"I love you too mom, I'll see you tomorrow."
Emma smiles sadly into her phone knowing her mother cannot see the sorrow stealing the life out of her eyes. I turn my back to the blonde and resume making hot chocolates for the children. The rich aroma of smooth milk chocolate fills the air as I pour the hot beverage into the mugs.
The blonde demands for my attention when she hops onto my countertop and swings her feet like a small child. She snatches the can of whipped cream and begins her decorative creation.
"What time will your mom be arriving tomorrow?"
Emma's finger sweeps away the excess whipped cream from the nozzle before she pops the sweet treat into her mouth.
"Mmm," she hums around her finger as she licks herself clean. "I have to pick her up from the airport around noon. I can't believe I forgot about Thanksgiving."
"Well with everything happening around us, it was bound to happen. What if we put these hot chocolates into traveler mugs and take the kids to the park this evening? It's not that cold out and I think you could use some fresh air."
"I-I don't know Regina. I'm not..."
"Emma, you need to get out of this house. You've been locked away for four days. You need fresh air," I counter her refusal and begin pulling down the mugs from the cabinet.
"I don't want anyone to see me like this."
"The swelling around your eye has gone down a lot and the bruises on your neck can be easily hidden with a scarf. Besides, it's seven o'clock at night, the sun is already going down." Emma slides off my countertop with a heavy sigh, reminding so much of my daughter when she doesn't want to do as she is told either. "Can you get the children ready while I finish these drinks?"
"Of course," she mumbles under her breath forcing my lips to morph into a sly smirk.
"Would you like some coffee to lighten your mood?" I tease as I place the lids on the children's drinks.
"No," she folds her arms over her chest like a defiant child. "I want hot chocolate like everyone else," she pouts in her most innocent voice.
"You are a giant child, you know that?" I smirk and begin preparing her favorite beverage.
The woman takes me by surprise when she wraps her arms around me from behind and rests her chin upon my shoulder.
"I think you like that I'm a big kid, just another person for you to boss around with your overbearing rules and organic food choices," she playfully taunts in my ear sending a delicious wave of chills to run down my spine.
My cheeks flush with heat but I keep my eyes focused on her drink, effectively ignoring the woman who is clinging to my back like a monkey.
"I am not that bossy," I weakly defend but my voice breaks mid sentence tossing my believability out the window.
Emma chuckles softly, eliciting the most adorable sound that I haven't heard fall from her lips in quite some time. My heart swells immediately with affection but I push all of that aside, knowing she could never be mine.
"Tell me," she husks before she untangles herself from my tingling limbs. "Who was more dominant in bed between you and Ruby?"
"Ugh," I mock offense even though this type of conversation has never bothered me.
"Rubes doesn't seem like the type to just roll over and take it."
"First of all, my ex...is not a dog. Second, we both always fought for dominance and that's what kept our sex life so passionate and wild."
Emma's delectable lips twist as she fights against a giddy grin, making her mouth even more irresistible. My tongue sweeps across my bottom lip without my consent before I pull the flesh between my teeth.
"I see Ivy as pretty dominant as well. All three of you are pretty strong willed..." Emma seems lost in her dirty thoughts before her eyes flick to mine. "Do you know who-"
"Stop right there Swan!" I hold up my hand instantly sealing her lips shut. "I have never thought about my ex and her new wife in bed, so let's just move right passed this topic of conversation." Emma laughs while I shake my head. "Go get the kids, dear."
"Yes darling," she playfully mocks me as she skips out of the room with a sudden burst of energy.
"What am I going to do with her?"
After Emma bundles the children up, we begin walking to the park. All four of us with hot chocolates wrapped securely between our fingers to keep us warm. Even though it's November and should be freezing outside, we live in Chicago and any type of weather is acceptable at any time during the year. So, the night before Thanksgiving with the temperature reaching fifty-five degrees is more than normal.
"Momma, can you hold our drinks while we play?" Evie questions as her eyes meet the playground.
