So let me clear up a couple of reviews and I am going to paraphrase
(Guest)- Regina and Ruby should've shown more sympathy. Emma was just in a car accident and what grown person calls their mom, Mommy?: While all very true Emma's character hates pity (in my story at least) which you would have seen in this chapter had you waited. But its cool no stress hopefully I can show it more. Regina feels horrible and Ruby and Emma have a funny relationship. Plus she was kicked out of the room. But if you dislike the story I'm sorry. It's just a cute story. And I still call my mother mommy, ma, any different variation.
(Guest) – Cora can't just have Regina take over. That's not the way politics work: Don't take it literally. She just wants Regina to become mayor. It was more joking but of course she would have to run.
(Guest) - Please tell me its a Regina G!P: No its a Emma G!P but if you want I can dream up another idea and make it into a Regina G!P. Just let me know.
I'm not perfect guys I will make mistakes in more ways then one. Just give it a chance.
To my other guests that love the story and asked me to update soon thank you guys. Your response was amazing. Thank you guys so much. And to show my appreciation here is the next chapter.
Previously on Help Me Believe Again:
The blonde frowned apparently she was missing something. Regina swallowed her nerves and cleared her throat and looked to Emma. "Do you recall telling me about not meeting the prick? And how that prick also ruined your day?"
"Yes but what does that have to do with anything?"
Regina smiled at the girl's naïveté. It was quickly becoming an endearing quality she admired in the blonde. The author stood from the chair she had claimed and stuck out her hand toward Emma. "My name is Regina Mills and I am said prick."
Emma's mouth dropped. No fucking way.
Chapter 2: Hero or Annoyance?
Emma couldn't believe her favorite author had been the person that had hit her. Of all the ill-fated jokes the world had to offer, this one had to top them all. But her favorite author had seemed so genuine and sincere when she had sat and talked to her. Expressing concern, and repeating how sorry she was over and over again. There wasn't much the brunette could do. Her pain was immense but she was alive and Emma hated pity. Life had taught her survival of the fittest and she planned to survive. But she couldn't shake her favorite writer. Or had it all been a ploy? Hurt beamed in her eyes and looking at Regina she had a feeling the brunette was sensing her distaste for the misplaced trust.
"Gentlemen could you give us a moment?" Regina asked looking to the officers.
"Emma I would wait till your insurance agent talks to you. I wouldn't sign anything… are you sure you don't want me to stay?" Graham asked. Not wanting to see the brunette victimize his crush again. The patient looked up to the clean cut officer and smiled stiffly.
"I can handle myself. But thanks Graham I won't forget the statement. Just give us some time I will call if I need you." Another plastic smile curved her lips as he narrowed his eyes. But after a moment of hesitation he complied with the blonde's wishes. And ushered his partner out. He followed behind but not before casting the strange woman a warning look. The door closed behind the two law enforcers and Regina re-took her seat. "Why didn't you tell me? I wouldn't have harassed you if that's what you were thinking," Emma whispered hurt.
"It's not that. You just didn't speak to highly of the person that hit and ruined you and your car. So forgive me if I wasn't eager to speak up."
Emma could understand her anxiety on the matter. But pouting about it wasn't going to do any good. "So is this where you offer to make me sign something that will keep my mouth shut and have it not get leaked to the press?"
The author tried not to look hurt but the comment had hit its intended target. "No but you did say you lost your job. I was hoping you would let me pay your medical bills? Or at least let me help you until you are on your feet. I feel guilty as it is." Regina replied with hurt present in her voice.
"I will be fine Ms. Mills I don't need a hand out. I am completely capable of taking care of myself thank you. But I should say thank you for checking on me. Good day Miss Mills." Emma choked out.
"But Miss Swan…"
"Seriously I am okay Regina. It was my pleasure to meet you. And don't worry I won't stalk or use it against you. Life happens." The blonde said feeling her emotions beginning to bubble.
