Chapter 9

Emma knew she should be sleeping, but once she was up, she was up. There was no way of avoiding it. Her phone rested on the nightstand it read 7:28.a. m. Emma groaned loudly. The alarm on her phone was scheduled for seven thirty. Damn. Emma rolled in bed, it irritated her to no end when she woke up minutes before her alarm was supposed to go off. She hated her body right now. Her internal clock had a weird sense of humor. Emma wasn't amused.

"Life can be so unfair" groaned Emma, as the alarm clock finally blared.

The shrill beeps and tones rent the air, she slammed the snooze button. The amount of force she hit the clock with was extremely satisfying. She smirked into the pillows as the blissful silence washed over the room. Emma snuggled back in between the duvet covers undeterred. She had just about drifted off when yet again the alarm went off, repeating its earlier high pitched wail. Emma sprung out of bed like a kangaroo. Now, being wide awake Emma's limbs were flailing as she unceremoniously fell onto the floor with a loud thud.

"Oomph!" grunted Emma as she got off the floor. Grace was definitely not one of her strong points.

She sauntered over to the towering windows and slid back the curtains allowing the morning rays to illuminate the villa. She squinted out the window, pure white snow covered the Matterhorn. It seemed to stare down at her all imposing and challenging. The sun beat down mercilessly on making the snow appear to glisten before her like a mirage. The mountain was ever so subtly seducing her, her mouth watered as she thought of the fresh powder that awaited her.

Slowly making her way over to the kitchen, Emma made a fresh pot of coffee. She was still a little groggy from going out the night before. The drag show hadn't ended until 2 in the morning. Although she told herself that she had plenty of fun, her body was telling her that the mild throbbing in her head probably meant that she had one too many drinks.

"It's probably not the best idea to go snowboarding with a hangover but oh well…." said Emma aloud shaking her head with a knowing grimace of realization. Upon looking at her reflection, she noticed the face staring back at her from the shiny metallic fridge seemed to also reiterate the same story. She pulled out the creamer and half and half, indulging herself in the sweetness it provided. She never understood how people could drink their coffee black.

"Crazy people that's who!" said Emma finishing her thought out loud.

She sighed, hopefully the caffeine would kick in soon and help wake her up. Besides if the coffee didn't do the job she recalled seeing some pain meds in her bag from when she had unpacked everything yesterday. She grabbed a mug from the rack hanging above the stove and filled it with glorious fresh brewed coffee and creamer and half and half concoction. Needing a respite from her throbbing headache, she took some pain relievers. Sliding open the glass doors, Emma walked out onto the large patio with comfy chairs and took a seat waiting for the meds to kick in before she headed to the lifts.

"God, I could get used to this..."gasped Emma transfixed yet again by the majestic Matterhorn. She drank or rather gulped down the coffee. As the coffee slid down her throat she immediately felt better. The hot liquid was warming her insides. Contented, Emma took one last glance at the Matterhorn before heading back inside to get ready for the day not before she refilled her mug with more coffee.

"I am so glad I went bought some new gear yesterday, "Emma said murmuring to herself. She inspected her old snowboarding clothes, noticing the mismatched and worn gear. She tossed the old gear aside and unwrapped the packages that she had sent back to the hotel yesterday. Clutching the new gear to her chest, Emma smiled at how everything actually fit.

Working on her second mug of the morning, she sipped her coffee slower than the first. Emma put on some music while she got dressed. With each piece of gear she put on her excitement was increased. As she slipped on her new snowboarding pants her excitement reached its peak.

Emma couldn't deny that she was very anxious, the caffeinated beverage seemed to have done its trick. Thank god for coffee. She looked at her phone and noticed a couple of unread text messages. Elated, she flicked to the top message.


Ruby

Hey…. Emma did you make it home okaaay?


Emma smiled remembering the friendly bartender she had met last night. Apparently Ruby had a couple of drinks last night as well. Last night had become a bit of a blur. The fragmented pieces of what she could remember of the night were replaying in her mind. The drag show, ah the drag show… what a drag show it had been. She smiled at the memory, looking back down at her phone she looked at the other message that populated her phone.


Killian (Meela)

Emma, love! Did you enjoy the show last night? ;)


Emma distinctly remembered Meela strutting around the stage singing "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan. Tinkerbell had joined midway through the act to the audiences delight. They were regular performers at the Jolly Rodger or so she had heard from Ruby. They sang a couple more numbers before joining Emma on the make shift dancefloor. Ruby had even joined in the fun by coming and dancing with them for a few songs.

Fully dressed now, Emma checked herself out in the mirror striking a couple of goofy poses. She might have taken a selfie or two. Her lips were stuck in a wide grin. She felt like a little kid on Christmas morning.

She made sure her phone was charged all the way so she could listen to music if she wanted. She ensured that her headphones were in her pocket. Check, they were there. Emma checked and rechecked everything ensuring she didn't forget anything. Emma left once everything was accounted for. Grabbing her board she headed towards the ski lifts.

