A/N: Thank you all or continuing on this journey with me behind the eyes and thoughts of Emma and Regina. I am currently working on a sequel so if you haven't yet, check out chapter 1 that's uploaded now! :) Also, future reference, but I plan to turn this story into a novel. I am not sure when but it will happen. Thank you all for your support! Happy reading!
Chapter 21: Emma
After pacing in the bathroom that night, after Regina left the kitchen and I finally joined Audrey in the bedroom, I stopped in front of the bathroom mirror. My hands clung to the sink, my knuckles turned white as my grip tightened along the cold tile. Had I'd been Supergirl, I would have busted the damn thing. I breathe out a scoff, because how I wish I was made of steel. Leopold wouldn't stand a chance, and I could take Regina into my arms and fly her far, far away, into her own fortress of solitude where no one could ever hurt her again. I rake my hands through my hair in frustration and pace once more. She was with him! And the anger that stirred inside of me just thinking about what could be happening to Regina inside that bedroom right now, lit a fire inside of me that if it got any hotter, it would burn right through my chest.
I think about her eyes, Regina's eyes as they stared up at me. So calm, so scared, but also a little hopeful. How could she do that? How could anyone endure rape like that? 'Years and years of practice, Ms. Swan.' I hear Regina's answer in my head, playing over and over.
Sure, the asshole would be gone tomorrow- for two long weeks- that I'm sure would be heaven on Earth to Regina. But that didn't change the fact that she had to give herself to him tonight- or any night for that matter! Regina wasn't a piece of meat that any sadistic fuck could feast on. Regina was so much more than that. And he didn't see it. No one saw it. And it killed me that the light Regina radiated off of her when she smiled wasn't valued, appreciated.
Well, come tomorrow and for the remainder of these two weeks. I would make sure to see it all the more. I would appreciate every bit of Regina, drink in as much of her as I could. With that mindset, it still took everything in me to not storm out that door and march over into their bedroom. Instead, I climbed into bed with Audrey, lied on my side and instantly was seeked out by Audrey's embrace. Her arms snaking and clinging to my side, and around my stomach. I feel warm lips press along my shoulder blade as her hand starts lifting up the hem of my tank top.
My hand catches hers before she can continue, "Audrey," I call out in an attempt to stop her. I know what she wants, and under different circumstances; I'd be up for it. But knowing what Regina was going through right now, the hell that asshole must be putting her through, just a few feet away. I was nowhere in the mood to do this with Audrey. My head turns, my eyes looking at Audrey over my shoulder, "Not tonight, okay? I'm- I'm pretty beat."
"Yeah, right," Audrey chuckles, and her lips continue their persistent assault.
I hold onto her hand, determined not to move mine as I turn my whole body, rotating it until not only facing her but I'm sitting up. "No, Audrey. I'm serious." My eyes lock onto Audrey's surprised gaze. "I'm sorry, I know you're leaving but, I just can't."
"What's going on with you, Em?" Audrey sits up, concerned for my behavior.
As I'm looking at her, sitting there, feeling every bit of anger and frustration build inside of my heart, I almost want to break my promise I had made to Regina and tell Audrey everything. Tell her what was going on so that maybe she could bust into that bedroom and stop the madness Regina was momentarily going through. But that would only make me lose my friendship with Regina. And I couldn't have that. And David, ever the wise man that he was, always made sure I knew that when we made a promise- we honor it.
David was every bit of a human being I hoped to be. My mom, too, of course, but ever since meeting David; and he became a part of our small little family. Him and I, we connected in ways I had never connected with not even my own father.
Maybe it would do me good to talk to David about this. But not tonight. Tonight I just wanted to sleep away whatever it was I was feeling. But I made a mental note to call David soon. Talking to him always did me good.
"Nothing. I'm just tired, that's all." I reply to Audrey, lying back down along my side. My eyes locked onto the door of our bedroom, as if by some miracle Regina would walk in or across the room, to where I could see her shadow underneath the crack of the door and let me know that everything was okay. That she didn't go through with it.