"Emma I am not giving up. I want to make this right." The brunette said with a hint of sad finality as she strolled toward the door. The author had not only made a vow to herself but also to Emma before she knew her. But now that she did know the blonde, she found a need to take care of the younger women. But the feeling was foreign to her, Regina was straight.
(Hallway of Storybrooke Memorial – Regina)
Regina exited the room and was not surprised to see the protective officer issuing her a suspicious eye. The author had no doubt that if she was a man, she would've walked out of the hospital with a black eye. Graham scowled at her before he and his partner opened the door and entered the room. Leaving Regina to stand by herself in the cold hospital hallway.
A vibration radiating from her pocket pulled the tanned skinned woman out of mental limbo. Her mind kept wondering back and forth to the blonde she had left in the room. The brunette believed Emma was a naturally bubbly person but she had missed her smile. And made a promise to see a genuine smile return to the patient even if it killed her. Looking at her phone she groaned as she slid her thin finger across the screen to answer. "Hello Kathryn."
"What the fuck is this I am hearing about you being in a wreck? Your car alerted me. May I ask when you planned to?"
The small woman walked to the nearest waiting room and was pleased to see it abandoned. No one should have to witness her best friend screaming at her. Hell Regina didn't even want to hear Kathryn yell at her but she had bargained it was bound to happen sooner or later. She and Kathryn didn't have a typical friendship. They had actually been dating the same guy in college and found out through a mutual friend and confronted one another. The two women had scrapped but realized in the end the guy wasn't worth it. And both women went their own way. Later fate brought them together in class and a friendship formed. From then the two women had been inseparable.
"Well hello to you Kat."
Kathryn scoffed at the audacity of her best friend. "Don't evade Regina. Answer the damn question."
"Jesus Kat show some remorse. I was in a car accident."
"So… you want a medal? You're alive and well Regina. Second of all I am pretty sure a tank could run over your car and you could walk away."
Despite her crude comment Kathryn had a point. "So who did you hit? I can start working on an angle to make sure they don't sue you. Or maybe we can…"
"Kat stop. I don't want bribes or an easy way out. I feel guilty and I plan to take responsibility. Actually I wanted to talk to you about this." The blonde remained silent but Regina could easily tell her manager/ best friend was already aggravated. "I may be here longer then I initially expected."
"Regina we talked about this. You're supposed to have interviews. As well as beginning the process to send your first chapter off to publishing. So they know you aren't bullshitting them. Look I am pretty sure you already expressed your guilt. I know you, but Mills what can you do? You're not a doctor. Befriend the victim, do a damn jig if you have to, say your peace and bring your ass home."
Her friend had been correct - again. She felt horrible and it only made her feel worst that she couldn't do anything but share pity. Remorse was easily becoming the writer's best friend. One thing she loved about Kathryn was her bluntness and honesty. But at the moment her best friend was making her only feel worse. After all, the blonde was the ying to her yang, and was the only person that could convince her publishers to give her an extension. The only problem was trying to convince her best friend first.
"Kat I understand. But you know I haven't been in the mood to write. But being here could have a positive impact on me. Plus I actually made the girls life worse and you know me. The more you say no the more I am just going to do it anyway." Kathryn may have been her manager and taken care of her affairs but it was Regina who made the decisions most of the time.
Silence fell between the two women. Then it happened. The famous sigh that alerted Regina that she had won. "Fine I will give you three months Regina. But you need to manage to work the chapter in so I have a reason to let you escape."
"Make it 6 months and you have a deal and I will send a chapter every month." Regina knew she had backed Kathryn into a corner and it thrilled her. Her manager wouldn't turn down multiple chapters especially with her not being in a writing mood, thanks to writers block. And that had scared the publishers and made them question if R.A Mills was simply a one hit wonder. "Kat?"
"FINE! Six months and six chapters. Tell me what you need and I will have it sent or transferred. I will work it out with the publishers."
"You're the best."
"Yea fuck you too Queen."
