Two days later

"Oh Lordy Miss Emma… what have you done to yourself this time?"

Tiana Rogers. Dark brown complexion, brown eyes and green scrubs, held up a small cloth to Emma's brow. The blonde haired girl sat up on a medical bed with her legs dangling off of it. Emma was in one of five nurse rooms that were available to students and faculty. Bigger emergencies were for the ER. Three nurses were on staff today and Emma had the luxury of having Mrs. Tiana Rogers. Tiana had an appealing southerness to her. Her roots are from the deep south and inherited that 'everyone is family' feeling.

This was Emma's third time seeing Tiana since moving to Storybrooke. The first time was when she was having her tour of the campus. She had tripped and scraped her knee. The second time was while trying to tighten a piece of rope to her car, then her hand slipped and her eye caught her fist... Now this third time, having to work underneath her truck. Emma got up too quickly when she heard a loud honk while being in a parking lot. Emma had a lot of experience working on cars back home. Her father taught her the basics so she was able to keep the truck from falling into pieces. However, once she hit herself on her forehead, she felt blood running down the side of her face. Of course it had to happen moments before she had to start her first day of college.

The dark skinned woman with a southern accent frowned at the college student, "Let's see if we can clean that up real quick and you can be on your way. You hold this for me while I get a few things." The woman let Emma hold the cloth. Tiana was sitting on her office chair and wheeled herself to the other side of the room.

Emma sighed to herself and let her shoulders relax. The blonde heard a small clock that was ticking inside of the nurses office. As she looked up she noticed that she had about ten minutes until her first class of the day would begin. Of all days for this to happen, it would be her first day of college. It wasn't a big gash above her left brow but big enough to where the nurse was a little concerned about it. Emma didn't have any medical insurance and she didn't even have it when she was back home. Anything that required a hospital visit they would have to pay out of pocket. Which put them in more debt. They were cautious around the farm but accidents did happen.

The blonde had four classes to attend this semester.

One: Business Foundations 210

Two: FDMAT 108 (Math)

Three: History 320

Four: Introduction to Agriculture 110

Today was Wednesday. Emma is going to two ninety minute college classes. Her morning is from 10:00am to 11:30am. Then a lunch break until she starts her next class at 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Her morning class is Introduction to Agriculture and her afternoon class is History. This would be happening every Wednesday and Friday. Her other two classes were held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Leaving Emma with Monday's to study, laundry or anything else she might need to do that day.

Emma was wearing her light blue jeans that she washed yesterday and a new dark brown, baggie shirt that had belonged to her father but Emma was wearing now. Same brown shoes and this time a black watch on her wrist. Also courtesy of her father. The blonde didn't mind the hand-me-downs because she liked wearing more tom-boyish clothes.

Tiana rolled back to Emma on her office chair and stood up so she could reach better. Mrs. Rogers cleaned up the last of the dry blood then placed some liquid bandaid on the wound. As an extra precaution, Tiana also placed on a couple pieces of white squared tape to hold the wound together. The southern woman placed her hands on either side of her own hips and smiled brightly, "There ya go Miss Emma. Try not to do too much okay? Don't want your head opening up again."

Tiana made room for Emma to get off the bed. Green eyes smiled and hopped down. "I can't make any promises, Nurse Rogers but I'll do my best. Seems like this might be my second home."

The older woman laughed while taking off her medical gloves then and patted Emma's back as she led the woman to the door, "Don't get any ideas."

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Emma already was feeling a headache coming on. Faintly touching the wound and wincing at the pain as she walked to her second class of the day. First class went unexpectedly well. Emma was told that the first day of college would be a breeze and so far they were right. It wasn't an easy thing to do to try and keep up with the teacher while taking notes though. Everyone else with their fancier laptops seemed to go much faster than Emma's cheap one. Everything she learned in her first class went out the window. It was easy but it was a lot of information. Everyone in her first class was friendly yet Mr. Lee Arenberg was not. The professor was more of a grump and spoke in a monotone sort of way.

History class was something she was looking forward to. After talking with Miss Belle about it and overhearing some other students, this teacher was a nightmare. Professor Mills was strict and had over-baring rules to her assignments. Emma wasn't one to be intimidated. She risked everything coming here and she wasn't going to let some professor scare her away. Seeing the name 'Mills' everywhere had Emma's interest peaked.

