IT STARTED WITH A LIE ✰ CAPTAIN SWAN

Chapter 3 ✰ Secret

Flashback

Neal and Regina were standing in the hall of the school next to Neal's locker. I stood across the hall with Ruby and looked at the couple. My thoughts were disturbed, however, by some girls that passed by.

'That's the girl who's dating Killian Jones! Do you believe her?' I heard one of the girls asking.

I sighed as I turned to Ruby again. 'It's not even 9 and today is already a disaster. Can it get any worse?'

I turned around and right at that moment Regina kissed Neal. Ruby giggled. 'Well, that answered your question.'

Ruby noticed my sad mood and grabbed my shoulder. 'I'd put money on it that they don't make it to Fall Dance.'

I shrugged my shoulders. 'I just don't get why he's dating her. How can he not see right through her?'

'Probably because she is pretty and popular and gets what she wants?'

I rolled my eyes at that although I knew she was right. 'Does she really like him? Or is she still trying to get back at me for last year...' 

Police station

'Why was Regina so malicious toward you?' the detective asked.

I hesitated for a moment but decided to tell it anyway. 'Regina and I actually used to be best friends, but it always felt like she was competing with me. I thought Regina had it all. Cool clothes, a big house, both her parents...' I paused for a moment, but the detective looked doubtfully so I continued 'So I never understood why she'd have any reason to be jealous of ME. Until one day, last year...'

Flashback

We were at her house, talking about what we wanted to do after high school.

'I'm only applying to Ivies. Yale and Harvard told me they're holding a spot for me.' Regina said.

I was shocked and amazed, but I trusted her. 'Before you even applied? That's amazing, Regina! You're the first person I know who got that!'

She smiled as she walked towards me. 'I still can't believe you got a perfect score on your SAT. I mean, congrats and all. It's just a little nerdy'

It was like she couldn't handle that I'd done better than her at something. Her comment hurt me, but I decided to give her some space.

'Do you mind if I grab a snack from your kitchen?'

Regina shrugged her shoulders. 'Go for it'

So I walked downstairs. I didn't mean to overhear her mom and dad talking.

'Honey, what are we gonna do if she doesn't get in anywhere again?' I heard Mrs. Mills saying. 'We got lucky that Storybrooke High let her in after we made that big donation, but it'll be harder to buy her way into college.'

I was shocked. Regina bought her way into Storybrooke High?! I should have just stayed in her room, pretending things were fine.

'What are you doing?' I heard Regina behind me.

Police station

'I didn't tell anyone what I'd heard. But that didn't matter. She hated that I knew one way she wasn't better than me. From then on, Regina was set on making my life miserable...'

Flashback

I sat in the classroom and was ready to take notes. I was always a diligent student and although my day was already bad, I didn't want my grades to suffer.

'Emma, how did you and Killian meet? Are you gonna be on his TV show?' Belle asked.

'Was it love at first sight or did you guys bond over Storybrooke High?' Tink added

Regina rolled her eyes while she walked into the classroom. 'IF they're even in love at all. We'll find out if Emma's lying about Killian on Wednesday.'

'What do you mean?'

Right at that moment, Mr. Archie walked into the classroom as well. 'Class, I have some exciting news! Regina Mills came up with the amazing idea for our Genealogy Project. Thanks to her parents' generosity, the Senior class will be going to Los Angeles on Wednesday!'

Regina looked at me and smiled. 'And tell them the best part!' she exclaimed enthusiastically.

'Ah, yes!' Mr. Archie continued. 'We'll be exploring the Family History Museum to learn about the generations of immigrants who are our ancestors.'

Regina rolled her eyes. 'I meant the OTHER best part' she said annoyed, but she was too excited to wait any longer. 'We're staying at the same hotel Killian Jones is staying at to film his TV show!'

The whole class started to yell with excitement and me... I wanted to disappear.

'Alright, now let's settle down' Mr. Archie continued, but Regina interrupted him.

'Oh Mr. Archie, one more thing. Since Emma is dating Killian, could she have him greet us when we arrive?'

Mr. Archie nodded in agreement. 'I must admit, I'd love to see Killian again. It's been a couple of years since he was in my class and he's so famous now! Emma, what do you think?'

Killian Jones meeting us. I had no idea what I was supposed to do, but I didn't want to give this victory to Regina. 'Why don't you ask him Regina, since you're so excited? I don't like using his fame to ask for favors.'

Regina rolled her eyes once again. 'That's thoughtful of you, Emma. I'm sure I can arrange something.'

And from that moment on I knew I was in big trouble. I felt miserable and after class, I walked into the lunch area and I felt more defeated than ever. 

'There you are, Pinocchio!' Ruby said with a smile. 'What do you think you're doing?' she whispered while I came closer to her.

'So you heard about the field trip...'

'Everyone's talking about it, Emma. And knowing Regina, she won't rest until Killian is holding a personal welcome flag for us. What are you gonna do?'

I sighed, maybe there was a chance. 'I'll catch him first and tell him the truth. I've gotta get some space to prepare. I'll be back after lunch.'

'Good luck, dude' Ruby said with a genuine smile on her face.

Just when I thought I couldn't get in bigger trouble I found out that I was completely wrong. When I walked past the cars in the parking lot I was blinded by flashes. 'What the...'

'Emma! You're Emma, right?' the photographer asked.

'How do you know my...' I tried to ask in shock, but he interrupted me. 'I'm Leroy, the head reporter for Hollywood News. I'd like to ask you a few questions about your relationship with Killian Jones.'

Regina appeared behind Leroy. Of course, she was the one behind all this. 'Leroy is a friend of my father's. I just knew that he had to interview about this story.'

'So it's true - you're dating Killian Jones?' Leroy asked while he continued to take pictures.   

I noticed Regina's evil face behind Leroy and I decided to own this lie. I was too far in it to get back anyway.

'Yes. Yes, I am.'