Emma left Regina's house frustrated and hoped that she could put her history with Mary Margaret away just for a short meeting.
Emma was constantly butting heads with Regina and it took time, but she was no longer afraid to yell at her and put her in her place.
Regina was upset easily and even if she didn't want to admit it, she was so sensitive and easily hurt. There was a layer of ice around her heart but without realizing it, she showed her heart quite often.
The closed off appearance she tried to play off didn't work on Emma. She could always see what she was feeling and had to take advantage when it was needed.
Emma met Regina just two years before for the first time and since then, their history has only gotten more complicated. Until recently they'd not gotten along and were at each other's throats.
Regina had a son, Henry, she adopted him when he was just a few weeks old. The one person in her life that she wasn't afraid to show her true self to was her son.
Emma showed up two years before curious as to what had happened to her son, and ended up turning their world upside down.
At first Regina did everything in her power to keep Henry from her, but in the end all it did was cause pain and suffering. She couldn't allow her son to live like that.
The more she tried to keep them apart the closer they became and Regina ended up being isolated from his life. Pain that she wasn't willing to let take over their relationship. She had to let Henry see her.
Since that decision Emma and Regina began to become friends. The term "friend" is used loosely due to the fact that Regina was private and distant. It took a lot to figure out how she was feeling.
Needless to say that their relationship was complicated but they both tried to keep Henry in mind and what was best for him.
As Emma walked into Granny's she was a little worried about Regina and how she'd handle a simple meeting. Mary Margaret and she hadn't spoken much in the last few years. What words were exchanged had to be interrupted for fear of one of them getting hurt.
Regina wasn't afraid to put her hands on others when it suit her. Not a good trait for the mayor to have but she rarely allowed herself to inflict physical pain on others. She was more for emotional pain and it was easier for her to do.
Emma walked in and sat at her usual booth in front of Henry, who was eating a plate of pancakes. "Hey kid."
Henry looked up and saw her face, "Bad morning?" Emma sighed as Ruby put down a cup of coffee in front of her. "You have no idea."
Henry sipped his juice and said, "Let me guess, my mom?" Emma didn't say anything and tried to keep a straight face. It was hard though since he always knew when something was wrong.
"Just eat your breakfast." Henry didn't give up easily, "Want me to talk to her?" Emma thought for a second and almost considered it.
"No. It's no use. I got it covered." She ate breakfast with Henry every morning and her mind was elsewhere today.
Henry finished eating and looked up at her, "Walk me?" Emma was lost in thought. "Sure." They stood up from the booth and proceeded down the street to the bus stop.
Henry gave her a big hug and said, "Whatever you do, don't mention…" Emma put her hand up, "I know." He pressed, "You know you always use that against her."
Guilt flashed over her face and she bit her bottom lip and nodded lightly. "I know. I promise, I'll try."
Henry got on the bus and Emma headed towards the school. She still had to inform Robin and Mary Margaret of the afternoon meeting.
The first person she came across was Robin in the teacher's lounge pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Morning."
Robin turned and smiled, "Ah, Emma. Morning to you too. What brings you here? Checking up on me?"
Emma cocked her head slightly to the right, "Not exactly. How's your first day going?" He seemed alright, "Well to be honest, it's been a bit difficult. Settling in isn't as easy as I thought."
A sympathetic smile spread, "I understand. Look I came because I wanted to let you know that the employment paperwork didn't quite go through. Regina asked me to tell you and Mary Margaret to meet in her office at 4:30."
His eyes darted to the side and looked a little apprehensive. She picked up on his expression, "I know she's no picnic to deal with, but the papers need to be signed today."
He squinted his eyes slightly, "Is that what you were arguing about this morning?" Her face gave it away. "What?" He pressed, "It is."
Giving in, "Alright yeah, but it has nothing to do with you, I assure you." He didn't believe her, "I'm having a hard time believing that. She doesn't seem to like me much."
Her tone changed, "She doesn't like anyone. It's not I promise. Do you mind going please?" He nodded, "I suppose I don't have a choice."
She smiled and walked out of the room leaving him to ponder that interesting topic. As she made her way down the hall she heard Mary Margaret laughing.
Making her way to the room she looked to see her talking to David, her husband. "Hey." They both turned, "Hi, Emma. What brings you here?"
David sounded concerned, "A call come in?" She habitually banged her fists on her thighs, "Uh no, can we have a word? In private?"
David took the hint, which was quite often, "I'll leave you to it. See you later." He kissed his wife lightly and left them alone.