There Emma was in front of her new history class for the next seventeen weeks. The semester would end just before the holiday break, which lasted for two weeks. There wasn't any way for Emma to visit her family during that time but didn't want that to put her down too much. It was a while away and Emma hoped that she would get into a dorm room by then. Emma figured she better buy some more blankets before then.

Opening up the door to Professor Mills classroom, she was greeted with a clean scent of apples in the air. It reminded her of her neighbors' apple trees back home and the blonde could feel her heartbeat slowing down. It was a welcoming scent. As she looked around, she first noticed the room was more like half a coliseum. When students first walked in, they would be at the top of the chairs and desks. Making it easy to see where they wanted to sit and the layout of the room. Maybe about ten students were already seated but it could easily house eighty. On the bottom floor of the classroom was the professor's desk and white boards. A few pieces of fine art mounted to the walls and a couple of fake tall plants in the corners.

Emma decided to sit on the third out of eight rows. She placed her things down and started to open up her laptop. Also grabbing a pencil and a notebook. Finding it faster to write down notes instead of type. Emma felt like an old woman using technology for the first time. Maybe with some time and some practice, she would be able to type quicker.

Not realizing how long she was spending looking at the room around her, the blonde finally noticed that there was a woman at the front of the room. Of all history professors that Emma Swan had to have as a teacher, it was the woman she saw in the hallway. Regina Mills was equally staring back at the other girl. It was very strange to be staring at each other now in this room. Two days ago it felt like a fever dream when the blonde saw the brunette headed woman but now it was real. They really did see each other and it wasn't just a dream. Emma felt she was about to stroke out.

Her Professor was absolutely stunning. Never seeing anyone like this and especially not back home in her small town. At this proximity it was still a little difficult to see every detail of Regina. Emma could make out plump deep red lips, silky brown almost black hair, red painted nails, black skirt with a short sleeved v-neck white blouse. The look was very professional but was also very hot. Emma finally noticed that her professor was looking directly into her eyes. Was it just looking at each other? Was it fear? Interest? Whatever it was, it felt electric.

"Are you saving this set for someone?"

The blonde snapped out of her trance. Looking up she could see a long haired brunette girl smiling brightly. She was wearing black jeans with knee high black boots and a long sleeve red and black plaid shirt. The other girl had bright red lips and dark eye shadow. Not waiting for Emma to respond back, she sits next to the blonde haired girl.

"My name's Ruby. I don't think we've officially met. You're the girl that sits in the corner charging your laptop."

Emma felt a light bulb go off, "You're that waitress... I'm sorry. I'm usually not a deer in a headlight." The blonde laughed nervously and then asked, "You work there part time?"

"I wish! I've been working there my whole life like a dog. Granny is my grandmother. She owns the place."

The blonde student lifted her eyebrows in surprise, "Oh I see. Your grandmother is really…"

"Overbearing?"

"Well I was going to say kind but overbearingly kind will work as well."

"She loves the students here. I've seen all walks of life come into that diner. Don't be embarrassed charging your stuff there. A lot of students do that."

"I'm glad. Until I get a dorm room I'm going to have to get creative. I'm glad I can count on Granny's for help."

Ruby frowned, "Oh no! You don't have a place?"

"Well…" Emma tried to give her fake best smile. It had not been a fun experience being homeless but she was getting used to it. At nights it was a little more scary and felt like at any moment someone could break into her truck. Lucky for Emma that hasn't happened.

Reading Emma's discomfort, Ruby's frown turned into a smile, "Well it's nice to meet you-"

"Oh! It's Emma Swan."

"Emma. This is my third year so stick with me and you'll be alright."

The blonde smiled and nodded. It felt good to finally make a friend and someone of her own age. Mrs. Belle French did not count. Come to think of it, Emma never really had friends back home. The animals were her friends. Even though everyone knew everyone there, friends weren't easy to come by. Couldn't talk to anyone without that person going behind your back and talking to their neighbors about it. It really was a nice town but it had its quirks.

"Alright class." The room quickly went quiet as the Professor spoke for the first time. It was commanding and everyone in the classroom suddenly looked like robots. Everyone went stiff and faced forward. Other's have heard of Regina Mills or have taken other classes with her before and knew the drill. Emma could already feel her nerves vibrating through her body. How she wished at this moment she was back at her farm taking care of the cows or hell, even Neal the chicken.

