driving through the path that seemed to go on forever, until we came across table that had lights stringing from above. And the food. Fuck the food smells delicious. Off to the side there standing in all his handsome glory was the man I knew to be Isaiah.

"Jefferson," Isaiah's eyes fluctuated with want, then landed on me.

"This is Emma. My best friend. My roommate. My ride or die." Well damn can he introduce me like that all the time.

"Emma, nice to meet you." Sending me an approving nod with flashes of relief crossing his face. I wonder if he thought Jefferson was my boyfriend. "Your table is number four. And I'll get those drinks over to you right away." As the two of them stared at each other in their own flirtatious Wonderland my eyes skimmed which table was number four and who we would be sitting with, but unfortunately I couldn't read the silly numbers stuck to the metal pole in their fancy print. Isaiah walked us over to the empty table where our names were typed out on the beautiful cards. Before Jefferson could sit down the bartender or waiter or whatever he was took his hand and kissed the top of it causing my 'ride or die' to heavily swoon.

"I'm officially apart of the Isaiah fan club." I said when once we were alone but his response was drowned out by the sweet melodic laugh I've come to love, hate, and maybe love again. "Regina." I whispered, I thought to myself but annoyingly perceptive ears caught it. His head swiveled back and forth until it froze.

"Damn she looks so fucking hot." I nodded in agreement, grateful when Jefferson's crush came back with wine. Grabbing the glass I took large sips while the familiar battle of flight or fight feelings slithered its way through my nervous system. There she was, head thrown back as laughter burst from her chest, a comforting hand stroking the arm of a man that was clearly more in her age range than I ever was, and ever will be.

"Emma dear, is that you?" and that sickly not-so-sweet voice ripped me from her, my old siren, to this fucking bitch. Turning my body towards her I mustered all of my strength the best I could because what the fuck else am I going to do. "Oh that is you, I didn't realize you were here."

"Really? Because I literally saw you see me about an hour ago. We held prolonged eye contact before the ceremony." My lips remained tight as the words squeezed through, even when Jefferson snorted beside me from my off the cuff comment. Surprise sank in when she realized that I wasn't going to take her shit. So she smoothed out her dress more for comfort than for the non existent wrinkles.

"Hm, looks like you still lack manners." And at this Jefferson stood, ready to blast all of his fury her way but she only looked amused.

"Cora-" I started, following my roommates action and stood in between them. "I'm not here to start up old drama. Robin and Marian invited me here. Not you. So please, stop trying to make this night about yourself." I stared at her intently and when she realized she wasn't going to make me run away and cry like the last time Cora stepped back, clearing her throat in the process.

"Run along." Jefferson said from behind me, using his hand for added emphasis. Her eyes moved between us before she finally backed down. Without saying another word Cora walked away but like tag team another presence was felt. Nascent browns caressed my skin, massaged my nerves, and my hair stood up on end. My body buzzed with that familiar hum, no longer feeling like it was too much. But just enough. And then in a flash it was gone.

There she is.

"That some serious badassery you just displayed." Jefferson had a large amount of pride twinkling behind his blue eyes as we sat down in our seats once more.

"It's a lot easier when you have someone in your corner." We shared a hug, only separating when people started looking for their seats, filling the tables that sat seven. The first ones that sat at our table was a couple who introduced themselves as the Jonathens. Because both of their names were Jonathen. In addition their son Michael who looked to be about the same age as Roland sat down with us too. How cute is that? Next was a woman, Twila. Beautfiul name fit for a gorgeous woman. She had long blonde hair, big blue eyes, and a body like wow. Another woman sat down next to her, her partner Sunshine who was also beautiful. They made a cute couple.

"So how did you meet?" Jefferson asked the Jonathens when the appetizers began pouring onto to the tables. He always had the gift of the gab and found myself even more grateful that I brought him as he easily sparked up conversation making everyone feel at ease.

"Well we met a club, both of us were trying to hit on the same guy and when we got shot down, sparks flew in our mutual misery."

"Twelve years later, here we are."