"What is it?" Mary Margaret smiled contently like she did almost always. Emma sighed, "So there's no easy way to say it, but Regina needs to meet with you and Robin today at 4:30."
Mary Margaret's face dropped and she walked to her desk taking a seat. "Why?" "The employment papers were messed up. You need to go over the contract again and sign the papers together."
Annoyance danced on every feature of her face, "Alright. Did you tell Robin?" Emma nodded, "Yeah. He wasn't thrilled either." Her face was curious but she said nothing.
"Well, I'll leave you to it. I know you have kids coming in any minute." "I do."
Mary Margaret held onto the words Emma had spoken and sighed heavily as she plopped down into her desk chair.
There were many things that she did in her life that she wished she could change, just as anyone else would wish. The history with Regina was far too great and her guilt never seemed to subside.
Years before she'd met Regina when she was much younger and circumstances were severely different. Mary Margaret met Regina through her mother and they had a great friendship.
The friendship had started off strong and they hit it off. Regina and Mary Margaret shared a carefree spirit and they were both kind and generous. They shared goals and wishes for their future.
They talked about marriage and children and having all the life treasures that they could get their hands on.
Regina had been dating Daniel and Mary Margaret was dating David. They'd all known each other for years and grew up together.
David and Mary Margaret were engaged and Regina envied that. She wasn't in a rush to get married but she always looked at Mary Margaret and David and knew they'd be together forever.
The summer after their high school graduation things changed for the worst. Regina and Mary Margaret began to grow apart and they began to get into bickering fights. It started small and then began to escalate.
Regina's parents didn't know about Daniel and she fought to keep her relationship a secret. Her mother was overbearing and controlling when it came to Regina and her future.
Her mother, Cora, wanted her to go to college and marry a rich man and be successful. Cora thought a life with Daniel, who had no life goals, would ruin Regina's chances in life.
The fear was that Regina would get pregnant and would stay in this small town forever. Cora hoped Regina would move far away and live out the dreams she herself never got to fulfill.
That summer Regina fought with Mary Margaret and in anger she'd gone to her mother and told her all about Regina and Daniel.
It was a moment of anger and a moment of weakness in Mary Margaret. The cat was out of the bag. Cora was livid upon finding out this information. Not only was Regina in love but they'd been talking about marriage and kids.
Cora was not going to stand for her child settling for someone so unimportant. The lengths that Cora went were unforgivable.
A man was hired to get rid of Daniel in any way possible. Cora never dreamed of him being killed but in the end that was what happened.
Daniel was walking home from work one evening and a car ran him off the road. He'd been taken to the hospital and Regina was distraught.
As he took his final breaths, Regina sat next to his bed and cried at the loss of her love. The last think he did before he died was give her a ring he'd been meaning to give her.
It was a simple gold band but it was all he could afford at his job. Regina put it on her finger and never took it off.
That night changed Regina and she never came back from it. Finding out her mother was responsible made things even worse. Her mother had been arrested and was put in prison. She hadn't heard from her since.
The guilt that Mary Margaret carried around never went away and when Regina looked at her, it was almost murderous. Regina had every right to hate her and she tried to apologize many times.
Regina never let her get close enough to say the words. Mary Margaret had sent a letter to apologize but it was unread. It was sent back to her.
Regret filled her heart and she lost a dear friend who she truly cared for. Mary Margaret was the only person who knew Regina for who she truly was. The woman she was now was a façade.
The anger and the isolation was just a way to protect herself and Mary Margaret didn't blame her for closing herself off to others. It was a defense mechanism.
A tear fell down her cheek as she thought about the past and was interrupted by someone clearing their throat.
Mary Margaret wiped the tear away quickly and smiled up at Robin, who was standing in the doorway. "Hi. Just wanted a quick word before the children come back inside."
She smiled, "What is it?" He looked a little embarrassed, "Well I wanted to talk to you about the meeting were schedule to have this afternoon."
Her face was plain and she had a plain smile spread across her features. A smile he knew was fake but he didn't comment on it.
"It should be quick. Just a contract explanation and sighing some papers. 20 minutes at most is my guess. Regina is pretty thorough and I'm sure it will be fast."
He sat in a desk next to the table, "Is she really as bad as she seems?" A flicker of emotion painted her cheeks. Her eyes fell and searched for a way to explain her without telling him too much.
She'd made the mistake of breaking her confidence before. "Regina is just a private person and it takes her some time to get to know others. She's pretty introverted so when she meets people she's not very talkative."
