In progress

Chapter 18

As Emma walked the streets of Storybrooke, she felt her phone vibrate in the back pocket of her jeans, indicating a new text message. Expecting it to be from Regina, the blonde immediately pulled out her phone and couldn't help the disappointment as she noticed the text wasn't from the brunette, but Ruby.

Ruby: Hey, do you wanna go grab some lunch at Granny's with me and Belle?

A pang of guilt slowly crept in. She had once again left her friends to spend time with Regina, and she knew it was only a matter of time before they started asking questions.

Emma: Yeah, sure. Lunch sounds good.

Not long after, her phone vibrated again.

Ruby: Cool! It's been so long... We'll be there at 1 pm.

Emma checked the time. That gave her an hour or so to get home, take a shower, and get ready. She quickened her pace, determined to make it back in time.

Emma: Cool, see you there.

There was no reply from Ruby, just a thumbs-up on her text. As Emma made it to her apartment, she rushed to her room, ridding herself of her clothes and hopping into the shower. The warm water cascading down her body was soothing, helping to wash away some of the anxiety she felt. Nevertheless, she knew it was inevitable that she would have to explain why she had been blowing off her friends, again.

After her shower, Emma stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair and trying to gather her thoughts. What could she say to Ruby and Belle? The truth was complicated, and she had promised Regina to keep their relationship a secret. However, she couldn't keep lying to her friends either. With a sigh, she decided to focus on the present moment and deal with the questions as they came.

Emma dressed quickly, opting for casual but neat attire. She slipped into a pair of jeans and a fitted top, tying her hair back into a simple ponytail. She glanced at the clock and saw she had a few minutes to spare. Sitting on her bed, she grabbed her phone and sent a quick text to Regina.

Emma: Just wanted to say thank you for last night, and this morning. I had a really great time.

A few moments later, her phone buzzed with a reply.

Regina: I did too, Emma. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Emma couldn't help but smile at Regina's words. The brief exchange lifted her spirits and gave her the courage she needed to face her friends. She grabbed her bag and headed out the door, making her way to Granny's.

As she approached the diner, she spotted Ruby and Belle already seated at a booth near the window. They waved enthusiastically, and Emma felt a rush of affection for her friends. She knew she had been distant lately, but seeing their smiles reminded her of how much she valued their friendship.

"Hey, stranger!" Ruby greeted as Emma slid into the booth beside her. "Long time no see."

"Yeah, we were starting to think you'd forgotten all about us," Belle added with a teasing smile.

Emma laughed, though she felt a twinge of guilt. "Sorry, I've just been really busy lately."

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "Busy with what? Or should I say... with whom?"

Emma's cheeks flushed, and she looked down at her menu to avoid their curious gazes. "Just... stuff. You know, work and all."

Belle leaned in, her expression turning serious. "Emma, if there's something going on, you know you can tell us, right?"

Emma took a deep breath, weighing her words carefully. "I know, Belle. And I promise, I'm not trying to keep anything from you. It's just... complicated."