Everyone chuckled around the table. It's cute, it really is but I'm distracted. Distracted by the widely moving hands of Regina behind Twila as she talks to her mother, very much away from the crowd. Her mother who had a disapproving look on her face, brown eyes never staying in one place to long as she pointer her fingers like she was scolding a puppy. Regina crossed her arms and I could see the eyeroll. She was clearly frustrated, the vein in her neck bulging, her face flushing with red before she mouthed words that I could very cleary see: 'Fuck you' and she stomped away.

"Go after her." What? I looked to my right and there was Jefferson nudging his head in her direction. "Go, I'll be fine." I sent him a smile before excusing myself, heading off in the same way that she went with my wine glass in hand. The wet grass clung to my foot making it harder to walk so I slipped the shoes off and boy, that was a good idea. The lights from the party began to dim as the distance lengthened and soon I was under the dark blanket sky with twinkling of the stars as my only light. A tiny figure in the distance walked in the gazebo where the ceremony was held. That must be her. The sound of the grass crunching beneath my feet became louder and louder. Until I was just on the other side hearing sniffles.

Crying? I'm trying to remember the last time I saw Regina cry.

"Is this where the cool kids sit." Rounding the corner I took a few steps up. Regina snapped her head in my direction and even in the dark I can see the whites of her eyes red from tears. I see her gravity drawn shoulders painting a picture of her heart as if it or her soul would welcome a beat. Her brain has built up some new walls leaving her so lonely on the other side.

But here I stand ready to take them down brick by brick and start to feel and show her that I could be a true friend.

"Hey." Trembling fingers came up and wiped her eyes, smearing a little make up in the process. I sat down next to her and reached out, my palm rubbing comforting circles on her back. The second I touched her bare skin the tingles were too intoxicating to remove it. Judging by the flutter of her eyelashes and trembling lower lip, I knew she was experiencing the same and suddenly, the gaze changed from confusion to that same, familiar undercurrent of magnetism. She shuffled out of my touch, shaking her head once she was free. A small pinch of pain circled my heart but I guess I shouldn't have expected anything different.

"You can go back and enjoy. I'm fine." A disgruntled sigh filled the quiet gazebo.

"But what if I would rather be here?" Because in reality I would, but the way her chin cocked to the left as eyelids sharpened closer together let me know that she was seriously doubting my words.

"Do you?" A harsh jab was contained within that sentence and judging by the quick side eyes, she knew how it had hit me. That familiar overwhelming sensation of guilt encroached its fingers around me. Normally, I'd sink into the feeling, as though I deserve the pain. With Regina in front of me, patiently awaiting my response, I leaned forward, putting my full weight on my forearms. She observed this newfound confidence with a twitch of a smile on the corner of her lips. Her anger and frustration isn't about me, I don't think. Or maybe it is, maybe she's feeling just as confused as I am since our last encounter. Instead of responding I placed a hand on her knee, squeezing gently but this time she didn't move away. "I'm sorry." She shook her head softly, "Just my fucking mother being…"

"Your mother." I finished for her. We shared a smile as I took a sip from my glass, feeling her brown eyes stare at me.

"You're a little young to be drinking wine, aren't you?"

"Sometimes rules and guideline are made to be broken. We've done it before," I teased and saw a gentle shake of her head. What had been an attempt at an icebreaker or small joke had only discomforted her. She stood, lithe and elegant as ever, leaning against one of the posts that sturdied the roof of the gazebo. "Do you want to talk about…what happened?" I held out my glass which she took and downed the rest of the wine and then focused her attention on me.

Her eyebrows raised slightly-only enough to register surprise and indignation before her features relaxed into indifference. She shuffled a little, pausing to look at her phone clutched tightly in her palm then cleared her throat once more. Her hand raised to tuck some hair behind her ear and the action filled me with unrelenting satisfaction. "My mom was surprised to see you here," and by surprised she means upset. "And she asked if I could politely excuse you." I'm sure those weren't her exact words but I'm also sure I don't want to know what those exact words were.

Regina let out sigh along with another anxious run of the hand that sifted through her hair causing part of it to fall back in front of her eyes. I sucked in a small breath of air at the beauty in front of me.

"Well, we won't be here that much longer." I responded as I stood. Tilting my head, I gazed at the stars upward, eyes more open than they can be in the fullness of the day, not looking at one star, yet somehow seeing them all at once. Soon bare skin brushed against mine and tingles ricochet underneath my skin, vibrating my nerves to a new level of highness.