Upon reaching the ski lift she realized to her surprise that she was not the first in line. Despite her valiant efforts, she had failed in her quest to be the first in line this morning. Emma scowled and headed towards the queue for the ski lift. In front of her there was a teenage boy waiting patiently tapping his foot to his music.

"'Well... Looks like someone is just as excited as me to be the first one on the mountain." said Emma sliding on her gloves. The boy turned around and pulled out his headphones.

"What was that?" said the boy grinning.

"I said… Looks like someone else is just as excited to be the first one on the mountain."

"Yeah, this is the only reason I accompany my mom on her business trips," said the boy nonchalantly

"Do you usually go boarding alone, where is your Mom? How long have you been boarding?" asked Emma curiously.

"He can't be much older than fourteen," Emma thought.

"Not long...But uhh my mom doesn't usually like me talking to strangers ..."said the boy skeptically.

"Oh ... Sorry for all the questions. Forgive me, please excuse my blunt observations. I was just curious, but your mother is right though you definitely shouldn't talk to strangers! "Said Emma chuckling nervously. He stared at her like she was still crazy.

"Hi, my name is Emma by the way. I have been snowboarding for about five to six years. It's nice to meet someone who is just as excited about snowboarding! "Said Emma with a friendly smile introducing herself. She extended her hand awaiting a handshake. The boy glanced at her hand hesitantly then shook it deciding she was genuine and not a crazy person.

"My name is Henry. It's nice to meet you Emma. My mom is here for business I usually escape to the slopes when she is working. My mom usually comes along but she has been busy lately..." replied Henry shyly.

"Oh..."frowned Emma. She strangely felt very concerned for the boy.

"Don't worry I can take care of myself." said Henry.

"So does your mom board too?" asked Emma.

"No, she is a skier." said Henry disapprovingly, he then leaned closer and whispered to Emma, "She chose the dark side" Emma snorted appreciating the Star Wars reference.

"Nice reference, kid. Just because she is a skier does not mean she is evil! She can't be all that bad." implored Emma. Their attention was diverted as a man joined them. The subject of Henry's mom was dropped as the man took their attention.

"Hey there, it looks like we have a few anxious boarders!" said the bearded man.

"Yeah..." said both Emma and Henry then laughed.

"My name is Graham I am on the ski patrol. Let's get this party started then shall we?" said Graham winking as he turned the key. The lift sputtered to life. A wide grin spread on Emma's face. The awakening of the ski lift made Emma's anticipation grow exponentially.

"Nice accent, is it Australian?" asked Emma.

"You guessed right!" said Graham winking at her.

"Dude, you are sooooooo….. barking up the wrong tree." laughed Emma. He shrugged but winked again. Guys. When would they ever learn?

"A guy has got to try" he said smiling, "have a wonderful day, be safe!" he said as the lift unceremoniously whisked them away from the Australian lift operator.

They rode the lift in silence, both listening to their own music at first. Since they were both in the front if the line together resulted in them sharing the same chair. Emma had one headphone in and she left the other out unless Henry wanted to chit chat on the way up. She pulled up her face guard it was starting to get chilly. The mountain air was refreshing but was relentless as they kept their ascent.

"So... kid."

"I have a name you know. Call me Henry." said Henry sarcastically.

"Right, of course you have a name. Call me Emma. So... Henry are you from Zermatt?"

"Nah I am from Boston."

"Oh really!? What a coincidence... I am from Boston as well." Emma mumbled under her breath

"What was that?"

"Oh nothing..." said Emma. They were passing over the terrain park, Emma pointed it out to Henry.

"Do you like doing the terrain parks at all?"

"Uh..."Henry hesitated, "well to be honest I am not all that good..."

"Yeah right?! I bet you would be a natural. Have you ever tried them before?"

"Well... My mom-"

"Let me guess she won't let you go anywhere near the terrain park..."

"Yeah...She says it an unnecessary risk..."said Henry gazing longingly at the terrain park.

"I can ways show you, If you'd like… "Offered Emma shrugging her shoulders. Henry's face lit up at this prospect. Emma smiled genuinely back at him.

"Really? You would do that?!" asked Henry his smile growing with every passing second. Realizing his over excitement Henry took a few deep breaths.

"That would be great…if it's not too much trouble." Said Henry coolly, trying to act nonchalant brushing a few strands of hair out of his face. Henry playing the part of cool teenager. Emma smirked as he continued to act cool avoiding Emma's eyes. Despite Henry's avoidance of eye contact Emma continued to look over at Henry she unavoidably felt a small tug at her heart. She was very protective of this boy. As the lift continued to carry them upwards they continued to chat.

The conversation flowed easily and Emma felt immediately comfortable talking to Henry. As impossible as it seemed Emma had the unnerving feeling of déjà vu like she had known this boy her whole life. To be honest, it was a little unsettling that they were becoming fast friends but Emma didn't object one bit.

"Yeah, kid..." she coughed "I mean Henry." Said Emma. To be able to connect with someone who wasn't her doctor or that didn't work at a hospital wasn't something that happened often to her. At this thought Emma smiled to herself.

