For three days, Faith ate, slept, breathed training. She didn't have to grovel at Red's feet or bribe her great-aunt, as Red had felt bad enough about the way they'd left things. After apologizing, Ms. Lucas resumed her role as teacher. From the crack of dawn until the the man in the moon rose with the glowing sphere, all Faith did was push herself further and further. Between the countdown in her head and the events that had taken place in Boston, Faith's motivation was stronger than it had ever been. No more playing games or beating around the bush, the young woman let herself disappear into her animal within.
Emma had been dropping by Faith's room every evening to check on her. The mother's time with her daughter didn't last long, but it was better than nothing at all. Space, she understood; complete disconnect from the family was unacceptable. Along with the usual company, Emma brought with her greetings from Regina. It was a mutual decision between the parents that Emma be the one see their child, as Regina was sure she'd only upset Faith again.
Dani and the twins pulled every trick up their sleeve to help Faith. They teleported to the forest multiple times, but she refused their services. She'd reconciled herself to the fact that Red was the only person who could assist her. No one could fill her spot, and no one could match up to Red's laborious drills. Dani and the twins only served as distractions.
Faith still hadn't divulged all of the details of Boston to Emma; gaining control of her wolf was the only thing she could think about. All of the anger she'd developed towards that scuzzball had been channeled into her intense workouts, just not the scuzzball himself. She knew Emma was worried about her- about the way she was holding it all in, but there was nothing she could do. At some point, Faith had become a slave of her own being. She went through the motions of it all- waking up to the light that filled through the holes in the curtain, shoveling down her morning oatmeal (Red's directions), crushing the fallen tree branches beneath feet, everything as if she were nothing more than a mindless drone. Any and every bit of light that had returned to her eyes in the past few weeks had burned out the moment she got home. She wasn't the Faith Swan-Mills that everyone knew anymore… she was just… a wolf in training.
It was all or nothing for Faith at this point. If she relented, even just a pinch and let anyone else in, she knew her backbreaking work would have been for nothing. What she told Regina was true: she no longer cared about how or why she'd been given this life, but she intended to make it work. Somehow, Faith was going to get through this.
It was early July and the blistering sun made its presence known. Storybrooke had endured an arduous and tedious winter and the ball of fire relished in its time among the humans. Even the most scalding of coffees would feel like ice if one were to spend their days outside.
Four days after coming home, nothing slowed down. With every step she took, Faith pounded her heels into the soft dirt and pushed off of the uneven ground. Her elongated legs gave her four feet to every stride and her sneakers left prints deep enough for an underground pool. Pollen crystals clustered together and hung right under the beams of light. Sharp branches and droopy vines weren't enough to divert the steadfast 20-something; Faith simply bounded over them. Several strands of golden locks escaped from her ponytail and stuck to her face; the rest was cemented in a tight knot that bounced off her neck. The entire backside of her tank top was doused in sticky sweat, and small beads of perspiration gleamed off of her thighs. Indentations where she'd toned her muscles were visible, and for a moment, that's all Faith looked like: pure muscle. She felt the heat grab a hold of her limbs, but it wasn't enough to slow her down. If anything, it only fueled her to go faster. Faith was in her own world, one that was completely and utterly silent, which would explain her total disregard for Red coming up behind her.
Red's engines spurred, giving her that extra oomf to match Faith's high speeds. It took a few moments, but eventually, Red succeeded in catching her student; it was an impulse, however irrational. Red had extended her arms before her and waited for the right time before tackling Faith to the ground. In the blink of an eye, the daughter of the Queen and Savior had gone from furiously sprinting over damp moss, to brushing off that same material from her knees.
"Sorry 'bout that, but you wouldn't stop," Red panted, bent forward just enough to catch her breath. As if she'd been shaken back to reality, Faith took in her surroundings. She'd been driving herself so mercilessly, she'd forgotten where she was. It was with an empty stare that she dug herself out of the dirt and wiped her hands on her shorts. Red waved in front of Faith's face in an attempt to bring her out of her dream state. "Yo… Faith? Are you in there?"
"What was my time?" the focused trainee asked harshly. Her once pale flesh had darkened over the course of her days outside, and so had her hair; traces of Regina's dark tone blended in with Emma's yellow.