Audrey scoffs a little, "Is that really the reason? Because you're tired?"
I roll my eyes, not really in the mood for this either. "Yes," I murmured. "People get tired, you know we were out all day today, I just want to sleep. Please." It's silent behind me, so silent I turn around as soon as I adjust the anger in my voice. My eyes look to Audrey's. "Look, I swear, nothing's wrong with me, okay? I'm just tired. Really. But when you come back from this trip with your dad, we'll go multiple rounds." I smile a little for affect. My fingers brush back a strand of hair from Audrey's face and tuck it behind her ear.
Finally, she smiles. "You promise?" Her brow lifts as she gives me that I won't forget look.
"When have I ever broken my promises?" I chuckle, welcoming Audrey into my arms as she settles beside me, holding me close. We share a kiss goodnight, we say our I love you's, I tell her I'll miss her and that's the end of it. While Audrey drifts into a deep sleep within minutes, my eyes turn to the bedroom door for the last time tonight. No Regina.
I wake up the next morning, feeling a little better after last night. I check my phone first thing and I see a message from Audrey, keeping me posted that they've boarded the plane. I type back a quick message, wishing her a safe trip and to message me as soon as she lands or as soon as she's settled wherever it is that they will be staying. I hope she has a good time.
I climb out of bed and get dressed for the day. Once I'm dressed, I pick up my camera and head downstairs. As I stop along the hallway, my first instinct is to look toward Regina's bedroom which door is closed. I think about knocking, but I decide against it as I can imagine she could probably still be sleeping. And who was I to wake her? So I head downstairs, where I am not only greeted by the quiet of the house but by Sidney, who is placing the last piece of breakfast along the dining table.
"Ms. Emma," he smiles at me as kindly as ever. "Beautiful morning, is it not?"
"I couldn't agree with you more, Sidney." My smile widens, and I realize Regina isn't the only one who is happy with Leopold's two week departure. The house did feel different with him gone.
"Breakfast is served. Help yourself to whatever you like." He motions to the table as I take a seat.
"Thank you. I'm sure it tastes as good as it looks." I served myself some orange juice this morning. "Is-?" My eyes look to Sidney, and he's providing me with an answer before I can even begin my question.
"Ms. Regina is up, getting ready for the day." Sidney smiles as he scatters away.
I take a quiet sip of my orange juice and look through my camera. I study the pictures I had taken last night with Audrey taking me out for a night, for dinner and more sightseeing. I couldn't wait to develop some of these once I arrived back home. My mother would love the sight of Boston. I deleted a few of them that I wasn't so happy with how they came out, and keep those who captivated me the most. I stumble upon a shot of Audrey, then another of her and I together, and decide to keep those. Audrey was so photogenic.
I look up to the clearing of a throat, and I see Regina, standing before me, wearing a short sleeve shirt with jeans, and a denim vest to match. She looked absolutely beautiful. I honestly couldn't look away. The last time I saw Regina look this carefree with herself, a smile stretched out at each corner of her lips was when I had that incident with Rocky.
"Wow," I breathe out my thought, unable to take my eyes off of Regina. It was a crime to be as beautiful as Regina was and for her to have to hide it.
"Good morning." Regina smiled at me, helping herself to a seat at the table. "Sleep well?" She asks, reaching for the jug of orange juice and serving herself a glass.
I don't know what had me more awestruck. Regina's beauty or the fact that here this woman was, having just gone through the most horrific night of her life, and yet- she was smiling and happy as I'd ever seen her since my arrival. "Not as well as you, apparently." I said, my eyes trained on her.
Regina smiles my way and I can't look away. Why the hell couldn't I look away? I honestly couldn't even remember my reason for being angry last night as Regina sat before me. Even the weight she carried along her shoulders seemed to vanish today along with the worried look I saw in her eyes last night. It was as if last night hadn't happened at all. As if this Regina sitting before me was a new woman, just waiting to get up and do something. I liked it.
