Emma tried to hide her nervousness as she said goodbye to the staff members at the rehab clinic. She was so on edge she felt like she was going to be sick. This little clinic had become like a home to her, and they didn't allow her to slip up or back out. She was left alone when she wanted to be and everyone had been so understanding of her story.

But now she was finally being released back into civilization, and it scared her. Would her family think she was still a screw up? Had they forgiven her? What would Regina think of this new Emma?

Heath handed over her discharge papers and walked her to the entrance. Emma stood in front of the glass doors for what felt hours. She couldn't seem to take the first step out. Heath put a hand on his shoulder as he noticed her nervousness.

"You've made it this far, Emma. Go home to your family. I'm sure they miss you, especially the little lad that came to visit last month," he gently coaxed her. "Nothing is going to be the same for me," the blonde said numbly.

A lump grew in her throat and she pinched the palms of her hands to stay calm. Alcohol wasn't the problem anymore. The real issue was Emma having to face the people she had hurt, pick up the pieces from her life and move on. But at least now she believed she wouldn't be alone. She would always have someone by her side, even if it wasn't Regina.

"Just remember your plan. All you have to do is cross that threshold and meet your mother who is out there waiting for you. Take it hour by hour, then day by day. I don't want to see you back here, do you understand?" Heath said.

Emma nodded and reached her hand up to squeeze the man's hand. He had been her rock through this difficult time. He understood Emma better than she did herself sometimes. She owed it to him to continue on this clean path.

Mary Margaret was leaning against the yellow bug when Emma finally exited, bag in hand. The blonde welcomed her warm embrace as she held her close. "You look so much better, Emma. I am so so proud of you," the older woman said with a soft smile.

Emma forced a smile on her lips and allowed her mother to help her into the car. She was more than capable of doing it herself, but it was understandable that the woman was acting a little clingy. Emma hadn't seen her in 3 months, and Mary Margaret couldn't even last a day back home without calling her and seeing if she needed anything.

Because to Mary Margaret, Emma would always be her little girl. She came first always.

They began to make their way through Boston, fighting traffic and the snow that was drifting down and sticking to the streets.

"Christmas is in a few days. If you want, we can take a small detour and pick up some gifts," Mary Margaret suggested. "That would be great, Mom," Emma said with a smile. She was grateful for her mother's idea. It delayed seeing Regina for a few hours at least. Gave her time to clear her head and slowly blend back into society.

"We'll stop by that burger joint you love first. I'm starving. I'm assuming you didn't get much fast food in that place. Not that I agree with eating junk every day," her mother said with a quick glance and a smirk directed at her daughter.

After nearly 3 hours of walking around and shopping, the women took a break. Emma was grateful for the chance to rest. She wasn't too fond of shopping before coming to Boston and that still hadn't changed. But at least they got their Christmas shopping done.

"Here you go," Mary Margaret set down a steaming cup of hot cocoa in front of her before sitting down. "Hot cocoa with cinnamon, just the way we like it."

Emma gratefully sipped the warm drink, warming her face and hands.

"What's bothering you?" Mary Margaret asked. "Aren't you happy to be finally going home?"

Emma toyed with the rim of her cup, biting down on her lip. "Going to rehab was the easy part. It's coming home that's difficult for me," she answered.

She glanced up at her mother to see the woman was giving her full attention, patiently waiting for her to continue. How Emma took her for granted. She pushed her away when really, she should have been the person she relied on most. Her mother was the strongest person she knew apart from Regina, and all she ever wanted was her family to be happy.

"I'm sorry, Mom. For what I did. For how I was… before," Emma apologized. She might as well start mending her bridges now.

"I'm sorry too, Emma. I should have realized what was going on. I should have been there. And I'm sorry you felt like you were alone," Mary Margaret said.

Emma felt guilty as she saw tears form in her mother's eyes. "But now we can start over. And I will be with you every step of the way. This isn't going to be easy for you, but you never have to feel like you're alone again." Mary Margaret reached her hand out to grasp her daughter's.

"Thank you, Mama," the blonde said softly before hugging her mother so tightly she lost her breath.

For the rest of the drive back to Storybrooke, Emma felt calm. Almost like she was a kid again, safe knowing her mother would take care of her. She could feel her father's spirit close by as well, as if he was there supporting her too.

As soon as the yellow bug pulled up in front of Mary Margaret's loft, Roland ran out to greet them. Emma was nearly knocked over as the boy ran at her full speed and launched himself into her arms.

"Grandma said this was supposed to be a surprise party for you but I couldn't wait," the little boy said with a cheeky smile. Emma ruffled his hair and hugged him back. "You've grown like a foot since I last saw you! Pretty soon I'm gonna need to put a brick on your head to stop you from growing so much!" She teased.

"At least I'm not old like you!" Roland shot back before howling with laughter as his mother tickled him mercilessly.

"We should go inside and get out of this cold," Mary Margaret suggested and led the way in. Emma fell back behind her and Roland, slowly inching her way along. She was surprised when she felt her young son slip his hand into hers. "It's okay, Mom. We love you."

Using Roland as her anchor, Emma entered the loft. "Welcome back!" Ruby greeted her with a hug.

The loft was the same as it always was; there weren't any streamers or annoyingly big signs saying 'Congratulations', or '3 months sober good for you!'. She was grateful for that.