"I dunno," Red shrugged. "I dropped the watch somewhere. Faith," her voice went from aloof to authoritative in an instant, "you gotta take a break. You're pushing too hard-"
"I gotta get ready," Faith professed.
"And you will be, but you're not gonna get there if you don't take care of yourself. Come on, you're officially done for the day," Red proclaimed. Faith had been going for nearly eight hours without so much as stopping for water. Determination was one thing, and Red admired Faith's, but neglect for self-care was another. As her trainer, Red had a duty to Faith to keep her physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. "We're going to Granny's," Red declared. "My treat."
It was the first time since her truce with Granny that Red had stepped foot in the family diner. She'd been maintaing a safe distance from the woman who'd hid such a deep-rooted truth for days. Red realized, though, she'd never be able to move past it if she never faced it. So, like she told Faith, they were going to have lunch at Granny's. And it was going to be pleasant.
In exchange for Faith living at the Inn, rent-free, all Granny asked of the woman was that she supported Red. Little did she know that Red and Faith had been each other's crutch in the wake of their mending relationship. They didn't spend their nights engaging in heart-to-hearts, per se, but they said anything and everything they wanted to. That's just how they were.
When Red opened the door to Granny's diner, a gust of wind blew right into her face; the air conditioner had been on overdrive and Granny had yet to fix it. Faith trailed closely behind her great-aunt, her recent anxiety over social interactions taunted her. The only people she'd been around were Red and her family— part of her family; the prospect of being thrown in the public eye was utterly terrifying.
Granny was dutifully mopping the scuffed surfaces when she saw her granddaughter out of the corner of her eye. A large pool of soapy water surrounded the manager, making it difficult for her to navigate through. It took all of her willpower to hold back from ambushing Red.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in," Granny teased as she wiped her hands on her apron. Red used to find those sort of jokes funny, but now, not so much. "What can I get you two?" the enthusiastic older woman asked, a pen and pad of paper ready to go. Faith and Red hadn't even gotten the chance to sit down yet.
"It's ok, I'll get it," Red waved off, uncomfortable with her grandmother waiting on her. "Faith, sit," she instructed firmly, pointing to a stool behind the counter. The blonde did as she was told, only because Red was stronger than she was.
Granny observed the two women in amusement, the way they acted like siblings rather than aunt and niece. But then, she took a moment and let her thoughts drift to David- Red's actual sibling. Although it was a risky move, Granny saw an opportunity and she snatched it up. "So, how's your grandfather?" She grinned at Faith, as if she saw nothing wrong with her inquiry.
With her back to Granny, Faith sent a pleading look towards Red, but she too had gone scarlet in the ears. "He's fine," Faith piped, quickly guzzling down the ice water her teacher had brought her.
"And the rest of your family? How are they?" Granny pried smoothly. She went on cleaning parts of the establishment with her head held low and neglecting the sharp pain in her lower back.
"You don't have to answer that," Red whispered, having lifted herself onto the seat next to Faith. "What're you hungry for?" she changed the subject. She said it loud enough for folks in the library to catch. Faith hunched over her empty glass and closed her eyes; she wished with everything in her that she was back in the forest. "Faith, you're eating something if I have to force feed it to you," Red warned. "You got five seconds… five… four… three… two…"
"A cheeseburger!" Faith blurted in exasperation, her teenage groaning resurfaced.
"That's more like it," Red chimed energetically- too energetic of Faith's own liking.
While Red prepared the food (the usual cook had taken leave), Faith was alone, finally tall enough to plant her feet flat against the tile. Her arms were folded one over the other and an index finger tapped rhythmically on the counter top. The ticking of the clock gave Faith something to concentrate on, other than Granny's intermittent staring- yes Faith felt it. Steam from the stove floated above Red and the sizzling of grease made Faith's stomach rumble eagerly. Contrary to what she'd have her great-aunt believe, Faith was starving.
When the patties were finished, Red fumbled with two, thick, glass plates. And that's when the bells over the front door rang; Granny had three more customers. Faith instantly knew who it was by the apple-scented body wash.