"I had no idea you owned that. You just look…" I couldn't produce my words as they caught inside my throat. I mean, beautiful didn't even cover how Regina looked right now. I chuckle as Regina's brow lifts, awaiting my next choice of words. I had no fucking idea why I was so tongue tied. I've met plenty of girls in my time, but never has one made me become tongue tied. "I'm sorry. I don't want to come out as a creep here, but, well you look hot. Er- with all due respect."
Jesus Christ, now my cheeks were burning, too. Seriously, what was going on with me? One look at care-free Regina and I become all tongue tied and a nervous wreck of a human. Luckily, Regina grins, so wide and beautifully, I can't look away.
"Leopold wouldn't allow me to wear this. He wouldn't like it." Regina confessed.
I snorted and rolled my eyes. "Well, what do you expect from a douche bag? He doesn't know a good thing or can appreciate a beautiful woman even when she's standing right in front of him." I shake my head. Leopold. Lucky bastard.
Regina stares at me in shock for a moment. I can tell she doesn't receive a lot of compliments, if none at all. And that was a shame. "And you can?" She asks in a teasing manner.
I definitely can, yes. "Definitely. Why, I would be the first to tell you how beautiful I think you are if you were married to me." What the fuck? I blink, catching my compliment and thinking I might've gone a little too far this time. Apparently Regina not only made my tongue tie itself into a knot, but she made me speak without thinking. "I- I'm-" I can feel my cheeks turn crimson red, and I am surprised to see Regina's cheeks do the same. "I'm sorry. I have no idea where that came from. God, that was so stupid of me." I chew on my bottom lip in embarrassment. 'If you were married to me'? Nice going, Emma.
"It wasn't stupid, Emma." Regina is quick to shake her head and see a spark in her eyes that I had never seen in them before. Not like this at least.
"No, I'm, I'm sorry. Really. Please accept my apology." I wish the ground would open up and eat me alive right now.
"Emma, you don't have to apologize." Regina smiles and again, I find myself staring. Stop staring! What is wrong with you? I scold myself, but no matter how much I scold myself, it's like my eyes had a mind of their own this morning.
"You know what?" I motion to Regina's unforgettable outfit, just like that blue dress she wore the night we danced. "I blame your outfit." Of course, I try for humor to ease the embarrassment.
"My… Outfit?" I hear a light laugh erupt from Regina as her brow lifts again, and so help me, that alone could have finished me off then and there.
"Yeah! I told you look hot- that is proof that I'm not lying." Thank God, my attempt of humor seems to be working as another laugh escapes Regina, and I feel I can smile with more ease. It wasn't a lie however. Regina did look hot. I just hoped I didn't make a fool of myself while around her.
I couldn't deny that Regina's smile as I complimented her charmed me, though. It made me want to keep coming up with things to say to her just so she would smile more.
"Why don't we just enjoy a peaceful breakfast? I honestly haven't had that in such a long while." Said Regina, happily motioning to the breakfast sitting before us. And that couldn't have been more of a relief to me.
"Please," I breathe out, helping myself to more orange juice while Regina begins to serve herself. My eyes looked up after taking a sip of my orange juice and suddenly, all the happiness that radiated around the room dissipated as I noticed the light bruising along Regina's wrist. Regina, of course, took notice and frowned, looking down at her wrist and covering it up by placing it along her lap where I could no longer see it. She cleared her throat.
Fucking asshole. My jaw clenched and all that anger I felt last night came rushing back as my eyes locked onto Regina's. "Was he-?" I didn't get to ask my question.
"I really don't wish to talk about that. Please." Regina's eyes were as pleading as the murmured tone that came out of her. And how could I resist it? Regina didn't have to tell me anything she didn't want to tell me. And whatever Regina wanted to tell me, I would always be there to listen. I wanted her to know that. And I think with the nod I gave her, she did.
What happened, happened. And nothing could change that. I knew that. And I had to admire Regina for the woman that was sitting before me now. There was still some fear in her, some mistrust, which I perfectly understood, and I could work around it. Earn her trust more than I already have. If she didn't want to think about what happened last night, and wanted to enjoy these two weeks where she would be free. A sight I was definitely looking forward to witnessing myself. I was all in. I wanted to be a part of that with her.
