It was a cold autumn morning that would've been considered beautiful if not for everyone being in a cemetery. Emma remembered the reason she was here last time was because Neal had died.
Now, she was standing with Henry by her side, watching a casket being carefully placed into the ground. This was a day that Emma never wanted to come.
She hated the fact that Henry had lost his mom, the woman who had raised him for 10 years. Henry wasn't crying, but she was certain that he would later. Everyone in the town was there and it was probably out of politeness for their mayor. Her parents had a history with Regina, but the fact that she changed had warmed them up to her.
Emma had no idea how to take care of Henry and Regina was the one who would always know what to do. Just because she gave birth to Henry doesn't mean that Emma was mom material. Without Regina, Henry could've met the same fate she did.
Henry threw some dirt on her casket and said his goodbyes to Regina. He said he was going to wait at the entrance. Snow and Charming gave Emma hugs and said how sorry they were for her loss.
Emma was now standing alone and staring down at the casket. There was dirt on top with flowers that were truly fit for a queen.
She hadn't felt heartbreak like this, not even when Neal had died.
"You should've let me handle the situation, Regina! Henry needs a mom like you in his life, not me. You didn't have to prove to the town that you are good because Henry and I already knew that."
She felt a tear fall down her cheek and wiped it away. "Who the hell is going to demand that I turn in my paperwork or say that my car's a death trap? I should be the one down there instead of you."
"That's not true, mom." Henry said as he held onto Emma's hand. "Henry, I couldn't save her." She sounded so broken and he squeezed her hand. "Mom knew what she was doing and you did the best you could."
Emma was silent for a moment before clearing her throat, "Let's go get something to eat so we can get out of the cold." She made sure to say a proper farewell to Regina and walked with her son to the diner.
They sat down in the booth that had a sign that read, "Swan-Mills' Booth". Ruby put up that sign up a while back when Regina, Emma, and Henry ate together. The three of them picked that booth every time they came. Now, it was there to stay and it was a bitter-sweet memory.
Henry had ordered for himself and Emma since she sat there quietly while not really reading the menu. The door opened and Emma heard a familiar sound of heels on the linoleum. She knew that sound anywhere and turned around.
She wanted it to be Regina who came in and would begin telling Emma that she had her son for too long or how Henry shouldn't be eating grease. She knew that Regina was gone, but she hoped that this was a curse.
She would break the spell and Regina would be the one waking her up. No matter how hard she hoped for it to be true, it wouldn't happen. This was reality and the reality was that Regina wasn't ever going to return.
Ruby put the food down in front of Emma, but she only drank the coffee. "Emma, I'm here if you ever need to talk." She put a hand on the blonde's shoulder and nodded.
"Thanks Rubes."