I Carry Your Heart (I Carry it in My Heart)

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

October

"Hey, sorry. My dad surprised me with ice cream when he got home because he had to work late. I think he still feels bad that my mother hasn't really spoken to me since I turned sixteen," Regina texted after being silent for an hour.

"It's okay. Mary Margaret and I were having dinner. She gets annoyed sometimes when I text while we have dinner. Has your mother really not spoken to you since your presentation?" Emma asked.

"She addresses me only when necessary. She's not really my mother anymore. Thank god for my father. He's the only parent I have these days. To be honest, he's the only adult who cares about me."

"That's not true. I care about you."

"You're not an adult. You're only seventeen :P"

"I'm almost an adult. I'm like -1 year from being an adult," Emma texted, immediately sending a second message before Regina could even read the first one. "And just so you know, Mary Margaret cares about you as well. She's happy that you didn't run out when she got home last Friday."

"That makes me happy," Regina said, smiling at the realization that Miss Blanchard cared about her. "Although, I don't know if I can call her Mary Margaret. She's Miss Blanchard. It's going to be hard to change."

"She understands. She knows it might be strange to hang out in your former teacher's apartment when she's there. Speaking of which, tomorrow is Friday. You're still coming over after school for pizza, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. :D But now I have to go take a shower and go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I should go to sleep too. I'll meet you at your car after ninth."

"I'll see you then. Good night, Emma! Sleep well."

"You too, Regina. Good night."

The following day seemed to drag on, both excited to spend the evening together. As soon as the final bell rang, Regina sprinted to her locker to grab the books she'll need for the weekend, not really caring if she forgot any of them. She weaved around the other students casually making their way out as she rushed toward the student parking lot. As promised, Emma was already waiting for her, leaning against Regina's car, casually scrolling through her phone. They smiled at each other as Regina unlocked the door, quickly climbing in, tossing their bags into the backseat. The tires squealed slightly as she drove out of the parking lot, making their way to Mary Margaret's apartment. Six weeks have passed since their second first meeting, and they had both already perfected the art of carrying on a secret relationship. They were always careful not to be seen together in school, going out of their way sometimes to avoid each other in the hallway. All except between third and fourth period, where they would casually make eye contact while Emma passed Regina's locker. They avoid each other all week, spending their nights texting, wishing they could be near each other. All except Friday evenings. Friday evenings were for them. Mary Margaret continued to celebrate the end of the work week with her work colleagues, which gave the girls a few hours of complete alone time, and they always made the most of their time together. Although they have both agreed to take things slowly, it doesn't stop them from holding hands and snuggling together under a blanket on the couch while watching a movie.

The moment the loft door was closed behind them, Regina pulled Emma in for a tight hug.

"I missed you this week," she said, savoring the feeling of having Emma in her arms, even if just for a few moments.