Overhill and Underhill

Chapter 5

Author's Notes: Now that con is over for business you'd think I'd have time to breathe but I don't. I'm crazy busy as always but I managed to eek this chapter out in between various other things I have going on. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and as always if you feel so inclined let me know what you think! ~ Scarlette

The rains came on unexpectedly. The storm raged on outside the windows of Emma's hotel room. The photographer blew out a breath as she tried to figure out ways to cut the boredom. She had wanted to take pictures of Saint Mary's Cathedral and try to cut over to see and photograph King John's Castle but that was proving extremely difficult with the squall-like weather that had seemingly blown in overnight and continued to rage on showing no signs of stopping whatsoever. The winds were so strong, she hadn't dared to attempt to venture outside. She had gotten as far as the lobby of the Woodfield House Hotel before witnessing a person trying to walk outside almost get blown back against the doors when a strong gust appeared seemingly out of nowhere before she'd turned around and headed back upstairs to her room. She'd managed to get some editing done on the photographs she'd taken so far and had a conversation with August before the boredom of being stuck indoors truly set in. Now she found herself attempting and failing to pay attention to a station the hotel had set aside that played movies for their guests. Of course she would usually get a kick out of Vegas Vacation but right now, Clarke Griswold and the antics of his insane family weren't quite doing it for her. She stared up at the brown accent wall with its white floral pattern and then glanced at the white washed ceiling after flopping down onto her back. This was killing her mood, staying indoors had always done that to her. She supposed she could pull on her running shoes and go use the hotel's small gym but that didn't really appeal to her and she found herself to slothful to even make a move to change out of her yoga pants and tank top and into proper running attire.

She remained on her back staring at the ceiling when her phone rang. She arched a brow before sitting up and pulling the little device towards her. It was a number she didn't recognize but instead of sending it to voicemail as she always did in the states, she found herself picking it up.

"Hello?"

"Hello is this Emma?" A low, melodic voice carried over the line and she found herself unknowingly grinning as she recognized the caller.

"This is she. Hello Regina."

"Oh so you recognized my voice? I was afraid I might sound different over the phone and you wouldn't be able to tell who I was."

"Your voice is kind of distinct actually. What's going on?"

There was a pause, "You Americans and your strange way of speaking. Well I've found myself in Limerick unexpectedly and I thought perhaps we could get together and have drinks? Given the weather it might be best if I come to you."

"It's rather bad outside. I didn't know Ireland could have weather like this."

"It's rare but not unheard of I'm afraid. My grandmother used to say it was because the Gods were angry."

"And they don't get angry often?"

"On the contrary, they do. It just takes a lot to get them this angry."

"Right okay. Well um…if you'd like to come to my hotel, I'm in the Woodfield House Hotel. There is a bar downstairs. I can meet you down there."

"Should I go ahead and come over?"

"Can you give me like twenty minutes? I'm kinda in lounge wear and I doubt anyone would appreciate that sight."

"I think you'd be pleasantly surprised Emma. I'll meet you in the bar in twenty minutes then."

"Right, okay. I'll see you then Regina."

Hanging up the phone, Emma jumped up and ran a hand through her un-brushed hair. Her fingers tangled and she tugged them free with a grimace. She had a lot of work to do in twenty minutes.

"How is it with weather this bad she manages to look that good?" Emma muttered to herself as she peered in the doorway of the bar, red painted walls with their black wooden paneling offering a rich warmth to the atmosphere that wasn't readily available outside. It was too dark, too foreboding, and too windy. The wind blew harshly and rattled the windows and doors. She shuddered as she shifted, her braided hair swinging back and forth with the movement.

She felt underdressed next to Regina who was sitting at the bar in high black stiletto boots and a deep blue dress with a low dipping back. A string of pearls rested against her exposed collar bones set off by the simple pearl drop earrings she wore. Her black hair was sleek as ever, her makeup done to perfection. Red lips were tilted up as her green eyes remained locked on the young bartender, whose fair face burned with a blush as he obviously tried and failed to keep his eyes to himself with the beautiful woman sitting in the red leather seat across the black wooden bar from him.

The photographer watched as Regina uncrossed and re-crossed her legs, her dress riding up to reveal the tops of olive toned knees. She leaned forward, lifting a martini glass and taking a sip of the drink. The bartender watched attentively as green eyes focused on him briefly before turning as though feeling the photographer's eyes on her.

"There you are." She called out with a small smile. "I was beginning to worry I'd been stood up."

The photographer brushed her sweaty palms on her tight jeans as she made her way towards the beautiful woman. "I'm sorry I'm late."

"Better late than never. I was just talking to Liam here while I waited. Should we grab a table or…?"

"Sure," Emma dipped her head and nodded. "Liam can I get a Guinness pint?"
"Of course, I'll bring it to you." The young man dipped his head, then looked back at Regina. "I'll see you again Miss Regina?"

"I'm sure you will." Regina offered him a small smile before looking at Emma. "How is the photography going?" She slipped to her feet, grabbing her little black clutch from the bar and her glass before moving to one of the high-topped tables across the bar.