Robin had a feeling there was more to that, "Is that all? Seems like there's some anger there."
Mary Margaret wasn't sure what to say and she didn't really want to divulge their history too much. It was embarrassing she didn't want to explain her failure of a friendship to him.
"She's been pretty closed off. I don't want to go into her personal life but she lost someone years ago and it changed her. Since then she has a hard time opening up to anyone."
He understood, "I understand loss. My wife, Marian, passed 3 years ago and I still miss her every day."
Her heart felt for him, "I'm so sorry. I can't imagine losing David." Nodding lightly, "I think it just hits people differently. That person must have meant a lot to her."
Mary Margaret smiled politely, "Yes, he did." Robin wanted to know, "So why does she hate you?"
The question surprised her, "I um…We were friends once. In a moment of anger I did something I can't take back. I guess she's never forgiven me. I don't blame her." A tear slid down her cheek.
He could see the pain in her face, "I'm sorry. I can see that it really hurts you." Before the conversation could turn too deep and go too far into personal dealings, the children started to file in.
The kids all made their way to their seats and she smiled up at him, "I guess I'll see you in a bit. I'll meet you in the teacher's lounge and then we can walk over together."
He nodded, "Sounds good." He turned to walk out but before he did he turned and said, "Hey Marg?" Her eyes met his, "Yea?"
He smiled, "I hope that you can work it out with her. Maybe one day." Mary Margaret looked down at the floor, "Me too." Tears threatened to spill but she held them in.
Robin walked out and left her to her classroom full of children who were now staring at her.
"Alright, let's all turn to page 8 in our workbooks. We were working on the photosynthesis of plants."
They all pulled their books from their desks and turned to the page. Mary Margaret started to read from the book and instruct her students.
Robin walked down the hall to his office but was stopped by a deep voice, "Mr. Locksley."
He turned on his heel and looked at the man standing in front of him. "I wanted to introduce myself, I'm Leroy."
Robin extended his hand, "Pleasure to meet you." Leroy smiled, "Welcome to Storybrook. I hope your settling in alright."
Robin was honest, "I'm settling in a little bit but it's a slow process." Leroy nodded, "It'll come slowly but it will. If you need anything my office is right down the hall."
"Thank you. It was nice to meet you." Leroy turned and walked down the hall to his office.
Robin sat in his office and pondered what Mary Margaret had told him. He understood loss better than anyone. Regina seemed to have been deeply affected by losing whoever she did.
He guessed it was someone she loved due to the ring on her finger. He didn't want to ask nor did he feel he had the right to.
Robin was in pain too but he didn't isolate himself and he wasn't mean to others the way she was. Defensive or not she was outright mean at times. Rude to more specific.
The tightness of her face and the stiff body language told him she was closed off. An honesty in her eyes had him thinking that she was soft underneath. A guess, of course.
When he saw her talking to Emma he could see an inner struggle but when she looked at him, her eyes were dead, cold, and emotionless.
He thought about Marian and how loving she was. The smile she'd extended made his heart warm. He missed how sweet she was with Roland and how tender she'd been.
He'd loved her so deeply and had been grateful to be able to help her when she was sick. Her death wasn't quick so he had plenty of time to come to terms with it. When she did pass his heart broke.
Pain filled his heart and it took time to get back to work and normal activities. Eventually he did and now he was in Storybrook hoping for a new start. Roland deserved a new start and a new environment.
He shook the feelings away and got back to work. He'd be letting himself digress if he didn't try and move on.
His work was starting to become something he liked but he needed to catch up. Getting to know 100 students was hard to do in such a short time.
As Robin settled into working on the files in his office he lost track of time. A feat not so easily mastered for him.
Mary Margaret appeared in his doorway, "Hey, it's time. I was waiting in the lounge. If we don't leave now, we'll be late. I can't tell you how much Regina hates tardiness."
Robin put the files away, "I'm sorry, must of lost track of time." He put his things in his bag and threw the strap over his shoulder.
They walked out of the school and headed down the street. Instead of chatting and being social they both were silent.
The conversation from before had been a little too deep for them both. As they approached her office she felt a tightness in her chest.
They climbed the stairs and stood in the small lobby area outside of her office. They were just on time which was late for Regina.
Robin knocked on her door even though it was open and saw her sitting at her desk. Her legs were crossed and her hair was hanging just over her face hiding her expression.
She looked up and said, "You're late." Robin looked at the time, "I'd say on time."
Regina peered behind him and saw Mary Margaret trailing behind. Her face was hard and emotionless. "Ms. Blanchard." Mary Margaret avoided eye contact, "Ms. Mills."