"Hey sis!" August cheered excitedly, already jogging up to the bar. He had his arms out wide when he saw Faith's spine stiffen, and that's what he remembered. To play it off, August arched his elbows, flexed, and groaned loudly as if he were stretching. "Granny," he tilted his head cordially.
Daniela and Dakota weren't far behind, but only one of them was smiling. "Something smells good," Dakota beamed as she sniffed the air like a puppy.
The twins positioned themselves on opposite sides of their sister, while Dani hung back by the tables. "Granny, can we put in a takeout order?" she asked demurely.
Shocked that they were actually acknowledging her presence, Granny nearly dropped the dishrag she'd been using to clean the tables. "Of course!" she exclaimed, gracious for the business. The older woman hobbled on over to the register and readied herself to take notes. "Whenever you're ready."
"Cheesecake's fine with me," August said.
Dani gave her brother a scornful look before she finally approached the counter, all the while never peering over at Faith. "Could we get a salad, two cheeseburgers with fries, one macaroni and cheese, and one ravioli?" Granny nodded to herself as she jotted down the orders. "Oh, and two iced coffees?"
"Anything else?"
"No, that's it. Thanks," Dani mumbled. Granny ripped off the tiny piece of paper and traveled to the food-making quarters; Red said nothing when her grandmother joined her.
Curious about the entire situation, though also mindful of Dani's apparent grudge, Faith addressed all of them. "Takeout? Mom's not cooking?"
At the mention of their brunette mother, three sets of eyes lowered to their shoes. "She… she hasn't cooked anything in a while," August confessed. "She got tired of pizza, so Ma suggested Granny's."
"Wait- Mom's stopped making food? Why?"
"Why do you think?" Dani snarled with rueful glare at Faith. From the kitchen, Red dropped a plate with one of the burgers and a sharp crashing sound pierced the silence.
Immediately ashamed, Faith slid off of the stool locked gazes with her eldest sister. "Dani, I'm sorry-"
"I don't care," the small brunette grunted, afraid that if Faith got any closer, she'd lose it like Regina had.
"Please, don't be like this," Faith urged. "I didn't meant to hurt you."
"Yeah, well, you did, so…"
"Dani, I had to leave. I have to get ready. I don't want any of you getting hurt… not any more than already you have." Faith took one step towards Dani, but teenager backed away.
"You don't get it. You just don't get it. God, you really are an adult, aren't you?"
That stung Faith right in her Achilles's heel, those few sentiments. She'd been so hellbent on clinging to her old life, she never stopped to realize that there was nothing to hold onto; she wasn't a child anymore, no matter how much she wished she was. "I guess I am," Faith conceded.
While the Swan-Mills offspring had their reunion, Red and Granny remained silent in the kitchen. Red had completely forgotten about her discomfort of being with her grandmother and was fully immersed in the hushed altercation. And, for a second, it felt like old times again- just her and Granny.
"You know, when Henry left, Mom was upset, but she understood he needed to live his own life," Dani started, "but when you left… Mom hasn't been the same."
"Dani, it's different-"
"Why? Because you think you're protecting us?" Dani scoffed mockingly, her cheeks exploding with color. "You know why it's different? Because you haven't been back to visit and you haven't even called Mom, or us." At this point, Dani's eyes began to water and she lowered her head just enough for her hair to cover her quivering lip. Unable to come up with anything else, Dani stomped her foot, let out a frustrated, "UGGGHHH" and sprinted through the front door, leaving Dakota and August to pick up the pieces.
As if she were stuck in quick sand, Faith spoke without turning; she couldn't bring herself to see the looks on her siblings' faces. "I'm sorry, guys."
"We know," August comforted, his hands shoved into his pockets.
"Ok, you kids are good to go," Granny cut in with a large, paper bag.
"Thanks," Dakota murmured. "Bye Aunt Red."
"See ya Aunt Red," August waved. The woman reciprocated with a genteel smile.
"Listen," Faith pulled the twins over to the door for a bit of privacy. The top of August's met Faith's nose and Dakota came up to her shoulders. Between his blonde curls and her green eyes, the twins were definitely Emma and Regina's. They were a family abundant with common traits. "I swear on Grandpa Gold's dagger that I'm working to make this right, ok? It's almost over, I promise. I… I have to know that you're-"
"Safe. We get it," Dakota affirmed. "It's like Ma says: just do what you need to do. We're here.'"