"So, now that you're a free woman for two whole weeks…" I begin, smiling my best smile. "What are your plans on this beautiful day? I don't think you'll plan on staying here all day, will you?" I ask.
Regina chuckles and shakes her head. I smile along, loving that for the first time since we've met, Regina wasn't afraid to smile. She swallows her bite down before she says, "It is a very beautiful day, and as a result of that, I was hoping to take a drive down to the Orchard."
"What, you miss your stable boy that much?" I grin, but Regina doesn't see the humor in my words. She glares at me from across the table. "You know, we are friends, you could tell me if you and him-" First off, I don't know where the fuck that came from and regretted it instantly. Regina might not be interested in him, but stable boy was definitely interested in Regina.
"There is nothing going on between Daniel and I, Ms. Swan." Regina replies in a bark and I am shocked it offends her so much that I hold up my hands in surrender.
"Okay, easy." I said. "It was just a little humor. You remember? That's what I do." I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood in the room once again. I'll admit it was a bad and uncalled for joke, but that's all it was.
"Well, sometimes your little humor can go a little too far." I watch as she plays with her food and her lips thin out into a deep frown. My eyes fall on that scar along her upper lip for a moment. I find Regina's anger suddenly endearing.
So much, I smile to let her know everything's okay. "You're pretty cute when you get angry." I tease. "Has anyone ever told you that?"
For a moment, I paused because it almost felt like I was flirting a little. Whatever it was, I couldn't help myself. What was wrong with me? Suddenly I find myself alone with Audrey's mom- with Regina- and I feel the need to compliment every little thing about her?
Regina doesn't answer. She scoffs and bites into a forkful of scrambled eggs, chewing her way through it. I can tell she wants to hide her gaze from me. Why? I'm not sure, but I wish she wouldn't.
Thankfully, Regina doesn't hold that joke against me and asks, "What are your plans? I'm sure you must miss Audrey terribly now that she's gone for a few days."
I hum in response and shake my head as I chew through my food, wiping my mouth before I say, "I mean I miss her, but…" I shrug.
"But what?" Regina asks and waits.
Truth was, I missed Audrey, but not as much as I thought I would. Except how do I tell her own mom that? "It's just five days." I find that a good enough answer.
"And that isn't enough days to miss her a lot?" Suddenly, Regina's question made my cheeks turn a little pink.
If I didn't miss Audrey as much as I thought I would, did that make me a bad girlfriend? Surely not. Most of all, I didn't want Regina to think of me as a horrible person who is just dating her daughter for a good time. Although, Audrey and I did have plenty of good times together. But right now, my focus was on Regina. She is who mattered. And besides, I would see Audrey again. In five days.
"I miss her. I do." I answer with all sincerity.
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry in your relationship with my daughter." Regina looks almost sad about it that my head tilts quizzically.
"No, it's okay. Really. I get it." I said.
"You do?" Her eyes light up now but there is a hint of panic behind them that I can't figure it out.
"Yes." I answer. "As her mother, you want to make sure I'm serious about her. Right?" My eyes lock with Regina's. I can see a hint of amber color somewhere along her brown iris. They were beautiful.
"Of course," Said Regina. "However, you don't have to prove that to me, dear. I already know you're serious."
I was serious. But how do I begin to tell Regina that maybe, I wasn't serious enough? Suddenly I began to understand Regina's reasons for keeping quiet for all the years of her life about her domestic situation with Leopold. The times I tried to mention something off about her father, Audrey wouldn't listen. Because she didn't want to. Did she turn a blind eye? Only she knew that. Though, it would be fucked up of her if she did. I know I couldn't turn a blind eye when my own mom was going through the same situation as Regina. I protected her, and made sure my father never touched her again. And as I sit here, before Regina, looking this carefree, with all the stress along her shoulders dissipating more and more by the minute, I made myself a solid promise.
I would protect her, too.
"So, no plans, then?" Regina asks, drifting me from my thoughts.