(Hospital Room Emma –Next Day)
Emma had been watched and monitored throughout the night. Her leg had been set when she came in, but there was nothing else the doctors could do until it healed properly. So they were finally releasing the blonde, mostly at her own request. The nurse scheduled appointments for the blonde to come back and have check ups, to make sure the patient's leg was healing properly. Along with several pain prescriptions and high dose NSAIDS*.
"So who's picking you up darling?" The nurse asked as she rolled Emma toward the exit.
"I am not sure. Probably Ruby. I had my neighbor watch over my mother. Speaking of which that is not something I'm looking forward to. She's never going to let me out of the house again." The elderly nurse chuckled and patted the apprehensive woman on the shoulder.
"I'm sure everything will be alright dear. I've only known you a short amount of time and you were begging the doctors to clear and let you go. You're a fighter. I'm sure your mother knows it to Emma." Gerty was right on one account at least. Emma was a fighter and a survivor because she had to be. You learned that from a early age when your parents didn't want you. Crying did nothing but get you pity and possibly a pat on the back. And if the truth was told she knew she could do all that by herself. But Gerty was also wrong in her assumptions. She knew the longer she stayed in the hospital the more her bill would grow. And even with the short stay and having a doctor as a friend Emma knew she still had to pay the outrageous bill. And without a job or health insurance. She calculated she would have fun scraping the money together for the bill.
"Well in all my years I don't think I have ever seen a town car waiting outside a hospital. Maybe Storybrooke is finally getting a celebrity?" The old nurse crooned nearly squealing with joy. But Emma had a sinking feeling she knew who it was. "Maybe a singer? Or a movie star? Oh… or maybe a retired athlete?"
"Gerty that imagination of yours, is that of legend," Emma chuckled to herself. "I can handle it from here Gert thanks again."
"Emma I can't its hospital policy I wait with you. Until your ride comes."
"Doctor Whale will understand I assure you. And if he asks I will speak to him or just say I was already picked up. No harm no foul." The blonde smiled to the old woman, hoping to sway her.
"I would prefer waiting but if you insist I suppose I have no choice." The nurse bellowed hesitantly as she moved to lock the wheelchair Emma rode in. Placing the blonde's crutches on her lap before wishing her a speedy recovery and turning away. A breath of relief cascaded over the blonde's lips as the sound of the nurses shoes clicking all but ceased. The window on the black town car growled as it was lowered.
"Miss Swan I would like it very much if you would allow me to take you home. Please it is the least I can do." Regina all but cried out of the window. And Emma simply ignored her. In her mind Regina had every right to feel guilty but she wouldn't necessarily hold it against. She couldn't be bought or told to forgive or accept handouts. "Miss Swan I am aware that your hearing was not damaged in the accident. I will get out of this vehicle and personally put you inside." Regina's tone though abrasive held no malice and Emma found herself fighting not to laugh aloud. "Emma please." The sound of the brunette's broken voice caused Emma to cave as she turned to face the window.
"What do you want from me Regina? My insurance called and my car was totaled. I am sure being who you are, you carry good insurance. They will handle the case and the matter from here. Your guilt is appreciated but not needed. I am still alive despite you trying to take that from me as well." Regina was taken aback by the force of the blonde's words. She was right, her guilt was eating her from the inside out. Could she force her help on someone who didn't even want it? Emma seemed hell bent on going against her and being independent.
There was more to Emma Swan and she planned to find out what that something was. The female intrigued her. "Perhaps you are right Miss Swan but I won't give up." The author said popping open the door as she walked around the vehicle toward the stubborn wheelchair bound woman. Bending down so she and Emma were forced to look into one another's eyes. And what magnificent eyes the young blonde carried. They were a dark moss hued iris with tints of blue scattered here and there. "Do I feel horrible? Absolutely. And if you would allow me I would love the chance to at least make it up to you. Run to the press if you feel that is something you must do. Shout it to the world Miss Swan be my guest. I now see that while you are impressed by my status it hasn't affect you."