"Don't leave. Robin and Marian wouldn't want you to." From the corner of my eye the bottom plump lip was turning red from the gnawing her teeth were giving. "And neither do I."

My ears perked up at this and a smile spread helplessly across my face. "But your mom, I don't want to cause any trouble."

"Fuck mother." Her eyes narrowed as she pursed her lips. Yikes, I don't think I've heard her say that.

"Wow, since when?" I'm genuinely surprised but she shrugged her shoulder as if it was no big deal, but I couldn't help but feel it was quite the opposite.

"I've been feeling this way for a while. I just-" she dropped her head and I had to glue my hand to my thigh in order to avoid brushing her hair out the way. "I always wanted her approval and I don't even know why." If a Catherine wheel firecracker were a blade-that would be Cora, crying hot tears as she spins around leaving random wounds without apparent consciousness. "I let her get in the way of so much. My teaching job. My family…" and soon I felt her eyes going over my profile. "Us."

I see it. The emotions in her eyes telling me she needs more of a connection. I tried to fight it, I did but the familiar electricity that followed us relentless, a piggyback on top our inexplicable tingles were too much to beat. She was the only one that I experienced this involuntary reaction around and it boggled my mind. The equally frustrating thing was just trying to determine what the feeling meant. But I leaned over anyway, skin to skin once more and felt her shudder rippled against me.

Fuck.

I miss her.

"Sorry, I shouldn't be-" she started.

"No, don't apologize." I cut her off, not wanting to hear the rest of that sentence. "Look, let's not do the tiptoe shit tonight. As a mutual friend told me not too long ago: no eggshells. We know each other too well for that."

A twitch of a smile pulled on her lips as eyes darted to me, gleaming with relief.

"You know I can be heavy footed at times. I like to stomp." And finally, there was a lightness in her voice.

"Let's make Led Zeppelin proud." I teased. Balling my fist like I was holding a microphone I brought the invisible product to my lips. "As we walk down the country lanes, I'll be singin' a song, you can hear me calling your name." I sang, out of key as fuck. But she didn't mind, laughing a melody so sweet my heart began to swell.

"Hear the wind whisper in the trees, Tellin' Mother Nature 'bout you and me." Regina added. And just like that it felt like we were back to the days before we knew we had feelings for each other. Just two people joking and teasing with each other.

"How have you been since I've seen you last?" I probably didn't need to fill the silence but I didn't want her mind to wander back to Cora. Her eyebrows furrowed once more and I could tell she was picking and choosing what to tell me. "No eggshells." I reiterated, seeing her nod softly.

"It didn't start off great, but it got better." Her tongue came out, swiping over her lips. "The first thing I did was look you up on social media after a few weeks of fighting with myself. It was almost instinctual after feeling upset that we officially broke up." She shook her head softly as a sarcastic crooked smile lifted the right corner of her mouth. "But I have no one to blame but myself. I did that. And then I saw pictures of you with that one girl." Oh shit. Kiya. Her gaze moved away from me, the muscles in her jaw flexing and her lips tight. "I saw her wrapped around your neck and your beautiful, happy smile. The dozens and dozens of photos you two had together. I saw your comments to each other filled with adoration and love. And somehow that told me that we were actually over." And though her lips remained tight a small frown appeared and I imagined this must've been the face she made when she found out. Shit. What do you say to that? While Kiya and I decided to just be friends we were also absolutely testing the waters with each other and I won't apologize for that. My jaw loosened and mouth slightly opened as I studied her.

"Are you jealous?"

One shoulder rose in a careless shrug. "Just stating a fact." Damn. Why does that sting so much? "Is it too heavy?" she continued.

"No. No eggshells." My tone was indifferent. The blasé carefree attitude that seeped through every word in our conversation felt like such a farce. It felt as though it sat on the table, looking with a face of judgment at both of us.

"Can I ask you something?" the monotone sound her voice once held seemed to soften. Drifting my eyes to her I noticed her features had melted down slightly too as I nodded my head. "Do you think I give up on things too easily?" Regina took a seat and I followed suit, sitting closer to her. So close that I can feel the heat rolling off her body.