"It's proving difficult with the weather."

Regina hummed and dipped her head, "I am sorry about it. I know the weather can be a bit unpredictable here at times but it's normally not this bad."

"It's not like you're responsible for the weather Regina. It's no one's fault."

Regina's small smile held a hint of mischief and a bit of something else but she merely lifted her glass to her lips and took a sip of the clear liquid.

"May I ask what you're doing in Limerick?"

"I was here on business when the weather got bad. I decided as it were to stop for the day and thought perhaps since you were likely locked inside as well that I would see if you'd like some company."

"You're a welcome distraction from the boredom that was beginning to set in."

"You don't like to sit still do you?"

"When I was young, I was very hyper. I could never sit still…"

"I bet that drove your parents insane." Regina offered with a small smile. It wasn't like her usual Mona Lisa smile. This one seemed so genuine and the photographer found herself giving into it and revealing personal information about herself that she normally would've never shared with someone that was practically a stranger.

"I never knew my parents. They abandoned me on the side of the road as an infant. I was bounced through the foster system until I aged out and my friend August and I stayed together. We were both foster kids together so once I was old enough, we got a place together and just tried to forget."

"I was unaware…I'm sorry. Truly."

Emma shrugged, lifting the pint to her lips. She took a sip of the dark, thick drink and set it down on the table with a small clink. "It was a long time ago. I've all but forgotten what that's like now. I got lucky. I found August and we got through everything together. When he aged out, he stayed close by and he kept me on track, made sure I didn't do anything stupid like end up in jail or something."

"He sounds lovely. I'm glad you had him."

"Me too. We've been together a while but we've lived together ever since I got out."

Regina nodded, "I think I would've liked a brother."

"Are you an only child?"

"I have a half sister that's a few years older but we aren't close…in fact I believe she hates me."

Emma's brow furrowed, "Why would she hate you?"

"I think she resents me for my relationship with our Mother. But honestly she got rather lucky to be raised away from her." The brunette lifted her martini glass to her ruby lips and took a small sip before setting it back on the table.

"That bad?"

"Horrid in fact but I got lucky. My Father adored me and I was blessed to spend most of my childhood at his side."

Emma smiled, "That sounds nice."

"It was, he was a good man."

"Do you miss him?"

"Terribly but I'll survive. He's been gone a long time now."

"I am sorry; I can't imagine what it's like to lose someone you love."

"You learn to live without them and to survive through it." Regina took a breath, "Since the weather is so bad, would you like to have dinner with me tonight? We can stay in your hotel since it doesn't seem like we're going to be able to get out anytime soon."

"Um…sure. Okay. That'll be great."

"May I see the photographs you took in the meantime?"

"Oh, um…sure."

"Finish your drink and then you can bring your computer down. I'd like to see them on the bigger screen than just your camera. I assume of course you have them on your computer?"

"I do; I was editing them before you called."

"Then I'd really like to see them to see how they turned out."

"These are beautiful." Regina flipped carefully through the edited photographs that Emma had put on her computer from her memory card to clear up space for her next set of photographs which were supposed to be taken today but the squall had prevented that. She sighed with a small shake of her head as she turned to face the woman seated on her bed with her laptop open in front of her. Her heels were kicked off near the door. It had surprised Emma how petite Regina actually was but she thought it suited the brunette perfectly.

"You have a real talent. I think I told you that before but seeing them like this…"

"I'm not as good as others I'm sure."

"I disagree. I think you're better than most." Regina continued to click through the pictures before she stopped.

"What's this?"

"Oh…um…remember how I told you about that portrait I bought?"

"This is it?" Regina looked over at her, a finely plucked brow arched.

"Yeah…it's really strange though. I can get a clear shot of everything but her face. It just…blurs out."

"Where is it now?"

"In the car…I didn't want to bring it up and with the weather being what it is…I worried it would get ruined and I couldn't bare that."

"You're very fond of her I take it?"

"I suppose…I can't really explain it. I'm sure she's long dead. I mean how could she not be? They don't exactly paint portraits like that anymore."

"Her dress looks English. The square scooped neckline gives it away."

"You've seen a dress like hers before?"

"Oh yes…it's a design typical of the 1700's. Give or take a little on that. Of course I can't be sure but I'd place it roughly in that time period."

"I forgot you're an art curator."

Regina smiled softly, "I'm sure she's beautiful…whoever she is."

"Yes…stunning truly."

"I'd like to see her. Perhaps if the weather lets up you can bring her inside. I'd like to see what she looks like."

"Of course…I'm…I'll um…"

Regina twisted, looking at the blonde standing so close and shifting her weight from foot to foot. "You don't want me to see her?"

"No, I…" Emma took a breath and released it slowly. "She's just…I just…"

"It's all right. You don't have to show her to me. I just thought I could help you figure out who she is but I understand if you prefer the mystery."

"I just…I guess I'm afraid that if I know who she is…suddenly she won't be so…"

"Important?"

"Yeah, exactly."

"Well my offer still stands if you'd like my help but if not I understand completely."

"Thank you."