I shake my head, "No, not really. Well, just to give my mom a call later, but that's about it."
Regina smiles at me, "Well, would you like to come with me?" She asks, taking me by surprise.
"To the Orchard?" It's not much my surprise of invitation that made my brows skyrocket, but the reminder of the incident with Rocky. And somehow, I knew Regina realized what troubled me.
She chuckled, "Yes, but don't worry, I won't make you ride any horse. Not unless you wish to, of course."
I believed her. I could never imagine Regina, who has been forced to do things against her will all of her life, ever force anyone to do anything they didn't want to do. I wasn't really looking forward to seeing stable boy, but then again, I wouldn't be going to the Orchard for him, either. The place was beautiful from the one time I saw it, and I could take plenty of pictures and maybe ask Regina about the apple trees. And what mattered most to me was that Regina wanted me there. There was a spark in her eye, ever since last night that I couldn't look away from. How could I refuse it and watch it go away?
"You could bring your camera. I know of some areas that are just beautiful." Said Regina, as if reading my mind about my camera. Or maybe I was just that predictable.
"Yeah," I breathe and allow a smile to take over me that reaches my eyes. "Okay."
I open up the passenger seat to Regina's Mercedes and hop right in, my camera resting along my lap. Sidney has walked outside with us, and I can hear him and Regina exchange a few words. I am able to hear Regina say that we'll be back before dinner, and Sidney wishing us to drive safely. I wave back as he waves at me before he is entering the house again, and Regina mounts the driver's side with ease.
While Regina drives, I take a moment to look around the car and I notice it is a convertible. My eyes search for the button that would make the roof open up, and I can feel Regina stare at me. I look over, surely enough finding her eyes on me. I smile, taking in her carefree look. That new sparkle in her eye, that was a mystery to me.
"So…" I shift in my seat, deciding to break the silence. "What's Regina's favorite color?"
Regina's brow furrows and I find it to be the cutest expression ever. "Excuse me?" Her eyes double back, looking to the road then to me. It was a spontaneous question for a spontaneous trip.
"Your favorite color," I chuckle lightly, "What is it?"
"I- I don't really-" Regina shakes her head.
"Oh, come on," I shift more in my seat. I would not accept what I knew she was about to say. "Everyone has a favorite color." I wait, seeing the corner of her lip lift in a small smile.
"I don't know. Purple… Maybe green." Regina shrugs, her eyes ping-ponging between the road and me continuously. Purple and or green. As I smile, so does she, "What about yours?"
"Yellow." I reply with a grin.
"I would have thought it was red," Regina smiles as I shake my head in response. "Why yellow?" She asks.
I frown slightly, but more out of thought. Every time someone's asked me why yellow, I've lied about my reason behind it. I've given answers like, because that's the color of my car, and it's been my first car since I could drive, or because I just like it. Even Audrey didn't know the real reason behind my favoritism with the color yellow. Not that I ever cared what people thought of me, but I always found the real reason behind the color yellow for me to be a little corny if not embarrassing. But Regina deserved the truth.
"Because yellow reminds me of the sun," I chuckle, feeling that same level of embarrassment wash over me. "I don't know, I guess it's stupid, but-"
"I doubt anything about you is stupid, Emma." I look over to see the corner of Regina's lip lift up in a smirk, a smirk I am happy to mimic. She was being honest with me, carefree and honest, and I loved it.
"Well, when I was little, about five, maybe six years old, my mom says I had this obsession with drawing the sun." My smile grows as Regina smiles more. I can tell by the spark in her eye, she's possibly picturing me as a little kid, coloring one sun after another on all the paper I could find or get my hands on. "I don't know, I just always looked at the sun as a little kid, I always loved the outdoors, and the feel of it on my skin, it's warmth… It's a happy feeling."
August would never let me live this down if he could hear me. Good thing he was back in Portland.
"Well, yellow is a very happy color." Said Regina.
"Yes, it is." I grin. "What were you like as a kid?" I ask, curious as ever to learn and soak up all I can about Regina. She shifts in her seat and I can tell I've taken her a little off guard with my question. Probably because no one's ever asked her.
