So a couple people are concerned about Emma, Regina, Kathryn, Ruby and Mary- Margaret. So I will clear it up the best I can by describing how I view my characters to be in my story. I don't claim to own them though they belong to ABC. But for the purpose of my story here you go. Also first three chapters are more prologue or setting chapters. Chapter 4 will be more story based while journeying into Ruby's and Emma's back story.
Emma: Slightly sarcastic. Funny. Believes strongly in independence. Likes challenges and to challenge. Feels like everything is falling around her. Wants to blame and hate Regina for it. Doesn't believe in love. Didn't get the chance to follow her dreams. Soft spot for Ruby and Mary-Margaret. Smart. Hates pity. Friendly. 23 years old.
Regina: Unsure of herself. Sarcastic. Bossy. Misunderstood. Ill-tempered occasionally. Love – hate relationship with Cora. Loves Kathryn and Henry. Believes she is straight. Plain and safe. Cares what people thinks. Kind but hides it for reasons unknown. Smart. Reserved. 25 years old.
Kathryn: Bossy. Soft spot for Regina (friendship). Protective and driven. Doesn't trust easily. Ying to Regina's yang. Intelligent. Blunt. Supportive of Regina. 24 years old.
Ruby: Soft spot for Emma (friendship). Protective. Smart occasionally. Not afraid to speak her mind. Supportive. 24 years old.
Mary-Margaret: Protective. Sick. Depending on the situation has a sailor's mouth, usually Emma is involved somewhere.
Hopefully that clears it up and adds insight into the characters for the story.
So I'm stuck between Emma's degree centering on engineering or photography. And I saw YTSHOMIE do something that I believe I will adopt. I'll be updating every Wednesday hopefully #BelieveWednesdays. Go check out her stories they're amazing. And Emma's G!P becomes more relevant next chapter. But not like that get your mind out of the gutter ;)
Previously on Help Me Believe Again:
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."
Chapter 3: Sealed Fate
"Work for her? That doesn't sound good. Did you tell her you were a fan? Maybe she is willing to give you the experience or something…" Ruby pleaded. But Emma only raised a hand to her. Silently asking her to stop as she napkined her mouth.
"I told her I didn't want a hand out. And that I wouldn't harass or sell her out to the media. But she is very persistent." Emma frowned. "I didn't want a handout so she offered the chance to work with her while she is here on business."
Ruby looked at her friend in disbelief. Since the releasing of the book, the blonde had talked none stop about R.A Mills. And now that she was getting the opportunity of a life time and fate was finally turning in her favor she was rejecting it.
"Emma you have to do it. At least take the time to hear her out. It seems like she really wants the chance to make it right. You're not thinking about this logically and if you don't try. I can bet my bottom dollar you will regret it down the road."
The table stared at the brunette stupefied. Ruby may have been known for her crude humor and jokes. Possibly even her cooking and definitely her beauty but reason was usually not one of them. But the brunette wasn't done saying her peace.
"You fangirled so bad over the book and its author that you pulled me into the series. Emma I'm pretty sure you have fantasized about meeting this woman and probably doing some dirty things to her as well." The blonde shied away as her cheeks turned a deep crimson. "You could live a fangirl dream but you're turning it away because... it's a handout? Or so you think."
"Well yea." The blonde stated matter-of-factly.
"Don't think of it that way. Think of it as fate finally throwing you a bone. This could open so many doors for you. You should at least consider hearing her out, if not jumping at the opportunity." Ruby finished.
Emma debated Ruby's logic and hated to admit it but she was right.
"I agree," Belle and Mary-Margaret said at the same time.
"But guys I have no way to find her?"
"Actually you do." All eyes turned to Ruby, stunned that the brunette apparently had a plan. Tonight seemed to be a night of firsts. "You still have the copy of the police report right? She had to leave a contact number. Maybe to her cell phone or at least someone close to her. It's worth a shot I'd say."
"So are you gonna do it?" Mary-Margaret asked her adult daughter.
"I guess so. I at least owe it to her to be heard out."
(Regina's Mansion)
Weary didn't begin to describe how the brunette felt. To distract her mind from thinking about Emma and her decision, she had invited her parents over for dinner. And where her father's company had been welcomed her mother's hadn't. Cora had acted like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Dragging the author into conversation, luring her in before the conversation turned political.