"And, 'everything's gonna be ok,'" August added with a smirk. With a loving wink from the twins, they left in search of their other sister. They'd soon come to figure out that Dani had teleported home.
When Faith spun around, Red and Granny were standing at the counter, acting as if they hadn't seen or heard anything. Two juicy cheeseburgers were placed next to one another, and Faith was reminded of how famished she'd been. Before allowed herself to dig in, though, she asked, "Can I get a to-go box?"
For the rest of the afternoon, Faith kept herself in her room. No music, no TV, no visit from Red. The open windows made the space feel less crammed and more cavernous; the way the evening, summer air drifted through. The blonde woman bided her time by laying on her back with her arms spread out as she counted the pea-sized dots on the ceiling. It wasn't necessarily fun, but it wasn't supposed to be. As long as it took her mind off of Dani, Faith would do anything.
She'd gotten all the way to 421 when she heard footsteps coming down the long hallway. They were too heavy to be Red's, who normally flitted through the corridor. No, this person was purposeful and decisive. From the crack under the door, Faith could smell spicy cologne. But, it wasn't Henry.
The tired young woman hoisted herself up into a sitting position and used her senses. She also checked the clock on the bed stand. It was about that time.
"Faith?"
"Coming," the blonde gurgled. "I'm coming." None-too-gracefully, Faith landed on the carpet and forced herself to open the door. "Hi, Ma."
"Gods, that's dejavu," Emma muttered. Dressed in just a white tank top, her underwear, and her blonde locks draped over her shoulders, Faith was the spitting image of her mother two decades ago.
"Huh?"
Jolted back to real life, Emma shook it off. "Uh, nothing. Can I come in?" Faith moved back and gestured an apathetic welcome. "So, the kids told me about earlier," Emma said as she landed in the armchair. "Must've been fun," she teased.
After throwing on a pair of clean shorts, Faith flopped onto her stomach; she sprawled herself over the mattress, propped up on her elbows. She kicked her feet up behind her like a teenager at a sleepover. "Yeah, you could call it that. Why didn't tell me Mom stopped cooking?"
Emma's shoulders rose and fell leisurely. "I didn't want to worry you. I mean, it's just that: nothing to worry about."
"You're joking right? You kick ass, Mom's makes food, that's how it always goes."
"Correction, I used to kick ass," Emma chuckled. "I'm getting too old for that now."
"I dunno. Didn't look like that in Boston," Faith raised an eyebrow. The comment had slipped off of her tongue so easily, it startled her.
"Yeah, well, the guy had it coming," the Savior justified.
The conversation settled for a few minutes and the women waited for the other to say something. After letting her battery recharged, Faith pulled herself to the corner of the bed and rested her chin on the back of her hands. "Ma… is it really that bad at home? Be honest."
Emma leaned inward and narrowed her eyes, a trick she'd learned from Regina. With just a few inches of space between them, the resemblance was irrefutable. "If I answer your question, then you gotta answer mine."
Contemplating the offer, Faith sighed heavily. "Deal."
With a stabilizing breath, Emma revealed all. "Your mom's struggling. She hasn't been to work all week, she walks through the house like a zombie, she's stolen my sweatpants, and she hasn't used magic since you've left." Everything came pouring out, one after the other as if Emma's fast forward button had been held down. When she saw Faith's disheartened grimace, she tried to alleviate her daughter's shock. "It's not like other times; she hasn't totally retreated. She just… she just misses you. We all do."
Faith couldn't imaging Regina in Emma's green sweatpants, let alone refraining from using her powers. She was aware of the promise the Queen had made to Henry and Emma when they first became a family, but Faith was also aware of the various events that had taken place in the last decade and a half. Regina had never gone back to using magic as freely as she used to, but she had never totally quit either. That's how Faith knew it was bad.
"I'm sorry," she said for what felt like the millionth time.
"So are we," Emma sighed. With her main focus still on Faith, it was her turn. "Ok, now you gotta answer mine."
