AN: I have a few chapters written. My schedule for posting is going to be on dates that end in a 0 or 5. It'll be easier to remember when to post for me. I don't want to keep everyone waiting for a while if I post everything all at once.
I don't own the characters or OUAT.
All mistakes are mine.

"So, Regina," her mother started, "How was school today?"

"It was alright, Mother. I just have a lot of homework tonight," Regina said as they walked down the street towards 'Granny's Diner' to get something to eat.

"Well, if you had not been spending so much time with that boy, Daniel," Mayor Mills replied with disgust lacing her voice, "you would not have this much work to do at the last minute."

Regina kept her response to herself, knowing that her mother wouldn't want to hear any excuses. As they entered 'Granny's Diner,' Regina couldn't help but cringe at the little bell which signaled their arrival.

'That bell is far too loud. Granny doesn't even need it though. There's always someone eating somewhere in the diner,' Regina thought right before her brown eyes meet green ones.

Regina had missed whatever Ruby had said to her and her mother, but thankfully her mother was there to answer for her, "Yes Ruby. But we will be taking them to go, please."

That statement was able to drag Regina's eyes away from the newcomer's. "Um, Mother. Jefferson and Zelena wanted to meet up today to work on a project for a class. Is it ok if I stayed and waited for them?"

'Hopefully, she doesn't catch the lie. She is always able to tell when I'm lying. I just want to know more about this mysterious green-eyed girl.'

"Of course, dear. Ruby, my food will be to go, while Regina's food will be to stay. We will be in the booth in the corner."

Regina shot off towards the back booth before Ruby could answer; she wanted the seat facing the door, and ultimately the counter so she could figure out who the unfamiliar teenager was.

'Who is this girl? Why can't I get her off of my mind? Maybe Mother would know who she is.'

"Mother -"

"Mayor Cora Mills. It's a delight to see you outside of the school and office," said an older man with a limp and a cane, cutting off Regina's question.

"Mr. Gold," the mayor replied coldly. "If you would kindly excuse my daughter and myself, but we would like to spend some time together. Alone."

"Of course. My apologies, dear Regina," the principal directed to Regina. "Also, don't forget, you will be escorting the new student on Wednesday. She is the blonde girl at the counter."

'The one that I can't get out of my head.'

"Certainly, Mr. Gold. I won't forget about it."

Ruby walked to the table with the mayor's salad in a take-out container, and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Gold. Here you go, Madam Mayor. Regina, your food will be done in a few minutes."

"Thank you, Ruby. Have fun, dear. Study hard," Regina's mother said while handing Ruby enough money to pay for the food.

"I'll walk you out, Madam Mayor," Mr. Gold said to Cora.

"I'm sorry, sir, but you still have to pay for your food," Ruby said, effectively stopping the principal.

"That's right, dearie. I'll do that now," he said as he watched Mayor Mills walk out the door.

'Is that the new girl's mother? No, they don't look similar at all. She also looks a little young to be her mother. I don't know.'

"So, Regina," Ruby broke her out of her thoughts and forced her gaze off of the new girl. "Do you actually want a salad or do you want your usual burger when your mom's not around?"

"Sa-salad, please."

"Coming up."

'I hope she didn't notice me staring at the blonde-haired, green-eyed beauty.'

After twenty minutes and two texts, Jefferson and Zelena entered the diner and headed to the back corner booth.

"Hello, Jefferson and Zelena, what would you like to order?" a waitress that had brown hair asked the two newcomers after they sat down.

"Tell your girlfriend, I would like my usual. What about you, Z?"

"Jefferson, be nice to Belle," Zelena chided. "I would like onion rings and a glass of water, please."

"No problem, guys. I'll tell Ruby," Belle replied before she walked away.

"Doesn't everyone know that Belle and Ruby are dating?" Jefferson asked the rest at the table. "They don't pretend, like a certain mayor's daughter and her boyfriend, right?"

Regina glared at Jefferson at the same time that Zelena smacked him behind his head.

"Ow! That was uncalled for!"

"As was that statement," Regina snapped, taking her attention off of her male best friend and back onto the two new faces that sat at the counter talking to Ruby.

'Is there any way for me to find out her name before Wednesday? But also without it seeming creepy...? Is she looking at me? I can't tell...'

"Regina? Class president? Miss Mills? HELLO!?" Zelena yelled while snapping her fingers in Regina's face.

"What?" Regina asked after focusing back on her friends.

"What keeps taking your attention off of your two best friends that you begged to come here?" Zelena asked looking around the diner for anything abnormal.

'Oh, Zelena's yelling is what grabbed the blonde's attention, not me,' Regina thought sadly.

"Nothing, Z. I've just been distracted lately."

"Here's your mushroom burger with fries, on the inside, with a side of fries, and a Diet Pepsi, for Jefferson. And for Zelena, onion rings and water," Ruby said as she placed everything on the table. "Also Jefferson, stop teasing my girlfriend. I don't tease you about Killian."

"Sorry, Rubes," Jefferson said while blushing about his crush and stuffing a fry in his mouth.

'Maybe Ruby will know her name. She's only been talking to her the entire time.'

"Hey, Ruby, before you go back behind the counter, who's the new girl? I'm supposed to give her a tour of the school Wednesday," Regina asked shyly.

Surprised at Regina's shyness, Ruby replied hesitantly, "Her name's Emma. She's pretty cool, actually. Just go up and talk to her."

"Yeah. Maybe," she whispered as Ruby walked back around the counter, then continued her conversation with Emma and the woman with her.

'Em-ma. That's a pretty name. It suits her.'

"Distracted? Lately?" Jefferson asked before taking a bite of his burger. "Ah, I ba mew gar," he continued with his mouth full.

"Translation, please, Zelena?"

"Distracted? Lately? Yeah, by the new girl. And I have to agree. Every time someone talks, your attention is over at the counter. Everyone but your mom knows you're bi, but you do have a boyfriend," Zelena replied with a smirk.

"Shut up," Regina snapped.

"Just go over there and talk to her. Ruby said she's cool so just do it." Jefferson almost convinced her. Almost.

"And whatever Ruby says is cool, is automatically cool, huh?"

"Absolutely!" both Zelena and Jefferson said at the same time.

"Fine, just let me finish my salad first."

Less than thirty seconds later, Emma ran past their table and into the bathroom.