They finally reached the top of the lift, "Hey… Henry look we are almost to the top. We should probably get ready." said Emma as she let put her right foot forward preparing to disembark the lift. Henry followed in suit.

They disembarked without much difficulty. Pushing off with her left foot Emma made her way away from the lift to avoid collisions with the others.

"You ready? Henry?" asked Emma as she strapped her left foot into her board the sound of her bindings clicking into place. Checking and rechecking her bindings until she was comfortable with the fit she looked around for Henry but didn't see him. A bit dejected, she pushed off and let gravity do most of the work. Speed was one thing Emma Swan was not afraid of.

She wove in and out creating snake-like patterns in the snow. Her fresh marks meant that she was among the first to touch the powder, which thrilled her. In Emma's opinion there was nothing better than fresh powder. Emma continued to cruise through the run with ease. She pushed play, and was instantly listening to the playlist she had created earlier that morning. The music was soothing and helped ease the ache of loneliness that crept up slowly. Although Emma loved snowboarding, the mind-numbing solace she felt affronted her. Despite the freedom Emma felt, she couldn't deny that it was better to board with someone. She surged on carving widely, loving the feel of her board tearing through the snow. She continued looking for Henry, perhaps she could catch up with him.

Much too her delight Emma found Henry waiting at the beginning of the terrain park hesitant to enter.

"Hey, Kid!" shouted Emma as she glided to a stop by Henry spraying fresh powder. She received a stony glare from the teenager.

"My bad, Henry. Sorry...it's a bad habit." teased Emma shrugging her shoulders, "On another note, you totally left me!" she said accusingly at Henry.

"It's not my fault you are slow!" shot Henry sarcastically. He looked back at the terrain park a nervous look on his face.

"Okay low blow... I am not that old." mumbled Emma punching Henry's shoulder playfully.

"So...I thought you were going to show me how to do this thing?" said Henry gesticulating towards the terrain park.

"I'll go first and then wait for you after the first jib okay?"

"Jib?"

"Jibs are any types of features that are built of other materials than just snow." said Emma as she pointed at the box in front of them," Like for example this first one here is a box. While that one down there is a rail." said Emma pointing out the rail a little ways down the park.

"Okay, I get it. I think..."said Henry excitedly.

"Remember to keep your knees bent and shoulders square, just ride it through don't make any sudden movements." said Emma patting her knees, "If you put any weight on your edges at all you will most likely fall. Don't be scared. Just be confident and you'll do just fine!" instructed Emma as she put her goggles back on.

"Wait, that's it?!" shouted Henry as he watched Emma push off heading towards the box.

"You'll do great kid! Don't overthink it kid!" shouted back Emma as she turned around just in time to hop on to the box and rode it smoothly landing with a flourish. She stopped and waited for Henry. He stood there still evidently terrified.

Henry pushed off and headed towards the first box. Emma's breath caught as she watched him execute the maneuvers she had briefly mentioned before. She smiled as he landed expertly off the box and headed towards a similar box down the run avoiding the rail. Appearing more confident he nailed the second box and added a quick 180. Impressed Emma whooped as he came to a stop next her.

"That was your first time? Seriously?" asked Emma amazed.

"Yeah..."replied Henry.

"Well….shit! Pardon my language, but I fell on my ass the first time I tried to do that. I had a bruise for week! See Hendry? You have nothing to be afraid of. You are a natural!" said Emma patting him on the back she turned around ready to continue the run. If Emma would have looked behind her she would have seen the widest smile plastered on Henry's face.

As the day progressed Emma and Henry went up and down the mountain many times. The sun was waning back towards the horizon before Emma and Henry decided to call it a day. Both were walking back towards the Marchenbach tired and sore from the day.

"It was nice boarding with you Henry, maybe I will see you around?" said Emma expectantly.

"Yeah, that would be nice. It was nice meeting you Emma." He said as pushed the button to call the elevator.

Right at the same moment the elevator doors opened revealing Regina Mills. Emma looked her up and down immediately struck with how stunningly gorgeous the woman truly was. Regina's eyes fell on Henry. Emma watched as her Regina's lips formed into the most breathtaking smile. Was this the same woman she had encountered at the Spa Fa? Emma's jaw was slack as she continued to stare at the mother-son duo entranced by how serene and calm Regina look despite the time of day.

Regina was wearing a black pencil skirt that accentuated her body in all the right places. Emma's attention was immediately trained on the strained buttons of Regina's white heavily starched oxford shirt. Emma could only imagine what lay underneath that shirt. She was jolted out of her reverie by someone calling her name.

"Ms. Swan is there something I can help you with?" asserted Regina in an icy tone. The smile replaced by a smirk that tugged at her glorious lips. Embarrassed about being caught by Regina, Emma decided to have some fun.

"Yes, actually. I was wondering who was stepping off the elevator, but then you opened your mouth." Said Emma briskly, "Though it is such a shame really…." Trailed off Emma.

"Why is that?" asked Regina, her brown eyes staring intensely at Emma. Emma felt her stomach flip flop as she returned the stare.

"It is such a pretty mouth." said Emma as she winked at Regina. She walked away before she could hear Regina's response.