"I'm listening." Faith rolled onto her back and let her head hang from the bed; she glanced up at her mother, who was now upside down.
"How are you?" was all Emma asked.
It seemed like such a simple question, but to Faith, it was bigger than the entire forest. There was so much packed behind those three words, and Faith knew her mother could see right through whatever she said. "I'm fine." She gave the lie everything she had.
"No you're not," Emma countered. "You may not be living at home right now, but I know you. You're still my daughter." She flew out of the chair and onto the bed, filling the empty space next to Faith. "Let's try this again; how are you?"
Faith lifted her legs over her head and settled into a crouching stance, right in front of Emma. Slowly and methodically, she extended her knees until she was looking down upon her mother. A part of her had thought it would be easier to give an answer if she were the tall one- the one who had the most power. "I'm fine," she said again, though this time, not as convincingly.
"Faith," said Emma warningly.
"What? Isn't that what you want me to say? That everything's all right? That's what you want to hear, isn't it?" Faith spewed, frazzled. Instead of the familial pacing, the blonde wolf stood her ground.
"I want the truth, Faith. Our family… we can't handle any more lies, you know that."
"That's not my fault!" Faith cried irately.
"No one thinks it is," Emma replied mildly. "We know this is hard for you and how much you've been through. We want to help, Faith. That's all we watn. You can't do everything on your own."
"Look, Ma, I appreciate you trying, but this obviously isn't helping. You just… you don't understand, ok? No one understands. Even Red can't help with this." Faith drifted towards the window and pulled back the curtains. There was no one on Main Street, absolutely no one. It was as if residents had evacuated the town once more and all that'd been left behind were the closed stores. Not even the same cars were parked in their spots. It was just a hot, vacant strip of land.
"I understand more than you think," Emma confided.
"I doubt that," Faith said bitterly. "You didn't go through puberty in a week; you're not a wolf mom. And I'm pretty sure you don't get the rest of it. "
"I don't know what it's like to be a wolf, you're right. But… I don't know what it's like to- to be violated."
Faith whipped her head up towards Emma, who was now the squeamish one. "What?"
Twiddling her thumbs, Emma closed her eyes and held herself. "I… I was 13 the first time it happened. He- he was supposed to be my big brother. When I ran away, I thought, 'Not again— it couldn't happen again.' But, then I got to the Norton's and… bam. I left the moment I turned 18."
"M- ma?" Faith barely managed to release that one syllable. She felt herself move closer to the bed, but she wasn't sure if she was walking or levitating. "What- what are you saying?"
"I'm saying… I'm saying that I understand, Faith," Emma confirmed. She opened her eyes to find her baby girl sitting just centimeters away from her, close enough to rock her like she used to. She could see the humiliation in Faith's green orbs, that same humiliation she felt all those years ago. Emma remembered her fear of someone touching her, even if it was an accident. She recalled the constant paranoia that followed her for years, the way a sniveling voice poked fun at her every time she so much looked at a man, until Neal came along. "I know that was the last thing you needed. You don't deserve any of what's happened to you, no one does." When she reached for Faith's hand, this time, Faith let her; she let Emma touch her. "I know how angry you are at everyone, including your mom and I. And I know how long it'll take for you to believe that it wasn't your fault. But someday, you're gonna be able to do it. Someday, everything that's going on right now will be a memory- nothing more and nothing less. The hurt you're experiencing, the exhaustion, the confusion, it will all get better." Faith blinked rapidly as she listened to Emma's advice. For the first time in days, she felt like she had a family again.
"I'm just so tired," Faith choked. "I don't think I can do this. I don't know what I'm doing."
"I know, baby girl," Emma soothed. Faith put up a fight at her old nickname. "Faith," Emma lifted her chin gingerly, "you can do this, you hear me? You can do this. You've got us and Red, Grandma and Grandpa, Belle, even Granny. Whatever you want- whatever you need, we're here for you. You don't have to do this by yourself- any of it. There's still time for us to help you."
Faith overlooked the tears that moistened her cheeks and massaged her temples. "No. No, I don't want any of you getting hurt," she repeated once more. "I'm not risking it."
