This is part one, of two. My goal is to have part two, which is now complete, posted tomorrow. It just requires a bit more refining. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I know that it meant a lot to me to write the homecoming. But the next part is even more exciting, so please come back for more!
The near seven hour drive back to Storybrooke was a challenge for the family, especially the second half of the trip. Thankfully, Charlie was still worn out from the previous day's excitement that after each stop along the way, she quickly fell back to sleep. Her blonde mother learned early on, from the time that Charlie was born, that the car was always a sure way to lull her daughter, even during the biggest meltdowns.
Regina volunteered to drive the remainder of the way home, since she would be able to identify when they were getting closer to the Storybrooke border. Admittedly, the blonde woman is absolutely lost without her GPS. Thankfully, her co-pilot spent years living in a realm without such luxuries and still relies on her instincts.
"It's here," Regina announces as she spots the article that she had left herself on a tree just outside the town's line to indicate the entrance to Storybrooke, which still had a protective barrier to keep outsiders from discovering the town with magic.
As much as the blonde woman tried to mentally prepare herself for the plethora of emotions she would feel upon crossing the border for the first time in four years, noting could have prepared her for the actual event. She had not anticipated the feeling of dread that was currently overtaking her senses. A panic attack was not on her 'To-Do' list for this day.
"Are you ready?" Regina asks, directing her attention to the woman in the passenger seat.
Emma's heart rate suddenly accelerates and her breathing becomes shallower as she struggles to get a handle on the situation at hand. She fakes confidence. "This is it."
"I'm right here, Emma," Regina gently reminds, grasping the nervous woman's hand in her own.
"I know." She inhales a deep breath. "I know."
"You can do this," Regina affirms. "Storybrooke is your home."
The blonde woman turns to meet warm brown eyes. "You're my home, Regina."
The yellow bug crosses the town line as the Welcome to Storybrooke sign comes into focus.
For four years the young woman had only seen that sign in her dreams. Now that her dream is becoming a reality, unshed tears begin to cloud her vision. "It looks just as I remembered it."
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As Regina passes the road leading to David and Mary Margaret's apartment, on her way to Mifflin street, the younger woman in the passenger seat inquires, "Won't my mom be upset if we don't go to her place first?"
"I thought you might like to settle in and we should probably put Charlie down for a little bit before we take her to meet your parents." The peaceful slumber that she had managed to acquire, that afternoon, had restored the older woman. She is finally feeling like herself again as she drives the yellow bug she once despised through the town that brought her and the love of her life together. Curious about whether her partner is sharing in her elation, out of the corner of her eye, Regina glances at the woman seated next to her, instantly recognizes her fiancée's agitation. "Honey, what's wrong?" "Emma? Sweetheart, talk to me."
After seven hours of avoiding the truth, Emma cannot contain her secret any longer. "I'm scared." Fortunately for Emma, Regina already knows her heart and she doesn't have to elaborate.
Just to be sure, Regina vocalizes what remains unspoken. "About seeing your parents again?" When her question is met by silence, Regina realizes that she has discovered the source of Emma's anxiety. "But, Emma, they are going to be so happy to see you." The queen suddenly realizes that she should have known it wouldn't be that easy. Emma's insecurities, stemming from a painful childhood, are deeply rooted.
"I hate the way I left. We were just starting to get close, especially me and mom," the younger woman laments.
Regina cannot ignore the nagging sense of guilt. If it wasn't for her and her dark curse, Emma wouldn't have had to grow up the way she did, without her parents. Accepting responsibility for the damage her actions caused, Regina strives to heal old wounds. "I'm sure they'll understand, Emma."
"They accepted me when I told them that I was pregnant with Charlie," Emma explains. "They supported me and I ran away."
In that moment, the queen feels all the oxygen drained from her body. Once again, Snow White, the woman she had come to love and trust, had betrayed her. She knew that Emma was pregnant with her child and she kept her baby a secret. When Regina doesn't respond and Emma notices that the older woman's complexion has suddenly become pale, she inquires, "Regina?"