"I don't know, I mean…it might obvious but I do wish you hadn't given up on us when Cora revealed her evil plan." I folded my hands under my dress feeling the cooler air nip at my skin. Maybe it was so I could warm up or maybe it was for comfort. "Why do you ask?"

"I used to think about this all the time. Us." She exhaled a breath and began to run her hand over her leg. "I used to wonder how different things would be if we had stayed together."

Silence.

"It's not just you. I fucked up too by giving Cora my phone." I offered, unable to forget my part in the blow up that used to be…us. How mad she was that night I was kicked out of her apartment, out of our relationship, and out of her life.

"No it's not your fault." Her hands came off her legs and ran over her face like she was tired before settling interlocked behind her neck. "I had already made the decision to cut off contact from you before then."

"Yea but…you were so mad at me. Obviously there was some part of you that genuinely felt that way."

She took a deep breath, allowing her eyelids to flutter shut, "It's just that when you told me what happened and everything went down it was easier to blame you. That way I didn't have to deal with my own shit, but there was no running away from it." Another sigh fell, this one full of guilt, "I'm sorry Emma. For everything. It's okay if you hate me, I think I'd hate me right now."

"No never." I retorted with surprising quickness. "There was a part of me that definitely didn't like you at the time but I think I was mostly hurt. But I guess we did what we thought best in the situation that we were in."

We stayed quiet as I let Regina's words sink in. Maybe I could've done without that bit of knowledge. No. We're not trying to tiptoe around this. And when the truth is absent comfort can be a delusion. My eyes rest on the grass just beyond the gazebo, not unblinking but slow.

"Are you okay? Honestly." her voice was filled with so much concern it reminded me of that day she came to my house when I wasn't feeling well. The familiar burn behind my eyes signaling the oncoming tears that I was surprised to feel.

"Yea I'm good. This is just…so bizarre." When I thought about going to the wedding and what our run in would be like awkward came to mind not whatever the fuck this is. She nodded and let out a light chuckle as if she was reading my thoughts. "I mean if someone told me a few months ago that I'd be sitting here with you talking about this shit. Forget it." I continued.

We shared a laugh and finally her hands fell from behind her head and she sank into the smooth wood of the gazebo. I mimicked her position but not as graceful due to the tightness of this dress.

"Same here." Her hand came down to rest in the space between us. Immediately my hands began to twitch. Feeling the pull to place my palm on her skin. "But this closure was good." Closure? Is that what we're calling this?

"Have you dated anyone since we've taken space?" I questioned. Fuck tonight I guess it's go bold or go home.

"For a brief period, I did."

"Did you feel it with them too?" Why was I pressing this?

"Feel what?"

"You know what I'm talking about." Because I needed to know.

Her jaw clenched and I knew I had touched a nerve.

"Did you Emma?" Once again eyelids narrowed. With her arms and legs crossed in her authoritative manner and sexy outfit, she looked like she was ready to command a room.

"No." The one word was full, rounded, definitive and her features softened at my answer.

"Well," she began, swallowed, and cleared her throat. "Neither did I."

We both stared at each other, the sweet tension between us seeming to rise. My hands felt hot and my heartbeat thrummed hard within my chest. I forgot how much I admired her. Her raw honesty. How the words spill out real slow as if the truth can take its time. And while I may have forgotten what her voice sounded like, or the fact that her face was beginning to blur in my dreams, one thing remained painstakingly clear.

My feelings for her never swayed.

"Would you like to come back to my place after the wedding?"

Her eyebrows raised, registering surprise from my question. It was bold of me to ask this but I wasn't ready for our conversation to be over. Not yet.

"Yes. If we have any more questions I suppose tonight would be the night to ask them. I will stay for a little bit."

"Okay then. Jefferson and I got an Uber here so maybe the three of us can take one back together." She shifted in her seat and I could tell I made her uncomfortable. "Or you can meet us there." I quickly rushed out.

"Let's see where things are by the end of the night and we'll come up with a plan."

Lucky for me Jefferson and Isaiah hit it off very well tonight, so much so that they decided to continue there fun at an 18 or over club. Good for him. But now that leaves Regina and I waiting in awkward silence for our ride.

"I hope we don't get a talky driver." I took a glance at her to see if I had broken the ice. A smile twitched on her lips and she nodded.

