the auditorium is decorated in the typical holiday style with shimmering garlands, twinkling lights, and the faint smell of pine. its the annual christmas talent show and the crowd is buzzing with anticipation. you were sitting beside mrs george who is practically glowing with excitement. the flowers you had gotten for her and regina were perfect she had said. her own flowers sat in her lap and reginas sat in your lap

mrs george leans towards you, her eyes sparkling as she chats away about how proud she is of regina "you know i just know shes going to wow everyone tonight. shes been rehearsing so much. i dont know what i would do without her" she says, smiling as she gazes down at the flowers in her lap

you give her a soft smile, glancing around the room and pretending to be engaged but the truth was that your attention was already fixed on the stage. regina was backstage waiting for her cue to perform. its been a bit awkward between you lately but youve kept up the charade for mrs georges sake. you cant help the rush of feelings that flood you with the mix of old memories and the awkward tension that was still lingering between you and regina

your phone buzzes with a text from regina

g: wish me luck. i swear if i fall tonight ill never hear the end of it.

y/n/n: good luck. youll do amazing as always. just dont trip, ill be too busy holding the flowers for you to catch you if you do

g: you better be ready to pick me up if i do but ill still be pissed

you cant help but to chuckle softly, noticing mrs george looking at you with a raised eyebrow "everything okay?"

"yeah" you answer, giving her a charming smile "just you know.. thinking about regina. shes a little nervous"

"well she doesnt have to be! shes got this" mrs george insists, her voice proud "shes such a natural. just like you. youve always been so good for her"

a warmth spreads through you at her words even though they hit a little differently now. you nod, feeling the weight of the flowers in your lap

eventually reginas cue comes and you can see her slip out onto the stage. shes dressed in that sparkly outfit you know so well with her blonde hair perfectly styled and face radiant with the combination of confidence and composure. she locks eyes with you for a brief moment and even across the distance theres a slight tension in the air

mrs george claps enthusiastically as regina takes the stage and you do the same, the sound of applause filling your ears as you settle back into your seat. you glance down at the flowers as a soft sigh escapes your lips

it isnt easy acting like everything is fine and youre still a couple but for mrs george its worth it. you only hope regina doesnt make it any harder than it needs to be