The demons of Regina's past have returned to torment her. In Emma's absence, the one person she had trusted and leaned on for support had deceived her. She would have to deal with Mary Margaret later. Right now, Emma is her primary concern. It's not Emma's fault that her parents are idiots. Putting all of her resentments aside, Regina focuses on the love she feels for the blonde woman next to her. "Everything's going to be alright, Emma," Regina asserts, lightly grasping Emma's hand in her own. "Your parents love you."
"I'm just glad you'll be with me." The younger woman replies, lightly squeezing Regina's hand in response.
"I will always be with you," Regina confirms. This woman is her only concern. She won't even let herself entertain the thought of how Mary Margaret lied by omission. Focusing on her beloved instead, Regina picks up on Emma's remaining apprehension. "Something else is bothering you."
"I'm worried about Charlie," the younger woman admits.
"What? Why?" Regina is instantly alarmed. Should she be worried too? This is her baby.
"Regina, what are we going to do?"
Because her daughter is now the topic of conversation, Emma's nervousness is an even greater concern for the queen. "What do you mean?"
Remembering that there is no sense trying disguise her fear with this woman, Emma explains what is causing her the greatest amount of trepidation."We're returning to a town with magic. Charlie has never even seen us use magic. I don't want to scare her."
She should have anticipated Emma's fears involving magic, Regina reflects. She had only just begun teaching the younger woman magic before Emma left. It's natural that this woman would be uncomfortable with their daughter using it. "We won't take her by surprise," Regina clarifies. "We'll talk to her together and explain that magic is nothing to be afraid of."
Sometimes it's hard for Emma to calm down when she is so worked up. She continues to agonize, "What about when she starts using magic? What if she hurts herself?"
Even though they are only a few blocks from the Mills mansion, Regina searches the un-crowded street for a place to park and slowly pulls over.
Consequently, because of Emma's past, the younger woman cannot avoid the paralyzing fear overtaking her. A car, in which she is a passenger, being pulled over to the side of the road never ended well.
Thankfully, the brunette woman instantly recognizes her mistake. She is only grateful that her baby is still asleep, so at least one of the people she loves was able to escape the effects of PTSD. Giving Emma her undivided attention, the regal woman softens her tone to just above a whisper. "Emma, it's okay," she soothes. "You're not in trouble, honey. No one is going to hurt you."
The confident woman watches the woman she loves noticeably relax, as Emma's eyes slowly meet hers.
"Hey."
"Hey," the younger woman replies. She is obviously feeling more at ease.
Inhaling a deep breath, Regina calmly explains, "I would never let anything happen to Charlie, you know that. I can teach her how to control her magic.""
The conviction in Regina's voice, in combination with her pleading gaze is enough to ease the younger woman's fears. "I know."
Though she is well aware that Emma had already accepted the truth of her proposal, Regina decides to solidify her previous statement. "I promise you, I will protect her."
"I know that she's safe with you."
Regina accepts that because of Emma's past, she may always have to convince this woman of her worth. She patiently enlightens, "She's safe with you too, Emma."
Despite Emma's deep insecurities, Regina has always had the ability to instill confidence within her. "I would never forgive myself if anything happened to Charlie." She had to say it out loud. She needed Regina to hear it. Only then would Regina be able to set the record straight.
With the car still parked, Regina grasps both of Emma's hands in her own. As she lightly massages the backs of them with the pad of her thumb, at the same time holding the younger woman's gaze, she explains, "Nothing is going to happen to Charlie, because she has two magical mothers who love her beyond comprehension. There is nothing that you or I wouldn't do for our daughter."
Of course Emma already knew these statements to be true, but they hold more power when articulated by the woman she loves and the mother of her child. "I'm so glad you're here." She smiles, reflecting the serenity that is filling her soul.
"You don't have to do this without me," Regina confirms. "There will be challenges, but we will face them together." When Emma nods her understanding, Regina continues, "I'm not going anywhere Emma. We will do this together."
"I just," Emma begins. "It's something I haven't had to think about since I learned that I was pregnant. I'm sorry I freaked out."
"You're a mother," Regina reminds. "You're supposed to freak out when it comes to your children."
"I love you so much." She wanted to communicate a great deal more, like her never-ending gratitude, but in that moment those five words were enough.
