A/N: As always, thank you so much for re-reading this journey through the eyes and thoughts of Emma and Regina, and I hope you enjoy this chapter and those to come. We are getting closer and closer to their relationship becoming possible. :) Also, just a reminder to those who love my work. Do NOT ask to translate anywhere, or use it for other fandoms. My work is mine alone and I'd like for it to remain that way. Stay tuned for the next two chapters in Emma's POV. Happy reading!
Chapter 32: Regina
I wait by my Mercedes for Emma and Audrey, glancing down at the time on my watch as I wait. What am I doing? I shouldn't be coming along. I shouldn't have agreed to help with this idea that out of nowhere Leopold agreed for Audrey to have. It was costumed to do something nice for your birthday, but Emma didn't want anything big. As her girlfriend Audrey should know that about her. Audrey said it would be something intimate, but I don't know. I didn't have a very good feeling about the entire thing.
Listen to me, ranting on instead of being excited to help to do something nice for Emma. What kind of a mother did that make me for Audrey? What kind of friend did that make me for Emma? I shake my head, trying to collect my thoughts a little better. What kind of mother, after all, felt angry, jealous and a little uncomfortable with the idea of going shopping with her own daughter and her girlfriend? I was being ridiculous.
I've felt ridiculous since Emma entered my life. Conflicted.
Life was one sick joke!
I finally met someone who makes my daughter happy and what do I do? I develop feelings for her! I chuckle at this and shake my head to myself. My life has just been a spiral of one let down after another. I can only imagine what my father would have to say to me about this. Then again, he was never one to care about age differences or who you fell in love with. My mother on the other hand- I laugh a little at this, deciding to push all of these thoughts out of my mind for the remainder of the day. If I was to put myself through this, and help Audrey out today, I would need a clear, level head.
I'm called to attention by one of the two front doors opening, and I see Emma walking out, my breath catching inside of my throat with the sight of her. Her hair was as golden as it turned once the sunlight struck it. She wore black tight jeans today, a white v-neck shirt and her blue leather jacket to complete her look. Was she trying to look this good to add to my torture? I knew the answer to that, of course.
Emma would never do anything to deliberately torture me. But, my feelings for her- which grew stronger- were a different story.
Seeing Emma like this, smiling at me, her eyes brighter than yesterday and the day before that. It made my heart ache in the most delicious way. An ache I welcomed along with the beautiful sight before me that was Emma. Seeing her now, made me realize that I wanted to be with her more than anything- if given the chance.
Did the very thought frighten me? Absolutely.
Would I dare to defy Leopold and our bond of twenty-four years of marriage for Emma? Without question. If anyone didn't deserve fidelity it was Leopold.
Ever since we kissed, Emma made me question a lot and then some.
"Hey." Emma greeted me, her hands tucking themselves inside her pockets.
"Hello." I nod in acknowledgement, trying not to look at Emma so much for fear of lacking restraint around her. I pick off an imaginary lint off of my silk shirt for a simple distraction.
I become a little self-conscious as Emma's eyes scan me over, but I said nothing. "You look really nice." She murmured under her breath, and I gave a quick glance her way to find her looking at me with that gentle twinkle in her eye. She liked how I looked.
"Thank you." I look over to the direction of the house for any sign of Audrey before I dare to take a quick scan of Emma's appearance one more time myself. "So do you." I murmur, unable to help myself.
I smile a little as the corner of Emma's mouth tilts up into a small private smirk of her own. Both our smiles soon vanish as we hear one of the front doors open behind us.
"Alright! Let's get going, shall we?" Audrey smiles, linking arms with Emma who smiles back at her.
"I'll drive." Emma flashes the keys to her own vehicle, which she had hidden within the palm of her hand.
As we approached her yellow Volkswagen, Emma was quick to open the passenger side door and pull the seat forward. Her eyes land on me and she nods, motioning for me to climb in first.