Henry had sat by idly not wanting to get involved, while shooting the brunette apologetic looks when the redhead wasn't looking. Once the writer had, had enough she stood and began clearing the dishes. Signaling her parents that they had over stayed their welcome. And they had left- eventually.
The brunette sat at her dining room table scrolling through her emails and her fan website. Most questions were direct in asking when she planned to do a sequel. Others had links to their personal artwork for the book, or Regina herself. Some pieces were beautiful and so life like and others made her cringe. But she appreciated the effort none the less.
Her phone beeped and she stared at the number. It wasn't in her contacts list so no I.D popped up. Unknown numbers were like Pandora's Box to celebrities, no matter their status. If it was someone dialing the wrong number or prank calling the consequences could be dire. Extreme enough for most celebrities to change their number. And other times it was simply a mistake.
Answering the call was a big risk, but something in the pit of her stomach made her answer the phone. And thankfully she didn't regret it.
A small, unsure voice came over the phone and Regina smiled. It was Emma. Her heart skipped a beat and she wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was because she didn't know if the blonde was calling to reject or accept her offer. But would she have called if she was going to reject? "Hello… um I'm looking for Regina Mills." The blonde voiced unsure.
"Speaking."
Silence briefly fell over the phone before someone in the background cleared their throat. "Sorry… I was hoping. .. Kind of wondering if…"
"Yes Miss Swan?"
Emma sighed. "Maybe we could discuss the job you offered. I mean that is if you are still up for it. If not I understand." The blonde rushed out and the author could tell the young woman's nerves were showing.
"That is fine Miss Swan. Will your boyfriend be in attendance as a witness?" Regina half humored.
"Boyfriend? I don't have a boyfriend. I never have." Emma admitted feeling half offended.
"Then the officer…"
"Worked for my dad before… Look I didn't call to get personal."
"Fair enough. I don't know the town well enough. So perhaps we could have lunch at my residence?"
Silence fell over the phone again. "Miss Swan?"
"Regina you don't know me. And you would openly let me in? I could be crazy."
The brunette found herself chuckling over the phone which was extremely rare. The only person that made her remotely laugh was her father and occasionally Kathryn. "Yes Miss Swan I am sure you carry a switch blade in your cast." Regina said the words before she thoroughly thought about them. "I apologize, my humor was perhaps a bit misplaced. But no I have no concern. Dealing with fans are a norm for me dear. I can handle myself. But allow me to give you my address."
Regina gave her address and a time for Emma to meet her before she hung up. When handling personal business affairs, it was her blonde counterpart that handled it. The brunette felt anxious about meeting the blonde. It was strange considering they had already met, but the writer shrugged it off and went to prepare for bed.
(Mary-Margaret and Emma's)
"Got it? Oh quit whining and call."
"Fine," the blonde sneered before turning back to the phone in her hand. The small device in her hand felt hot. In all her years she had never been nervous. Hell she was made of steel but something about Regina Mills both infatuated and infuriated her. And at the moment infuriation was the key emotion she felt. After all, it was the brunette who had aided in turning her life upside down.
And now at the request of her friends and mother, she was also at the author's mercy. With each stroke of her finger over the numbers. Emma felt the tension in her shoulders elevate. Apparently fate not only hated her but planned to make fun of her too.
The phone rang twice before it was picked up and the blonde felt her heart drop.
"Hello… um I'm looking for Regina Mills."
The woman on the other end of the phone confirmed her identity. And the blonde immediately felt her nerves surface. Regina sounded so calm and collected over the phone. But Emma couldn't put two fucking words together to make a sentence. And when she did it sounded like a foreign language.
Ruby had to force her to pay attention to the phone conversation with the clearing of her throats several times. Then the author had shocked her by inviting her over for lunch.
How was she supposed to respond? Sure it was a great opportunity, but did R.A Mills do this to everyone she had wronged? Emma had so many questions, but the only one that came out in that moment sounded idiotic. And the tall brunette had agreed slapping her hand to her forehead in disappointment.
"Regina you don't know me. And you would openly let me in? I could be crazy."
