TALLAHASSEE
Ch. 2
Mary Margaret watched from her perch on Emma's bed as Emma scurried about, packing her suitcase. Worried eyebrows pulled together as she considered her roommate and friend. In all the months Mary Margaret had known Emma, she'd never seen her quite so neurotic.
"Hey, Emma," she spoke quietly, watching as Emma yanked three pairs of jeans out of her dresser.
"Hmm?" Emma hummed distractedly. She threw the jeans in her bag and shuffled to her closet, pulling out two tank tops: one black and one red.
Sighing, Mary Margaret stood up and grabbed Emma gently around her elbow, turning her until they were face to face, the look in Mary Margaret's eyes demanding undivided attention from her.
"Emma. Maybe if you told me what was going on, I could help." There was nothing but sincerity on Mary Margaret's face. Emma's own face relaxed as a result. Mary Margaret smiled and pulled Emma to sit next to her on the bed. Emma's shoulders hunched over as Mary Margaret took one of her hands in her own and squeezed it in reassurance.
"Now, where are you going, and why are you acting like a crazy person?" Mary Margaret lightly joked, earning a tiny smile from Emma.
Emma knew she could trust Mary Margaret with the Ava aspect of her current state of insanity. It was the Regina portion she wasn't so sure Mary Margaret would handle too well. But this was her best friend. The only one she'd ever had, in fact, and if she couldn't open up to her, who else was there? Steeling herself for any and all adverse reactions, Emma straightened her back and held her chin high as she began explaining everything.
Mary Margaret held onto Emma's hand as she listened to Emma recant everything she'd been through during her time in Tallahassee. Mary Margaret never once flinched in distaste or disapproval. Nothing but acceptance and kindness shone in Mary Margaret's eyes.
"So, your basically adopting this little girl?" Mary Margaret questioned, not judging, only making sure she had understood. Emma nodded in affirmation. Before Emma knew what happened, she found herself enveloped in Mary Margaret's arms, the woman clinging to her and shaking her giddily.
"HOW wonderful, Emma!" Mary Margaret pulled back, a toothy grin plastered onto her mouth. Emma found herself mirroring it, and let out a laugh.
"There's something else," Emma was suddenly serious, "that I should mention."
Mary Margaret continued smiling and raised an eyebrow, indicating Emma could continue.
Emma knew the tumultuous history between Mary Margaret and Regina, so she faced her fully, fixing her with a look of determination. Mary Margaret was going to react emotionally, she knew. Whether positively or not, this was going to be difficult.
"Well.. You know Regina?"
Mary Margaret's face fell. "Yeah…" She replied cautiously. Though her eyes remained gentle and kind, she was clearly uneasy.
"There's something you should know." Emma grabbed both of Mary Margaret's hands as she explained to her everything she felt for Regina. How Emma hadn't known exactly when it happened, nor could she pinpoint the exact moment she realized her feelings. It was so gradual and measured, it just simply was. Emma told her what happened earlier that morning at Regina's house. She told her about Regina returning her feelings, and Henry's bold reception of everything being thrown at him. She told her about kissing Regina. She told her about her plans to bring Ava home to live with she and Regina, and about how Regina seemed to already adore the dark haired little girl. The little girl who bore such a striking resemblance to Regina, it was almost eerie.
When Emma was finished, Mary Margaret's face slowly lit up. Her eyes almost danced as her smile spread over her whole face. Her hands still in both of Emma's, she gripped them tighter and giggled. Emma hadn't expected Mary Margaret to take everything so well. Though, she should have known that Mary Margaret, sweet, kind, bubbly, tolerant, patient Mary Margaret, wouldn't be anything less than accepting.
"Emma, YOU, my dear, seem to have found your happy-ever-after," Mary Margaret hugged her again, this time pulling them up so they were standing. Emma returned the hug gratefully.
"Oh, I dunno, maybe if I wasn't so freaked about Ava, I would agree." Emma pulled back and continued hurrying around, trying to pack. "My plane leaves from Boston at eight tomorrow morning, I have to pack, drive to Boston, fly; and I hate flying." Emma reached up, grabbing a handful of her own hair and balling it in her fist. "Where is that stupid jacket?" she huffed.