"Of course baby girl." I hold out my hand and take her mug while Henry gives Emma his.
"Okay you two be careful, it's kinda dark out here," Emma states but our children are already running toward their imaginary world at full speed.
I spot a bench under a lamp post and decide that should keep us warm. Emma follows my lead and sinks right onto the wooden boards. I fall into the spot right next to her, leaving a small gap between us. The blonde crosses one leg over the other and wiggles a little closer into my side. I know she's a big baby when it comes to colder weather so I'm baffled as to why she didn't put on a coat.
"Is that sweater going to keep you warm enough?" I question over the top of my hot chocolate.
"Is your vest?" She counters without skipping a beat causing a laugh to break free from my lips.
Emma cuddles her warm beverage closer to her chest, so I take this as my opportunity to have this woman closer. I press myself into her side and wrap my arm around hers while my free hand holds the hot mug against her arm to help keep her warm. The other woman signs and I notice she always breathes this sound of relief whenever we touch.
We are silent at first, just watching our children run around the jungle gym. They are free from the world as they scale the walls and chase each other. I envy that type of carefree world, a time when life is full of magic and endless possibilities.
Despite everything, Henry is still young enough to shield him from his mother's pain. He's aware that Jack is no longer around and that something bad happened between them but Emma lied her ass off to protect him. I'm not quite sure everything that she explained to her son, but I know she did what was necessary to keep his youth and innocence in tact.
That son of a bitch only spent one day and one night in jail before he was released. Monday afternoon Emma received a phone call from the police station stating, Jack was to come home to retrieve his things and she was not allowed to be there because of the restraining order. Obviously she wouldn't want to be there regardless.
"Do you think you will be able to cover up my bruises for tomorrow?" Emma meekly questions as her eyes stay focused on our children.
"Of course. Don't you worry about a thing. Are you going to tell your mother when she comes?"
"I-I don't know yet. I don't want her to think I'm following in her footsteps and fell for some loser like she did."
"Oh Emma, I doubt she will draw those conclusions from what occurred. I think you should tell her," I shrug my shoulder not wanting to put too much pressure on the situation.
I press my mug to my lips and take a small sip of the thick delicious treat. The warmth coats my throat and spreads rapidly through my chest. The heat dispersing through my veins, instantly warming up my chilled limbs.
"I was thinking, if I did tell her, this might be a great opportunity to persuade her into moving here. She could come live with me." She fiddles with her mug expressing her uncertainty about the idea.
"I think that would be great for all three of you."
"I-I just know, eventually I have to go home." I nod along but remain silent knowing there's more she wants to confess, just tickling the tip of her tongue to come out. "I need to find myself again, you know?" Again I just nod and sip my drink. "I always had someone around, Killian or Jack. I was never truly on my own and I think it's about time I focus on myself and figure out how to stand on my own two feet."
"I agree. I think that's exactly what you need right now. No more men in your life, except for Henry." I smile brightly as Emma rests her head against mine. She sighs that beautiful sound that secretly confesses that she is safe with me, while I melt into her embrace.
Again we fall into a comfortable silence as we soak in this tranquil moment. I study how our children interact with one another. Henry is always two steps ahead of Evie, but he is constantly turning around to check on her. He slows down when he finds her falling behind. He waits patiently when he reaches the top of the tallest towers and he always lends a helping hand when he finds her struggling. Those two really are two peas in a pod and I truly believe they are the best of friends.
"I'm nervous to meet your parents tomorrow," Emma whispers pulling me from our energetic children.
"Why?" I laugh as I shake my head at the silly comment. "It's not like you're my girlfriend." I'm still chuckling but Emma is awfully quiet so I snap my mouth shut.
"I-I know," her voice falters as the words die on her tongue.
I decide now would be a good time to change the subject. "Did you call Jack's family to cancel with them? Just in case Jack didn't."