The chuckled had surprised Emma, and silently made her wonder if she should be worried about Regina. And not the other way around. Shrugging at the observation the blonde listened to the conversation long enough for Regina to give the address and set an official time before the call ended.
The group remained silent as they watched their friend and daughter stare at the phone. Unsure if the expression she sported was shock or anger. "So?" Mary-Margaret asked breaking the silence.
"I am meeting her tomorrow for lunch." Emma repeated, despite the group having sat through the whole conversation.
"No. I mean how do you feel? You should be ecstatic Emma. Getting to spend quality time with the Regina Mills."
"Mom you're absolutely right. I think I'll go and do some back flips to celebrate. Oh… Damn I can't. Because my employer is the one that broke my leg." The blonde hissed sarcastically.
"So grouchy."
Repentant eyes looked up to her mother. "Sorry. Just frustrated. I shouldn't have to depend on someone who put me in this situation."
"Em," Ruby warned. "Stop thinking about it that way. Plus you don't have to do it forever. If you hate it you can always quit. But this is a good chance to heal and get back on your feet. Plus you can always look for something else."
"Just try Emma." Belle concurred agreeing with her wife.
"And if I hate her?"
"Then you'll have something nice to look at while you brood." The restaurant owner winked.
(Monday Afternoon – 108 Mifflin Street)
Regina stepped into the black dress, as it hugged her body like a second skin. Dressing nice hadn't come from being famous it had come from her mother wanting her to dress successful to be successful. And even the brunette had to admit it worked and left her feeling ready to conquer the world. Her long flawless tan skin peeked from under her dress. As she slid on a red velvet colored pair of pumps.
She wore a dress jacket that complimented her lipstick and shoes. Giving her hair a final fluff, it fell back into short coiffed layers. Looking down to the wrist watch she sported, the brunette grinned. It was 12:28 and she and Emma had agreed on 12:30 for lunch to discuss their proposition. Apparently she had a friend dropping her off though she had texted. Asking if the blonde wanted to be picked up.
Checking her appearance one last time in the mirror, Regina smirked. Pleased with the final product she made her way downstairs. Only to be greeted by the sound of the door bell ringing. The author approached the door taking a stilling breath before turning the knob.
Before her stood a wounded Emma Swan in a pale pink dress, complimented with a white leather jacket and pink flats. Her hair sat in a high straight ponytail. And the sun caught her eyes, allowing the blue to sparkle captivatingly.
Regina found herself gaping and closed her mouth. Emma was a beautiful woman but Regina wasn't gay, she reassured herself. That had only been a phase in college. The writer noted the blonde was leaning heavily on her crutches and snapped back to her senses.
"Miss Swan you look lovely please come in." She cooed opening the door wider so the blonde could enter.
"Thanks… Regina. Or do you prefer Miss Mills?"
"Emma there is no need to try and impress me. I just want to get to know you a bit better and talk business. Are you hungry?"
"Like you wouldn't believe," the blonde offered with a smile. And Regina found herself wanting to see the smile more before reprimanding herself for the thought.
"Follow me to the kitchen and we can talk. While I cook."
Emma found herself curious. "You cook?"
"Traveling a lot makes it a necessity dear." The hostess responded evenly. Making her way deeper into the kitchen. "So would you prefer to ask or have me tell you about work?"
Emma had already decided Regina when not guilt tripped. Was straight to the point and able to fend for herself. So she wasn't off put by the crudeness of the question.
"I suppose if I ask it would seem more fitting. But seeing as you're the employer, maybe you should just tell me. And I ask if there is something I don't understand or want you to clarify."
Regina stopped and looked over her shoulder. Weighing what the blonde had just requested. A closed lip smile curved her lips before she nodded and retreated to the refrigerator.
Emma found it hard to stay mad in the presence of R.A Mills and knew that would somehow be a problem. Continuing her hobbled trekking into the kitchen Emma gaped at the kitchen. She had seen the house before and it looked rather dull on the outside but the inside was a completely different story. The house was large and spacious which Emma had believed it would be.
But the interior was so crisp and pristine. Decorated in creamy marbled whites and piercing blacks that complimented one another naturally. A variety of large and small windows were placed calculatingly throughout the kitchen. Allowing the perfect amount of sunlight into the room. Bouncing off the granite island and table tops.
"Nice place. So why are you here again?"
