Note: Although I've proof-red my work, I would like to apologize for any mistakes (in this chapter, the one before and any to come) that I may have missed. I also would like to thank you for your kind reviews, they make my day and are much appreciated
"Don't be so nervous. It's going to be fine."
Emma gave Regina's hand a gentle squeeze, then kissed her partner's cheek in a gesture meant to comfort and reassure the uneasy woman. She could see the tension in the mayor's posture as they waited in front of the Charming's door and the detail was so unlike Regina it took her a moment to absorb the fact that she was nervous. Regina Mills nervous. It was almost an oxymoron, the woman was normally so composed that the possibility she might be able to feel anxiety and stress had never crossed her mind. Not for something as mundane as family lunch anyway. The door opened to reveal a hyperactive and sickeningly happy Mary Margaret.
"Merry Christmas! Come in, come in let me get your coats."
The house was bathed in the rich, mouth-watering smell of cooking food and Emma glanced towards the kitchen where David was checking in on whatever was cooking in the oven.
"Hello! Merry Christmas!"
He greeted them, waving an oven-mitten clad hand in their direction.
"Hi Dad. Henry go say hi to your grandparents."
The boy dashed to envelop Mary Margaret in a hug, then did the same to David.
"Hi Grandma, hey Grandpa."
"hi Henry. Do you want to help me with the appetizers?"
Emma watched with a smile as he took the offer and listened as David gave him instructions. Istinctivly, she wrapped an arm around Regina when they were approached by Mary Margaret.
"Please, take a seat, make yourselves at home."
They sat on the sofa. The house had been decorated for the occasion and a Christmas tree stood proudly in a corner, dressed in garlands and sparkling lights. It gave a warm, welcoming holyday feeling to the room Emma hadn't been able to experience much whilst in the foster system.
"Can I offer you anything to drink? There's red wine, beer…anything really"
"Red Wine for me, thank you"
"I'll have a beer."
Regina was uncharacteristically quiet, crossing and uncrossing her legs in a way Emma wasn't sure if due to apprehension or the underlying lingering anger she felt towards Snow White. The blonde woman rested a hand on her knee to steady her and stop the obsessive movement.
"Its okay. I promise."
"Easy for you. You don't have history with most people in this room."
"I know but you're doing good."
The drinks were welcomed with relief and provided an excuse for moments of silence. Small talk didn't come easy but efforts were made and Emma ensured that the conversation didn't become awkward and spoil the mood. Eventually, the time arrived for everyone to gather around the table and eat.
"So Henry, did Santa arrive in the night?"
Sometimes, Emma had the impression that David and Mary Margaret, having missed out on her childhood, tried to make up for it in lavishing Henry with the attentions and questions they couldn't address to their daughter. She had to admit though, that for someone who never had to lie about Father Christmas's existence, David sounded realistically genuine in asking Henry about his presents.
"Yeah I got tons of presents. I even got the helicopter I asked for."
"You must have been very good this year then."
Mary Margaret and Emma exchanged knowing glances and smiled. Henry was a god lad, that much was undeniable and the blonde woman had to thank Regina for that. She may have been strict but she had raised him well and that was all a mother could ask for.
"He was. Regina raised an amazing young man."
Emma saw the ex-evil Queen blush softly at the compliment and Mary Margaret look between them with a mixture of surprise and contentment. They had been going out for some time now, enough for Mary Margaret and David to be introduced formally to their daughter's partner, but some of their old rivalry remained as did the mayor-citizen vibe that had hung between Regina and the rest of Storybrooke for the past 28 years.
"I did my best."
There was an uncharacteristic shyness in her words and the blonde woman wondered whether it was because she had never spent Christmas with a family before or because she was genuinely intimidated by having to be there. Either way, it was amusing to see the usually witty and outspoken mayor be so timid and quiet.
"You're a good mom, Mom. I love you."
Henry hugged her and for a blissful moment Regina thought her heart might literally burst from happiness and gratitude. Being a single mom was hard, being a single mom who knew little about parenting and had difficulties showing affection and love was even harder. She was happy she had done at least something right.
It wasn't until after dessert was served and the presents exchanged between the Swan-Mills and the Charmings that Regina, perhaps encouraged by the champagne that had been gracefully provided by the hosts and by Emma's warm reassuring hand resting on her knee beneath the table, found the courage to say something that had been weighting down on her conscience for a while now.
"Since we are all here reunited, I wanted to take the chance to make a sincere apology for everything I've done to you …to everyone …over the years. Back in the Enchanted Forest I've done unspeakable things to you Mary Margaret and to you David. I'm sorry, I well and truly am, just like I'm sorry for the way I've treated you here in Storybrooke. I know my deeds are unforgivable, but please accept my apologies. I'm trying to change, I really am, and I hope that's someday we can put our past behind."
Beneath the table, the brunette was holding Emma's hand tightly as if to find the courage she needed to speak those words. She didn't expect forgiveness, hell even she wouldn't have forgiven herself had she been in David and Mary Margaret's place, but that apology had been brewing for months and she desperately needed to get it out. For Henry, for Emma ….and for herself. She wasn't the Evil Queen anymore, that side of her was fading and she had to make up for what that woman had done. She was taken by surprise when Mary Margaret stood up and hugged her.
"Of course we can put the past behind Regina. You've helped us and more importantly, you make Emma happy. And we forgive you."
"Really?"
She asked in disbelief.
"Really."
David nodded his approval. Emma smiled at the brunette. She couldn't have been prouder.