"Thank you." I nod in gratitude, entering my way into the back seat. Despite this being a small car, it felt quite cozy and spacious back here. This vehicle, from the looks of it, certainly had its history with Emma. I tried not to ruin it by wondering just how many other girls she might've invited in here, along with my daughter.
"Thank you." Audrey climbs and settles into the passenger seat. Emma shuts the door with a loud creak, and that's when Audrey looks over her shoulder at me, noticing my sudden discomfort. "Don't worry, mom. I promise this is a good little car." She smiles, oblivious to the actual thoughts crossing my mind.
I smile, keeping the fact that I had already been inside this car with Emma to myself. "I'm sure it is, dear."
Another loud creak came from the driver's side door as Emma opened it. Next, she climbed into it and settled within her seat with a content and loud sigh. She exchanges a look with Audrey and Emma gives her a smile that I could only describe as 'dashing.' But that's not what made bile rise to the very top of my throat, but the way Audrey took possession of Emma's hand and linked her fingers with her own.
I look into the rear view mirror and find Emma's green sea eyes staring back at me as she adjusts it with her free hand.
Emma then withdrew her hand from Audrey's with the excuse to insert her key into the ignition and start her vehicle, which made me feel a little relieved at the lost contact between them. I glanced into the rear view mirror once more, finding Emma's eyes looking directly at me. I look out the small side window of where I'm sitting for the remainder of our drive.
This was a mistake. I shouldn't have agreed to come along. But it was too late to turn back now.
Our shopping spree along the mall was more tortuous than I cared to admit and chose to ignore throughout my jealous abilities. Throughout our shopping journey, I was able to witness first hand just how clingy Audrey could be with Emma. Yes, I said clingy. I realize that the word clingy was too strong of a word to use on my own daughter, but as her mother, I knew perfectly well how Audrey could be once she liked something. And she really adored Emma. Once upon a time, long ago when Audrey was about four or five years of age, her father had arrived home from one of his many business trips with a porcelain doll just for her.
Ironically enough, that doll had blonde hair, curly, but blonde. Her eyes were the bluest of blues, her cheeks rosy, her dress a light blue with white. It made me think of Alice In Wonderland at times. In fact, that's what Audrey had chosen to name her. Alice. She was a beautiful doll and the level of attachment that Audrey had formed with it was overwhelming. Of course as children tend to do, eventually she grew out of it. That doll was still in her bedroom, on a top shelf, collecting dust.
But I remember those years where Audrey couldn't even fathom the idea of ever parting with Alice.
And now that she had Emma, there was no room for Alice in her life. Emma was like a life-sized porcelain doll for Audrey. One that even I couldn't resist feeling envious over. I wondered when Emma and Audrey would be able to pick up on my jealousy. I felt as if I was starting to show it off so much, I often looked in any mirror we walked past just to double check I hadn't turned green.
I had been smiling so much today, pretending to be fine when internally I was burning alive. My organs churning from inside out. And for the first time in my miserable life, I wished to not wear this mask anymore.
Every store Audrey spotted, she would grab tighter onto Emma's hand and drag her along, very much like she would with Alice when she was a little girl. On one occasion, and I don't know if this was Emma playing the role of a good girlfriend, or if it was simply to add to my jealousy. Her arm draped along Audrey's waist and she actually held her closer to her side. I always remained back a few paces, so that I could frown whenever I needed to or clench my jaw as tightly as I wanted, until my mouth began to ache.
Emma liked me. She had confessed it herself to me without an ounce of hesitation in her voice, nor in her action to kiss me last night. And these weeks that had passed, I could feel Emma and I growing closer in friendship and something more. Our mutual attraction for one another. So, then why was she holding Audrey the way she was when she knew I was right here with him, not even caring that I felt like the third wheel between the two of them?
Just when I thought life couldn't be more cruel.
"Alright," Audrey faced Emma with a mischievous smirk. "You go about, get lost for a couple of minutes. I only need my mom, I'm afraid." She clings to my arm next, releasing Emma as she holds me close.