Bracing her palms against the sink – counter top. The brunette leaned forward staring at her guest. "Thank you I am renting it for the next six months. And I needed something that reflected my personal taste."
"So plain and boring… describes you?" Emma questioned. Pointing toward the smaller woman.
Regina glared at the woman as she took a seat at the island. "No I think the pattern scheme is elegant and mysterious."
"What I heard was safe and practical. With a sprinkle of pretty." Regina sucked her teeth at the description. She could appreciate the blonde's honesty, but not when it came to her color choices. "I am just being honest. I never said anything is wrong with it. Just an observation." The blonde replied with a small smirk. Knowing she had offended the brunette in the process, even if only mildly.
"I will overlook your… bluntness Miss Swan. And answer your other question. You are familiar with my book I would take it."
"Yes. Thankfully your writing doesn't match your taste in interior."
The author smiled wickedly. "Why do I have a feeling I just sealed my fate?"
"Because you did dear. I have no problem voicing my humor, sarcasm, or opinion but it's the silently planned schemes you never see coming."
Emma twirled her fingers nervously. Perhaps her banter had pushed Regina too far. Usually she was quiet and reserved but with Regina it was different. How could she be so open with a woman that had caused her pain? Probably because your social skills suck Blondie. Emma scolded herself.
"But… since you don't know me. I'll let it slide for now. I'm here for writing purposes. And a splash of family visitation. Is there something you want to eat?"
"I would love a grilled cheese and onion rings."
"Hopefully your working habits don't reflect that of your eating." Regina grimaced. "I can fix the sandwich. And perhaps home styled potato skins or a salad?"
The thought of having another salad was enough to make Emma wanted to purge the remaining contents in her stomach. "Potatoes sound amazing thank you."
Regina nodded and went to work preparing their lunch. "You mentioned family," the blonde commented breaking the silence. As she watched the older woman skate around the kitchen.
"Yes I'm sure you know my mother. She is the mayor." Regina replied in an annoyed tone that seemed like she was saying "duh".
"Mayor Mills? Cora Mills is your mother? God, I never linked the two. You never mentioned a mother or father in your dedication. So it isn't one of those things I would guess."
Regina laughed. "But I did put them in the dedication. Put them in the book as well." The cook responded as she flipped the sandwich on the press. "Do you recall the Queen of Hearts and the Mute Hero? I thanked them in the beginning of the book along with Princess Abby?"
"No..." Emma drew out.
"I did. As I stated I have no problem voicing or showing my sarcasm it humor. Princess Abby is my manager you will probably get to know her better than you would like to." The brunette commented, plating the food before sliding it toward Emma.
"Thanks. This looks amazing."
"Now that you have food I suppose we should get down to business." Regina said plating a salad for herself. "During my six month stay. I need someone to show me around the town. And hopefully also play a secretarial role for me. I don't want my mother involved because our interests conflict to put it mildly. I will let you talk to my manager about finances. If you would like a contract that can be arranged."
Emma swallowed a bite of sandwich and looked at Regina confused. "What would I do as a secretary? And what are the hours?"
"For the six months I am connecting my home and cell phone. So manage in going and outgoing calls. Monitor my website and social media accounts. Take dates and memos for me. Occasionally play devil's advocate. Are you a morning person or afternoon person?"
"Morning."
"How does 8-5 sound? Meals included and you have free reign of the kitchen."
"What happens when the six months is up?"
Regina paused from eating to frown. She hadn't wanted to face that question, but now it was staring her in the face. "We'll cross that bridge when get to it." The writer suggested.
"Do I have the right to quit if I dislike something?"
"You're a grown woman Miss Swan. I will leave that up to your discretion."
The blonde nodded. "So is this where we get to know one another better?"
"Absolutely not Miss Swan. We have six months to do that. But I will take you home. My car is ready I am sure I can drop you off along the way. Unless you have other plans. Plus you know my mother I would like the chance to get to know yours."
Emma gulped. Her fate had been sealed and Regina Mills was calling her number for reparations.
This is going to be interesting.
Next chapter:
-Regina meets Mary-Margaret and Ruby. Raising questions about Emma and Ruby's relationship. Belle reacts.
-Emma starts new job. She and Regina get to know one another.
-Emma's G!P is discussed