"I was very boring." Said Regina.
"Come on." I don't hold back an eye roll. "That can't be true."
"You don't want to know, dear." Her eyes look toward the road ahead as she shakes her head.
"I wouldn't be asking if I didn't want to know." I smirk and as Regina looks my way, she chuckles. "Come on. Tell me. I promise I won't tell anyone." Whether they work or not, I put on my best pleading eyes.
Regina finally sighs, in defeat no doubt, before she says, "I was… not like how I am now."
"Meaning?"
"As a child I was very fearless." A small smile tugs at the corner of my lip, just as one tugs on Regina's. Her eyes look a little distant and sad as she faces the road again. "I was very defiant against my mother," she chuckles and shakes her head. Regina defiant? I could see that. "I remember she was against me learning to ride horses, so I worked up my courage and learned anyway. Who knew she would control me years later." A deep frown sets.
The change in Regina's voice, how deep and sad it became saddened me. It saddened me that even as a child, it was clear Regina had it rough. I wondered what her relationship with her mother was like. How much of Regina did her mother control? Everything. I wondered everything. I wanted to know it all. But I also knew I couldn't know everything. Not yet. I'd have to peel her back a layer at a time, which is what car trips were for.
"What about in your teens? You know, before you got married?" I ask.
It dawned on me just how comfortable I felt around Regina. More than I allowed myself to let on about. Right now, she wasn't Audrey's mom, and I hoped, to her, I wasn't Audrey's girlfriend. We were two friends getting to know one another.
Regina sighed again, and her eyes face forward, remaining lost in thought before she says, "That's when I started reading a lot. I did it to escape my mother's wrath, and now I do it to escape my husband's."
I could understand that. "I get it. That was my way of escaping, too." I catch Regina's eyes as they glance my way. I never looked away from her, giving her my undivided attention as I listened. She just looked slightly different from the way she normally dressed. "That and music. They just make you travel to another world, live another life."
"Exactly." Regina nods and flashes a sad smile my way.
I take in the faint bruising along Regina's wrist as her hands grip along the steering wheel, and I frown. In that moment, an image of what I knew happened in that bedroom to her plays in my mind and anger passes through me. Suddenly, I wish I could reach out and touch her wrist as a protective instinct kicks in. I wanted to kiss it better, I wanted to nurture it but I don't. I didn't even know how Regina would react to such an action, would I dare to perform it. The only thing I could do was think, how in the hell could an asshole like Leopold White not appreciate such a beautiful woman like Regina? Why would anyone want to hurt her?
I shift in my seat and face forward as Regina catches me staring. The last thing I wanted was to ruin this trip I could tell Regina was looking forward to. She had enough with her husband ruining things for her, she didn't need me coming along to do the same.
"What about dreams?" I ask Regina, wanting to distract her from her troubles. "You know, what's something you always wanted to do as a kid or a teenager, but never did?"
I watch Regina's head tilt in thought, deep in thought, thinking back on something. Suddenly, her cheeks turn crimson, and I can't help but smirk.
"What's wrong?" I lean along my seat. "What is it? Is it personal?"
"No," Regina shakes her head. "It's just… I read it in a book once."
I gasp, pretending to be shocked as I whisper, "Is it sexual?" I don't know why I said such a stupid thing. But leave it to me to try to be funny anyway I could.
"God- no!" Regina's brow furrows as she shakes her head. I almost want to apologize, especially over the red blush that creeps along her neck.
"I'm just messing with you!" I smile. "Come on, tell me. Who am I going to tell?" I wouldn't tell a soul.
"Fine," Regina rolls her eyes in defeat. They never look my way as she says, "Have you ever read Fifty Shades of Grey?"
"Who hasn't?" I shrug. My eyes go wide and I shift in my seat again, "Wait a minute- so it is sexual!" I tease her again.
"Emma!" Regina growls behind her teeth, glaring at me and I can't help but burst into laughter. I couldn't help myself. Busting Regina's chops in a playful manner, and the fact that Regina knew that was so much fun. "Forget it." She shakes her head, having had enough of me.