Mary Margaret simply threw Emma's bed sheet aside, revealing the red leather jacket which was her trademark. Emma laughed and grabbed it up, slipping her arms into it.
"You'll be fine, Emma! You're much more capable than I think you give yourself credit for." Mary Margaret walked past her and into the hall. "I think you'll surprise even yourself." Mary Margaret's voice was encouraging, and Emma nodded. Mary Margaret turned her head as she heard someone knock on the front door. With a puzzled look on her face, Mary Margaret headed down the hall towards the stairs, leaving Emma to stuff her bag and grab her plane tickets before following her downstairs.
Mary Margaret had already opened the door when Emma reached the bottom of the stairs, setting her bag on the floor as she heard a familiar voice shout her name. She looked up to see Henry run past Mary Margaret and launch himself at her. She caught him easily and laughed.
"Hey Kid! What are you doing here?" she said, setting him down and ruffling his hair.
"He's not alone!" Mary Margaret said over her shoulder with a grin. Shifting to the side, Mary Margaret revealed a nervous looking Regina on the other side of the door. She was wearing a tight, form-fitting pair of jeans and a red, v-neck sweater, further accentuating her delicious curves, and Emma's eyes couldn't help but linger a moment longer than was necessary. Regina's hands clasped tightly in front of her, her knuckles white. Emma flashed her a smile and walked to the door, leaving Henry to nosily open her bag and sift through her belongings.
"Regina! What are you doing here?"
Mary Margaret stepped aside and joined Henry inside the apartment, getting him to put Emma's things back in her bag and follow her to the kitchen.
"Well, I uh," Regina cleared her throat, "I just thought maybe, um.." Regina's eyes shifted, looking everywhere but at Emma. Emma found it to be one of the cutest things she'd ever seen.
"Regina?" Emma stepped closer and lowered her voice. Using a finger to lift Regina's chin so she was looking her in the eye. "Hi," Emma winked and watched Regina's face relax. A smile tugging at the corner of her lip.
"Hi," Regina said simply, looking past Emma at Mary Margaret and Henry in the kitchen, then back to Emma.
"She knows." Emma knew what Regina was thinking. Regina chuckled and leaned in, placing a chaste kiss on Emma's lips. When she pulled back, Emma's green eyes were shining. Regina felt all her insecurities melt away.
"I want to come with you." she stated in her best Mayoral voice, though not unkindly. And even though it was a declaration, Emma knew it was also a plea.
"Nothing would make me happier." Emma winked again. She never used to wink this much, she thought awkwardly.
Regina threw herself at Emma, all but falling into her as she hugged her tight, and glanced in the kitchen at Mary Margaret, who was eyeing them with a goofy smile on her face. All the animosity she harbored for the pale-skinned school teacher suddenly became irrelevant and insignificant. Regina couldn't help the smile she found herself returning.
"Watch over him?" Regina mouthed and arched an eyebrow, indicating it was a question. Snow merely nodded and bowed her head, continuing to help Henry make his cocoa.
"You ladies better get going if you're going to make that flight!" Mary called out, sprinkling cinnamon on the giant tower of whipped cream Henry had put on his cocoa.
Emma ran inside and grabbed her bag, hugged Henry and Mary Margaret, a quiet "Thank you!" whispered in her ear as Emma quickly ran out, almost pushing a laughing Regina over.
"Bye!" they called out in unison as Emma all but slammed the door behind her.
Henry looked up at Mary Margaret, his eyes thick with emotion, a broad smile making his face beam.
"I think everything is going to be ok!" he pursed his lips together matter-of-factly. All Mary could do was laugh energetically.
The drive to Boston had been pleasant. Emma talked more about Ava and her time in Tallahassee. She told Regina about all the ways she had tried to show Layla her true feelings, and how Ava, despite her age, seemed to already know. She told Regina about how Ava would have nightmares, and Layla would have to call her in the middle of the night, because Emma was the only one who could get her back to sleep.
