Regina's Darkness

Three

The house fills in no time. Of course, like the good hostess I am, I wait by the door to say hello to the first arrivers. I don't stay long though because the party has just begun and there's so much to do. First, I'm going to play beer pong with my sister. We're champions so it's a must, but the real fun tonight will be Karaoke Dokie. Katie and I made it up when we had sleepovers or birthday parties. We would always team up together and win by a landslide.

But ever since Katie hit puberty, and gained a few pounds, it's like she's a whole new person. Her insecurities changed her in middle school so now her heart isn't in singing like it used to be. That doesn't mean she isn't good. I make her sing with me from time to time when we're alone. She's still got that angelic voice that I admire. Today, I will make her sing. I will comfort her and make her feel worthy to show Emma that I'm a great friend and that my care for people goes as far as nurturing.

"Gina!" Zelena calls out to me. "Robin and Will are ready for beer pong."

"Okay." I let my sister drag me through the huge crowd of dancing teens and outside to the back yard. Beer pong is ready to go, Killian is nowhere to be seen right now, and the day is just getting better.

"Make sure you kick their asses," a girl whispers in my ear. I smile at Daniella as she joins the crowd to watch. She's my brother's girlfriend. I like her; I approve. She doesn't know about his drug addiction now, but she loves him either way. That means she'll love the sober Dani too.

"Aight girls, we won't go easy on ya," Will declares with a wicked smile.

"Okay." Zelena shrugs with a confident smile. I love seeing my baby sister determined. It makes me proud even if she's only 14 and her determination is over an alcoholic game. It's better than nothing.

Since we're champions, the boys go first. Robin takes his first shot successfully, landing it in the cup at the tip of the pyramid. So he gets to go again but misses. I drink the cup he made a successful shot in, giving a malicious smirk after I slam back the intoxicating liquid. Everyone around us goes silent as I grab for the ball, boosting my ego. I take my time, I aim with one eye pinch closed, then I take that leap of faith. The party goers around us cheer when the ball lands right into the cup. Then I'm successful again.

"Hell yes!" Zee cheers as she gives me a much needed high five.

The game grows more and more intense, there's just two cups left on either sides and we, as players, are already tipsy. I can definitely hold my alcohol and so can my sister because, well, it's safe to say that my family has a ton of problems. But that doesn't mean my vision is delayed with every movement. Zee takes her shot and misses both times, groaning in agony and pursing her lips as her boy toy attempts to take his turn. Robin misses too, deeming it my turn and that the very moment when every thing is tense, the air shifts, and gold flashes in the corner of my eyes.

I can just barely make out Emma and Kate weaving through the crowd in the living room, coming closer to the sliding doors. She actually came! Perfect!

"Regina!" Zee snaps, causing me to slam my eyes shut.

"Shit, sorry." I huff. Casually I toss the ball, earning loud cheers yet again. The second time I miss and I'm sure by now that Emma is somewhere in the crowd. I can feel her eyes on me....

The heat rises on my skin and my heart is pumping a rush of blood, building my anxiety by the second. I merely forget about the game as I think about Emma and all the possibilities of where this night can go. I know, dear god, do I know that I shouldn't be crushing on anyone this hard but I'm just drawn to her. I have this feeling, this connection I have towards her. It's like fate.