Chapter 14

"Kat, stop for peet's sake! I know you can hear me!" Emma yelled out as she followed the girl down the back alley of the gym.

Kat came to a hard stop, spinning around, "What?"

Emma held her hands up, "Hey, I'm not with socials' and I ain't trying to attack you here, so you think you can drop it with the attitude now? I just want to talk."

Kat crossed her arms and cocked her hip to the side, silently motioning with a sweep of her hand for Emma to continue.

"Thank you." Emma pointed at the other end of the alley where she spotted a café, "Can I treat you to some coffee while we talk?"

Kat's eyes squinted in appraisal, "Throw in a muffin and a scone, and you're on."

Emma shook her head with a laugh, "Alright, deal. Let me just call the wife and let her know. You okay if she meets us there?"

Kat looked toward the gym, "She the badass from TV that you were sitting with?"

"Yeah, that's her alright. My wife the badass," Emma snorted as she pulled out her phone.

"I'll get us a table," Kat walked away.

Emma called Regina, "Hey baby. Meet in the back alley, will ya?"

"Right behind you."

Emma spun around to find her wife approaching with Henry and Violet.

"Everything okay, Ma?" Henry checked.

"Yeah, kid. I just want to check and make sure this girl's alright. She seems really upset about something other than Glass getting involved. I want to try talking to her." Emma looked at Henry and Violet, "I'm guessing she's one of the kids from St. Joseph's."

"She is," Violet confirmed, nodding. "Her name's Kat. She's one of nine kids from St. Jo's that are over sixteen and volunteering with permission from the administration. She was actually the first one to sign up, and was a huge help to us at registration yesterday. She seemed really excited and sweet. I can't believe she caused a scene at the meeting."

"Yeah, I don't think it was voluntary, maybe just a gut reaction. I mean, I know I'm instantly pissed at the mention of Sydney's name." Emma received laughs from her family as she took Regina's hand, "I convinced her to let us buy her some coffee and a snack so we could talk. She's waiting for us."

"Alright then, let's go," Regina squeezed her hand.

"You guys go. I think Vi and I are going back to take advantage of the gym." Henry motioned down the alley, "Plus I think all of us there will be a bit overwhelming."

"That's very thoughtful of you dear," Regina squeezed his arm, kissing his temple before they left. She turned back to Emma, "Are you alright?"

Emma had been staring quietly toward the café, "Yeah, just want to make sure she's okay. She looked like she could eat too, and responded right away when I offered."

"Well then, let's not keep her waiting." Regina tugged her hand and they headed to the café.

They spotted Kat arguing with a barista as soon as they walked into the café.

"Listen, Chad," Kat punched his name out. "I said I'm not loitering, I'm waiting for someone. So I suggest you loosen your apron and get back behind the bar."

Regina's smile at the girl's tenacity was not missed by her wife.

Emma tapped the guy on the shoulder, "Is there a problem?"

The pimple-faced barista turned around with a dramatic roll of his eyes, "This girl isn't a customer and is taking up one of our tables."

"She is a customer, and she was holding the table for us." Regina gave him stern glare, "Now, I think you should do as this young lady suggested, stop harassing her and return to your post. Or should I seek a manager."

"No, ma'am. I mean, yes, ma'am," He muttered and straightened.

"Well, which is it Chad?" Regina stared at him with a warning smile.

He froze briefly before muttering, "Sorry," and practically running away.

"I will go order our drinks and food. What would you like, dear?" Regina smiled warmly at Kat.

Kat who had been giving Chad an amused smirk, straightened up to address Regina, "Thank you. I'll take a double chocolate peppermint mocha with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles, with a raspberry scone and blueberry muffin."

Emma's eyes widened, "That sounds amazing. I'll have the same."

Regina's hands went to her hips, "Absolutely not. Do you have any idea how much sugar and caffeine is in all of that?"

"That's the point." Emma and Kat said in unison.

Regina rolled her eyes, walking away to the sounds of laughing. She stood in line waiting to give their order and regarded Emma and Kat as they shared a laugh at something else the girl said. She felt a pull at her heart watching them together. While her wife was blonde and pale, the young girl had auburn hair and tanned skin. Their dispositions, however, were identical. They stared each other down momentarily, before simultaneously relaxing back into their seats.

The mirror image of each other in posture and attitude, she worried that this poor girl might be experiencing things that her wife had too at that age. She loathed to buy snacks loaded with unhealthy ingredients for her family, but knowing that foster children don't usually have the opportunity to indulge in such things, she went ahead. Order given she returned to them as they sat in silence.

"So, dear. I didn't catch your full name." Regina took a seat next to Emma.

Kat sat up properly to address Regina, looking at her directly to answer, "Katrina Rodriguez, ma'am, but my friends call me Kat."

Emma watched Kat attempt to mimic Regina's poise. She was curious as to why this defiant teenager was suddenly trying to be proper, but she was far too amused to ask. Kat was attempting to cross her legs like her wife, but her leg kept slipping off her knee.

"Well Katrina, it's very nice to meet you. I'm Regina Swan-Mills, Emma's wife." Regina held out her hand, slightly surprised that the girl didn't hesitate to shake it. "Violet tells us you are one of a select few volunteering from St. Joseph's. Is that right?"

"Yes ma'am, I don't turn sixteen until next month, but the socials' allowed me to sign up. There's about nine of us all together," Kat spoke with gratitude for the opportunity.

"Socials?" Regina questioned.

"Sorry, Social Services. The people that run the home," Kat grinned after clarifying.

"Oh, I see," Regina smiled kindly. "Were you not interested in competing, then? Not to say volunteering isn't just as admirable."

Kat's cheeks pinked at the compliment, "I would have loved to sign up, but truth is I couldn't even if I wanted to. It's too much of a liability for the home if any of us were to get hurt, so we ain't allowed to compete."

"Are not, dear." Regina corrected.

"We are not allowed to compete," Kat rephrased immediately.

Emma wanted to laugh again at Kat responding to her wife, like a student to a teacher. If Regina ran a school of etiquette and grammar, she didn't doubt Kat would be her star pupil.

"That is a shame, but understandable," Regina nodded.

Kat shrugged, "It's not like I have any training anyway. I mean, I've been in a couple of fights, but they weren't exactly in a ring, you know."

Regina shared a worried look with Emma as Chad quickly delivered their order, practically bowing before hurrying back behind the bar.

Kat laughed out loud at him scurrying away. "Man, how do you do that?"

Regina frowned, "Do what dear?"

Kat motioned to the barista who returned with a warmed slice of apple pie that he placed in front of Regina.

"On the house, ma'am." He smiled nervously and walked away again.

"You totally scared him into submission. He just gave you free pie as an apology." Kat pointed the slice before looking back up to her, "You truly are a badass, Mrs. Swan-Mills."

"Oh, please. You may call me Regina, dear." Regina reached across the table and squeezed Kat's hand, making the teen's smile brighten even more.

Emma finally let go her laughter at the Regina worship coming from the girl who was now tearing into her muffin with gusto.

"What is so funny, my love?" Regina turned lifted brows to her.

"Nothing," Emma leaned forward and kissed her wife's cheek. She turned back to see the girl devouring her treats, "So, Kat. Would you like to tell us why you're so worried about Glass the Ass. I love the nickname by the way."

Kat smiled crookedly, flashing a small dimple on her left cheek. She started to speak around a bite of muffin, when she caught a disapproving look from Regina. Instead, she wiped her hands and face before explaining.

"When he was campaigning in Boston proper a while back, there were a lot of people at St. Joseph's riding on the funding he kept promising. There were plans to refurbish parts of the home that really need updating, and maybe even some new play equipment if possible. But he was elected and nothing ever came. Not only did he disappear, but since then a lot of kids have started getting relocated."

Regina saw Emma clench her jaw tightly, and reached out hold her hand.

"What do you mean by relocated?" Regina asked the girl.

It was Emma who answered in a detached tone, "They were shipped off to foster homes or wherever there's space to take them. Social Services comes in, packs them up, and moves them out."

Kat squinted at Emma, nodding her head, "Yeah. They just put their things in garbage bags and shipped them out."

"Like trash," Kat and Emma said together.

The girl looked at Emma with new understanding. "Yeah, well. I don't want Glass to be the reason this tournament doesn't help St. Jo's out. It's not just the adults looking forward to the funds, but us kids are depending on it too."

Regina took a deep breath, fighting the urge to reach across and hug the girl. "Well, Katrina. I can assure you that you need not worry about Sydney Glass. I've taken care of him in the past, and I will not allow for him to intrude in such an important event, or such a worthy cause. I've already taken steps with the board to make sure."

"Thanks, Regina" Kat smiled solemnly. She took a sip of her drink and groaned, "God, how I've missed these. They're amazing."

Emma took her own and drank it, "Holy shit, she's right."

"Language dear." Regina sipped her tea. "Kat, I have a proposition for you. Since you're already volunteering for the tournament, how would you like to me a liaison for the home?"

"A what now?" Kat's face scrunched adorably.

Regina beamed, "A liaison. I want you to come to us with any questions or concerns the children or the home might have regarding the tournament. You can come to me or Emma, or even Mr. Kirkwood that owns the gym. Maybe we can even organize for some of the other children to come watch the demonstrations. I think the fighting competitions might be a bit much for the younger kids."

"Are you serious?" Kat sat up even more, "That would be amazing! They'd love that. What would I have to do?"

"Well, how about you get together with the nine of you volunteering, and decide which kids should or shouldn't attend. Like if some are not interested or if they're too young. Then you will coordinate with the caretakers at the home," Regina finished, surprised to see the girl was at a loss for words. "Are you alright, dear?"

"You're trusting me with all that?" Kat asked in almost a whisper.

Regina gave her a sincere smile, "The question is, Katrina, can I trust you with that?"

Kat nodded emphatically, "Yes, ma'am. You can."

The teen ate up the proud smiles she received from both women. Regina looked at the demolished pastries in front of Kat and Emma, both of them grinning shyly at her as she shook her head in amusement.

Checking her watch, Regina patted Emma's hand, "Darling, I have to go meet Jeremy and Colton to discuss the logos for the tournament. I know you also wanted to make use of the gym before tonight, so make sure you give yourself enough time. Are you still picking me up at eight?"

"Yes I am. You take the car, I'll have Henry take me back later." Emma leaned in for a kiss.

Regina gave her a small peck, minding their young audience. She gathered her purse, turning to extend her hand to Kat, "Katrina, it was a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to listening to your ideas for the big weekend. Let us know if you have any questions, and I will see you soon I hope."

"Yes," Katrina had stood to shake Regina's hand. She watched her leave, and when she sat back down, she noticed Emma smirking at her, "What?"

"You're such a kiss ass," Emma laughed.

"Excuse me?" Kat nearly coughed up her drink.

"Don't worry. I think my wife brings it out in everyone. You just get this overwhelming need to listen to and do whatever she says." Emma watched Regina cross the street and disappear down the alley.

"She demands respect. Just like with those reporters at the gym on TV, or that stupid barista. She's incredible. I'd love to see her face off with Glass." Kat's face looked determines as she added, "That's how I'm going to be."

"Demanding? You already are." Emma threw a napkin at her, imitating her voice, "I want a peppermint mocha, and a scone, and a muffin."

"You are such an asshole," Kat threw the napkin back at Emma with a laugh.

Emma pointed at her seriously, "Language, young lady."

Kat seemed to lighten laughing with Emma. Leaning forward over the table, she asked in an almost whisper, "Do you mind if I ask? Were you in the system too?"

Emma nodded, "Yup. From the second I was born until I aged out."

"Jeez," Kat looked like the timeline was unfathomable. "Were you ever at St. Joseph's?"

"No, I got shipped around until I was about your age. Different homes, different states, different cities. Then I was lucky enough to land a home here in Boston with a wonderful woman that actually cared about the kids staying with her." Emma smiled thinking about Joanna.

"Must have been nice. Did you get along with her and the others in the home?" Kat asked, confused when Emma laughed.

"Man, most of the time Jo and I did nothing but fight. She hated when I started training in martial arts. Always gave me a hard time about curfew and being more lady like, but Joanna was cool. She passed a little while back, but she's also the one that the foundation is named after. Jeremy and I want to carry on her legacy, ya know?" Emma smiled sadly.

"Yeah. It's a pretty cool way to honor her," Kat played with her napkin, "I'm sorry to hear she passed. Fosters like that are hard to come by."

Emma nodded, "Ain't that the truth. But I also met my foster brother there, David. He's a cool guy. Helped me survive high school."

"Sounds like my buddy, Seth. He's not a foster kid, but he's my best friend. He looks out for me and my girlfriend." Kat said the last part, gaging Emma's reaction.

"Girlfriend? You're out at school?" Emma's brow's lifted, impressed when Kat shrugged like it was no big deal. "Man, I always wished I had the guts to be out when I was sixteen. I mean everyone assumed I was gay, but maybe then I would have had a girlfriend too."

"Yeah, but you have a great wife now, right?" Kat laughed at Emma's grin, "My girl's pretty posh too."

"Be careful with those posh girls, kid. Teen girls like that are a different ballpark, take it from me." Emma looked at her watch. "Listen, I have to head back to the gym. I got a hot date tonight, and I still have to get my workout in."

"Yeah, alright. I should head back too I guess." Kat stood and took their trash to the bins, walking out with Emma. "So you're fighting in the tournament? What are you trained in?"

Emma boasted, "A little bit of everything. Old fashion boxing, wrestling and Karate, but also Mauy Thai and Taekwondo."

"Damn, that's cool." Kat stopped when they reached the gym entrance.

"Well, do you have to head back now? I'm going to be training with my son. You can sit in with us or do yoga with his girlfriend, Violet." Emma offered.

"Henry's your son?" Kat looked happily surprise. "He and Vi are awesome. They've been great to me and the other volunteers."

"That's our kid. He and Vi have been together since they were babies, too. They are great instructors too," Emma said proudly. "So what do you say? Wanna sit in?"

"I'd love to, but I have to get permission." Kat bit her lip, saddened.

"Well then, get permission, liaison." Emma said the girl's new title with sarcasm. Rolling her eyes, she pushed her shoulder playfully, "We'll be here every day before the tournament. You can join us whenever you want."

Kat nodded excitedly, "Alright, I'll ask. Thanks for the coffee and stuff, Emma. And for the talk."

"No problem, Kat. Any time. I'll see you soon?" she asked hopeful.

"For sure." Kat waved her off as they entered and she rejoined her group.

Later that night, Emma was at Jeremy's apartment getting ready for her date with Regina. She made her wife go along with her cheesy idea of getting ready separate, and going to pick her up for their date. When it got to be quarter to eight, she got ready to leave the guy's apartment.

"Alright boys, thank you so much for the assist and the entertainment," She grabbed her wallet and stuffed it in her bra.

"Classy," Jeremy quipped, then with a pointed finger, "Have fun, but drink responsibly,"

"And use protection," Colton added. "We're too young and hot to be grandfathers."

"Lord, they grow up so fast, Colt. I think I'm going to cry," Jeremy fanned himself.

"Look what you've done to your father now young lady," Colton held Jeremy around the shoulders as he feigned fainting.

"Guys," Emma laughed.

Jeremy just as quickly jumped back up, "That's it. I'm coming with you and giving your date the talk. She knocks you up and I'll place her head on my mantle."

"Guys," Emma couldn't stop laughing. When they finally stopped teasing, she twirled in her dress, "How do I look?"

Jeremy kissed her cheek again, "Like a million bucks, Ems. You'll knock the Queen off her feet."

Colton stepped forward and fixed a wayward strand of hair that had fallen in her face.

"Thanks again for braiding my hair, Colton." Emma kissed his cheek again. "Who knew you had that hidden talent?"

Colton blushed lightly, "Pays to have six sisters."

"Alright, I'm out of here. I love you guys," Emma waved them off and walked toward her and Regina's apartment on the other side of the property.

Reaching their door, she took a quick once over her dress. She had purchase a quintessential short black dress that had only one thick strap covering her right shoulder, leaving the left one bare. Her strong shoulders and arms were nicely displayed for their number one fan. Her hair was braided up in a cute run around her head with little loose strands falling and framing her face.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door and held her breath as she waited for her wife. When the door opened, her jaw hit the floor. Regina was dressed in a dark maroon colored dress that looked like it had been sewn onto her body.

"Good God, you're beautiful." Emma moved to take her hand, spinning her once to take in the back, and moaned. The middle of her back was exposed, "You look perfect."

"Thank you my love," Regina pecked her on the lips. "You look stunning yourself. That dress really does something with your arms and shoulders."

Emma giggled when her wife stepped forward to squeeze her biceps on her way down her arms.

"I'm glad you like it," Emma bit her lip as she took in her wife once more with a shiver. "Are you ready to go?"

Regina popped back inside and grabbed her purse, locking the door behind her, "Let's go."