Emma found herself gulping involuntarily but she never looked away. How could she? Regina Mills' eyes were a beautiful cognac color that she felt herself drift into, wanting to get lost. "So rather than give you something I will offer you something instead. A chance to work for me. I am here on business and I will require assistance not being familiar with the area. Just consider it, if you choose not to then I will leave you alone." The older woman said straightening her spine as she return to her former posture.
"Um am I interrupting something?" Belle asked and Emma had never been so happy to see her best friend's wife.
"Absolutely not. I was just having a chat with Miss Swan dear. Feel free to take her." Regina said with a plastic smile. "But I will expect an answer sooner than later Miss Swan." Regina replied with a wicked smile that led Emma to believe she had wrote about herself in her book. After meeting R.A Mills there was no doubt in her mind. Belle and Emma watched as Regina crawled back into the large car and drove away.
"Whoa talk about intense." Belle commented watching as the car grew smaller and smaller.
"I know. But thanks for picking me up Belle."
"Well I do like you and you know I would do anything for Ruby." Emma shared a knowing look with the new brunette. "Ready to go? I was told to take you to your mother's house. That okay or is there somewhere else you would like to go?"
"Might as well get it over sooner than later I suppose. Ruby at the restaurant?"
The librarian unlocked the wheels and took a firm grip as she stirred the blonde toward her vehicle. "Yes but she and I will be coming over to take care of you and your mother for a while. It is the least we can do since Ruby thinks of you as a sister." Emma had to resist the urge to scoff. They had been more then 'sisters' but if that was what she told Belle than she would go along with it.
(108 Mifflin Street – Regina)
Regina wasn't use to facing a challenge. Usually most fans groveled, demanded pictures or autographs. Some even proposed marriage but to also be fair she hadn't hit any of them with her car either. But Emma Swan wasn't like anyone she had ever met. But the closest person she could compare the blonde to was her blonde best friend. Maybe that was why she felt such a need to win over the younger woman. The brunette tried to convince herself but so far wasn't having any success.
Sliding her car into park Regina stared at the rental property she had signed to live in for the next six months. The house was rather large and it was one of the nicer houses she had found in Storybrooke. Plus it was on the opposite side of where Cora stayed. Her mother had been excited to hear her daughter was staying longer and the author knew it was only because she wanted to convince her daughter to stay and run for mayor. The idea of staying and running for election made the brunette cringe. But her mind no sooner wondered back to the blonde. Wondering if she would accept her offer or at least want to hear her out.
She needed a tour guide of the city. Sure her mother had offered but she had only been elected a year ago. And the writer doubted her mother wanted to show her the city and all its nooks and crannies. No Regina wanted someone who knew the area. Someone who could help her find inspiration while also playing a small portion secretary.
Especially if the blonde wouldn't take her handouts then working for her would hopefully be the next best option. But what if Emma really wanted nothing to do with her? Regina found herself frowning at the thought and couldn't account for why.
Pulling her phone from the cup holder she slid it unlock and clicked on Kathryn's contact. "Hello Queen. What do you want now, haven't I played royal jester to you already?" The blonde whined playfully.
"Funny. You know sometimes I think you would make a better comedian than a manager." Regina bantered.
"Bite your tongue!"
"No. But I do need another favor."
Regina pictured her friend wiping a frustrated hand across her face. "Didn't I just perform a miracle? And you want me to perform another?"
"Please and thank you."
"You're lucky I love you. What do you want now?"
"How much trouble would it be to put a secretary slash personal tour guide on a six month payroll?"
"You're joking right? You basically want a temporary me plus tour guide? Is this about that accident victim again?" Regina grew quiet and the manager sighed. "You're puppy dog pouting aren't you?"
"If I say yes would you set it up for me?"
"Optimistic aren't you? Fine, but this new book had better be damn good. Because you are going to give me a raise."
"Thanks Kat you're the best."
"Yea I know." The call ended and the brunette felt a wave of hope swell in her chest. She had won the battle with one blonde now she just needed to win over the last one.
