Love, Fate And Magic
Chapter 21
Emma stood still in the station, her knuckles white from gripping the desk. Lucas had left some time ago and Morgan had yet to reappear. Her body was hunched, head lolled forward as she thought, blonde hair cascading around her, obscuring her face. She felt numb as the information slowly seeped into her mind. Her past with Regina was confirmed. She hadn't been crazy all this time. Emma let out a shaky sigh, her brow creased. She should feel different, she should feel relieved, happy even. But she didn't. The reality of the truth was sinking in. Regina had lied. This whole time she had lied. For what reason Emma didn't know. But now was the time set things right.
Pushing away from the desk, the sheriff calmly walked into her office, grabbing her keys and jacket. Pulling at a piece of paper, Emma scrawled down a note for Morgan, informing him she would be gone for an hour or two. She hoped, if all went well, she would be returning to the station later on. She didn't dwell on what would happen if things do not go smoothly with Regina.
Jogging out of the station and back into the cool morning air, Emma felt adrenaline seeping through her body, boosting her confidence as she slipped into her cruiser. She made the quick trip across town and back over to the loft, knowing now was the right time to show Regina her satchel.
The apartment was empty; Mary Margaret was safely at work. Emma dashed up the stairs to her room, snatching the drawings off of the wall and gently placing them into the satchel. Slipping it over her head, Emma nipped back down the stairs, taking two steps at a time. Her head pounded as blood rushed around her body.
The blonde paused at the door, hands hovering at the lock as she went over her next move one last time. This could change everything, whether the outcome is good or bad. Determination still strong, Emma pushed past her doubt and opened the door, checking the time as she did. Regina often came home for lunch and should be there any minute.
Heading out of the building Emma practically jumped back into the car, putting the satchel beside her as the car roared to life. It only took a few minutes to reach Mifflin street and before she knew it, Emma was parking the car outside of the white mansion.
The sheriff took a deep breath in, trying to relax her body as she clambered out of the car, awkwardly grabbing the satchel as she did. Emerald eyes noticed the empty driveway and she sighed, realising she'd beaten Regina home. Deciding to wait by the door, Emma made her way up the front path.
The front door suddenly creaked open and Emma frowned when a little figure slipped out of the house.
"Henry?" She called, startling the small boy, who spun around to look at her, his expression sheepish. "What're you doing?"
"Hey, Emma." He greeted, barrelling over to her. "What're you doing here?" He asked, mirroring her own question.
"Came to see your mum." Emma replied, crossing her arms at the nervous boy.
"She's not home yet." He pointed out, glancing up the street.
"I can see that." She arched an eyebrow. "What's going on with you?"
Henry opened his mouth to reply but was cut off as the signature black Mercedes rolled into the driveway. Emma's breathing quickened again at the sight of the mayor, instantly forgetting Henry's shifting nature. The small boy caught onto this and slipped past his birth mother and darted off of the property. Emma was vaguely aware of him going, sparing a glance in his direction before returning to the elegant woman climbing out of the car in front of her. The blonde awkwardly readjusted the satchel around her body as Regina stalked towards her. The brunette was smiling at her, but Emma could see the searching look in her eyes.
"Emma," she greeted softly, "What're you doing here?" The blonde was briefly reminded of the same question being asked only moments ago.
"I need to talk to you." Emma replied, her expression stony. Regina picked up on the seriousness of the blonde's tone instantly, her posture becoming slightly more defensive as she replied.
"Of course. Come on in."
The two women entered the house, Emma following behind Regina. She surveyed the brunette closely. She seemed calm, though it was clear she knew something was up. They entered the kitchen, Emma coming to a stop half way in while Regina went over the fridge.
"Would you like something to drink?" She asked lightly, not looking at the blonde.
"I'm good." Emma replied, stepping over to the island counter and placing the satchel down onto it. It made a little thump on impact, which gained Regina's attention instantly. Emma observed the well-crafted mask on the brunette's face as she looked at the old satchel. Regina had no reaction other than the arch of a slightly confused eyebrow. Emma narrowed her eyes at this, pushing it towards Regina forcefully.