"I love you too," Regina reciprocates, sealing her conviction with a chaste kiss upon Emma's lips. "Trust me, my love, she'll be alright. Our family is together and we are going to be alright."
The little girl in back seat begins to fuss. She did really well for a seven hour car trip, but seven hours was more than enough. She is not about to tolerate another minute in this yellow death-trap on wheels.
"Okay, baby," Regina soothes. "We're almost home."
Regina starts the engine as Emma turns around to console her displeased child. "It's been a long day for all of us, baby-girl."
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After exiting the car, Regina promptly liberates her crying child from the annoying car-seat. "I know, baby. I know," she repeats as she rocks the worked up child in her arms. "We're home now. No more driving today," she promises.
Thankfully for the exhausted mothers, their child only required being freed from her restrictive car-seat in order to calm.
As they walk up the pathway to the porch, the family shares in a more light-hearted conversation.
"I don't plan on driving for the next week if I can help it." Emma is still stiff from the long drive and fakes a limp, earning her several giggles from her family.
"So, I'll be driving your car this week?"
"It is all yours." she responds with enthusiasm, offering Regina the keys.
Since her mother's arms are full, Charlie happily accepts the offered keys on Regina's behalf. The queen kisses her daughter's cheek in response, she is just grateful that Charlie's smile has returned and she is no longer crying.
When they reach the front entrance, Emma pauses, unsure of what to do next. In the past she had only been a guest in this house.
Seeing her fiancée's dilemma, Regina offers Emma the key to the front door. "Welcome home."
Emma is only too grateful that Regina was the one holding Charlie and they had recently visited a rest-area. The moment she opened the door, she feels every muscle in her body turn to jelly.
"Surprise!" Mary Margaret, David, and Regina shout in unison.
Unable to move, out of shock, Emma reaches for her mother. "Mom."
Mary Margaret instinctively rushes forward, catching her baby in a firm embrace. "Emma."
"I'm sorry, Mom. I'm so sorry," she cries.
"Emma." The young mother begins to rock her blubbering child, as tears of happiness fill her eyes. Her smile reflects the joy she feels at being reunited with her little girl once again. "I have you back. You came home."
"I never thought I'd see you again." Emma responds honestly, gripping her mother tighter.
"I'm here, honey. I'm right here." Mary Margaret continues to rock her precious child, silently communicating her love and acceptance, until she feels the young woman calm in her arms.
David had been watching this tender interaction play out and takes this opportunity to gently alert his daughter to his presence. "Do you have a hug for this old guy?"
"Dad." She immediately breaks down again, as she grasps her father. The demons of her past return to torment her. She had suffered so long at the hands of the man she called her husband and knew if her father had been around that never would have happened. "I missed you so much."
David is incredibly moved by his daughter's outpouring of love, but at the same time alarmed when he registers that his daughter is shivering. The confusion is evident in his expression as he looks toward his wife in uncertainty. "I missed you too."
"Daddy." Her voice is only a whisper. She is obviously deep in thought.
"What's wrong?"
She is reliving the horror. "I needed you. I needed you."
The strong desire to protect Emma from the torment of her past motivates the brunette woman to rush to Emma's side.
The younger woman instantly relaxes when she registers her fiancée's touch.
Noticing this, David sends Regina a questioning look. The brunette woman only continues to rub soft circles on her Emma's back until she feels the younger woman relax.
Desiring to bring his daughter back to the present, David reminds, "It's okay. I'm here. I am never letting you go again."
"I'm sorry." She apologizes out of embarrassment. Normally she would keep those emotions hidden. She is not used to letting herself be that vulnerable with anyone, except Regina. Thankfully the brunette is waiting to wrap the emotional woman in her free arm.
Naturally, Emma melts into Regina's side as the older woman places a feather kiss on her forehead.
Recognizing his daughter's insecurity, David attempts to engage the coy woman. "Do you remember this guy?"
Mary Margaret encourages her eager four-year-old in hopes that Neal can lure Emma out of her shell. "Can you say 'hi' to your sister?"
"Hi, Emma." the star-struck little boy greets. He grew up hearing so many stories about his sister. He believed that he was actually meeting a celebrity.
Grateful that the focus of everyone's attention has shifted, Emma crouches down to the adorable little boy's level, greeting him with shared enthusiasm. "Hey buddy! Wow, you've grown! You were just a baby when I last saw you."
Not accustom to having to share her mother or fight for her attention, the insecure three-year-old begins to whine. "Mommy."
Recognizing her daughter's insecurity, Regina soothes, "It's alright sweetie, Mommy's right there."
That's all that Emma needed to hear. Her most important role in life outweighs any trepidation she is currently experiencing. "Mom, Dad, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
As if they had previously rehearsed this scene, Regina picks up where Emma left off. "This is your grandma and grandpa. You talked to Grandma on the phone. Remember?"
At that, the woman who had previously gone by the name Snow White brightens. "That's right, sweetie. I'm your grandma."
The shy three-year-old buries her face in her brunette mother's neck.
"She's a little tired from the long trip," the proud mother explains while rubbing her daughter's back.
"Yeah, those long trips really wear you out," David adds, empathizing with his granddaughter.
That comment obviously piqued Charlie's interest, as she peers out from her hiding place.
Her father's casual attitude helps the blonde woman feel more at ease. "Been on many car trips lately, Dad?" She is obviously feeling better.
"No, but I have made many long journeys on horseback. I know a little something about exhaustion and travel."
"We have a lot to be grateful for," Mary Margaret adds.
Perceiving that the tone of the conversation has her daughter feeling more comfortable, Regina gently encourages, "Do you want to say 'hi' to Grandpa?"
The little girl responds by reaching for David, who fluidly takes the little girl into his arms and wraps her in hug.
"Oh, wow." Emma's surprise is evident. "She never goes to anyone she just met like that. Well, except for Regina."
The young grandfather relishes the happiness he feels in this moment. His daughter is home and he is holding his granddaughter for the very first time. "This is Grandpa's little girl."
Observing that his favorite person is finally unattached, the excited, bouncing, little boy cheers, "Gina!"
The recently relieved woman picks up the animated boy directly and wraps him in hug. "Neal! There's my big guy!" She kisses his cheek. "I missed you."
"I missed you too."
Regina figures she can use this time to catch up with the adorable child who has become an important part of her life. "What have you been doing while I was away?"
"I found tappoles," Neal informs.
"You found what?!"
"Tadpoles," Mary Margaret subtly corrects. As she rubs her son's back, the younger brunette explains, "David took him camping last weekend and Neal found tadpoles in the creek. Isn't that right honey?"
"Uh-hu."
The little girl who had previously been content in her grandfather's arms suddenly becomes extremely insecure. "Mommy," she whines.
Emma is by her daughter's side at once, ready to calm her upset child. "Oh, it's okay Charlie. Mommy is still your mommy," she explains.
But it becomes evident that Charlie is not yet ready to experience any amount of separation from her recently discovered mother. "Mommy," she cries.
The ever patient Regina warmly addresses the unsuspecting little boy currently nestled in her arms, "I'm sorry, sweetie. I have to put you down for minute." After setting the little boy's feet on the floor, she takes her crying child in her arms and hugs her tight in hopes that her little girl will feel more secure. "Okay. Alright. It's okay. Shhhh. I've got you. Mommy's here," she says as she rocks her crying baby, simultaneously comforting herself. She shares her daughter's separation anxiety.
As she watches this tender moment between her two favorite people play out, the blonde woman observes, "She's okay. She loves her mama." Secure in the knowledge that her daughter is safe in the protective arms of her mother a familiar sensation captures Emma's attention. "It smells amazing in here."
"That's the roast beef, it should be ready in less than two hours," Mary Margaret informs. "Regina suggested we spend a quiet evening together after your long trip."
In that moment, Regina registers that her baby has finally quieted. Charlie is presently sucking her thumb as she tries to keep her eyes open. "I should probably put her down for little bit," she whispers. "I'm just going to take her upstairs."
"Let's all go," Mary Margaret suggests.
Unsure what prompted her mother to make such a bold proposal, Emma points out the absurdity of the comment, "Um, Mom, I think Regina can handle it on her own."
"Your mother's right, let's all go upstairs," David concurs, siding with his wife.
"Okay. But you guys are acting weird." Emma Swan is, indeed, home.