(Mary-Margaret's/ Emma's Apartment)
When Emma crossed the threshold with Belle in tow she was swarmed by a mother full of emotions. Mary-Margaret had embraced her daughter with hugs kisses as well as swearing and anger. The blonde had tried not to laugh as her mother looked her over, while she leaned on her crutches. But of course she had and the chuckled had earned her a disapproving and slightly concerned look from her mother. It was already two in the afternoon and her mother had already put a sailor's vocabulary to shame. Mary-Margaret finally released her initial shock and expressed her gratitude to Belle who was blushing at Emma's mothers colorful words.
"Sorry bout that Belle. Mom can get animated over things she feels very strongly about." Emma whispered as she leaned her crutches against the wall. Sliding into her wheelchair as she rolled around the spacious apartment.
"I understand. She was just worried about you. But I have to go pick up Ruby and a couple other things and I will be back before you know it." At the mention of seeing her best friend and possibly having dinner being brought to them. It made the crippled blonde smile.
"Thanks again Belle I owe you."
"What are friends for if they can't rely on one another?" She issued with a wink before waving good-bye to Mary-Margaret and going out the same way she had come.
"Hey MM." The blonde cooed rolling toward her adoptive mother. "I didn't mean to scare you. See I am here in one piece." She said trying to soothe her mother's fear. Since her ranting had ended she hadn't spoken much. "Smile for me?"
"Would you smile and you had the police bang on your door? To tell you your daughter had been in an accident but they didn't know the condition. Emma I sat here praying and hoping you were okay. And I am excited that you are but… I already lost David. I can't lose you too." Her mother responded watery as unfallen tears sparkled in her eyes.
"Mary-Margaret I had no control over what happened and I know having to sit here couldn't have been easy but I am okay really. A broken leg is all that I have. It didn't even top the worst of my day believe it or not." Emma offered, hoping her mother would take the bait and transition away from the current conversation.
The raven haired woman wiped at the corner of her eyes as she leaned against the kitchen island. Looking down at her daughter and frowning. "What do you mean?" A smile crossed her lips that MM had taken the bait she had dangled in front of her.
"Yesterday Gepetto closed the shop. August is sick so he is leaving Storybrooke to be with his son."
MM's eyebrows furrowed and her frown deepened. "Emma I am so sorry I know how much the shop and Gepetto meant to you." Her mother admittedly sadly as she cupped her daughter's chin stroking it with the base of her thumb. "What are you going to do for work? You could always put your degree to use and follow your dreams Emma. You put so much on hold to take care of me after we lost David. But baby you have to live as well."
"I am not going to leave you like this. I will find another job and we will make it work okay? But right now I just want to take my medicine and lay down." The blonde huffed. She had wanted to follow her dreams out of college but life had other plans. And everyone knew the saying about life and lemons, so that's what Emma was doing. Did she enjoy it? No, but she could be in a worst situation. So complaining about the bad wasn't going to help make life any better.
XXXXX
Emma awoke from her nap to the sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses. The hell? Then she remembered Belle and Ruby were supposed to come back over for dinner. As if on cue her stomach growled and the smell of food penetrated her nostrils. Urging her momentum forward, she sat up on the edge of the bed.
"Ah! I see sleeping beauty is finally awake." Ruby jousted earning a scowl from her best friend. "Oh it was all in fun. Don't get your cast in a bunch. Need help?" Emma felt like crying, she hadn't had to depend on someone in so long the notion was terrifying. But she resisted and waved the tall woman away. Ruby took her seat beside Belle as the table watched the blonde hop awkwardly on the crutches. "Hungry?"
"Starving. Hospital food keeps you alive but not to savory. Please tell me you brought my favorite?"
"Well I guess you'll have to hop along and see if I did?" Ruby smirked and thought she heard Emma mutter 'bastard' under her breath but ignored it. The blonde smiled that she had made it the short distance without her wheel chair. If she was going back to work, she wanted to recover as soon as possible. Ruby handed the blonde a Styrofoam box and immediately her smile widen.
