CHAPTER 3

"Get out," Zelena said as they pulled into a parking space at school. Regina accidentally on purpose hit her in the head with her elbow as they climbed out of the back of Graham's car. She jumped out of the way quickly as Zelena turned on her to smack back. She stuck her tongue out at her as she waited for Emma to exit the car.

Emma scowled at her before slamming the door shut. "Eww!" she cried out as Zelena and Graham began their first of many daily make out marathons. She grabbed Regina's hand and pulled her along.

They were walking toward the building when a screech rang out through the air followed by streaks of black and red. The owner barreled into Emma at full speed. They both almost toppled over but Emma was able to catch herself at the last moment.

"Ruby!" Emma quickly reached out to help steady Regina.

"Oh sorry Swan. Thought you saw me coming," Ruby was instantly on her feet and was now bouncing around from excitement. "So?"

"So what?" Emma pretended ignorance. She threw her backpack over her shoulder again and began walking to the building again.

"You know what!" Ruby cried out. She walked backwards in front of them. She almost walked into Belle and Kathryn but she paid them no mind.

"How'd it go?" Belle asked Regina.

Emma broke out in a huge grin. "She's preggo. I got da magic touch," she raised her trigger finger in the air and blew on it.

"Eww," Regina shoved her.

"Oww! Domestic violence!" Emma yelled as she dramatically nursed her arm.

Regina just rolled her eyes and walked around her. Belle and Kathryn followed suit.

"I'll see ya after school," Emma yelled out as they walked into the school.

"Whoa! I can't believe you got her pregnant. What do you think your parents are going to say?" Ruby began to open her locker.

Emma was busy trying to get her own locker opened. After she got it unlocked she turned back to Ruby, "Regina already told them. You know what a Mama's girl she is. She couldn't keep her mouth shut for 10 whole minutes."

Ruby gaped at her best friend, "And you're both still alive? What happened? How'd it happen? What did the 'rents say?" Ruby threw the questions out in rapid fire.

Emma began shuffling around her books, "Aunt Cora's taking her to the doctor today for lunch. Then we should have the results by the end of the day. But all 3 of the sticks had pink plus signs. I'd say it's a done deal."

"Don't you think you should stop calling them Aunt and Uncle? It's going to be really confusing to the baby."

"They've been my Aunt and Uncle all my life. I don't know what else to call them. Anyway, we haven't gotten there yet," the two girls began to make their way down to their first period class. "By the way, I wanted to ask you, does your Granny need help at her diner? I need to get a job. I'm not going to have someone else supporting my baby."

"Granny's usually always looking for someone. She can't seem to stop making the cooks and waiters cry. I'm sure she'll have some room for you part time."

"Good," Emma nodded. "Think it would be alright to swing by after school?"

"I don't see why not," Ruby shrugged. They entered their first period class and took their seats just as Mr. Leroy Rey entered the room.

"Take out your books and read something quietly," he growled out as he dropped down heavily into his seat. He frowned around the room at everyone equally. When everyone pulled out a book, he pulled his sunglasses over his eyes. He slumped down in his chair and stretched his feet out in front of him. Next thing they heard was loud snoring filling up the room.

"Another late night," Ruby mouthed over to Emma before pulling out her makeup case and starting work on her face and hair.

Mr. Leroy tended to be drunk almost always as far as anyone could make out. He had taught them nothing and they learned nothing. But there were no complaints from the kids. And none from him as long as he didn't have to hear about them getting in trouble while he was supposed to be on duty. They pretty much did whatever they wanted to. Everyone was happy.

Emma pulled out some notebook paper and started making lists. She jotted down all she needed to do to get ready for their baby. No matter what she was going to be as good a parent to her child as hers had been to her.

The first thing on her list was getting a job. The second was making sure Regina was taken care of. That one was easy. She adored everything about the woman. She always had.

She frowned down at her paper. It seemed there should be more to the list. But everything else was covered already. She shrugged and pulled out her homework. Neither her parents nor Regina's nor for that matter Regina herself would appreciate it if she didn't graduate.