"Okay?" Emma's eyes narrow in a suspicious manner. "This wouldn't have anything to do with my birthday coming up in a couple of days, would it?" She asked.
"Now, why would I do a thing like that when I know you hate celebrating such an important day?" Audrey acts clueless, but I could tell from Emma's glare that she didn't believe her. And Audrey has always been a terrible liar. She sighs, "Alright- so it is for your birthday. It's just a little gift idea- I promise- now go. Off with you. You can't see what it is." Audrey playfully shoves Emma, but not before placing a quick kiss against her lips.
"I'm going, I'm going." Said Emma, walking backwards so her eyes remain on us. "If you need me, I'll be at the bookstore." She jerks her thumb over her shoulder at the bookstore just across the way.
"Yeah, yeah, bye now." Audrey playfully waves as she links arms with me.
I turn to watch Emma over my shoulder and am surprised for her to turn and glance at me. She shares a small smile with me and I can't help but smile back, turning immediately back to Audrey.
Audrey leads us into what's known as Anything n' Everything! Her absolute favorite store that holds anything you could possibly imagine for a quick party idea.
"So, exactly how many people are planning on inviting over for this surprise party?" I ask, walking alongside Audrey while she freely explores, already reaching for a few items here and there.
"Oh, not very many," Audrey picked up a beach hat to try on, leaving it on her head while we continued to walk. She looked at me with a beaming smile. "Just Alex and Amanda. Em doesn't know this, but," she looks around with a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "I called August, he's Emma's bestest friend- good guy, you'll love him. He is coming down here to surprise her just for her birthday."
"Is that so?" I remember Emma mentioning August once or twice. From what little she told me, he did seem like a special friend to Emma. Finally, I would get to meet him.
"Yeah! He's really a great guy." Audrey looks over to a packet of balloons. "Ooh, we should get some balloons!" She holds one packet before me with excitement in her eyes.
"Balloons are a given." I chuckle. "Who else was invited?" I needed to know how much food would be made for that evening.
"No one else. It's very private." Audrey shakes her head. "I tried convincing Emma's parents to come up here for her birthday, since it'll be sad they'll miss it, but David couldn't get time off of work, so they're ruled out." She frowns. "Other than that, no one else. Well, except for you, of course."
"Me?" My brows hit my hairline in surprise.
"Yeah, of course you! Who else, mom?" Audrey chuckles.
"Oh, no, absolutely not." I quickly shake my head. I couldn't imagine being there, surrounded by everyone younger than myself. I would just embarrass Emma.
"Yes-!"
"No, Audrey-"
I felt out of place enough the night we went dancing. Out of my element. The first time Emma held my hand. The memory of that still lingered.
"Yes- mom-" Audrey held onto my shoulders as if I would run away at any given moment, grinning from ear to ear. I would love nothing more than to run away. "Come on. What do you mean 'no'? You are absolutely joining us for the party."
"Audrey-" I shake my head. I absolutely couldn't join them.
"Mom." Audrey's voice is firm this time, her glare resembling my own a little it made me chuckle. Like mother; like daughter. "You have to join us. Please. I know for a fact that Emma would love it if you were there." She said, causing my heart to stop beating.
"W- what do you mean by that?" I blink, afraid to know the answer to my own question.
"Well, it's no secret that you and Emma have grown on each other. Admit it, you've grown to like her, too." Audrey chuckles, and my heart jumpstarts again. I must have gone pale because right then and there, Audrey asks, "Mom, are you alright?"
Audrey couldn't have found out about what happened between Emma and I. If she had, we wouldn't be here shopping together.
"Mom?"
"Hm?" I jump to the feel of Audrey's hand landing on my shoulder.
"What's the matter?" Audrey asks.
"Nothing. Why do you ask?" My brow furrows.
"Well, you were gone for a moment," she chuckles. "Like deep in thought."