It was a simple beginning of class again like her first one this morning. Going over the syllabus for the next seventeen weeks. Regina asks her class to pull up Canvas so that they can look it over together. Canvas is a place for students to submit their work but also to get study information for the week. Emma did this in her first class and thanked Miss Belle in her head for setting it all up for her.

As the class continued, Regina found herself eyeing her blonde headed student. It was hard to ignore that bright halo around Emma. Regina could not deny the strong connection and attraction between them. Professor Mills had been teaching since she was thirty three years old. Now ten years later she is forty three and never experienced this in her lifetime. The blonde looked so innocent and attentive. Just eating up every word of Regina's. Anytime the brunette would move across the room, there was Emma with her eyes following her. Whether or not Emma was looking at her teacher's eyes or else where… the brunette couldn't tell. Regina also couldn't deny how good it made her feel getting this much attention from her student.

Professor Mills led a very sophisticated lifestyle. Growing up as a Mills, there were high expectations for the family. She was the daughter of a Cardiologist named Cora. Her father had passed away in Regina's teen years, of a heartache. Cora never forgave herself, being a Cardiologist and all, and became even colder than she was before. Regina's mom was strict and demanding. Never once being proud of her daughter or never showing it. In turn, Regina grew up cold just like her mother. She loved her father and was the most devastated about his passing. He was her best friend. Someone she could go to for comfort and support when her mother was being so demanding. Nights of Mr. Mills telling Regina stories and playing on his guitar. The brunette was latina on her fathers side so Mr. Mills would sing serenade's of Regina's favorite old latino songs. Regina also had a sister named Zelena that took more after her mother Cora. Zelena Mills was in the real estate business. Brining in much more money than Regina was. So of course, Zelena would be Cora's favorite.

Class ended too quickly for Emma. She felt she had missed so much information not being able to type quickly enough. At some moments, Ruby would lean over to help the blonde. Feeling a little embarrassed about it but the hazel eyed girl didn't mind it at all. After saying their goodbyes, the students started to file out one by one. It was a very large group for the first day. Maybe close to forty student's, maybe even fifty showed up.

Emma stood up from her chair but then suddenly felt something cool run down the side of her temple and to her check. She brought her left hand fingertips to her cut then looked back down at her hand.

"Oh shoot." Emma muttered quietly. She quickly looked around and decided to wipe the blood onto her light blue jeans. Not the best idea she's had today. Then she hastily looked into her backpack for some tissues or just anything to catch the rest of the blood that was coming down her cheek. Not faulting her wonderful nurse for it. Throughout the day, Emma would forget that it was there and would rub her face from stress and lack of sleep. Also scrunching her face a lot from looking from her laptop to her teachers and listening too intently. Emma would surely get scolded by Tiana if she went back to the nurses office.

"Here."

Emma looked up at who had said that to her. To the blonde's surprise, her professor was standing a couple feet away from her, holding out some tissues. Regina was staring at Emma from her desk when she noticed the blood dripping down the girl's cheek. Watching her student struggle to find something and quickly grabbed a couple tissues from a tissue box that sat on her desk.

Emma blushed in embarrassment but gladly accepted the tissues, "Thank you professor. I'm so sorry."

Regina looked at Emma intriguingly. At this new proximity, the brunette headed teacher was able to make out some muscle on the other woman. Watching the arm flex as Emma placed the tissues above her left eyebrow where the cut was. Seeing those beautiful green emerald eyes up close was a little intimidating. It was as if Emma was cutting into Regina's soul and making her feel something she hadn't before. The brunette also examined Emma up and down. Seeing the worn clothing and cheap backpack. It wasn't uncommon for there to be students struggling but Emma's clothes seemed a little more worn than the others. Regina wondered what other muscles could be hiding behind those tom-boyish clothing.

Why do you even care, Regina? The professor thought to herself.

"I enjoyed your class today Professor Mills." Emma proclaimed.

Regina snapped out of her thoughts and nodded her head once, "Thank you. Is this your first year Miss…"

"Emma. Emma Swan. And yes it is. Is it that obvious?" Emma continued to hold the tissue on her cut. Hoping it would dry up quickly so she wouldn't have her arm up like this. It was easy to keep her arm up since she was so strong but Emma just didn't like the awkwardness of it all.