"Well its really only his dad." Emma clears her throat and squirms in her seat. "When Jack was fifteen he was getting into trouble at school so his mom shipped him off to live with his father, a man he hardly knew. He was never really around, I think his parents finally divorced when he was eight, if I'm not mistaken. Anyways, he never really forgave his mom for that. He has a twin sister that he still keeps in contact with but I think he resents her a little bit because she got to stay with his mom."
"So Jack has some residual anger towards his mother and sister...shocking." The sarcastic quip slips passed my lips before I have a chance to register how inconsiderate it may be for Emma at this moment.
"I guess...that makes sense..."
"I'm sorry Emma, I didn't mean-"
"It's okay Regina." The woman scoots in closer, whether its to steal my warmth or maybe to seek comfort, I'm unsure. "Maybe that's why there was so much anger when he would drink. Maybe his past was too much to handle and he took it out on me."
"I'm so sorry," I whisper.
"Don't apologize. You have nothing to apologize for."
She nuzzles her head between mine and my shoulder and sighs. My heart pounds painfully against my sternum knowing she's so close yet so far.
I wish I could be the one to protect her, always.
"A glass of wine would be great right about now." Her adorable nervous giggle bounces off the walls of my dining room as we finish setting the table.
"How about my famous apple cider?"
"Got anything stronger?" She shrugs shyly as I fight back a smirk.
"My cider is plenty strong, you know this." I saunter out of the dining room and back into my kitchen with an eager puppy hot on my heels.
"I need something. I'm so nervous. Your family. My mom," she babbles incoherently not being able to string along one proper formulated sentence.
I pour my spiked apple cider into a glass for Emma and then decide I could maybe use one as well.
"There's nothing to worry about. You already met Zelena and her mundane husband, along with my niece, Robin. It's only my parents you have yet to meet."
"Why can't Ivy and Rubes be here?" She whines before she steals a glass and downs half of the amber liquid.
"Because, we've gone through this. Ruby and Ivy spend Thanksgiving with Ivy's mom and sister so that way they can spend Christmas here with Evie and I."
"I don't like your divorced rules, they are interfering with my life here!" Emma states her protest firmly before downing the rest of her drink.
"You need to savor this beverage. You aren't some college student at a frat party shot gunning a beer," I quip complete with an eye roll.
"I know you are a freak when it comes to your precious apple cider, but right now I need alcohol to calm my nerves."
"Emma you act like we are coming out to our parents, relax. Why are so jittery?"
"I-I don't know." The infamous Emma trademark makes its presence known as the blonde aggressively shoves her thumbs into her back pockets and sways ever so slightly.
"Well knock it off, our guests should be arriving soon."
As though I could foresee the future, my doorbell rings. Emma turns to me with wide eyes but I ignore the woman's unsettling thoughts and simply shove her shoulder before making my way to the front door.
"Can I get the door momma? I saw out the window already, it's nana and poppy," my daughter informs me as she already begins turning the doorknob.
"Sure baby girl."
My daughter yanks open the door full of excitement knowing her grandparents never fail in the gift department. Every time my parents visit, they bring Evie something.
"Nana! Poppy!" Evie yells as my father swoops down and picks my daughter up.
"Eve!" My father squeezes her tight and kisses her temple.
"Oh Henry, put the child down. She's far too old to be held in such a manner, I don't need you throwing out your back again," my mother scolds as she crosses the threshold. "Regina darling, how are you my dear?"
I lean forward to meet my mother halfway as she places a quick peck to my cheek. "Just great mother. How are you?"
"Oh lovely dear, do you mind taking these pies off my hands?"
"Of course."
"Here, I can help," Emma fumbles as she rushes to my side.
"You must be Emma. It's so lovely to finally meet you dear," my mother politely greets my friend and pulls her into a hug.
Emma is a ball of nerves as she tries to figure out how to hug this stranger in return. Her hands are ghosting over my mother's back, indecisive as to where they should land. I bite down on both my lips to suppress the laughter just waiting to mock my friend.
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Mills. Your daughter is such a wonderful person so I think I have you to thank." My cheeks flush from Emma's compliment in which I quickly hug my father to hide my reddening face.