"Do you know what this is?" The sheriff asked, bracing herself again the counter, eyes on Regina.
"It's a satchel that needs a very good clean." She replied, poking the bag with a well manicured nail.
"You've never seen it before?" Emma continued on. Regina wasn't looking at her, instead chocolate orbs seemed to be trying to find anything other than Emma to settle on.
"Should I have?"
"Yes." Emma hissed. "It's the only thing I had on me night of my car crash. The night I left you." The mask finally cracked as Regina's eyes snapped to look at Emma. There was a momentary pause as the mayor seemed to compose herself.
"The night you what?" Regina asked causing Emma to snap. The blonde slammed her hands upon the counter.
"No! Cut the crap, Regina." Emma snapped angrily. She saw Regina's face harden but no break again.
"I don't know what you're talking about, darling. Are feeling alright?" The mayor asked, rounding the counter towards Emma. The blonde backed up, snatching at the satchel.
"Enough lies!" Emma yelled, thrusting her hand into the bag. She pulled out the drawings and slammed them down on the counter. Regina's eyes flickered down to the paper. "I knew. I knew from the moment I met you there was something up. It took me a while. At first I wasn't all that bothered. But then I found this," She leafed through the pictures until she found the one of Regina and it showed it off. Regina's eyes widened slightly at the picture and she took it from Emma.
The blonde watched with baited breath as Regina looked at the drawing, fingers running over the delicate lines of her own face. Chocolate eyes stayed glued on the image for some time, shifting down to look at the name briefly before back up to Emma.
"I don't understand." The brunette confessed. Whether it was about the drawing or Emma's accusations, the blonde didn't know.
"I've had that for the last eighteen years. It was on me the night of the crash, along with the others." Emma explained coldly.
"Why are you telling me this, Emma? What do you want from me?"
"The truth, Regina! Something I had to get from bloody Lucas, because you have refused to tell me!"
"Lucas? That stranger that turned up in town? Emma how could you believe a word he says?" Regina asked irritably.
"I didn't, not at first. But like you, I felt I knew him. And again, just like you, I found that." Emma jabbed at the drawing of Lucas. Regina looked over the picture, then onto the others. She turned away from Emma, placing her hands onto the counter. Regina didn't speak for a while, her face was pale and eyes glassy.
"Well?" Emma demanded. Regina still didn't reply. "No more lies, Regina."
"You're right. No more lies. You want the truth?"
"Yes."
"It wasn't a car crash that took your memories. It was a curse." Regina whispered, her voice shaky. Emma's mouth went dry as she gaped at the older woman.
"What?"
"Crazy, I know. But true. It's all true. Henry's storybook, the curse, Snow White and Prince Charming… the Evil Queen, it's all real."
"Real?"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Regina hadn't expected to find Emma waiting for her when she returned home. Nor the cold behaviour she was greeted by. Something was deeply wrong with the blonde that Regina feared was about to come out. And sure enough, Emma wasted no time in diving right in.
She had been shocked to see the old satchel on her kitchen counter. She'd always hated it, the items within always bounded Emma to life that was not with Regina. All those years that had past were a blur, but Regina still vividly remembered the moment Emma jumped into the portal, as well as the little satchel she had taken with her. But not one moment did it occur to Regina it would have stayed with the curious blonde all these years.
As Emma spoke it was like walls were crashing down around Regina. Though she tried in vain, the mask hiding her away from Emma cracked as accusations were thrown left, right and centre. It was all coming out. Truth she could not escape and lies she had told. Emma was before her now, so close to everything but without a single clue of it.
This could all end catastrophically. She'd feared this moment from the beginning and done all she could to prevent it. But at what cost? Preventing the breaking of her curse or loosing Emma again? What matter was there in the curse ending if she had Emma? Snow would forever be a problem, but the desire for revenge just seemed meaningless as she looked at Emma. If it all came out now would Emma forgive her? Forgiveness was more likely if it came from her rather anyone else.
It was now or never. She had to take a leap of faith and trust in love.
"Well?" Emma's demanding voice cut across Regina's thoughts. "No more lies, Regina." It was now. It had to be now.
"You're right. No more lies. You want the truth?" She saw surprise in Emma's eyes at her willingness to explain.
"Yes."
"It wasn't a car crash that took your memories. It was a curse." Regina whispered, her voice shaky. The brunette watched endless emotions dance in Emma's eyes as her mouth fell open, her own face now paling.
"What?"
"Crazy, I know. But true. It's all true. Henry's storybook, the curse, Snow White and Prince Charming… the Evil Queen, it's all real." Regina explained gently.
"Real?"
"Everything. The relationship you and I had together and true love we share is all real. I have waited eighteen years for you. I did this all wrong; I know that now. I was clouded by fear but now I must trust in you. Believe me, Emma."
She wasn't. Regina could see the rage building and the disbelief in Emma's face. It was all going wrong. She stepped towards Emma, reaching for her hopelessly. The blonde just jerked away, looking at her with disgust.
"You're insane. Those are fairy tales. It's all fairy tales, Regina!" Emma yelled.
"In this world maybe. But in ours it all happened. Please, you must believe me!" Regina begged, finally catching a hold of Emma and gripping her jaw firmly in one hand so that their eye would meet. "I know you know what I say is true. I know you feel everything you did for me even without your heart."
"Without my heart?" Emma snapped. "Listen to yourself, Regina?! You're as mad as Graham was going. Look, feel!" Emma grabbed the brunette's hand and placed it on her chest, where her heart should be. Regina felt the faux heart beat and shook her head.
"Let me prove it to you." The mayor pleaded, dropping her hand down to Emma's and tugging her along. Emma didn't move at first, a sceptical look on her face. After one more desperate look, the blonde complied and allowed Regina to lead her up the stairs.
They walked in silence, Regina's heart pounding hard in her chest. They stepped into the master bedroom, the brunette still firmly clasping Emma's hand, who had slowly considerably, reluctant to enter.
Regina led Emma into the bathroom, dropping her hand and kneeling in the corner of the room, running her fingers over the tiles in search of the broken seem. When her nails caught the crooked edge of the hiding place and she flung the tile up, revealing the small space beneath. Regina felt Emma shift behind her, looming over her to see inside. Shakily, the mayor lowered her hand into the floor, blindly feeling around.
There was nothing there.
"No…" she whispered, retracting her hand to look into the hole. "No. No!" She yelled, returning her hand desperately to hole, flailing it around inside helplessly in search of the secret organ. "It's here! It should be here!"
"What should be?" Asked the bewildered blonde.
"Your heart!" Regina snapped back, tears brimming in her eyes as she gave up searching, sparing one last hopeless look into the floor. It was there. She had put it there. Regina's face contorted into a look rage as she realised that someone had taken it.
"Are you even hearing yourself, Regina?!" Emma snapped, her own rage coming through. Sadly, the brunette finally did. Everything she was saying sounded insane. She spared a fearful glance up at Emma, her own heart breaking in two at the look she was being given. There was no belief in Emma's eyes. No understanding. No love. Just anger and frustration.
"Please, believe me." Regina begged, her voice small and hurt. What had she become? This is what she'd been reduced too. A grovelling mess at the feet of someone who would never know or understand.
"If this is your idea of some sick joke then you're dead wrong if you think it's funny. Henry is a kid. He's allowed to believe in the crazy and impossible. But you," Emma seemed to struggle for the right words, "you are just unbelievable."
"Emma-"
"No! No more. I want nothing of this or you. I was an idiot for ever coming to this place. I had a life, a functional one. Here all I have is a kid that I gave away and woman who can't face the truth."
Without another word Emma stormed from the bathroom, leaving Regina to huddle in the corner, reduced to nothing once more, a state she had vowed never to return to.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Emma practically ran from the house, tears burning her eyes as she did. What she thinking? What were chances Regina would come out with the truth now? Anger bubbled inside of her as she slammed the car door shut, hurling the satchel away from her. Emma turned to look up at the mansion, hate burning in her veins. She had enough of this.
Kicking the car to life, she took off down the street at a dangerous speed, driving back to the apartment as fast as she could.