"No, no, come on! I'm sorry, okay?" I give her a warm smile this time. "Please, tell me."
Shit. I can see I upset her a little by joking around too much. I don't attempt it again. Instead, I keep quiet and wait for her to talk to me.
"Do you remember," Regina begins, facing forward to the road ahead. "When somewhere along the first book Christian takes Ana flying in a glider?"
"Yeah, of course." I perk up and shift in my seat again, eager for her to continue. "That was when he surprised her after she left to see her mother for a couple of days, right?"
Regina nods and hums in response. She never looks at me.
"So… That's your dream? You want to ride inside a glider?" I ask, intrigued.
"Not exactly." Regina chuckled and shook her head. "But, I always loved visualizing in my head how free Ana must have felt. Terrified, but free. Just like Christian did when he rode in his R8 with the top down, with her in the passenger seat." I smile as Regina finally takes a glance my way. "I guess I always wondered just how free that experience would feel."
A sadness takes over Regina's eyes again, and I can no longer stand it. Regina was such a remarkable woman, and pleasant to be spending time with that I could forget she wasn't what you would call 'a woman of the world.' She had so much to experience, so much to see and live by.
"Pull over." I said, my request already taking Regina by surprise.
"What?" Her eyes are wide.
"Pull over." I repeat.
Three cars pass us by, before Regina puts on the right blinker and carefully moves to the side of the road. I smile as she looks at me. "Alright, I've pulled over. Now what? What's going on?" She chuckles.
I smirk, "Now," I click my seat belt and allow it to pull itself upward, followed by Regina's.
"Emma, what are you doing?" Regina's brow furrows.
"You're going to get out of the car, and let me drive." I open the passenger door and exit the car. Regina wanted to feel free; I was going to give her that. This wasn't flying in a glider. Unfortunately I didn't have the type of money Christian Grey has to be able to provide her with that. Yet. But, I could do this. "Come on. I'm driving." I said while Regina stared at me in confusion.
Like David always said to me, 'the best surprises are those you don't see coming.' And I wanted to give Regina this. I wanted that sadness behind her eyes to vanish, even if it was just for a moment.
Regina scoffed but stepped out. "You know, if you wanted to drive you could have asked me."
I walk past her without saying a word, keeping the element of surprise close to my sleeve. Regina makes her way into the passenger seat as I make my way into the driver's seat.
"What are you doing?" I hear her ask me, but I'm too busy trying to remember where in the hell did I see that button located for the rooftop before I strap myself in. "Emma, what are you doing?" Regina's eyes are wide as she sees my finger hover along the button.
I pushed it and smiled as the top began to open. "Putting the top down." I put the car in Drive and slowly make my way out, remembering the way to The Orchard.
"Why? What are we doing?" Asked Regina.
"Rectifying the situation." I smirk and Regina smirks, too. I know she just caught on with me quoting Christian Grey.
"Now, close your eyes." I glare her way as Regina's brow lifts questioningly. "Please? You can trust me."
After a minute of hesitation, Regina finally does trust me and her eyes close. As they close, I allow my foot to step a little along the accelerator and we begin racing through the road ahead. I keep my eyes on the road, but from time to time they shift over to Regina and I am pleased to see a smile stretch out along her lips. I can't help but smile along, taking in the ruby red color of her lipstick, how beautifully they popped out as streaks of sunlight hit her face. Regina looked peaceful. Free, and that made me happy. Knowing I was able to provide Regina with this bit of happiness warmed my heart.
To make one of Regina's wishes come true, of her adolescent self, if that's who was enjoying this moment now, was the best thing I had ever done.
"I must say… I am surprised by what an excellent driver you are." Regina teases me as I drive the rest of the way until we reach the Orchard. She laughs as I glare her way, and once I park the car, arriving up the house, we both exit the car.
"I have my mom to thank for that," I said, shutting the driver's side door. "She taught me everything I know."
"You must miss her terribly." Said Regina, our eyes locking from each side of the car. She had beautiful eyes. I hated that it took me so long to realize that. Really realize that.