I force a smile. "It's nothing, dear. I was just…" I continue to walk along trying to seem as calm as possible. "I was just thinking that I might've left the stove on once Sidney and I were done cooking breakfast this morning."
"Oh," Audrey blinks. "Well, do you want to call home to double check?"
"No. I'm sure it's fine." I smile, brushing back a strand of hair behind my ear. I look up at the hat atop of Audrey's head. "It looks good on you. Are you buying it?" I ask.
"Oh, no." She takes the hat off and tosses it aside.
"Have you thought about what you might want to serve for dinner the night of the party?" I ask, curious to know the answer myself.
"Yes." Audrey grins. "I'm glad you asked, because I was thinking of asking if I could help you make Emma's favorite."
"Which is?" Now I'm more curious. I try not to let my smile give my own excitement away.
If I was going to help, I wanted everything for Emma to be memorable on her special day. Even if she wasn't big on parties.
"Well, apart from a mean grilled cheese, she also loves her bear claws. I swear, she can't live without them, but when I spoke to her mom, she told me that she would have an order sent over. So, we're covered there."
I couldn't help but smile a little. Emma ate like such a child, but it was endearing. "What about real food?" I ask with a hint of humor.
Audrey laughs a little. "Well, she loves her mother's meatloaf. But Emma swears she will only eat it if her mother is the one that makes it."
"She's told you this?" My brow lifts a little, and I keep a smile stretched out along the corners of my lips. "Well, meatloaf it is. She's obviously not tried mine yet, so the proof will be in the eating."
Not that this was a contest of who was a better cook, but I made a killer meatloaf.
Audrey chuckles with that sparkle in her eye. "Thanks so much for doing this for me, mom. For Emma." She drapes her arm along my waist in an embrace. "I really, really appreciate all your help."
"You're my daughter." I stop our walk along the aisle we find ourselves in, face Audrey and gently cup her face. "There is nothing I wouldn't do for you."
Audrey and I embrace in a hug. "I know." Audrey whispers. "And I'd do the same for you. Always know that."
"I know, dear." I spoke softly, frowning at the sudden betrayal I felt take over me.
We browsed for a few more minutes, and I was more than happy to help Audrey gather the supplies I thought would be to Emma's liking. There was no doubt Audrey would do anything for me, just like I would do anything for her. Anything except leaving Emma. Why should she? When she had no idea what was happening with my own feelings toward her.
Audrey insisted on paying for everything once we were in line to check out, but I fought her on it. "Mom, you really don't have to do this. I can pay for Emma's party supplies." She told me while I was already drawing out my wallet from my purse.
I really had nothing to contribute to Emma's birthday. I wanted to do this. "Absolutely not. You will save your money." I handed my bank card over to the cashier, not accepting no for an answer. "Besides, it's my pleasure. I really don't mind doing this."
Audrey smiles and shakes her head. "Thanks, mom. Listen, I'll get the bags, okay? Why don't you go find Emma for me? I'm going to look at one more thing and I'll meet you guys shortly."
"Very well." I retrieve my bank card and walk out of the store, head to the one across, on my search for Emma. I walk in and begin looking for Emma's unmistakable silhouette within, not seeing any sign of her. I begin walking through the different sections, eyeing the books as I pass by, but still focused on finding Emma.
"Would you like them in a house? Would you like them with a mouse? - I do not like them in a house. I do not like them with a mouse. I do not like them here or there, I do not like them anywhere. I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-Am."
I instantly picked up on Emma's voice just behind the bookshelf, followed by a child's giggle. My head tilts as I begin making my way around the bookshelf, I stop at some point to get a better listen, smiling all the way through at the way Emma was clearly reading to this child. Her change in her range of voice was adorable.
"Would you like them in a box? Would you eat them with a fox? - Not in a box. Not with a fox. Not in a house. Not with a mouse. I would not eat them here or there. I would not eat them anywhere. I would not eat green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-Am."
