Emma left the mayor's house, leaving a snoozing Regina, naked and sated on the couch. She ran her fingers through her hair and took a deep breath as she stepped off the porch, unable to keep the smirk from her face as she walked to her yellow bug.
Unbeknownst to her, Charming was waiting for her back at the station, readying himself to give her the speech that he'd been preparing all morning, in which he gave little space for Emma to give her side of the story.
When Emma arrived at the station, she saw Charming sitting at her desk, arms crossed, ready for action. He stood and began to speak.
"Emma, I know that you're an adult, but I'm still your father. When you started disappearing off to the gym at five every morning, I was impressed by your willpower. But honestly, I think you've been lying to me and your mother about where you've been going," Charming said, looking expectantly for Emma to explain herself. When she raised her eyebrows in confusion, he continued.
"I saw your car parked outside Regina's house this morning," he said, again waiting for a response.
"Emma I need to know why you were at Regina's."
Emma was gobsmacked; he was talking to her as if she had been caught scheming with a serial killer. She had been at Regina's, for christ sake.
"Um, David-" Emma began, unsure of what to say, but David cut her off.
"I need the truth please. I don't need you coming up with some excuse," David's frustration was evident.
She rolled her eyes before responding.
"David, I have been going to the gym every morning. I happened to run into into Regina this morning and went to her house for coffee to discuss Henry. You are very correct, I am an adult. I don't appreciate being treated like a child and I especially don't appreciate being called a liar.
David's shoulders slumped; he wasn't sure whether to believe her, but could not further pursue it at the moment.
"I'm sorry," David told her sheepishly. "Um, I have to, go… I shouldn't have assumed the worst…" he said, crestfallen, but still curious. He exited the station without another word, Emma remaining silent as well.
Emma fell into her chair and ran her fingers through her hair, sighing in frustration.
~~~
When Emma regained her composure from her father's sneak attack, she flicked her computer on to check her emails.
After scrolling through what seemed like miles and miles of Nigerian Princes and Million Dollar jackpots, she spotted a message from Regina, marked urgent.
Sheriff Swan,
Please do not neglect to attend our meeting today at 1pm in my office. As you know, the monthly evaluation of the police activity is crucial in maintaining a safe and secure town for all of its residents.
The tardiness which you have displayed for the last three meetings was unacceptable and I may have to implement a policy which may somewhat, limit your movements, if it were to continue.
I will see you later today in my office.
Mayor Mills.
Emma relaxed back into her chair, a playful smirk on her face. Trying to decide whether being late or early would prompt a better treat.