"Yeah," I smile as I think of my mom. "But I'll see her when I go back home."
Right now I was here and I wanted to be here.
I see a frown from along Regina's lips, her eyes water, threatening to shed a few tears and I wonder what could be going through her mind then. "Hey," I called out. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Regina smiled and I followed her line of sight.
"Regina!" Stable boy's beaming smile couldn't be more happier if he tried. I rolled my eyes as he pulled Regina in a hug. "I was so happy when I got your call." He said.
She called him? My frown deepened. I then wondered if Regina's reason for coming here was because she really missed this place or was it to see him. Okay, so maybe I did have a bit of a problem with Daniel, but you couldn't blame me. He practically drooled over Regina.
Don't ask me why that bothered me so much, it just did.
My phone rang, and I quickly fished it out of my pocket. It was Audrey. "I'm gonna," I look toward Regina and Daniel, but they are too busy hugging and exchanging words that I go unnoticed. "Yeah- okay." I step away from them and toward the house as I press the call button. "Hey. How was your flight?" I speak to Audrey.
"Great! It was pretty smooth." Audrey's voice was filled with enthusiasm. "I sure do miss you. I wish you were here with me. Colorado is amazing, Em!" For a moment, I wish I was there, too. Instead of here, witnessing this display of affection between Regina and stable boy.
I smiled, "I wish I was there, too. But, hey it's just five days, right?"
"Which can't come soon enough." Audrey was pouting, I could hear it. "What are you getting into today? Anything exciting?"
"Uh…" I turn toward the direction of Regina and stable boy, who are engraved in conversation now. "No." I lie through my teeth. The last thing I needed was for Audrey to go and tell Leopold that we were here. Not that we were doing anything wrong, but knowing the man like I did at a glance, he wouldn't like it and that would only mean Regina would have to face the consequences. Which is something I wouldn't allow.
I wouldn't betray Regina's trust ever again.
"I'm just planning on going for a swim, maybe doing some apartment hunting of my own later." I said to Audrey.
"Well, don't miss me too much."
I chuckle, "I'll try."
"How's my mom?"
"Good, she's… Reading." My eyes focus on Regina, or rather on her smile at the moment. Anything was better than watching stable boy smile stupidly at her company.
My eyes focused so much on Regina's smile as she looked at Daniel that I couldn't look away. It was so beautiful. She was so beautiful. I was always one to recognize a beautiful woman but Regina was something else. The way she looked as she was here, and not locked up behind those four walls of the house that was her prison. It was breathtaking.
"Em, are you still there?"
I blink as Audrey's voice pulls me back. "Yeah- I'm sorry- what?"
Audrey chuckles, "I said I have to go, but I love you."
"I love you, too." I murmur, turning back to Regina.
"I'll see you soon, okay?"
"You better." Once I hang up the call, I turn and am surprised to see Regina walking up to me. I did love this look on her. "He's always happy to see you, huh?" I motion to stable boy, who waves back; leaving me no choice but to wave back at him.
"Was that Audrey?" Regina asks, nodding toward my phone which was still clutched to my hand.
"Yeah," I quickly tuck my phone back into my pocket. "She's having a great time."
"You didn't-?" Regina frowned, and somehow, I knew what she meant.
"No. Don't worry, I didn't say anything about where we were. It's our secret." I smile and Regina flashes another smile toward me that I can't possibly look away from. What the fuck was going on with me?
"Well, then, would you like to get your camera? I'll give you a tour this time." Regina offered, and it dawned on me that I left my camera in the car when we switched places.
"Sounds good. Will, uh… Stable boy be joining us?" I ask. Bile rises to my throat.
Regina chuckles, "No. It's just us." She said and I won't lie, that makes me feel a little better.
I give her a smile that reaches my eyes. "Please, lead the way, Ms. Mills." I quote Christian Grey once again, and I know Regina understands. I follow her toward her car, not seeing stable boy anywhere near, and for whatever reason- I'm happy that in the moment, it's just the two of us.