The Wedding Date (SwanQueen)

Apprehension

Emma listened to her answering machine as she brushed her teeth vigorously.

"Hi Emma, it's Regina Mills. Sorry I didn't get back to you last night. But I got your messages, all 7 of them. I know you're nervous, but this is what I get paid for. Now I'm running a little late, so I've sent a messenger to pick up my ticket. And Emma, stop worrying. Your ex-fiancé will finally get the picture, and your family will think we're in love. Trust me. I'll see you at the airport. Can't wait to meet you."

The machine beeped and Emma caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, slack-jawed and dripping toothpaste into the sink. She shook her head and rinsed, just as the doorbell rang.

She grabbed an envelope off of a table in the hall as she raced to the front door, donning a robe somewhere along the way.

Emma flung open the door and smiled at the bike messenger.

"Sorry, I wasn't quite ready for you," Emma said in a hurry as she scrawled Regina's name across the envelope.

She handed the messenger the envelope but didn't let go. "It's a plane ticket. For my date. To my sister's wedding in London."

The messenger quirked a brow. "You need to let go."

Emma let go and smiled nervously. "Right...just, uh, don't lose that."

With that the messenger left and Emma raced around her apartment like some deranged animal, never staying in one spot for more than 3 seconds as she finished packing, watered her plants, and retrieved her passport.

Emma arrived at the airport fifteen minutes before her flight, only to be ambushed by Daniel, her co-worker in Customer Service.

"Daniel, I'm not working today. I'm going to my sister's wedding. Customer Service will have to survive without me."

"But we're crashing here Em. 2 reps called in sick already, and we're 2 hours behind schedule."

"Daniel, I'd love to help but I haven't seen my family in 2 years. And my flight leaves in 15 minutes." Emma said in exasperation as she wheeled her luggage cart to the check station.

"Uh, Em? Please." Daniel begged.

Emma sighed and relented. "Bump the 1414 to the upper on 1610."

"What about the guy on line two?" Daniel asked, a quaking pile of puppy eyes and anxiety.

Emma rolled her eyes and ducked under the check counter. "Check my bags."

3 minutes into the call with Mr. Rajakpaw Emma found herself refunding his ticket and crediting him 10,000 frequent flyer miles out of sympathy.

When she was finally on the plane, Emma nervously reviewed the safety procedures. The woman across from her gave her a reassuring smile. "First flight?"

"No, no. I'm finding the exits in case I decide to jump out halfway there. I'm going to my sister's wedding with my ex-fiancé. Well, not with my ex, but he's the best man." Emma rambled, cutting herself off before the conversation became painful.

The woman only gave her a weird expression and Emma excused herself, walking up to the front of the cabin.

She poured herself a glass of vodka and the attendant gave her a disdainful look.

"Excuse me," he said incredulously.

"Sorry, I'm not a knuckler, I promise. It's just, I'm expecting my date any minute now at 3B and I need her to look really, really good today." Emma spat out quickly, taking a drink.

The attendant looked over her shoulder and smiled to himself. "Hello, 3B."

Emma handed him the glass and walked back to her seat just as Regina turned around, champagne in hand. She was like a walking dream. Dark, perfectly coiffed hair, intense amber eyes, flawless olive skin, and a pair of lips that would drive anyone insane.