She got down to finishing her homework for her next classes. She didn't want to have to focus on the butterflies in her belly regarding Regina and their baby. She'd just have to wait for the final word like everyone else.

But she couldn't stop her mind from wandering. She'd already doodled baby names in the corners of her papers. She grinned as she sat back and studied them. She knew they were still young. And she definitely would've wanted to wait also. But it was here. And it was real. They could do this.

RQ

Regina was already waiting for her Mom outside when Cora pulled up. She quickly jumped into the passenger seat.

"Hello Mother," she greeted her.

Cora just shook her head. She put the car into drive and headed for the doctor's office.

At the doctor's office Cora filled out the required paperwork while Regina sat nervously beside her.

"Stop fidgeting," Cora complained as Regina's bouncing leg bumped her one too many times.

"I'm sorry," Regina crossed her legs in the opposite direction. She began biting her nails.

"And stop with the nail biting!"

Regina quickly pulled her finger out of her mouth. "Sorry."

Cora went back to the paperwork. She had only just finished as the nurse called Regina into the back.

The nurse took Regina's weight and height before showing them into a room. Once there she asked what they were here for.

"This one decided to get herself knocked up. She couldn't control her hormones until after graduation," Cora frowned over at Regina.

Regina's cheeks flamed and she lowered her head while biting her lip nervously. The nurse kept her professional demeanor intact. She merely smiled at Regina and finished making her notes. She took Regina's vitals. Then she gave Regina a gown to slip into. Regina handed Cora her purse and book bag as she got undressed and put on the gown. She sat on the table as instructed to await the doctor.

Papa Pope strolled into the room with a smile. "How are you two lovely ladies doing today?"

"I've had better days," Cora sneered.

Regina just gave the doctor a small tight smile.

He checked over the notes and then nodded. He turned to Regina. Let's have you lie back. I'm going to need to raise your gown so that we can see what we have going on here," he said cheerily as he handed Regina a sheet to drape over herself. He began to drag equipment over to the table and get it set up.

Regina quickly did as instructed.

"Now this is going to be cold," he smiled apologetically as he squirted the gel onto her belly. He placed the wand upon her stomach and the room began to fill with what sounded like whale songs. "And that would be your baby," he said proudly. "Good strong heartbeat that is."

Cora rolled her eyes and let out a disappointed sigh. She shook her head at Regina sadly.

Regina quickly tore her eyes away from her Mother as she took in what she was seeing and hearing. That was her baby. It was their baby. Hers and Emma's right there. And it was real. And it was beautiful.

She had never been a believer in love at first sight. Even though Emma swore that's all it took for her. But as her breath hitched and all she could do was stare at what was obviously the most beautiful baby in the world.

The doctor tapped at some keys. "I'd say you're about 9 weeks along."

"Is that bad?" Regina was worried at the slight frown on his otherwise cheery face.

"No, no. It's just that prenatal care is very important. But you're here now. And we still have 31 more weeks to go. You're young and that could be good and bad. As far other activities I see nothing that concerns me here. And sex is good for the baby. You can have as much as you want," Regina blushed but the doctor just patted her hand while giving her a wink. Cora rolled her eyes and sighed. Papa Pope turned to Cora, "So Mom my nurse will be with you two to help go over the prenatal regiments. I'll also call in the prescriptions for folic acid and prenatal pills to the pharmacy. In the meantime," he printed off a few pics of the ultrasound. "You'll have this to remind you of what's at stake if you don't follow them to the letter."

Regina nodded, "I will. I promise," she began to wipe the gel off her belly before sitting up. She took the pictures from him with a smile before returning her eyes back to her baby.

Regina quickly got dressed. Then she and her Mom sat with the nurse who went over the details of what they should be doing for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. She also gave them books on their upcoming baby. She seemed to sense that her congratulating them wouldn't be welcome.

Regina jumped into the car excitedly. Her phone beeped and she pulled it out of her purse.

Emma: Everything okay?

Regina started to type then deleted it. She wasn't sure how to say this. And she really didn't want to say it over a text anyway. So she settled with We need to talk.

Emma stared down at the text nervously and gulped.