The professor managed to crack a small smile, folding her arms and leaning on another desk, "Most students don't pay attention as much as you did during my class. Also, Miss Ruby Lucas is always loud. Hard not to listen in on her conversations."

"Not ideal to be 23 and going to college."

Emma dabbed her blood a little and looked down at the tissue. Doing it a couple times to check for any new blood. It seemed fine so Emma folded the tissue and placed it into her back pocket jeans. Taking her back pack and putting it on her back and continued to listen to her gorgeous professor.

Regina stood up off the desk she was leaning on and folded her arms across her chest, "23 isn't really that old dear. I've had many ages in my classroom. Being 43, I've seen all ages come through that door."

Emma raised her eyebrows in surprise at the boldness of Regina saying her age, "You're 43? You honestly don't look like it."

A curious grin spread across Regina's lips, "Compliments don't give you extra credit Miss Swan."

Emma chuckled then instinctually gave Regina her 'charming' smile. The brunette couldn't help but feel her body flush with excitement as she saw this girl's smile. Regina hadn't felt this much attention in a very long time and Emma was the girl giving it to her. Like a Vampire wanting blood. Regina just needed more of it.

"I apologize for being forward, professor. I wasn't raised that way. Maybe this city is starting to get to me." Emma shrugged sheepishly.

Now Regina was invested. There was much more to learn about the blonde. "You weren't being forward Miss Swan... And where were you raised if I might ask?"

The blonde bit her lower lip then licked them and wished she had filled up her water earlier. "Small farming town in Colorado. It's the opposite of Storybrooke." Emma then frowned, "Starting to feel quite homesick if I'm honest. Transitioning from farm life to city life feels like the twilight zone."

Regina didn't know what that could feel like. The brunette wanted the opposite. She wanted to be thousands of miles away from this city. Hearing 'farm life' though, piqued her own interest. "Farm life?"

Emma nodded then sighed, "Yes. I miss my horses the most I think."

Regina's eyes brightened, "Horses? I-" Stopping mid sentence and wondering how much information she should give her student, "I love horses." The brunette said softly.

Miss Mills had a soft spot for animals but specifically horses. In her teenage years her father would take her to the nearby stables for lessons. It was the best time of her life but that all ended when her father passed away. Cora didn't bother to continue to take Regina for lessons or simply for the enjoyment of riding. It had been a number of years since she was on a horse. The stables had gone bankrupt anyway with the lack of people interested in them.

Emma's family only had about three back home but they were just as important as the other animals there. Emma slid her hands into her front pockets. Feeling a little sheepish at the moment but excited as well to find out someone liked horses too. "If ever you are in Colorado, you have to make a stop at Marble. It's where my family's farm is."

Regina smiled, "I appreciate the invitation, Miss Swan. I will admit that I'm a city girl through and through but with horses," the brunette placed a hand over her own chest, "I can stand a little bit of dirt if it meant riding a horse again."

The blonde tilted her head, "You? A city girl? Never would have guessed." Emma said sarcastically as she looked her up and down. Regina was probably wearing a thousand dollars worth of material but looked like a million bucks.

Regina felt her cheeks warm up as her own student eyed her up and down. Obviously loving the attention she was continuing to get. The brunette was about to take a step forward into Emma's personal space to give the blonde a good comeback from the 'city girl' comment but sadly… Was interrupted by one of the two doors opening. Her boyfriend of two years, Robin entered the classroom.

Robin Locksly was very narcissistic and was only kind if it meant there was something in it for him. Cora had approved of this man since Robin was related to Mr. Gold who is president of the campus. Robin had black briefcase in one hand and a clenched fist on the other. Well dressed but not well shaven. He looked as if he was a forest dweller with a suit.

The man brushed past Emma and wrapped an arm around Regina's waist. The blonde could instantly tell the discomfort her professor had. Emma watched as the Man kissed Regina's cheek. It made her heart sink but of course this woman would be taken. How could this woman not be? It still made Emma feel weirdly sad about the situation. Also confused that Regina had little to no reaction to this man.

Emma gave Regina a forced smile, "Well, Professor Mills. I've got to get going if I want to get an empty washer for these now blood stained jeans." Emma chuckled nervously, "have a good day."

Regina nodded at the blonde in approval, "See you this Friday Miss Swan."

