And Then There Was You

XXII. These Hands That Matter

Emma slipped back into the seminar room as quietly as possible, hoping to avoid drawing attention. Her friends, however, immediately noticed her return. She took her seat next to Ruby and Belle.

"Hey, are you okay?" Ruby's eyes were filled with concern. "What took you so long?"

"I'm fine," Emma reassured her, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her. "What did I miss?"

Ruby chuckled softly. "Uh... a lot."

Belle leaned in with a comforting smile. "Don't worry, I took notes for you," she said, her tone gentle, aiming to ease Emma's anxiety.

As the seminar delved deeper into its discussions, the ambient hum of engaged minds was momentarily interrupted by the gentle creak of the balcony door swinging open. Emma, immersed in the discourse, felt her attention pulled by the subtle intrusion. Her pulse quickened as she turned to see Regina making her entrance, a sight that never failed to stir a flutter within her chest, despite having just crossed paths moments before.

Regina's presence was arresting, commanding attention effortlessly as she traversed the room with the poise of a seasoned diplomat. Emma's gaze lingered, captivated by the woman who held sway over her heart. Each movement Regina made was a study in grace, her every step a testament to confidence and elegance. The soft caress of her stilettos against the carpeted floor seemed to echo the cadence of a silent symphony, a harmonious blend of strength and femininity.

To the casual observer, navigating the space in those towering heels might have posed a challenge, but Regina moved with a fluidity that bordered on artistry. It was as though the stilettos were not mere accessories but extensions of her very being, enhancing rather than hindering her natural allure.

Emma watched, her breath catching in her throat, as Regina made her way to her seat. Every movement was deliberate, sensual, the subtle sway of her hips hypnotic. Regina sat down, crossing her legs with an elegance that seemed almost otherworldly. Emma felt a lump form in her throat, her admiration for Regina bordering on adoration. She knew how it might appear to an outsider—this intense focus, this almost reverent watching—but those who knew her understood. Regina wasn't just a figure of fascination; she was someone who held Emma's heart in her hands, knowingly or not.

Emma shook her head slightly, forcing herself to focus back on the seminar, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Regina, each stolen glance a small act of rebellion against her attempts to concentrate.

As another half hour passed, nearing the end of the seminar, the lights in the hall gradually brightened, allowing everyone to see each other more clearly. Dr. Cruella Feinberg transitioned into a Q&A session. Some students asked for deeper insights into her lecture, while others, like Belle, seized the moment to impress Professor Mills, eager to prove that she had indeed earned that extra credit. As Belle voiced her thoughts on the lecture, Regina turned around, ostensibly to acknowledge her student, but her true intent was to catch a glimpse of Emma, who was already gazing at her. Their eyes met, engaging in a silent flirtation. Emma felt a flush rising from her neck, spreading across her face. With the lights now fully up, she prayed no one would notice the sudden tinge of pink on her cheeks.

The Q&A session concluded, and Dr. Feinberg invited her friend and colleague, Professor Regina Mills, to join her on stage. They shared anecdotes about their backgrounds and discussed their collaborative paper on the invisibility of mental health issues in contemporary society. Their work aimed to elevate the recognition of mental health problems to the same level of importance as physical illnesses, highlighting that the mind's health is crucial.

Regina and Cruella took turns lauding each other's accomplishments, their mutual respect and pride palpable. Regina expressed her gratitude to Dr. Feinberg for her lecture, emphasizing the importance of their shared mission. Meanwhile, Emma couldn't tear her eyes away from Regina. She marveled at her perfection—so intelligent, so accomplished. Emma's heart fluttered with pride, admiration radiating from her gaze.