"I once had a driver who asked me if I wanted a quiet ride or if I wanted to talk. It was very refreshing to see that some takes this into account."

"I know. I always get so frustrated when they want to talk. Like, why would you want that?" I replied jokingly.

We chuckled as a black Tesla pulled up. I slid in, confirming my address and watched as Regina moved in and the careful calculations she performed to ensure there would be enough space between us. I knew she did this to diminish the magnetic pull we had towards one another but close enough to not appear rude. When she seemed satisfied, she leaned back with her purse in her lap, chanced a glance at me to find me already upon her then nodded. And we began the journey back to my place.

The driver, Samuel, took his gaze to the rearview mirror and after shifting between us, his wandering gaze never returned and his mouth didn't open. With a click of a button music swelled to a volume where conversation would be useless. All the same, I continued looking at Regina in regular intervals and judging by the constant shake of her leg and the way her lips stay tight she was aware of it. During those brief moments where my attention wasn't lingering on her, she made no comments only the sensation of being watched began. When I would glance back in her direction her head would swivel away from me and back towards the window.

The smile grew on my lips and stayed there the rest of the ride.

Walking Regina into the apartment was the best thing I could've asked for since she last saw it a few weeks ago bare bones. Our living room was set up with the old sectional L shaped couch from my parents' house. Jefferson's mom got us a TV that we were able to mount to the wall. Underneath sat our videogame consoles complete with DVD's and games lining the sides. Pictures of eclectic art and photos of friends covered the exposed brick making our space feel more like us.

"Wow," she stated as soon as we passed the doorway and she raked her eyes over the spruced up apartment. "You really made this place your own, didn't you?" A flicker of pride passed through her eyes and I swam in the look she was giving me.

"Yes, we really did." I replied, watching her take in the newly decorated apartment. "Would you like something more comfortable to wear. I was going to change so…" I trailed off, not missing the way her pupils grew in the light.

"That would be great. Whatever you have is fine."

I nodded and bolted up the stairs. As I rummaged through my drawer flashes of my first time at Regina's came to mind. Only I was the one downstairs who was nervously pacing back and forth wondering what in the fuck the rest of the night held for us. I grabbed her a pair of my shorts from the rock-climbing gym and a loose t shirt after I changed into sweatpants and a crop top hoodie. When I walked down the stairs she was staring at the photos on the wall. Her fingers pressed against the group photo from Belle's birthday party. The light coming from the LED lights above illuminated the color of her eyes like a beautiful piece of art that was hard to look away from. I leaned against the railing of the stairs and watched her, my arms folded across my chest with the clothes hanging limply from my fingers.

I cleared my throat, grabbing her attention. "Here ya go." Holding out the clothes to her, she took a couple steps and grabbed them from my hands. I pointed to the bathroom and once I heard the click of the lock let out an audible sigh. After my mind almost allowed me to forget her, here she was changing five feet away from me. Walking into the kitchen I headed straight for the fridge grabbing two cold bottles of water. When I came back Regina was sitting on the couch with her dress neatly folded beside her, beautiful heels sitting on top like they were on display. I handed her the bottle and sat down on the opposite side, giving us plenty of space to avoid making her feel uncomfortable.

The familiar heat began to build in my stomach and for the first time in a while I felt the appendage between my legs come alive at the sight of her sitting in my clothes. Fuck. She's so sexy.

"So, what have you been up to." Now she was the first one to break the ever growing silence between us.

"Well I work at a rock-climbing gym now. I'm getting pretty good at it."

"That doesn't surprise me at all," she smirked, and I wondered what was gong through her mind. "You were always a quick learner. You never gave yourself enough credit before." Her elbow came up to rest on the arm of couch before she let her head rest lazily in the palm of her hand.

"Thanks. I guess you're right. I really don't give myself enough credit, huh. I want to enter a competition so maybe I should start." She nodded, holding a small smile. "What have you been up to? Are you teaching again? Or doing other stuff?"