She was there within minutes, hurtling up the stairs and back into the apartment. How had everything so dramatically derailed in such a short amount of time? Her presence in the town had upset the system from the moment she stepped foot in the mayor's mansion. Before then everything had been perfect. Henry's life hadn't had strange war between his parents going on. Regina had rebuilt herself, made a good, strong life. All Emma had done was kick up settled dust.
Regina had been fine without her, safe and secure. Whatever had happened between them had obviously taken a great toll on Regina and caused her to shut it all down. Emma understood this, sympathised almost. She shouldn't have confronted her so harshly and left her in a mess.
The blonde turned to look out of the window in the direction of Mifflin Street. She had to set things right, return order and peace to the town she'd single-handedly turned upside down.
She had to leave.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Mr Gold leant calmly against the shop counter, admiring old antiques through a magnified glass, while he waited patiently for the storm that was Regina to descend upon him. After the worried phone call he'd received only hours earlier from Regina, he knew it was only a matter of time before Emma reached her breaking point and the mayor would resort to just about anything to ensure that the little swan remained in town.
Sure enough, just as he set down the magnified glass, the door burst open. There, in her tailored paint suit, stood the less than calm mayor of Storybrooke.
"Madame Mayor," he greeted coyly, "what a surprise."
"No games, Imp." She spat, advancing on him. "I told her. I told her it was all true."
"You mean the curse?" Gold was pleasantly surprised by this, not quite predicting Regina would attempt to tell Emma everything. "How did she take it?"
"She thinks I'm insane now." Regina replied shakily. "And if I know Emma, this is the part where she runs."
"Runs?" Gold asked in an amused tone. "You think she'll just up and leave."
"She no doubt is already blaming herself for this and will probably run if she is." Regina explained, bracing herself against the counter. "I need you."
"What for?"
"Anything that will ensure Emma remains in this town."
"Then it isn't me you want to get what you need." Gold replied with a grin. "It's Jefferson."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Emma jogged back into the station, her mind set on a plan. Regardless of the damage she had caused, roots had still been made. She'd built something with some of people in this town and would not leave without saying goodbye.
She felt weak when her eyes fell upon Morgan, who was sitting at his desk, feet up and engaged in a conversation with Lucas. Emma faltered at the sight of the other man, wishing to speak to him separately. Determined not to drag it out, Emma pushed through her hesitation and approached the two men.
"Hey." Her voice was smaller than usual. They both turned to look at her, picking up on her tone and frowning.
"Hi. I got your note," Morgan brandished the paper in the air, "is everything okay?"
"No, not this time." She sighed, leaning against the wall and looking at them. Morgan dropped his feet off of the desk while Lucas took a step towards her, concern shining in his intensely blue eyes.
"What's going on?" Lucas asked gently.
"I went to see Regina." She directed at him before turning to Morgan. "It didn't go well."
"You had a fight?" The deputy asked.
"You could say that. Regardless of what happened, I realise that my presence in Henry and Regina's lives hasn't been an all that positive one. Of anything, I just upset the whole system. So I think it's best that I go back to Boston for a while and let things rebuild themselves here."
"What?!" They both said in unison.
"I know it's sudden. And I'm sorry, but this is what needs to happen." She said softly, her voice heavy.
"You're damn right it's sudden!" Morgan snapped. "You can't just leave, Emma!"
"Look it's not like I'm going far," she tried to explain but her words fell on death ears, "and I'm going to work something out with Regina so I can still see Henry. So I'm not running away forever."
"But your family is here." Lucas interjected harshly. "Morgan and I are your family now. Henry is your family."
"I'm not asking for your acceptance, just your understanding." She pleaded. Lucas just shook his head and brushed past her. The sound of slamming doors reached them and they waited for some time but Lucas didn't return. Emma turned back to look at Morgan who was staring at her, his expression unreadable. "Please, Morgan."
"Let come with you." He blurted out in a rush.
"What?"
"I'm serious. Let me come with you." He asked again, standing from his chair.
"What about Ruby?" Emma asked perplexed.
"She can come and visit me. Look I've always wanted to leave this town; I've got nothing tying me here. Few friends and no family. You've become the sister I've always wanted. Please, let me come with you." There was no lie in his words. Emma nodded, tears in her eyes.
"Yes. Come with me." She replied, a singular tear escaping. He cracked a sad smile at her, looking over at the hall where Lucas had left.
"You mean it?" He said, his voice vulnerable. Emma only replied through hugging him tightly. He hugged her back.
"I need to tie up some loose ends and speak with Henry and Regina. I'll call you with the details when that's done." She added, letting go of him. Morgan nodded, strands of hair falling over his eyes.
Without another word she turned and left the station, her body feeling numb as she did. It was time to make a new start.
As she left the station, Emma found Lucas waiting for her outside, phone in hand as she approached. The look of understanding she'd seen in Morgan's eyes was not there in Lucas's and she sighed heavily as he began to speak.
"Tell me you're not serious? After everything you're just going to up and run again? You're so close to the truth of everything Emma! Why give up now?" He asked dumbfounded.
"Because I don't need it. I don't need to the truth. If it's so bad that Regina can't face it and hides behind fairy tales and god knows what else to deal with it then I don't want to know." Emma replied stubbornly.
"She told about the curse?" He asked.
"Yeah. She came out about how it was all real, Henry's storybook and what not. She told me I didn't have a heart and that she had it. Whatever caused that kind of crazy is not something I want."
"Don't go, Emma. Not now."
"Come with me then. Morgan is and so can you. If you were serious about rebuilding what I lost then come with me. We can go anywhere, be anyone." Emma asked hopefully.
"Our home is here. Your happy ending is here."
"It's not. This isn't my life. It's one I tried to be a part of because I thought I belonged." Emma shook her head and pushed past Lucas. "If you change your mind, call me."
"It's real, Emma. All of it. Why don't you just believe?" He called to her and Emma froze.
"Because I don't want to." She replied. Without another word, Emma climbed back into the car and drove away from Lucas.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Emma drove straight back across town, deciding the only way she could set anything in motion was to clear things up with Regina. She drove up the mansion in record time, ungracefully getting out of the car in her haste.
The Mercedes was still parked in the driveway, though it was clear Regina had gone and come back in the time Emma had been away. Thinking nothing of it, Emma walked up the path to the house, ringing the door bell and waiting patiently. There was movement within the house before the door was swung open.
Regina stood in the open space in a white shirt and black slacks, a smudge of floor beneath her eye. Emma grit her teeth before speaking.
"We need to talk." She said bluntly.
"Yes, I imagine we do. I was just about to call you." Regina replied. "Come right in."
Emma nodded and stepped past Regina into the house. In an instant she could tell Regina was much more different than before. She seemed completely composed and calm, her mask back in place. Emma sighed, she was talking to the normal, guarded Regina again.
The door was closed behind her softly and Emma glanced back to see Regina looking at her expectantly. She moved further into the foyer, feeling nervous and awkward. She looked around the room for a moment before turning back to Regina, who was waiting.
"I believe you came to see me." She prompted and Emma jumped right in.
"Right. Look, this isn't easy. I think that this… Whatever is between us needs to end." Emma said, trying to gage Regina's reaction. Oddly, little came. It seemed as if she knew what Emma would say and simply nodded her head. "I'm leaving town."
"What?" Regina titled her head at Emma, an odd look in her eyes. Still, Emma felt it was odd how she was getting so little from Regina, but pushed forward none the less.
"This, what we're doing is a problem. And I'm gonna go." Emma explained sharply. "I can't be here anymore; it's just hurting everyone. But no matter how far I go, we can't erase my time here, nor the impact I've had on Henry. Let's be honest, we both know the world where I'm not in his life no longer exists."
There was a long pause as Regina took in what she had said. The brunette crossed her arms and looked away from Emma for a moment. The sound of an oven alarm caught her attention briefly.
"You're right. You are. What's been going on hasn't been healthy, for either of us, especially Henry." Emma nodded and Regina turned towards the kitchen. "Would you mind following me?"
They walked into the kitchen, Regina going to the oven and pulling out a pastry while Emma hovered at the door. The brunette set the tray down gently and turned to look at Emma again.
"What are you planning to do?"
"Go back to Boston for now. I'll give it couple of months, let things settle back down here before I make any contact with Henry. I wanted things to work between us Regi-" she stopped mid-sentence as a hand went up.