"Well aren't you the sweetest. Keep sucking up and maybe you will pass Ruby on my favorites list," my mother playfully teases as she passes her homemade pies into Emma's arms.
"I know Ruby's a stiff competition but I'll try," Emma states with determination and I wonder how quickly that brain of hers absorbed the alcohol.
"Where's your mother honey? Regina said she would be joining us from Boston."
"Yes mother, she should be here soon," I acknowledge as I watch out of the corner of my eye as Evie introduces Henry to my father.
"I went to O'hare to pick her up around noon and she called me and said her flight was delayed and she wasn't sure when she would be landing. So she insisted she would take a cab here and call me when she's on her way. She should be here soon," Emma explains but I'm too enthralled by my father's reaction to the little boy.
"Who is the wonderful creature who named you such a strong name," my dad chuckles his deep, belly laugh and clasps his hand around Henry's tiny shoulder.
"My grandma named me!"
"Well she must be a damn genius that woman. I can't wait to meet her," my father admits as he pats the young boy's shoulder.
"Mom, Evie's poppy has the same name as me!" Henry informs his mother with pure joy, lightening up his tiny features.
"I know kid, Regina has told me before."
Emma smiles before she excuses herself and carries the pies into the kitchen. Soon the rest of my family arrives and chit chats over my apple cider until Emma's mom arrives.
"Emma," the older woman coos as she pulls her daughter into a loving hug.
Despite her age, the woman still has jet black hair and I wonder if she struggles to maintain that color, even though it's cut short into a pixie style. The woman's gentle green eyes meet mine but all I see is Henry's darker color, not Emma's.
"You must be Regina, I have heard so much about you," Mary Margret gushes before she tugs me into her arms for a bear hug.
I cork one eyebrow up over the woman's shoulder and meet Emma's gaze. She shuffles nervously and bites her bottom lip as the softest shade of pink dusts her pale cheeks. Emma seems extra anxious but I have no idea why.
"Well it's very nice to finally meet you. Thank you so much for coming all this way," I politely respond as I pull away from the smaller woman.
"Here mom, let me take your bags upstairs," Emma offers as she drags her mother's luggage into my home.
"Mary Margret, I would love for you to meet my-"
"Oh my, Henry and Cora Mills! I must be dreaming," Emma's mom interrupts my introduction leaving me utterly confused.
Emma and I furrow our eyebrows and turn to one another in question. We both seem to be bewildered by our parent's interaction. Our mother's are pulling each other into loving hugs, nothing that would be occurring if they didn't know one another.
"How long has it been darling?" My mother inquires as she steps back from the hug but neither one is ready to release the other just yet. Their hands stay firmly locked around each other's arms as they take in one another's features. "Where is James?"
"Oh that two timing, good for nothing...I'm sorry that's neither here nor there."
My mother back ups and firmly places her hand upon her hip. "Didn't I tell you that dear? I told you his brother David was far more trustworthy and handsome."
"Cora, they were identical twins," Mary Margret deadpans with a small giggle at the end in which my mother laughs along.
"Uhh, what the hell is happening? How the hell do you two know each other?" Emma babbles in pure shock.
"Oh we all went to college together in New York," my father chuckles as he pulls Mary Margret into a hug.
"And we simply lost touch over the years," Mary Margret responds as she hugs my father back.
"Huh, what a small world," I mutter.
Soon we all sit down around my table, enjoying one another's company. The small buzz of positive energy is coursing through the atmosphere. It could be just the rush from the holiday or maybe I had a heavy hand while adding alcohol to my cider.
I gather the children's plates and carry them into the kitchen so I can prepare dessert. I rinse the plates thoroughly and begin loading my dishwasher.
"Can you believe our mothers?" Emma laughs as she stumbles into my kitchen. I catch a quick glimpse of the rosy cheeked girl and broad grin plastered across her face.
"And you were so worried..." I tease.
"Well come on, who would have guessed it?" