Lies, hate but her

17

The following week came. Barney was coming down today which happened to be the day Regina was hosting a birthday party for Monica. I'm leaving the house now to meet up with Barney. We're meeting in the coffee shop. I walked in and sat at a booth.

"Yo! Emma" Jake says cheerfully as he walked over.

"Hey. You alright? Haven't seen you in awhile" I say smiling up at him.

"Yeah thanks. How about you? Also what you want" he asked pulling his note pad out.

"I'm good cheers. I'll have a black coffee thanks with no sugar" I say still a little distracted from having to meet Barney again.

Jake wrote it down and walked away. I waited a few seconds before he brought my coffee over. I waited but got restless waiting for Barney. I then heard the door open. I look up to see him. A tall brunette guy that was very muscular and had a defined jaw line. He saw me and smiled slightly. Barney walked over and sat down.

"Emma" he softly said looking a little shocked at me.

"Hey" I awkwardly said with a wave.

"Hi. Ow my god seeing you brings back so many memories. How are you" he asked now starting to smile.

"I'm good thanks. Sorry I never contacted you sooner. Lots has happened" I say sitting forward a little still processing seeing him.

"No it's my fault. I shouldn't have left town like that. You needed me here when Layla died and I didn't think about you or anyone. I'm so sorry Emma" he apologised looking up at me feeling sorry for me.

"Do you want a drink" Jake asked walking over to us.

"Yeah. Can I get a Frappuccino please" Barney asked looking up at Jake.

"Sure thing" Jake replied before walking away.

After that me and Barney talked for awhile. Catching up and becoming soon friends. I aloud him to stay at mine while he's in town. We soon left the coffee shop. Laughing as we walked down the street.

"She was insane" Barney said laughing at a memory of Layla we shared.

"God I miss her" I replied chuckling at my sisters memory.

"Me too. It's good to see you though Emma" he says smiling down at me.

"So are you with anyone now" I asked wanting to know if my brother in law still loved Layla.

"I remarried and have kids. My wife knows about Layla but she doesn't know how in love with Layla I was. It took me so long to get over her" he replied looking down and as if he's guilty.

"I know she loved you. The morning of your wedding I asked if she was nervous. She casually shrugged and said the fuck am I" I say laughing making him laugh.

I then saw Regina walking with Aubrey. They were giggling and talking. The 9 year old looking up at me and smiled brightly.

"Emma!" She shouts excitedly.

Regina looked up and smiled at me. She then looked at Barney before quickly back at me. I hugged her tight before bending down to hug Aubrey.

"Barney this is Regina" I say introducing her.

"Ow your the Regina I heard about" he says smiling at her.

"Hi. Nice to meet you" Regina politely said waving at him.

"Hi. I'm an old friend of Emma's" he said knowing I haven't told anyone about Layla.

"Well I have to get going. Come on Rey. Let's go" Regina said with a slight smile at me. She took her daughters hand and started walking. "I'll see you tonight" she says before looking back to her daughter and walking away.

"What you doing tonight" he asked as we continued walking.

"Regina's throwing her best friend a birthday party. Your alright tonight at home right" I asked looking back up at him.

"Of course. I don't want to be an inconvenience to your life" he said quickly before I could say any more.

"Thanks"

We talked until we got home. Freddie met him since he doesn't remember Barney. No one knows about Layla. Especially not Freddie. He was 2 when she died and doesn't remember her. After a few hours passed I got ready and went to Regina's house. Freddie was coming as well.

"I'll see you later Barney" I say as I left the house.

"So who is he" Freddie confusedly asked.

"An old friend I told you. The last time you met him was when you were 2" I replied as we walked down the street.

"There just seems to be something your hiding from me" he said curiously as he looked up at me.

"Fine. There is a secret we know. I'll tell you tomorrow. Don't worry. I never slept with him" I say with a sigh knowing she couldn't hide it from him any longer.

We walked for a bit until we got to Regina's house. We arrived a little late but not too late. I greeted everyone except Regina who I couldn't find. I then went to Monica to wish her a happy birthday.

"Hey. Happy birthday" I say hugging her.

"Thank you. By the way if your wondering Regina is upstairs. Her room" Monica says pulling out the hug and smiling.

"Thanks. I'll go check on her" I replied before walking to the stairs. I went upstairs and to her room. I knocked before opening the door. Regina was sat on the bed looking in the mirror. She was just staring. Looking a little upset. "Hey" I softly sat in hope to get her attention.

"Hi" she replied still looking at the mirror. I walked over and sat down next to her. I looked into the mirror at us both. "I went to the doctor today. My memory is really messing up. Some things from ages ago I remember but I don't remember how to work the dishwasher" she replied now finally looking at me.

"It's fine. Probably nothing to worry about" I say placing my hand on her shoulder.

"It got me thinking. What if something is wrong with me? What if I'm dying faster? I know at first I wanted to die faster but I don't anymore" she asked looking worried at me.

"I don't think you are. Don't think about dying. Think about living" I replied as I moved some hair behind her hair and smiled softly.

Regina smiled and we pulled each other into a hug. I held her close knowing she's worried. I didn't want to let go.

"Who was that Barney guy" she asked not pulling away.

"Just a really old friend" I say with a chuckle.

"Alright" she whispered as I felt her smile slightly.

We pulled away but her hand stayed on the back of my head. I kept my hands around her back. Our heads were close still. We just stayed there for a few seconds looking at each other.

"Mums? Monica wants to talk to you" Freddie says from outside the room.

We pulled away quickly and she stood up. Before a word was said Regina walked to the door. She looked round at me as I stood up.

"Come on. Move that little booty" Regina says giggling at me.

"I'm coming" I chuckled as I walked over to her.