The Girl Next Door

Part Eighteen

"Maybe Regina and I can come visit next weekend. I miss you so much," Emma whines into the phone that's securely tucked between her ear and shoulder while she folds her clothes.

"I know, this is bullshit! I haven't seen you guys in like four months!" Ruby shouts through the line to ensure ear damage, driving Emma to pull the device away from her ear and wince.

"I know, I'm so sorry. But Regina refuses to be out in public."

"I don't understand why you two can't just go out. What's the big deal? Most of these college girls get hammered and make out with their friends anyway, so what's the issue?"

"I don't know, Rubes!" She explodes on reflex because her body cannot handle another drop of irritation regarding her relationship.

She sighs, her eyes fluttering closed while she attempts to calm herself back down. She's truly starting to believe that their secret has more to do with Regina than her mother.

"Well, talk to her when she comes tonight and ask her if you guys can come here next weekend."

"Alright, will do."

"Okay, love you, Swan!"

"Love you too, Rubes."

She ends the call and tosses her phone onto the bed with all her pent-up rage. She quickly finishes up with her laundry just as Ellie saunters through the door with Regina following behind.

"Hey, did you do my clothes, too?" Ellie teases, plopping down on her own bed and folding her legs like a kindergartener.

"No way," she scoffs, pretending to sound annoyed, but she never could be with Ellie, she's too sweet and innocent.

Her girlfriend drops her bag next to her bed and leans down to capture her lips softly. Emma hums, admiring how delicate Regina is being in the moment.

"Hi," she mutters like a fool because, yet again, Regina's kiss clouds her mind, leaving her slightly lightheaded.

"Hello."

Emma holds out her arms with an exaggerated pout taking over her mouth and waits for her girlfriend to climb into her lap. Regina slides her right knee forward onto the bed then proceeds with her other knee. She drops her full bottom to Emma's thighs and wraps her arms around her neck. Emma snakes her hands around her girlfriend's tiny waist and tugs her down onto the bed, causing the brunette to squeal as they fall side by side. Regina sighs in content, nuzzling her face into the crook of her neck. Emma plants a tender kiss to Regina's temple and holds her impossibly close, because this week has left her very stressed from her classes.

"Will you two please come out tonight?" Ellie begs with her hands folded in a pleading manner beneath her chin and her bottom lip puckering all the way out.

Emma barks out a carefree laugh in response from the vision of her roommate, however she doesn't comment on the plea.

"What's your plan for tonight?" She investigates, somewhat derailing Ellie from her question.

"Glow party at the frat house I always go to."

Emma nods along mindlessly, because Regina's lips are faintly brushing against her skin while she runs her fingers through those long dark tresses. She chooses not to say anything further because she knows Regina will decline.

"Emma, seriously. It's almost winter break and you haven't gone to one party," Ellie complains, her face growing serious and demanding that Emma answer her.

She immediately feels the way Regina's body tenses in her arms and all those playful light kisses desist.

"I know Ellie, but..."