Regina listened and wished she could share her past with Emma. As they were leaving Storybrooke, Regina had felt a panic rising, worried something would happen. Since no one could leave Storybrooke, she was almost certain they'd wreck or blow a tire, but nothing. It worried Regina for only a moment, until she realized they were halfway to Boston, and nothing had, or was, going to happen.
Regina wished she could tell Emma about her first love. Her family. Her love for the woman who was now Mary Margaret, and the pain she'd caused. She wished she could share everything she'd experienced. And with that desire, she felt the void in her heart grow a little smaller.
They had to run through the airport, barely making it on time to board their plane, Regina going so far as to remove her shoes in order to run fast. Emma loved how carefree Regina seemed.
Finding their seats quickly and collapsing into them, Emma felt the realization of where they were going slam down on her like a Mack truck. Somehow, Regina sensed Emma's dismay. Laying a hand on Emma's, which were balled together on her lap, Regina kissed her on her cheek. Emma felt it all melt away.
"I hope she likes me," Regina said, laying her head on Emma's shoulder.
"Are you kidding? She'll adore you." Emma rested her head on top of Regina's as the wheels lifted off the runway and carried them towards Florida.
Emma was nudged out of a light sleep as the plane landed with a squeal at Tallahassee Regional Airport. She must have fallen asleep after their layover in Atlanta, she guessed. Regina was still fast asleep, leaning against the window away from Emma. Amusement colored Emma's features as she listened to the not so lady-like snoring coming from the regal brunette. Shaking her gently, Regina let out a snort as she awoke. Yawning loudly and stretching with very little grace, Regina slowly became aware of her surroundings. Her eyes shot wide open as she turned her head to look at Emma, who wore a look of complete pleasure on her face. Regina felt her cheeks flush as she watched Emmy try in vain to contain her glee at this display of the Mayor of Storybrooke, Maine, completely unguarded. Emma was quickly learning that the stoic, hard, emotionless political serpent was indeed full to the brim of humanity and a character her very own. Easing Regina's embarrassment, she took her hand, lacing their fingers together as the captain welcomed them to the sunshine state.
Finding a taxi proved to be a difficult task, as Tallahassee seemed to be devoid of them. There was a bus stop, but Regina scoffed at the notion, and Emma quickly searched for an alternative. Just as they were about to give up and start walking, a limousine pulled up and stopped in front of them in the pick-up zone just outside the airport. Wearing matching expressions of confusion, Emma and Regina watched as a tiny old woman pushed open the door and climbed out. Eyeing them questioningly, she spoke with a deep, gravely voice that reminded Emma of her Uncle Omar, who had smoked since he was twelve.
"Ms. Swan?" She looked back and forth between the blonde and the brunette.
"That's me," Emma chimed. The old woman gestured towards the limo, indicating they should get inside. They did so, cautiously.
When the old woman joined them back inside the limo, she stomped her foot hard on the floor, yelling "Let's move!"
Regina had to lay a steadying hand on Emma as the force in which the vehicle accelerated almost caused Emma to tumble out of her seat.
"My name is Brunhilda, I'm Ava's social worker." The old woman stuck a cigar in her mouth, bit off the end and spit it haphazardly to the floor.
"How was your flight?" she deadpanned as she lit her cigar.
Regina covered her nose with her hand and shifted uncomfortably in her seat, peering over to Emma who seemed to be unaffected by this crass old dinosaur sitting in front of them in the limo.
"It was fine. How's Ava?" Emma leaned forward, attentive to what Brunhilda had to say.
"Oh, she's fine. Coping well, considering." Brunhilda coughed and hacked before continuing. "We should be at the children's home very soon."
Regina felt herself grow lightheaded. Her stomach turned at the offensiveness of the old woman. Emma glanced over at her, shaking her head and placing a hand on her knee, the simple gesture calming Regina considerably.
As they pulled up to the tall, glass building, settled in the heart of downtown Tallahassee, Emma felt her stomach jump up into her chest. Her vision blurred, and her tongue felt fuzzy. She hadn't seen Ava in so long, and wondered if she'd even recognize her now, wondered if Ava would recognize her.
