Famous Fairytale
First off I didn't mention this before but thank you guys so much, I can't believe that this story is already at over a hundred reviews! You guys are the best readers an author could ever hope to have. In this chapter we have a little bit of Regina and Emma bonding time. I know that you are all anxious for Snow to find out Emma is her daughter and I promise you this that the time is coming very soon! But don't worry that won't mean the end of the story; I plan to try and make this a long one, at least longer than my last story anyway. Once again keep sending those wonderful reviews my faithful readers!
Chapter 10
Emma's POV
I sat up gasping for air; I could feel the sweat that made my clothes stick to my skin. When I was finally able to regain normal breathing I rubbed my tired eyes in frustration, fighting back angry tears. I had hoped just once I wouldn't be haunted by my nightmares, but they came at me with full force once the darkness had consumed me. I glanced at the clock on my nightstand and couldn't believe it was nearly three in the afternoon already. Sighing I carefully crawled out of bed, glad that my ribs weren't hurting too badly at the moment. As long as I didn't move too fast my ribs didn't bother me too much. I decide to take a nice cool shower in order to rinse off all the sweat on my body. It didn't take me long to get nice and clean and dressed into another pair of jeans, my same sneakers, a plain red shirt, and a thin hoodie to keep old scars covered up. Looking at my clothes I knew I was going to need to wash them soon since I was now on my last clean outfit. I'd have to ask someone where exactly the laundry room was around here in this big mansion, if I tried finding it on my own I would probably just get lost.
Once I was ready I decided to head downstairs, very carefully. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do really, part of me was scared of talking to the immortals anymore, what if I told them too much about my past. If they saw all the scars and ugly bruises my body was covered with they would be disgusted. Despite the long nap I still felt emotional and even physically drained, like all my strength was just zapped out of me. As I made my way outside to the back porch I found Regina sitting at the round glass table with an old book in her hand. The woman had obviously heard me and looked up at me with a small but welcoming smile.
"Hello Emma, how are you feeling?" she asked.
I looked down at the ground suddenly feeling even more insecure than usual. "Did they tell you?" I mumbled lamely.
"Please don't be mad at Snow or the others, I sort of forced them to tell me. After you went to bed they all came out here with many different emotions across their faces, I was worried and demanded to know what was wrong" Regina explained.
I sighed as I walked over to take a seat across from Regina. "Umm it's ok" I said, even though I wasn't really ok with it. I didn't want the whole mansion to know about all the crap I had to go through, and still go through.
"Emma I know this isn't really my business but as a mother myself I honestly couldn't even begin to imagine everything that you have been through. If anyone had ever laid a hand on Henry I doubt that I would be able to hold back the darkness inside me"
Her voice had started out comforting, but towards the end it became cold and distance. "Henry is lucky" I said softly.
"Emma I want you to know that were all going to do everything we can to get you out of that home" Regina promised.
I sighed and looked back down at the table. "I know" How could I possibly explain to these people that no matter what, I would always end up with people that didn't really want me, I would always be with people who wanted to hurt me or use me for their own personal gain.
"You don't sound too happy about it" Regina replied.
"I am, I'm just really exhausted" I explained.
"Did you not sleep well?" she asks concerned.
I looked down unable to look at Regina again; I didn't want her to see how exhausted I truly felt. "Emma you don't need hide anything from me, I am a mother after all, I'll be able to tell if you're lying" I glanced up slightly to see a small but playful smile grace her lips.
I finally nod my head. "I never sleep" I mumbled.
Regina frowns. "What do you mean?"
"Nightmares" I answered. "I always have nightmares"
"Would you like to talk about it?" she asks kindly.
I shake my head and close my eyes tightly, hoping that she didn't force me to talk about my past. It's bad enough they already know that I've been abused, but if they knew everything, if they knew how broken I really was everything would fall apart.
"Emma its ok" Her voice is so soothing, just how I pictured a kind mother's voice to really be like. It was so warm and gentle that I couldn't help but look up at her reassuring face. "Nobody here is going to force you talk about anything you aren't comfortable with"
"Thank you" I say softly. I give her a small but grateful smile and she smiles back.
"What do you say to a snack? I'm sure you have to be hungry by now" Regina suggested.