The group that had gathered was small, thankfully. Along with Snow and Ruby, there was Granny, Archie, and Henry. All close friends and family who knew of their home lives.

Granny welcomed Emma with open arms before snapping at Ruby to stop playing video games and help her with the cake. Emma suppressed a giggle at the older woman's attitude. She treated everyone in the town like she did Ruby, and it was rather comical.

Roland ran upstairs towards the distinguishable sounds of Mario Party while Emma took a seat in the living room and tried to not look as worried as she felt. It kind of stung that Regina hadn't showed. But it was understandable, seeing as Regina was most likely as nervous as her wife.

Archie slowly made his way over and sat down across from her. The way he looked her over made Emma shift in her seat. Archie wasn't a naturally judgmental person, but he knew about her life more than Heath. Emma couldn't help but feel self-conscious, despite him giving her a warm smile.

"It's great to see you back home, Emma. You look great. How do you feel?" The man tried to spark up a conversation.

Emma knew he was trying to be nice, but the way he talked made her feel like she was in a therapy session. She didn't care to bare her soul in front of everyone.

"I'm good. I feel so much better… healthier," she answered out of politeness.

"That's good to hear. I hope you don't mind, I brought you a little something." Archie reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.

Emma grabbed the gift and opened it. Her breath hitched in her throat as she stared down at it. Nestled within the silk lining was a necklace. But it wasn't a normal piece of jewelry. A copper penny punched through with a heart shone back at her, slightly dulled with age.

"My- my courage necklace," the blonde stammered. "I haven't seen this in years."

"Your mother held onto it for you. She wanted me to give it to you once she thought you needed it," the man explained.

Emma carefully pried the necklace out and fastened it around her neck. It comforted her just by its presence. It was the necklace her father had given her when she had gotten her appendix out as a little girl as a reminder that she was strong and brave. Emma was convinced she had lost it forever.

The sound of footsteps made them both look towards the staircase. Henry awkwardly stood at the base, his eyes locked on his mother's. Archie quietly excused himself as the teen came forward.

Emma braced herself for the hate speech that was sure to come. She was rather surprised when instead the boy flung himself in her arms and began to cry.

"Don't leave us again. Please, Mom. Please," he sobbed. Emma stroked his dark hair, holding him close. "I'm not going anywhere, Henry. I'm clean and sober, and I'm back for good," she tried to reassure him.

Henry pulled back and looked into her eyes. "You promise?" He asked as his voice cracked slightly. "You'll keep your word this time?"

Emma gently grabbed his shoulders and met her son's watery gaze. "I promise. There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think of you and miss you. You were the reason I made it though."

The happiness that flickered in the boy's eyes caused her to become emotional as well. She never thought Henry would forgive her. The fact that he was standing here now holding onto her tightly made the hell she had gone through these past months worth it.

"I love you, Mom," Henry spoke, resting his head on her shoulder. "I love you too, buddy," Emma said.

The front door opening and closing caught their attention. Regina did make it, after all.

"Sorry I'm late," the woman said with a light smile. "I had to pick up some red pepper for this lasagna."

"Hey, why don't you go play upstairs with your brother? I'll meet you up there in a few minutes and then I am going to beat your high score on Mario Kart," Emma suggested with a slight nudge to Henry.

The boy caught the hint and gave her one last hug before heading back upstairs. Regina silently set down the dish she carried in and joined Emma in the living room.

Emma fidgeted with her hands. She had no idea what to say. Luckily, Regina broke the ice first.

"Hey, your mom found your courage necklace."

"Yeah." Emma nodded and toyed with the small charm. "I'm glad you're back," Regina spoke again.

Emma looked into her eyes to see nothing but happiness. It was evident Regina really had missed her. Maybe things wouldn't be so complicated after all. The woman looked so healthy, happy. She was doing just fine without Emma around.

"Did the divorce papers go through yet?" The blonde asked quietly, trying to keep the question just between them. "No, no they didn't. I haven't had the heart to put them through yet," Regina answered honestly.

Emma felt irritation stir inside of her. All this time she was hoping it was over, that they could start over on their own. But Regina was holding on now too tightly and Emma feel constricted. She loved the woman with all her heart, but she feared being together would push them both back into the pit that they had managed to crawl out of.

But she pushed that irritation aside. She couldn't fully understand Regina's reasoning until she was in her shoes. So, she turned her instinctual nasty remark into something positive.

"Thank you, for being here for me and the boys. It really means a lot."

"Can we- "Regina glanced towards the group of women that were no doubt eavesdropping. "- go somewhere and talk?"

"Dinner is ready!" Mary Margaret chirped. The question on Regina's mind was soon forgotten as everyone began to dish up.

Emma was thankful for the interruption. This was the reason she was so nervous about coming home. She didn't want to talk about their problems. She would rather start over anew. She wanted just one night of peace where they didn't have to talk about love or divorce or their broken family.

Regina noticed the tension between them and quickly excused herself from their meal. Emma abandoned her own after seeing the sad and confused expressions on the boys' faces. She found Regina on the roof, rolling an unlit cigarette in between her fingers.

It was time she took responsibility for her actions. Either Regina wanted her, or she didn't. Now it was time to find out.