Emma opened the box and frowned. "Rubes what the hell is this?"
"I called Victor to discuss your condition. But he wouldn't give it to me. Something about patient, doctor confidentiality. So much for being friends right? Anyway he said the better you eat, the better you feel and the quicker you heal. So I prepared you a nice grilled chicken Caesar salad. Even put cheese on it!"
"Does being in a car accident not benefit me any?"
"No. Should it?" Ruby teased.
Emma found her appetite wan. She had had her heart set on a grilled cheese with onion rings since Belle had left earlier. Then Ruby showed up to her house with a fancied version of rabbit food. She dearly loved Ruby but sometimes she just wanted to tie her best friend up by her hair. "Em did you hear me?"
The blonde frowned. She had been so engulfed in disappointment that she had missed the conversation Ruby was having with her. Emma shook her head, before spearing a couple of crisp pieces of lettuce onto her fork.
"Look if all goes well I will bring you the greasy food you desire. But until your better health living kid."
"Ass." The blonde hissed, placing the fork in her mouth, much to the tables pleasure. "Can I at least have wine?"
Mary-Margaret spoke up as she looked disapprovingly at her daughter. "Not while your on pain medication."
"So since Gepetto is gone… what are you going to do now?" Ruby asked. Not missing the frown the blonde carried.
"I haven't thought about it much honestly. I have had my mind preoccupied." Emma half smirked.
"Well you could always work with me."
"Or me." Belle chimed in.
Emma smiled at her friends. They were great but she couldn't see herself working for or under them. "Thanks guys but I'll find something."
"Well," the pixie haired woman began. "You could always but the degree to use and follow your dreams."
"And what about you?" Emma rebutted.
"I'm sure Granny would be more then happy to help. Especially since I had her banned from the restaurant."
"Why would you do that?" Emma asked shocked that Ruby would go to such an extreme.
"Retirement means you stop working and find a hobby. Not sneak in through the back and pose as a fry cook or busser. My grandmother needs something to do, someone to care for and I'm sure Mary-Margaret wouldn't mind the company. So what's your excuse now buttercup?"
Emma felt her reserve slipping away. She couldn't make up an excuse because she didn't have one. "Stop it you two. That ship sailed long ago. I'll find something and Mary-Margaret and I will be fine." The young blonde commanded spearing her salad forcefully.
The raven haired woman and the tall brunette shared a worried look. It was easy to see tension building at the table. Feeling left out and not wanting the discussion to take a worse turn then it already had Belle put in her two cents. "Emma who was that women you were talking to outside the hospital? She looks and sounds vaguely familiar."
At the mention of Regina, Emma felt tension build in her shoulders. Why was it that everything seemed to revolve around the writer. Shrugging her shoulders she answered. "Regina A. Mills."
Everyone at the table paused, starring curiously at the only person who continued to eat. "Why does that name sound so familiar Emma?"
"Probably because you've read her book and listened to the audible book six times already." Emma replied monotone.
"Wait, wait you mean Regina Adriana Mills as in R.A Mills. The famous writer of 'The Evil Queen's Throne'? What's she doing in Storybrooke and what does she want?"
Emma sighed. She didn't want anyone to know the real reason of why Regina kept bothering her. But Ruby being who she was couldn't let anything go until she had all the answers she desired.
"She was the one that hit me." The group gasped as Emma continued. "And now she wants to make it right. She wants me to work for her."
So I need ideas for what degree Emma obtained. So help me out? Ideas? Hope you guys enjoyed. Chapter 3 is almost done. Special thanks to AvidVillain95 for messaging me back and forth and helping me work out the kinks. Hope you guys are still interested. Gonna be a fluffy, angsty, slow burn Swanqueen piece. But thanks you guys the response has been deafening and I'm thankful for all of you.
Not Beta'd any mistakes will be corrected after chapter 3 is posted.