"You don't have to explain yourself, Emma. The past is tricky, not everyone can face it. I think it's best that we simply…move on." Emma nodded sadly. Regina approached her gracefully, lifting a hand to lightly stroke her cheek. "Everythings going to be okay between us. You'll see." Emma only nodded and turned to leave.
"Oh, one more thing." Regina turned back to the pasty and crossed the room to retrieve a tupperware box. Scooping the pastry off of the tray and into the box, Regina then presented it to Emma. "A peace offering to begin the next stage of our lives. My famous turnover."
Emma looked down at the turner over for a moment before briefly smiling and accepting the food.
"Thank you."
"I do hope you like apples." Emma nodded and left, letting out a pent up breath as she did.
This was the beginning again.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Emma pulled out various articles of clothing from her draws, stacking them on her bed as she did. The essentials sat by her door as she rummaged around for the last of them. Grabbing up the pile, Emma trotted back down the stairs, absently wondering why Mary Margaret had yet to return home. She and Henry were the last of whom she had to say goodbye too.
A light knock at the door made Emma jump and she skidded over to open the door. She was shocked to see a furiously upset Henry on the other side. He barrelled straight past her into the apartment, throwing his rucksack down and glaring at her.
"I can't stay, Henry." She didn't need ask why he was upset, Lucas or Regina had no doubt told him. Cutting to the chase seemed easiest than beating around the bush. "I have to go."
"I thought he was lying." Henry whispered, staring at her through tearful eyes. Emma sighed, so it was Lucas.
"I spoke to your mum. Once things settle down I'm going to be able to come and visit you." Emma tried to assure him but he furiously shook his head.
"No! No! You can't trust her." Henry cried.
"I have too. It's my only choice. It's what's best for you, Henry. It's best for everyone. I can't keep fighting for something I can't have. I can't face that anymore." Emma's own tears threatened to fall as she looked down at her son.
"No, no, no. You're just scared! This happens to all heroes. It's just the low moment before you fight back." He encouraged making Emma break.
"Henry, this isn't a story." She bursts out, dropping to his level and gripping him firmly. "This is reality. And things have to change. You can't skip school, you can't run away and you can't believe in curses."
"You really don't believe?" Henry whispered, his voice was hurt and vulnerable.
"I-… This is how it has to be right now." Emma replied shakily, a tear finally falling. She stood up again and Henry threw himself into her, holding her with all his might. Emma hugged him back tightly, tears falling freely.
They held each other for some time, the only sounds were Emma's pained sniffs. She could feel Henry moving beneath her, twisting his head to look at something.
"Where did you get that?" He asked and Emma let go of him to look at the turnover he was questioning. Henry walked over to it as she replied.
"Regina gave it to me." Henry bent over it and sniffed cautiously. He violently recoiled from it and looked back at her.
"Apple!" he exclaimed.
"So?"
"You can't eat. It's poison."
"What?" Emma asked, hoping they had just moved past this.
"Don't you see? All she wanted was for you to eat that!" He accused, glaring at the pastry. Emma sighed.
"Henry, why would she do that?" She asked, puzzled.
"Because no matter what she will never let you go." Henry explained.
"Henry, you gotta stop thinking like this."
"But it's the truth!" He yelled.
"I'll prove it to you." Emma went to pick up the turnover but Henry snatched it away from her.
"No!"
"-Henry," Emma watched him duck away from her, "what are you doing?"
"I'm sorry it had to come to this." He held the turnover up to his mouth. "You may not believe in the curse. Or in me. But I believe in you." With determination, he took a bite from the turnover. They both stared in silence as he chewed, Emma shrugging with a smile.
"See? You wanna have some ice cream with that? Then we can go back to talking about…" She never finished her sentence as Henry suddenly collapsed in front of her. His body limp and lifeless.
"Henry?"
A/N: At last! I think it's about time Emma remembered everything. I'm happy to say I'm back after I don't know how many months from being away from FanFication. The only way to return is to finally give you all what you're waiting for. Please review and tell me what you think and follow for more (and there will be more and not such a big wait next time)!