My smile grows listening to Emma read to this child, I have to bite down on my bottom lip to keep from making any type of noise. The last thing I wanted was to interrupt this precious moment. I wondered then if Emma wanted kids someday. She was certainly good with this child she had been reading to. I couldn't help myself, I pulled out a book to create a space between for me to take a closer look at the adorable scene happening on the other side of the shelf. Surely enough, there was Emma with a little boy dressed in white coveralls, a yellow t-shirt and yellow converse to match. His light brown hair was combed over neatly. This little boy had found refuge against Emma's lap, Green Eggs and Ham held in front of them as they say along the floor in Indian-style.
"Would you? Could you? In a car! Eat them! Eat them! Here they are-"
I clear my throat to alert Emma of my presence, smiling down at her. My heart flutters inside of my chest.
"Gina, hi," Emma smiles up at me, shifting a little as she continues to hold onto this little boy, safely in her arms.
"I'd ask what you're doing, but the evidence is pretty obvious." I chuckle, looking down at the little boy who was looking up at me.
"Yeah, wouldn't you know it? I walk in here, browsing along and I make a new friend." Emma smiles down at the little boy. "This is my new friend Christopher. Chris, meet Regina."
"Hi!" Christopher smiles and waves up at me. I can't resist kneeling before the boy to shake his hand in greeting.
"Hi, Christopher. It's a pleasure to meet you." My smile widens. "That's a beautiful name."
"You wanna read with us?" Christopher takes the book from Emma's hands and holds it before me in excitement. Delightful little boy.
"Christopher!" A voice belonging to a slender female, looking to be around Emma's age came running down the aisle. Emma abruptly stood which took me by surprise, causing me to stand. "What have I told you about bothering strangers?" As this girl's eyes were trained on the small boy, her eyes moved to Emma in a gawk. "Emma?"
"Lily." My eyes move to Emma, who's lips turn dry, her eyes wider than I'd ever seen them. Rather than surprised, she looked quite shocked. Evidently, Emma knew this girl. "W- what are you doing here?" Emma asks.
"I moved back to Boston a couple of days ago." Lily, as I learned her name to be, smiled at Emma this time. Little Christopher and I are standing in between them. "I see you've met my little brother." She said, looking down at Christopher who took her by the hand. "I'm sorry if he bothered you, he's a social butterfly."
"Not at all." Emma smiles down at Christopher, but I notice her smile is soon gone once she looks back up at Lily. "He's a very good kid." Said Emma.
I could feel a wave of tension in the air, radiating off of Emma. Clearly, she knew Lily from before.
"Yeah," Lily brushes back a strand of hair from her face and goes silent. She looks over at me, then back at Emma.
The clear tension in the air grew thicker. It didn't take a genius to figure out there was a history between Emma and Lily.
But no matter how much tension lingered in the air, Emma was as gallant as ever. "I'm sorry." She said, shaking her head. "Regina, this is Lily. Lily, Regina." Emma looks over to me in an apologetic manner.
"Hi," Lily extends her hand and we greet one another. "It's nice to meet you." She tells me.
"Hello." I give her a nod while shaking her hand.
"Well." Lily flashes a small, almost timid smile as her eyes look to me and then to Emma. "We really gotta get going. My mom won't believe I ran into you of all people." She smiles at Emma. "The world is a small place, huh?"
I watch as Emma forces a smile and nods.
Lily looks at me, then back at Emma. "Well, it was… Really great seeing you, Emma."
"You, too." Emma replies a little dryly.
"You look great." Lily nods to Emma and gives a quick glance my way. It was as if she wanted to say more, but chose not to. "Well. I hope to see you around?"
"Take care of yourself, Lily." Emma forces another smile.
Lily frowns then. "Bye." She waves at Emma and turns to me next. "It was really nice meeting you." She said.
"Likewise." I give her a courteous smile, followed by Christopher. "Bye." I wave at the boy, who waves happily back at me.