Regina watched Emma leave and couldn't help but smile ever so slightly at the interaction she just had with Emma. Eyes still focused on the blonde as Robin began to talk to her about his own college classes today. The blonde turned around once more as she was at the exit and gave one last smile to her professor, then pushed in the steel bar so that the door could open.

Robin looked confused at his girlfriend, "So… When did you start smiling at your students."

Regina rolled her eyes and moved away from the man and towards her desk. Robin followed suit as the woman said, "I'm not as cold hearted as you might think."

The man just laughed, "Oh come on Regina. I'm only joking. Hey. Let me make it up to you by taking you to dinner this saturday. I've got reservations at your favorite restaurant."

Regina scoffed and started to collect her things, "You mean your favorite."

Robin grabbed Regina's wrist and pulled her in. A little bit more aggressively than was appropriate. The brunette woman winced a little at the pain from being pulled. Regina tried to push him away, "I've got plans this saturday so I won't be able to."

Finally, with another push, Regina was able to be free of the man. If she was paying attention to Robin's face at this moment, she would see the anger and disgust look on his face. He quickly turned his face into a fake smile and just laughed off this tense moment between them.

"Alright, fine. I'll call you later." Robin leaned and made sure he got Regina's lips this time. The woman reciprocated in return but it felt more like a dead kiss if anything. Once he left the room, Regina was able to let out a breath. Picking up a file from her desk, she realized that her hand was shaking. It was moments like these where Robin would test the waters just a little. He would only stop because Regina would snap back at him. These recent moments between them felt more aggressive. It worried her but also would try to push those worried feelings aside. Cora approved of this man and that meant it was also the approval of Regina. Even though the brunette demanded and commanded a room, there was still that little girl inside of her that wanted her mother's attention and love.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Emma Swan looked up at the ceiling of her truck. Laying down, she held her phone up to her ear. It was now around 10pm at night and after a long day of washing, charging her electronics and eating a plate of lasagna at Granny's, she retired to her truck. Feeling more comfortable in another baggy shirt and shorts and parked in a supermarket parking lot. Finding this place to be not only legal but also the safest. The blonde was now talking to her mother on the other side of the phone call.

The green eyed girl bit her lower lip, "I mean… How did you know though? How did you know that… that dad was the one."

Mary Margret made sure that Emma called her everyday. The conversations were always, 'how are you' 'are you eating' 'are people being nice' 'are you brushing your teeth twice a day'. The usual.

"Emma! Do you have a crush on someone?" Mary asked excitedly. A distant 'what' could be heard by David in the background.

Emma sighed, "No, no, no. It's not like that. I'm just wondering what you felt when you first met him."

Mary could read between the lines and didn't want to keep pressuring her daughter to say who it was. Not realizing that it could possibly be a teacher that she had fallen for.

Mary-Margret sat down at the dinner table with her white nightgown as she felt like this was something serious that Emma wanted to discuss. "He was so handsome when I first met him."

"WAS?" David said, flabbergasted.

"Oh hush you." Mary shooed him away but not before he leaned down to give a soft kiss on his wife's head and left the room.

"As I was saying… At first I felt attracted to his looks but once he started talking, it was like we had known each other our whole lives." The blonde smiled a little. It was a bit cheesy but Emma continued to listen to her mother.

"I couldn't imagine life before I met your father. He was the town's outcast and my mother did not approve of him at first but that charming smile…I just knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. Love can be found in the biggest of places or the smallest of places. Nothing is ever a coincidence Emma. It was fate."

The blonde scrunched her face and frowned at the word fate. Emma didn't believe in all that stuff like her Snow White of a mother, "But, Ma… Life isn't a fairytale."

Mary-Margret smiled, "No… but all stories start with a once upon a time… does it not?"

The blonde chuckled softly as she laid there inside of her truck. Contemplating this statement but felt too tired to disagree with her mother. It couldn't be fate if the woman she was falling for was already taken.

"Goodnight Ma."

"Goodnight sweetheart."

The blonde pulled the phone away from her ear and swiped the red icon on her phone to end the call. Emma grabbed her blanket and pulled it over her body. Groaned at the discomfort of laying there. This truck sleeping was wearing down her body. There was a new bandaid above Emma's left eyebrow, courtesy of Granny when she went there for dinner and to charge her laptop. First day of college was a success. Only a few hiccups but overall, she felt like she could do this. Nothing could possibly get worse