As Emma stepped out of the limo, reaching behind her to help Regina out as well, Emma caught sight of Hotel Duval, at the top of which, was Level 8. The very place she'd met Layla so long ago. The tears sprung to her eyes unbidden. A choked gasp escaped as Regina rose up next to her.
"Em, dear?" Regina searched Emma's face, then followed her line of sight. Realization dawned on Regina, and she returned her gaze to Emma's face. Reaching up, she cupped Emma's face with both her hands, drawing Emma's eyes to her. Regina simply looked into Emma's eyes, showing her all the understanding and compassion she knew how to convey. Emma felt Regina's thumb wipe away a tear which had fallen down her cheek. The pure simplicity of the action was enough to ground Emma, and she felt a renewed sense of courage. Regina saw the change in Emma's eyes, and smiled.
"That's my girl," she whispered, and pulled Emma into a hug. Regina's arms wrapping around Emma's neck as she stood on her toes. Emma placed a small kiss on the nape of Regina's neck, a silent "thank you."
When they pulled away, Brunhilda was staring at them with a bewildered expression, but said nothing. Tilting her head in invitation to follow, Brunhilda walked awkwardly towards the building with Emma and Regina close on her heels. Grabbing Regina's hand, Emma laced their fingers as they walked with purpose towards a future they would face together.
"Wait here," Brunhilda choked out as they got off the elevator on the 5th floor. The woman couldn't be more than 4 feet tall, and Regina was beginning to have trouble taking her seriously. Stifling a giggle, Regina sat down in a chair, quickly and desperately trying to occupy herself with a magazine. Emma sat heavily next to her, looking over Regina's shoulder at a Woman's World magazine that had to be at least 5 years old. Her insides were too full of anticipation to comprehend the words she was seeing on the pages in Regina's hand.
It only took Brunhilda three minutes to return, though it seemed much longer to the two women huddled in the waiting room.
"You can follow me now."
Brunhilda held the door open for them, as they stood and walked towards it, their hands automatically finding each other's. As they passed through the doors, they found themselves surrounded by at least 8 rambunctious children. The oldest was obviously playing tag with the others whether they wanted to or not. The youngest appeared to be about 3 years old, clutching a tattered old stuffed wolf. The tiny little girl walked right up to Regina and raised her arms, silently asking to be held.
That tiny void in Regina's heart, which was growing smaller by the minute, seemed almost completely gone at the sight of such innocence and trust. Letting go of Emma's hand, she reached down and hoisted the little girl into her arms, smiling at her and bouncing her animatedly as the blonde little girl joyfully squealed.
At that single moment, as Emma watched Regina play with this small little girl, any and all reservations she may have felt disappeared, replaced by complete belief that she would be nothing less than everything Emma had ever hoped for.
Noticing Emma's expression as she watched, Regina set the child down gently and smoothed her hair over a few times before the child ran off with a giddy yelp. Turning her attention to Emma, Regina smirked.
"Dear, do not be mistaken. I am still a hard ass Mayor, and will continue my…hard-assery as it pertains to my duties as a…hard ass." Regina teased in mock authority.
Emma laughed so hard she had to hold her stomach. Regina delighted in it, that laugh was like music to her ears, and she made a mental note to be the cause of that laugh as often as possible.
Their attention was suddenly drawn to the opposite end of the room, where Brunhilda was opening a door, calling out "C'mon, sug-ah! She's here."
Emma and Regina instinctually moved closer as Brunhilda opened the door wider, and a skinny little dark-haired girl emerged. Shy and uncertain, she eyed the room, searching. When her eyes found Emma's, every inch of her beamed with joy. She sprinted across the room full of children, jumping over a little boy playing with army men. She hurled herself into the air, and Emma caught her with as much enthusiasm as she did Henry, every time he did it as well. The little girl snorted in laughter, as she unyieldingly hugged Emma, a snort that very much reminded Emma of Regina back on the plane. Emma felt tears sting her eyes again as she hugged Ava back.
"Missed you, Emmy Bean!" she said into Emma's shoulder.
"Missed you too, Ava Bug." Emma said quietly, not trusting her voice to say anymore.