They sat in the chairs in front of her desk and Regina walked behind them to a small filing cabinet in the corner. She pulled out a folder and put it in front of her.
In silence she put forms together and stapled them together in a stack. She put the forms in front of them both.
"I need these forms filled out. Mr. Locksley I need this one in triplicate. Sign at the bottom but use the date of your hire. Ms. Blanchard I need your signature on his forms and these."
Her tone was professional and she avoided eye contact with either one of them. Robin thought it was strange but he just filled out the papers.
As Robin and Mary Margaret filled out the papers, Regina was grossed in something they could not see. She was busy so they guessed it was work related. She was the mayor after all.
Mary Margaret filled out hers first and waited for Robin's forms. He handed her one form at a time after filling in his information. Her signature was plastered on the form and created a small organized pile.
When the forms were complete Mary Margaret reached out with them, "Here you are." Regina took them and looked them over.
They were right so she put them in the folder. "Do I need to go over the contract or can I trust that you'll read them over completely?"
Robin smirked, "I'll read them. I learned that at 5 years old." He thought she'd smile or react to that but her face didn't change.
"Make sure you do. I don't want to have a legal hearing in the future about something that wasn't clear."
Robin nodded, "Understood." Mary Margaret stayed silent. "I hope all is in order?" She nodded, "Yes. Ms. Mills."
As Robin and Mary Margaret were about to get up and leave Henry walked into the office. "Hey mom…"
He stopped in his tracks, "Oh, oops sorry didn't know you were in a meeting." Regina's face softened, "Come here, honey."
He walked around and hugged his mom. Regina smiled and looked at him. "We were just getting finished. Why don't you head home and do your homework and I'll be there soon. We can have dinner and watch that movie you've been wanting me to see."
He replied, "Well it's actually my night with Emma. I thought we'd have dinner and then you can take me?"
Regina looked over at a calendar on her computer and sighed, "It is, I forgot. Yeah I'll take you. Now get home and do that homework."
He hugged her again, "Okay."
Mary Margaret and Robin witnessed this exchanged and it warmed his heart. There was someone soft underneath. Just reserved for the right person, her son. He couldn't help but smile.
Henry walked out and he saw the features of her face change back to her usual demeanor. "That's all I have. You have any questions?"
Robin noticed the control in her face and in her demeanor. "Not at the moment. I trust I can ask if I need to."
She looked at him with distain, "That's what I'm here for." Mary Margaret stood up and Robin followed suit. "Have a nice evening."
The statement was more for his benefit and she looked up at him with a weird expression. No words were said but she nodded lightly.
He grinned as he turned to walk behind Mary Margaret out of her office. His perception of her seemed to be changing.
Regina looked down at her hand and played with the ring on her finger. Something in the way he smiled at her, reminded her of Daniel.
The edges of her mouth curved down in sadness but she didn't let it reach her eyes. She finished up the little work she had to do and headed home.
When she drove into the yard, Robin was outside with Roland playing with bows and arrows and chasing each other around the yard.
Ignoring them she walked inside and saw Henry sitting at the kitchen table, backpack sprawled on the table and his shoes in the entrance to the house.
"Henry. How many times do I have to tell you not to leave your shoes here?" He turned to look at her. "Sorry."
She picked up the shoes and chucked them in the corner of the room. Crossing the room she started to pick up the remnants of his backpack and put them back.
"What is this mess?" He put his stuff away, "I was looking for something. I hope you don't mind but I invited Emma for dinner."
Her expression was one of annoyance, "its fine. When is she coming?" Just as she finished that sentence the front door opened and she walked into the house.
"Hey. What's for dinner?" Regina's hand was on her hip and she turned her body towards Emma. "Steak."
"Yum. Hey kid." Henry smiled, "Hey. What are we doing tonight?" Emma leaned against the table and Regina disappeared to the kitchen.
"I was thinking arcade and movie?" Henry's face lit up, "Yes! Is Killian coming?" Emma replied, "You bet."
"Finish your homework, I wanna talk to your mom." He put his hand up, "I know, be nice."
As she turned the corner she could see Regina now barefoot with her hands on her face and elbows resting on the counter.
"Long day?" She stood up and continued her work of pulling out the ingredients for dinner. "Yeah."
Emma sighed, "How did it go with Mary Margaret." Regina pursed her lips, "Fine. She didn't really say much so it was bearable."
Emma started to help her make dinner and they talked while they worked. "Things need to change, Regina."