Emma gives Christopher a wave and smile of her own that didn't seem forced at all. My brow lifts quizzically as I look at Emma, once we were alone. Although, I realize that whatever history Emma had with this girl was her business. But for whatever reason, Emma didn't seem thrilled to see her, and I didn't like the thought of her bothered by anything or anyone.
"Long story." Said Emma, walking along the bookstore.
I walk alongside her calmly. "I take it there's some history there?" I feel free to ask.
"I prefer to look at it as ancient history." She said, and I placed a book back along one of the shelves. "Senior year, ancient history."
I nod, wondering if this girl and Emma dated in the past. But instead of asking anymore about it, I follow with, "Those are the best year's in an adolescent's life." We stop by a spinning stand that holds silver necklaces, and I quietly watch as one circular pendant in particular catches Emma's attention. It had a small swan engraved in the middle.
Emma's fingers softly tapped on the pendant and watched as it swung from side to side. "Did you finish High School?" She then asked me.
I frown. "Unfortunately not." I said and watched Emma's lips thin out into a frown of her own. "But I did get my GED, which after some multiple convincing, my husband allowed me to attend a few college courses."
I wasn't proud of this part of my life, but Emma made me want to tell her everything about my life. And I was proud to have achieved an education and a degree, but ashamed I allowed my husband to keep me from working. The last thing Leopold would allow was for me to actually have a career and a life of my own. That would give me a sense of independence that Leopold would not allow.
Emma however, seemed fascinated by my confession. A smirk played out on the corners of her lips and her brows reached her hairline. "What did you study?" She asks.
I smile, feeling a light blush settle along my cheeks. "Literature."
"Of course." Emma's grin grows, clearly impressed and I can't help but chuckle. "You have that teacher look about you."
Whatever tension built up around Emma when she had seen Lily was replaced by an easier feeling. If only I could have become a teacher.
"Don't get too happy for me, Ms. Swan. I didn't get to actually achieve anything out of that degree." I said.
"But you have it. You can still achieve something. Someday."
Could that be true? Could I achieve something for myself someday as Emma so easily thinks to believe? I sigh at the thought.
"There you two are!" Audrey startles us both as she walks up to us with two bags in each hand.
"Did you buy the entire store?" Emma chuckles and reaches for two of the bags to help her carry them.
"Nah-uh!" Audrey is quick to pull the bags away from Emma's reach. "Not on your life, Em. You can't see what's in here."
Emma lifts her hands in defeat and takes a step back. I can't help but smirk.
Audrey checks her phone for the time. "Let's have some lunch, huh? I'm starving after all that browsing." She suggests.
"Lunch sounds good." Emma runs a hand over her stomach, clearly hungry.
"Lunch it is." I smile and tag along.
We enjoyed lunch at a club sandwich place, and ultimately it had been a nice day, spending it with Emma and Audrey.
"Hey, babe. Would you refill my coke, please?" Audrey hands over her empty cup to Emma, delivering her sweetest smile.
"Sure, I'll…" Emma reaches for Audrey's empty cup and smiles back as she's standing from our table. "Be right back." She heads into the sandwich shop, leaving Audrey and I sitting outside.
"Alright, now that we're alone," Audrey takes me by surprise by leaning in closer to me and keeping her voice down. "I need you to do me one last favor on the day of Emma's birthday." She said.
"What is it?" My brows furrow and I take a quick glance over to Emma, who is refilling Audrey's drink.
Audrey glances quickly over her shoulder before taking my hand and smiling. "Well, we can't have Emma around the house while everything is set up for her surprise party."
"Naturally, dear." I chuckle.
"So, I was thinking… That maybe… You could take her away somewhere-" My eyes grow wide at Audrey's request, and she quickly interjects before I have a chance to say anything. "Just for a couple of hours."
"Audrey-" To be alone with Emma again. As tempting as that idea was, I feared what would happen if we were left alone.
"Please, mom!" Audrey, of course, oblivious of my feelings toward Emma, begs. "It's just for a couple of hours. You and I can prepare everything a day before, like the food, and leave it in the kitchen. Keep Emma away from the kitchen, of course. And the morning of, you can just tell a little white lie and ask her if she could help you with something." She shrugs. "Tell her your car doesn't start so you need her to drive you to, uh, pick out new drapes for the living room."
"New drapes?" My brow lifts as I chuckle. "I don't think that's very believable, dear. Especially when I just bought new drapes a few days ago."
"Huh. I thought they looked different." Audrey tilts her head. "Okay, well, take her to the Orchard."
"Excuse me?"
"Yeah! I mean, Emma really loves it there, she's told me several times."
"She said that?" I allow myself to smile a little at that information. I knew Emma had enjoyed being there, I just didn't realize how much.
"I just need you to distract her, enough so that everything will be ready upon her arrival." Audrey looks over her shoulder, and quickly turns back to me as Emma was beginning to walk back our way. "So- yes? Please, say yes. Please, please, please-"
"Alright. Okay." I give Audrey's hand a gentle squeeze and a smile. How could I say no to that after all? If it was for Emma's birthday, which Audrey was clearly excited about, I would do as she wanted. "You can count on me."
"Thank you." She whispers to me and grins happily before looking back at Emma, who hands Audrey her drink and joins back along the table. "Thanks, Em! You're the best."
My smile is replaced by a frown as Audrey gives Emma a quick kiss along her lips, and I look away. But when I glance back, I find Emma's eyes are on me.
"Regina?" I turn to the familiar sound of a familiar voice behind me.
"Daniel, hi." I immediately stood up with a smile to my lips and hugged him.
"Funny running into you guys." Daniel smiles and moves over to hug Audrey; Audrey places a kiss along his cheek before he looks at Emma. "Hey, Em."
"Emma." I hear her murmur and I shake my head.
"Sorry. Emma." Daniel smiles at Audrey again.
"What are you doing here? I thought you hated the city." Audrey says mockingly, chuckling.
"Well," Daniel holds up a couple of bags of groceries. "When you gotta eat, you gotta eat, right? So, what trouble are you all getting yourselves into?"
"Just a little shopping spree." Said Audrey.
"That's great. Well, you all look great." He looks to all of us, ending with me. "Regina, you always look wonderful."
"Thank you." I smile kindly.
"Well, this has been great, but I think we should get going- don't you think so, Audrey?" Emma nods in a rushed manner, leaving Audrey and myself to look at her in a quizzical manner. Of course, I knew it was due to her jealousy, but I had been clear to Emma that she had no reason to be jealous of Daniel.
"Listen, as long as you're here." Daniel rubs the back of his neck shyly. His eyes on me. "Do you think you could help me out with something? It's for my father."
"Is he alright?" I frown, growing concerned for Daniel's father. He was like a second father to me. My father knew him and was quite fond of him.
"Oh, he's fine. It's just- well, his birthday is next month- as you well know- and I want to get a head start in buying him his present. Only," he chuckles. "Well, you know I'm not really good at-"
"Say no more. I'll be glad to help you." I smile at him fondly. I look over to Audrey and a clearly green faced Emma. "You two head on home, and I guess," I look over to Daniel.
"Oh, I'll be happy to take you home." Daniel was all smiles, jumping at the opportunity to take me home. He was sweet like that.
"Alright, well, I guess we'll see you home later." Said Audrey, immediately linking arms with Emma. I could see Audrey giving me and Daniel a teasing smile as she said to him, "Take care of her for me, Daniel." She warms him playfully.
"Always." Daniel grinned and waved at Audrey and Emma as they began to walk away.
I looked over to Emma, who looked at me with a scowl to her face. She was jealous. I knew that clearly. "Shall we?" I smile at Daniel as I turn to him.
"After you." He said and we moved on our way.