Ava leaned back, still in Emma's arms, and looked over at Regina, who had been observing their reunion in wonder. Ava smiled somewhat sadly at her, and Regina felt it immediately. That void, so dark and ever present inside her, was gone, slamming shut as she realized the beautiful girl in Emma's arms, with dark hair and kind eyes, was destined to be a part of her future. There was a connection, an undeniable bond. A sudden click. As if all the pieces of a puzzle had suddenly come together.
"Hello," Ava said as Emma put her down. "I'm Ava," she exclaimed, and actually curtsied.
Regina curtsied back and extended her hand. "Regina." She stated simply, mimicking the introduction she'd made to Snow White many years ago.
Ava chuckled as she shook Regina's hand before looking back to Emma, Ava's spirit becoming brighter as time passed. She was nearly as tall as Regina, and Emma found it hard not to notice the similarities between the two. The dark hair, the strong jaw, and chiseled nose, the expressive eyes, and of course, the snort. Emma remembered the snort fondly about Ava. Though she'd only heard it once, so far, from Regina, it was uncanny.
Emma tucked a strand of soft chestnut hair behind Ava's ear as she spoke.
"Are you ok?"
Ava looked thoughtful for a moment, as if she was taking a mental inventory of her feelings. Then, Emma remembered how Ava did the same thing when she was younger. Some things never change, Emma thought. An air of sorrow ghosted briefly across her face, shone in her eyes, but was gone almost as quickly as it manifested.
Ava nodded slowly. "I am," she replied, "now that you're here."
Emma pulled her into a hug, her eyes shifting to Regina, who was once again trying as hard as she could to be non-obtrusive. Ava turned her head to Regina as well, arms still wrapped around Emma.
"You, too!" she yelled, as she reached over and grabbed Regina's wrist, yanked her to them, and wrapped one arm around Regina's waist. Emma almost cried out of joy. How was it that all the children in her life seemed to be acutely aware of her involvement with Regina? An invisible tether, only children and innocent souls could see.
"Hey," Emma broke the hug, "you ready to see Maine?" Emma asked, feeling bolder now that Regina was being included. Ava nodded and hugged her again. Emma was never one for giving much affection, but the past couple of days had changed that for certain.
Regina took the bag full of Ava's belongings from Brunhilda as she brought them out to the trio.
"See ya, sug-ah!" she rasped out as she walked through the room full of wild and rambunctious kids.
Ava paid her no attention, and she grabbed Regina's free hand and Emma's, practically pulling them out of the door, into the elevator and onto the street. The limo was waiting to take them back to the airport. They'd managed to get open-ended return tickets, so they could take any flight back to Boston they pleased.
Once inside, Ava pulled out a small locket from her jean pocket. Rubbing her thumb over the shiny gold plating, a few tears formed in her eyes, glossing them over and making them appear to be on fire. Slowly, she held her hand out to Emma. Emma took it, a questioning look on her face.
"It was Mom's," she said, as she sat back in her seat, buckling herself in.
Emma just looked at the tiny gold necklace. It felt heavy in her palm. She remembered this locket. It had a picture of Ava as a baby in it. Opening it slowly, she felt a pang in her chest. On one side was the baby picture of Ava. On the other, a picture of a much younger Emma. Regina watched as Emma tried to control her emotions. She reached over and slid her arm through Emma's, linking them. She rested her chin on Emma's shoulder, and looked at the locket pictures, smiling at Ava before speaking.
"It's beautiful." Regina was shocked at her own lack of jealousy. Normally, this locket would have sent her on a defensive tangent, masking hurt feelings with offensive words and walls slamming shut around her heart. Regina knew what Emma felt towards Layla was impertinent compared to what Emma felt for her.
Ava watched Regina and Emma interacting, silently smiling through her tears. Emma lurched forward as the limo sped into action, Regina's linked arm held strong, once again keep her from tumbling to the floor.
"Jeez! Someone needs to learn how to drive!" Emma said, exasperated, hoping she could be heard through the privacy window. Regina and Ava snickered together before each of them snorted as the limo sped through the streets of Tallahassee, precariously heading in the direction of the airport.