"Of course you're not," Emma agreed. "We are."
Emma left Faith's room feeling 100 pounds lighter than when she'd arrived. She'd told her daughter the truth and that's all she'd wanted to do. Now that Faith knew, it was up to her whether or not she used her mother as a resource.
When she got home, Regina was on the couch in a trance. She'd been sitting there since Emma had left, nervously awaiting her return. In one of her wive's many tank tops, another red flag, Regina sat pretzel style, biting her nails. In a moment of fluster, she'd tied her shoulder-length hair in a short ponytail, just enough so she didn't have to keep brushing it out of her face. The second Emma stepped into the front room, she stood at attention. "How is she?" was the first thing that escaped.
The clanking of Emma's keys as they fell into the bowl broke through Regina's hardened exterior and reactivated her fidgety nature. The blonde slid out of her shoes and fell backwards onto the couch, only prolonging Regina's anticipation. "Ask her yourself."
"Hey Mom," Faith held a hand up from behind, frozen in the doorway. Fully clothed, she crossed one leg over the other and rubbed her elbow shyly; her backpack rested by the door with everything in it.
Regina turned in a circle without losing her balance and gaped at her daughter- the same daughter she was convinced she'd never seen again. "Faith!" she gasped- so sharply she hiccuped. "Gods, what- what are you doing here? I mean, you're welcome home anytime, I- I just… I meant-"
"I'm home, Mom… if that's ok," the young woman said. Red's parting words, "Are you sure you want to do this?" replayed in Faith's head.
"Ok? Faith!" Regina moved to wrap her daughter in a hug, but paused before she did. "I'm- I'm sorry."
In taking the first step, Faith relaxed her entire body and gave her mother a small smile. "It's ok." She commanded her arms to lift from her sides and took just one step towards Regina. Without thinking about it too much, she tightened them around her mother's shoulders and buried her face in Regina's neck. "I missed you, too."
"Faith!" Dakota and August elated in unison as they jumped down from the stairs. A heart-stopping thud ensued as they landed on the wooden floorboards.
"Long time, no see, sis," August poked. "Looks like we missed a lot," he noted Faith's embrace. "You're giving out hugs now, huh?"
Faith grinned at her smaller siblings and gestured for them to join in, which the twins happily did. Emma remained on the couch, though, content to be a bystander. "Where's Dani?" Faith asked the other two.
As they let go, Dakota and August communicated telepathically like twins do. "She's uh… in her room."
"She kinda locked the doors," August mended his sister's statement.
Faith looked to her parents for an explanation, but neither Regina or Emma gave one. It was up to her to figure it out. "I'll be right back, ok? I think there's a lot we need to talk about."
"That there is," Regina agreed.
While the four Swan-Mills family members lounged around in the living room, Faith journeyed upstairs. She'd missed the shag carpet beneath her feet, the extra cushion they offered. The homey scent of apple cinnamon air fresheners wafted from Emma and Regina's room all throughout the second floor. Everyone's doors were open except for Dani's. A handwritten "Keep Out" sign was taped to the surface in all caps and seven exclamation points. There was no color or pattern in the lettering, just thick lines made by permanent marker.
Before stopping in Dani's quarters, Faith peeked her head in to her old room. Dakota's side looked exactly the same; books stacked upon books, her camera hung from the plastic hook next to the window, and the green bedspread over the twin mattress. But, Faith's side also looked the same as when she'd left it; the pictures of the Enchanted Forest that Geppetto had drawn for her were still taped to the walls, her bed was made, the pillows were set one on top of the other, and a folded pair of pajamas sat on the blanket. It was if she hadn't been away at all.
Bracing herself, Faith came to a complete halt square in front of Dani's room. The muffled sounds of Katy Perry roaring through Dani's headphones made their way to Faith's sensitive ears. She raised a closed fist and knocked on the door with the tip of her knuckles. There was no answer. She tried again, but eventually, took her chances and turned the knob. Just as August had said, it was locked. But, Faith's strength was no match for a scrap of metal. She merely rammed the side of her body into the wooden barrier and poof, it did her bidding.
Startled, Dani almost fell out of her bed. She furiously removed her headphones and scowled at Faith. "What the heck are you doing here?" she sneered, having squirmed out from under the sheets.
"It's where I live, isn't it?" Faith questioned innocently.
"Not anymore. You moved out, remember?"
"Temporarily," Faith corrected. "I moved out temporarily. The plan was always to come home."
"What plan? You didn't know what you were doing any more than we did," Dani challenged. With her back against the closed door, Faith peeled herself off and sat at Dani's desk. Printed poems and short stories were piled on the surface, all of them of equal importance. Faith stole a glimpse at a few of the pieces, her naturally inquisitive persona took control, but Dani was already snatching them up. "Those are private," she snarked, clutching them to her chest.
"Dani, I get it. What I did was crappy and it hurt you guys. You know that it was the last thing I wanted to do. I needed some time alone, some space to think everything out. I thought it was the right choice, but… but now I know it wasn't. Leaving only made it worse. I am seriously so sorry that I walked out like that." Another deep inhale and Faith's felt her lungs tighten. "You're my big sister, Dani, no matter how old or tall I am. You'll always be my big sister." Faith's knee bounced up and down, up and down. Already fading scars of the cuts and scraped from training a week before were barely noticeable to the naked eye. "Say something?"
A war waged on in Dani as to whether or not she should forgive Faith. Half of her knew that her sister had done everything because she loved them, but the other half of Dani was just too betrayed. Her baby sister, the girl whose diapers she'd helped change was now older than Dani was. None of it made sense. But, in the end, it all came down to one thing: fear. Fear had steered Faith in the direction she'd sped off in, and fear was the reason Dani didn't want to let Faith off the hook so easily.
"Are you going to leave again?" Dani wanted to know. The pages of her creative musings crinkled together the harder she held onto them.
"No, I'm not leaving again," Faith said.
"Swear?"
"I swear on Cora's grave, I'm not going anywhere."
Rearranging the papers so that they fit in one arm, Dani held out her hand and extended her smallest finger. "Pinky promise?"
Faith cracked a slight smile and locked pinkies with Dani. "Pinky promise." And just like that, Dani let go of her writings and let them float to the floor. She grabbed onto Faith with everything she had and refused to let go.
That night, while Dani and the twins crashed after an evening of talking and laughing, Regina, Emma, and Faith stayed up in the dining room a bit later. The rest of the lights in the house were off, except for theirs. Three glasses of apple cider poured to the rim rested on homemade coasters and ice cubes floated on the surface, undisturbed. The change in Regina was not lost on her wife; it was clear to Emma that some of the brunette's agony had subsided now that Faith had returned.
They sat together and savored the serenity of their surroundings. There was no yelling or fighting, no trampling on the second floor, nothing but the feeling of being home. It'd only been a few days since she'd left, but to Faith, it felt like months.
She'd spent their quiet meeting a still as a statue. She never touched her cider, nor did she offer any conversation starters. It was tiresome enough just having her mothers gawk at her, she didn't have enough energy to be the life of the party. "I think I'm gonna check in for the night," she said abruptly. She maneuvered her way from under the table without the chair scratching the wood, but lingered in her spot for a second. "I'll see you guys in the morning."
"Faith, wait," Regina chased after the blonde. She'd stopped her at the base of the stairs; Faith had already taken one step. "Can't we talk for a little while? There's a lot we need to discuss."
Finally feeling the strain of the end of the day, Faith searched for a tactful way to let Regina down. "Uh, maybe… maybe later, Mom. I'm- I'm really tired." This time, it was the truth and not just an excuse to leave.
"Yes, all right. You get some rest. We'll talk, erm, later then." Letting Faith walk away for the second time was the one of the hardest things Regina had ever done. A thousand needles pierced through her beating heart as she watched her daughter grow further and further away from her. But, at least Faith was home. That was the important thing. Faith was home, where they could protect her.
A/N - Hello, dearies! What'd you all think of last night's episode? SO MUCH SWANQUEEN I LOVED IT! Haha, anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next one will be considerably shorter, and then, the moment you've all been waiting for ;-) Hm, I think a full moon is just around the corner... Thanks for the reviews/follows/favorites! You all rock! More to come soon :-)