Disclaimer in chapter 1
Chapter 2
Emma opens a door and lets Regina go first into a corridor with some doors off it. As Regina passes her like out of habit Emma's hand falls to the small of her back as she guides her out. A small gasp escapes Regina's mouth and her body tenses slightly but this is only in surprise as she always found such comfort in Emma's hands.
FLASHBACK
As Regina cowers into her mother's body silently begging her not to leave her here in this scary place a small hand gently takes hers and whispers.
"It will be ok Gina. I will stay with you", Emma gently whispers.
A blush rises in Regina as she turns to look at this blonde fireball. However as soon as the small hand fell into her own, she did feel comfort. A comfort she normally only felt with her mother or father.
"Mama", Emma says
"Yes baby", Ingrid replies.
"Tell Gina's mom I will protect her", Emma says while glancing in Cora's direction.
Cora who is still stooped down beside her daughter shoots Emma a wink and a smile which causes Emma to break into a bigger smile then she has had before.
Cora rises to her feet and puts her hand out to Ingrid.
"Cora Mills, that's quiet a young lady you have on your hands there", she nods towards Emma. Who is now giggling uncontrollable as Ingrid gently tickles her neck.
"Ingrid Swan, it's nice to meet you. She sure is a handful but I wouldn't have it any other way", Ingrid replies as she takes Cora's hand in a confident shake.
"I don't believe I have ever met you before. Are you new to our town?" Cora enquires as she continues to rub Regina's back in a comforting manner.
She smiles and winks again at Emma who continues to giggle and steal glances at Cora and Regina.
"Yes, we just moved here a few weeks ago. I got a job as the nurse at the hospital. So, we are just settling in"' Ingrid replies.
Cora's eyes dart to the table and she smiles as she sees Emma still has a hold of Regina's hand and is gently squeezing it to get her to look up. Finally, Regina looks and catches Emma's eyes.
"It's ok Gina I is here", Emma whispers. And then Regina smiles. From that moment on Regina knew Emma would always be there.
FLASHBACK ENDS
Once Emma feels Regina tense, she quickly removes her hand internally cursing herself for what she had done. Habitats take so long to break, I guess. Even when you don't practice them for five years.
"If you would like to follow me this way", Emma says back in her controlled rehearsed voice.
Regina immediately misses the touch as soon as it is gone. She wonders how after all this time it still has that same effect as the very first day. She knows the answer. It just Emma's being. Her soul is so pure. Regina can never understand why Emma ever wanted to spend time with her. She chances a sideways glance towards her and smiles. Emma tries to control her features, but Regina saw that quick twitch of her face. That twitch made the butterflies in her stomach flutter. Maybe they gave her hope. Hope that she had last five years ago. Hope that she could have Emma back.
"In here is our games area. We get the kids to play basketball and soccer as well as other games. This helps their social and team building skills. Also, it is very important to keep the children active and healthy as much we can," Emma says again in the rehearsed voice as she stops in the centre of the hall allowing the small entourage following her to stop and have look around.
Regina turns around to get a good look at the place and notices paint peeling and water damage in the corner of the room.
In an attempt to make some sort of conversation with Emma she points to it.
"What happened over here?" as she moves towards the area.
"We had a lot of rain a few months back and we had a leak. We managed to get some funds together to fix the leak but redecorating and repainting was out of our budget", Emma says.
They have pulled away from the group. Mal is out the other side of the sports hall being shown photos of the kids playing. She is glancing back over her shoulder towards the two women but seeing as they are looking and talking about the wall, she doesn't move to disrupt them.
Emma glances over her shoulder to se where Mal is. Regina again notices this. Regina moves to stand in her Mal's line of sight to Emma as she looks up at the wall.
"You look great Em. I can't believe you're here in front of me again. I have so much I need to say to you. Would you please allow me to speak with you after this? Have dinner with me tonight", Regina whispers.
Emma turns to look into Regina's eyes and Regina see's it. The break in Emma. The hurt is there for her now to see.
"Regina", its barely audible as it pushes past her lips. She bites the inside of her lips to prevent the tears from falling.
"Please don't do this here. Please", Emma begs.
Regina is confused. She knows she ended things badly. She knows that it was entirely her fault. She knows she was stupid and cruel and was the biggest mistake of her life. But there is more to it. Emma seems afraid. The glance towards Mal happens again and now Regina is wondering what in the hell is going on.
"Ok Em ok", Regina says as she hears the tell-tale signs of Mal's shoes coming up behind her.
As Mal reaches them she says, "Everything alright here ladies?" with a bright fake smile. Emma still has her back to Mal as she tries to steady her wobble. Regina noticing Emma needs a moment says "Yes, Emma was just telling me about the weather damage and what they did to get it sorted so the area was safe for the children. But I would like to do more for them. Mal put a note in my diary there to talk to Graham about coming out here to look at the wall for them. We should move on as the children are waiting, I believe.
"Yes, they have been very excited to meet you. I have told them all about you", Emma says as she turns and gives Regina a nervous smile.
Regina beams a bright smile back to her.
"Well let's not keep them waiting", Regina says.
"Yes, Regina we are running out of time too. We have many other things to get to today. And we are moving on to the next town before we return to Storybrooke on a few days," Mal snaps out.
"I know Mal. I am aware of your strict time table, but the children have been waiting for me and I won't disappoint a child. The Allenville town council meeting can wait. This is there towns children I am meeting after all. They are the future" Regina replies in her most political voice she can.
"Emma", she beams "Please lead the way".
Emma leads them back to the corridor and down to the next room. Mal steams behind them trying to keep herself nearer the two women. She cannot afford to let Emma back near Regina. Not after forcing her out all those years ago….
Author's note
Little bit more for you all in this one. thanks for the reviews so far. Hope you all keep enjoying it.