I nod almost eagerly, as if hearing Regina my stomach growled loudly and I couldn't but blush and look down. The immortal woman chuckles lightly, her laugh is gentle and angelic, like an angel filled with joy. It's hard to believe that this woman was ever evil like Henry once said.
"Let's head for the dinner, I could use a snack myself" Regina stands up gracefully while I use the table to help myself back up. I cringed in pain but tried to ignore it as I started to follow Regina slowly. I noticed a frown crossing her features as the woman seem to study me. "Emma if it hurts too move…"
I shake my head. "No I'm alright. Really, it's just hurts at first, especially if I had been still for too long, but once I get moving I get used to it" I explained. I really hated how visible my emotions have been around these people lately. Normally I could hide my pain easily, because it's not as if anyone ever tried to notice me before so why did these strangers seem so worried about me. It didn't make any since to me, I would be gone in two weeks anyway so why were they all so kind. I was always so proud of how I could tell if someone was lying to me, but almost everyone here felt so warm, so real and honest, I wasn't use to all this kindness, I can hardly tell anymore if any of this kindness is all false or not.
"Emma you don't need to push yourself" Regina replied as she stared at me with worried eyes.
I sighed this was all just too confusing, it was easier to deal with people that hated me. I wasn't used to being open about my own needs; I wasn't used to having to explain the pain I was truly in, because if I cried or talked about it I would just always receive more pain. I finally look back into those worried dark brown eyes. "Umm Regina can I ask you something?" I ask shyly.
Regina blinks surprised by me suddenly changing the subject, but she quickly regains her normal composure. "Sure sweetheart, you can ask me anything"
"Would….would you ever abandon Henry?" I asked.
Her eyes widen from my question. "Of course not!" Her voice is defensive and shocked. "Why would you ask such a thing?" she questions.
"Because; you tell me that I don't need to push myself but in this life I only have myself to depend on. I can't trust others easily, I'm sure the others told you about how I was abandon as a baby right? I've been on my own for as long as I can remember, moving from one home to the next. I don't live the fairytale life that you all get to live with and I'm fine with that. I don't need a big fancy home, I don't even really need a family, it's better to be alone anyway. I am grateful for your concern and I'm sorry if I don't really sound it, I'm just not used to having people worry about me" I explained with a tired sigh.
It was obvious that Regina felt sorry for me; I didn't deserve her sympathy really. This was just how I lived, it wasn't anything I wasn't used to or couldn't handle. I suddenly found myself wrapped in the warm embrace of Regina, my body went stiff for a moment but it didn't take me long to relax. Something about this woman, just like Snow made me feel so safe in their arms. Maybe it was because I never get hugs like this, I don't know, but I do know I always find myself wishing to stay in their warm embrace. "Emma from now on you will have people that do care and will worry about you I can promise you that. I also promise you that if anyone ever strikes you again I'll make sure they regret it" Her tone was fearsome and warm all at the same time. I wasn't sure what to think about her promises; I could tell that she was being honest even without looking at her as I had my head resting against her chest. A few minutes past when Regina finally pulls me away only to give me a gentle smile. "Now what do you say about that snack?" she asks.
I give her a small smile and nod. As we walk inside towards the dinner I had an arm wrapped around Regina's waist, I was actually grateful for the much needed help. Despite being so used to dealing with the pain on my own, it was kind of nice having somebody to lend me their strength, even if only for a little while. When we finally made it to the dinner Regina helped me sit in one of the booths just before she took a seat across from me. "Hmm I think I'll have myself an apple, how about you Emma?"
I scrunched my nose up a little at the mention of apples. "I'm not really an apple person, but I would like a chocolate milk shake and maybe some fries please" I replied.
Regina chuckled. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised, apparently I'm the only one here with the taste for apples" She grins at the small joke I couldn't quite understand.
"Really, doesn't Henry like apples?" I question.
Regina shakes her head as Ruby made her way over. "Afternoon Emma, are you feeling any better after you're nap?" She asked kindly.
I give her a small smile. "Yes, a little" I answered honestly. After the long talk with Regina I was starting to feel a little more comfortable.
"Watch this Emma, hey Ruby I have this new apple pie recipe that I've been working on. Would you like to try it?" A playful and mischievous smile graced her lips as her eyes seem to sparkle with a dark sense of humor to them.
Ruby is completely taken off guard by the question. "Oh…umm you know I'm not much of an apple person Regina, sorry, maybe one of your other pies?" She asked hopefully.
"No worries, I'll just ask Snow White later if she wants some" Regina teased as she turned her attention to me. I almost felt bad for Ruby but it was kind of funny to see the immortal stumble on her words nervously.
"Uh…you know Snow isn't an apple person either" Ruby mumbles.
Regina sighs and shakes her head. "It's just so unfair, even Emma here doesn't seem to like apples. I never get to share my different apple recipes with anyone"
"Regina! You were trying to make me look bad in front of Emma!" Ruby cried.
At that moment Regina lets out a huge laugh that soon had everyone in the dinner looking at us. Even I could not help but giggle at poor Ruby's expense. I felt bad, but she looked so funny as she fussed at Regina for her childish behavior. After everyone was able to calm down and Ruby was able to take our orders she gladly headed back into the kitchen.
"Umm so are you really the only person here that likes apples?" I asked titling my head.
"Let's just say people don't trust me when it comes to apples, even if though know I'm not evil anymore they know I still have a thing for them" she winks at me.
That's when I realized this must have something to do with her fairytale story, I really wished I knew more about the characters and their past. I really was a lousy winner; it should have been a real fan that got to spend time with these immortals, not an unwanted child like me. A few minutes later and Ruby came back with our snacks, I quickly dug into my fries and shake happily. I never took food for granted, and even though I had an open access to whatever kinds of food I wanted for the two weeks I would be staying here, that didn't mean this would be forever. My heart almost ached at the thought of the day I would have to leave this place. In just three days-time this place has felt like a real home more than any other home I have been in, in the past fourteen years. It was hard to believe that I actually found myself wishing I could just stay with these people. But I wasn't immortal, I was just a human that nobody wanted, even they just wanted to find another home for me. I shake my head trying to clear these unwanted thoughts, even though I know my future is uncertain and blank for the moment, I planned to enjoy the here and now. I learned a long time ago that I needed to enjoy the quiet peaceful moments like these in my life because I never knew when I would get another blissful moment. Although our snack time together was in a comfortable silent for the most part, say for the occasional small talk here and there, it was nice.
"Mom, mom!" A cheerful little boy comes running into the dinner with a piece of paper in hand.
Regina chuckles. "What is it Henry?" she asks.
His eyes sparkle when he realizes I am there as well. "Emma! I wanted to find you to!" he replies happily.
Even I cannot help but giggle at his enthusiasm, the boy really was sweet. "Well it looks like you find me kid, what's up?"
He grins his mother's playful grin as he holds up his prized possession. "I drew you a picture" he announces proudly.
My green eyes blink for a moment just before I take the sheet of paper to have a better look.
"It's me and you outside" he explains.
It was such a simple picture, just stick figures and a simple sun to show that we were indeed outside, but this simple picture is probably the kindest gift I had ever received. Even on my birthday or holidays I have never received anything, it quickly made me realize how Santa was just a myth at a very young age. I think I was probably even younger than Henry when I stopped believing in such things. The only real gifts that I ever had are my baby blanket and necklace that came from the parents who abandon me. I could feel my body shaking ever so slightly as I fought back tears, why, why did I have to break down so easily over a simple child's little drawing.
By the tone of his voice I could tell he was probably frowning. "Don't you like it Emma?" he asks concerned.
I look up at him and silently demand my body to stop so that I can give him the biggest smile I had probably ever given anyone. "I love it Henry, thank you" I said gratefully.
Henry beams and throws himself into my arms, although I cringed in pain I didn't remove him from my embrace. I didn't care about any pain so long as I got to hold this sweet little boy in my arms, so that I could show him just how grateful I truly am for his kindness.
"Henry why don't you go play with Wendy?" Regina suggested.
Henry pouts as he pulls out of my arms. "But I want to play with Emma!"
"Henry you remember how I told you that Emma wasn't feeling very well early today?" Regina replies with a stern tone. Henry nods. "She still isn't quite ready to be moving about too much and she needs to take it easy, so please go and play with Wendy or the other kids for a while" Regina orders gently.
Henry sighs. "Hey kid, I tell you what. Before bedtime you and me can watch a movie, your pick" I promised.
Henry's eyes go wide with excitement when he looks back up at me. "Really!?" he asks hopefully.
I chuckle lightly. "Of course squirt" I ruffle his hair playfully.
"Yeah! I want to watch Snow White!"
Regina groans. "Honestly Henry you've seen that movie a million times, you know that the Disney's cartoon version has the story completely wrong" Regina almost pouts in annoyance, although her features are slightly dark.
"But I like it!"
"I don't mind honestly" I reply.
"Whatever, you're the one that'll be stuck watching it with him" she warns playfully.
"Somehow I think I'll survive, right Henry?" I grin.
He nods. "You bet, ok see you later!" He quickly runs off to go find a friend to play with.
Regina just sighs and shakes her head. "Honestly I don't know where my son gets all that energy from" she mumbles.
"I bet he had you on your toes when he was little" I laughed.
"Oh don't even get me started!" she exaggerates.
Later that day after spending most of it with Regina in pleasant conversation about Henry's baby days, and even seeing some really cute pictures I found myself wondering to the gym. I was told that during this time of the day Snow White could almost always be found working on her archery. When I entered the room I was silent for a moment, just watching Snow as she gracefully hits her target. The woman turns around and offers me that warm and welcoming smile. "Hi there Emma, how are you doing?" she asks kindly.
I blink surprised that the woman knew I was here, I had been extremely quiet. "How did you know I was here?"
The immortal continues to smile. "I can sense when someone is nearby, it's just something I have always been able to do" she explains.
I shake my head; it was still weird being around people that seemed to have different abilities. I wondered if Regina could do anything, I mean Red has that whole wolf thing going for her, and Snow can apparently sense people, but then again I was almost always good at telling if someone was lying to me. I eventually make my way over to Snow as she is putting her bow and arrow away.
"Did you rest well?" she asks, turning to look at me.
I shrug. "Well enough" I lied.
I follow Snow as she guides me to take a seat at a small table they had in the gym area. "Emma there are some things we need to talk about" Her tone was serious but caring as well. My body immeditally goes stiff and I wait for her to continue. "Dr. Whale explained a few things to me that you need to know, in order for us to get you out of that home we are going to need evidence to show that the home is unsafe" Snow explains calmly.
"My ribs?" I question softly.
Snow sadly shakes her head. "Unfortunately that won't be enough; there could be a number of reasons for sore ribs" Snow takes a moment before she continues. "Dr. Whale has asked me to ask you if he could exam you, if he could try and find signs of physical abuse it'll help us have a stronger case to getting you out of that horrible home"
My eyes become hard and I quickly become guarded, there was no way I was going to let some doctor look at me! I don't care if it means they can't help me escape that wretched place, even if they were able to get me out it doesn't mean I wouldn't just end up in another hell whole. Why should I go through that humiliation an allow someone to stare at my broken body? "I refuse" I shake my head.
"But Emma, you have to understand this might be the only way to help you. Look were not going to force into a situation you feel uncomfortable with, well find another if we have to, I just want you to try and understand how much this could help your case into finding a better home, a home without violence" Snow tried to be comforting, but I could see the worry in her eyes.
I still shake my head. "I don't like doctors" I grumbled childishly.
Snow looks confused. "But you let him look at your ribs"
I turn away from the immortal woman. "That was just my ribs, I won't let him see anything more" I explained coldly. I wasn't sure why, but I suddenly felt this fire built up inside me, like all the frustration I've had to deal with was at a breaking point. It was one thing to be abused, raped, and unwanted, but I refused to have some doctor look at my body and see how truly broken I was. Maybe it was because I had a say in this for once, I had control over something for once in my life, whatever the reason I wasn't going to let anyone see my beaten body. I didn't want anyone in this fairytale life to see my dark existence.
Snow sighs but she eventually gives me a small and warm smile. "All right then, I just wanted you to know what Dr. Whale had told me. Don't worry Emma we'll find another way to get you out of that house, I promise" Her words were so comforting and so soothing, I felt as if I could almost believe in them. I know the chances of her actually being able to help me were probably small, but she gave me something that I haven't felt in a long time, hope.
TBC!