A smile crossed her face as an indescribable surge of pride flashed and broke down the wall that she was hiding behind. "Yes I am teaching again. I just couldn't stay away from it. When my mom threatened me the first thing I thought about besides you, was having all my licenses stripped away from me. Yes, I already in the process of leaving Red Rose High but that was on my terms. I was able to make that decision, not have it stripped from me." Her gaze flickered over to me for only a moment before she was staring at the rug on the floor mine followed unsure of where else to land.

I didn't know how to properly respond to that. There were no amount of words that could surmise the potential of losing one of her great passions in life. When I chanced a look her earthy brown eyes were boring into mine.

"Do you regret it?" I asked, scooting over a little, never letting my gaze drift away from hers.

"I thought I did, but now I realize I was just disappointed in myself for even moving forward with it while in my academic position. I just mean that I…I wish I had waited until I was no longer your teacher and you were eighteen."

She looked slightly guilty at the admission but in that moment it felt like she was releasing everything she had been holding captive in her mind. I closed the distance between us even more, wanting to reach out and comfort her with my arms and words, but I sat there silent and simply watched her face shift through emotions as she poured out her feelings.

"And after month and months, it was all undone by my fucking carelessness," she breathed out in a huff. "I felt like I was so cautious-" shit overly cautious if you ask me. "-but after feeling you…tasting you, I wanted more. Needed more."

I felt the twitch in my pants and immediately shieled myself from her view but my efforts proved futile because she noticed it anyway. She always noticed.

"We both got careless."

"Because we were in love." Regina whispered. Her statement hung in the air the same way an off-guard confession does-hitting me hard in one swift motion. She straitened her posture and tucked some rogue stands of brown hair behind her ear before tugging gently on her earlobe, sighing as she did. It gave me a sense of nostalgic comfort, underneath though the visible ripples of festered thoughts that hadn't seen the light of day covered her in dust and cobwebs.

We stayed in silence. Both of us lost in the mazes of our mind. She issued another small sigh before pushing herself off the couch and moved towards the TV. Her arms stayed crossed against her chest the entire time, a thoughtful bite capturing her lips.

"I don't see any pictures of your friend up here."

"Her name is Kiya." I answered quickly and with a defensive tone. "And we're not together."

"Why?" her reaction was immediate.

I cleared my throat, a defense mechanism I have when I need a moment to gather my thoughts, "We decided it was best to be friends. It felt good with her but, I don't know, I guess it didn't feel right." She nodded in response, keeping her eyes on the photos.

"Been there a few times myself."

"I can imagine. With Kiya I just didn't feel those…"

"Tingles." Regina finished for me, turning around finally cracking the barrier that she was trying to stay behind, letting me see all of her. We both stared at one another, having a knowing understanding of what exactly that meant. "How were you during everything?" her voice dropping and softening at the same time in a warm embrace of concern and whether she knew it or not her pause after was much appreciated, allowing me to sink into the sound of her voice. Because I have been weary that the tornado of these old, and almost scary memories would eventually return when I first saw her, but it also blossomed into something else. Our time together had molded into a deep love, something that I felt radiating around my soul, through my muscles and down to my bones. But it also demanded complete openness and after our history, broken down into hidden truths and forced goodbyes, the thought of being vulnerable scared the shit out of me. How I was that last week of school and a little after, how she emotionally and mentally sat in my thoughts in endless cycle of guilt.

"After you kicked me out I was a wreck, honestly," I choked out, trying to stifle back the impending tears. "I was so confused, and sad, and…angry. Going on vacation with Jefferson gave me a chance to hit the reset button and start healing." Our positions remained the same: her standing the middle of the room while I sat on the couch, and yet, that tense energy seemed to crackle in my apartment, as though it had been lying dormant ever since we had parted.

She cocked her head to the side, eyebrows furrowing and looked at me genuinely concerned. I paused, looking over every inch of her magnificent body and then smiled softly. "Greece makes a great therapist."

Regina let out a laugh, actually slapping her arm in the process, a movement that was very much new for her. I wonder how many little idiosyncrasies she's picked up. I watched her shoulders rise and fall as I got to my feet and moved through the tense air. She dropped her arms only for her hand to come up and nervously play with the ends of her hair, never taking her eyes off me. A content smile touched my lips at the motion and judging by her suddenly sheepish and awkward look and the tint of red flushing her cheeks she knew what had crossed my mind. Rolling her eyes, Regina smiled as she did so.

"I should call my ride." She said, as if that would somehow break the electricity. She took out her phone, tapped the screen a few times, and once she was done slid it into the side pocket of the shorts she was wearing.

Fuck me. Along with the other things that had been lying dormant was the way my body reacted to every single movement that she did. Once again the heat in my stomach cranked and twisted deep in my core. The attraction was palpable. I could grasp, touch, and mold it into whatever I wanted. Although I liked to pretend I moved on, the feelings had immediately resurfaced when she came to pick up Roland a couple of weeks ago. It was sudden, harsh, the kind that you would feel after nearly avoiding a terrible accident. The kind of adrenaline that surges entirely through your body, but short circuits your brain causing very shallow breathing.

This was always the effect Regina had on me as if it were woven into my very biological makeup.

"I have something to propose to you." And now I was directly in front of her, running my hand through my hair and once again, clearing my throat.

"What's that?" she offered.

"Maybe…maybe we can start over. Have a clean slate ya know." My fingers played with the fabric on my pants. "Are you currently seeing anyone?"

She kept eye contact with me, licking her bottom lip then clenching her jaw in thought. Apart from the night life that could be heard through the windows the apartment remained silent, along with the sizzling energy bouncing between us.

"No, I'm not."

"Well how about that. Neither am I." A goofy grin tugged on my lips and she chuckled and smiled. As if I was taking the first step in a high stakes game, my legs carried me further only inches from her skin. Her hard glare refused to leave me only demonstrated her lack of faith further and it made my skin itch with anticipation. A small smirk now slid onto her lips and she crossed her arms again, quite obviously looking up and down as if she were egging me on. "So what are your thoughts?"

My hands moved to my hips as we stared on another down.

"Just a fresh start?" she questioned, before her phone beeped and I assumed her ride was here.

"Yes." It was only now that I noticed I had hit a growth spurt, standing a few inches taller than Regina. Now I was the one looking down to her with unwavering eye contact. It felt good.

"Then…" a beat passed and momentarily I saw the flashes of fear and vulnerability resurface in her eyes. "Then slowly…we can see what happens." And boom, I felt it. The shift that occurred, the wave dispelling all the things it took for this small nudge and everything just clicked into their perfect position. The light from above added a shininess to her smile. "I should probably go. I'm sure the driver is pissed that it's taking me so long."

She walked around me, gabbed her things then headed off in the direction of the door. We stopped at the front and she reached to grab the knob, only she open the door like I thought. Instead she spun around and leaned her back against the frame.

"What if I wanted to stay?" She asked. The desire burned behind her eyes as she tilted her head to the side, raising an eyebrow.

I fucking missed that.

"Um, I mean…" Bitch say yes. You know want to. "Do you think it's a good idea?"

"I don't know." Pushing herself off the door Regina closed the gap between us. The tips of her nipples were almost touching mine as she gazed at me. "I know I'm not ready for the night to end. I know tonight made me happy."

"It made me happy too." Say it, fucking say it. "You make me happy Regina." The sentence stomped around the room like a bull in a glass shop. My heart was pounding rapidly against my chest that I could see it beat against my shirt. A shaky hand came up and it took everything for me to swallow the lump in my throat before my fingertips clasped around hers.

The current that rushed through my body wasn't explosive but something that simply grew through my muscles and stretched out like vines, crawling up our arms. A small flicker of her lashes confirmed that she felt them too.

"You make me happy too Emma." And I knew that in that moment if I went for a kiss she would've gladly accepted but I settled for interlocking our hands.

"So stay."

I didn't wait for an answer, just glided up the steps with her behind me. Pulling back the covers to my bed I let her get in first, then came around to the other side to slip under. Rolling over on her shoulder she faced me, eye contact telling me she would like physical contact and so the fuck do I, so I drape my arm over her, resting in the junction just above her hip. The pensive expression that she once held has melted away into a smile as soft as the morning light. She gazed at me deeply and if it were anyone else I would've looked away, but with her I'm drawn in closer. Her body squirmed as she relaxed into the covers.

There was something about her eyes that I don't know if I'll ever find in another person. With her though, it's all I'll ever need. Her and I, just eye contact and no words as our souls build bridge strengthening our connection for another.