Brows bended and curved into confusion, "Excuse me?" Emma turned and put her hand on the counter, "you know what I mean."
Regina crossed her arms in defense, "I'm not sure I do." This routine of playing stupid was enough to make Emma get upset.
"Stop it. I get that there is history between you two. It sucks. I know. You can't avoid her forever and you're just…"
Regina was intrigued, "I'm just what?" "Rude. Okay? Robin is new here and has his son. Everyone has been welcoming of them and John. You treat him like a bug on the bottom of your shoe."
A scoff came from her mouth, "How am I rude? Because I'm not kissing his ass?" Emma was shocked but she looked at the expression on her face.
In a softer tone she said, "You like him." Regina turned her attention to peeling potatoes. "That's ridiculous and farthest from the truth."
Emma could see the wall being built around her. "It's okay if you do. I'm sure he'd be okay with it. It's been years Regina. You have to let go of him at some point."
Regina was angry now and spit out, "You don't know what you're talking about. I don't like anyone and leave him out of it."
Emma put the vegetables under the sink and washed them off before putting them in a pot to boil.
"You are just hurting yourself by being this boxed in. I'm not saying you have to do anything but at least be nice. Damn."
Regina rolled her eyes, "I'm not hurting myself. I'm just living. It's life. Things happen and they change people."
Emma wasn't sure if she should but she pressed, "Sometimes for the worse." She saw Regina's head snap towards her. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"You really need to knock that chip off your shoulder. What are you doing with your life? You have a job you do because it keeps you incredibly busy. When your home all you do is read that book and stare at the wall. Boring. Depressing."
Regina wasn't sure why she was picking a fight, "What I do is none of your business. Wait." She turned to her, "how did you know about my book?"
The both looked towards the dining room, "Henry." The word escaped her lips not surprised at all. "It reminds me of him. There's nothing wrong with that."
Emma sighed and leaned her back against the island, "He's gone, Regina. I'm sorry. It's been 12 years. How long are you going to hold on to him?"
Regina kept her back to Emma and didn't want to answer that. "I don't' want to talk about this."
Emma moved her hand and turned her towards her to see tears in her eyes, "You have to move on. I can't stand this anymore."
Regina scoffed, "Stand what?" Her response was honest, "This depression. You are so lost in yourself you can't see it. This has to stop. You can't keep doing this. What do you think it does to Henry?"
Tears threatened to spill but she was always in control so she kept them inside. "I can't help it."
Emma rolled her eyes, "Yes, you can. I wasn't going to do this but I think I have to." She turned and walked out of the kitchen. Regina was curious so she followed. "Do what?"
As she entered her office Regina hurried to catch up. Emma walked in and searched her desk until she pulled the book from the bottom drawer.
The fireplace was lit and she walked towards it. Regina's eyes widened, "What are you doing?"
Emma held it over the fire, "What's best. You can't do this. It's been too long. Daniel is gone."
"Don't say his name!" "Regina I'm sorry but this has to stop." She flung the book into the fire and Regina jumped forwards.
Before she could get the rod to take it out Emma grabbed her arms and held her back. "Let me go." "No. Let it go."
Regina cried and she fought to get free. When she escaped her grasp it was too late to salvage the book. "How could you?"
"I'm your friend. The sooner you let him go the sooner you can heal. I can't stand this. Henry can't be around you when you are like this."
Regina stood taller and put her hand over her heart, "What do you mean?" Emma sighed lightly, "He doesn't like being around you because you're too into yourself to see his pain. He needs his mother."
Regina hadn't realized the effect of her emotions and what it was doing to her son. Reeling from the anger inside her she was over this conversation. "Get out."
Her voice was cold and full of anger. "Don't do this." Regina took a step forward and almost growled, "Get out of my house!"
Emma saw the hurt on her face and so she walked out of her office and collected Henry. They left the house and as soon as the door shut, Regina broke down.
Tears left her eyes and she sat in front of the fire staring at the cover of the book burning in the fire. Her heart was hurt and she thought of Daniel.
How could she do this to me? Anger filled her every moment of every day. A type of pain that stays with you.
Could she ever let him go? She didn't know. All she knew was that the only remaining thing she had of his, was gone.
"Good bye, Daniel." Through tear filled eyes she held back a sob and hugged her knees to her chest. Her head fell to her knees and she let the tears free fall.
Her chest ached and she let out the river of tears she'd been holding in for years. The flood was strong and took over like a hurricane. The storm was now taking over her soul and engulfing her in a journey of the unknown.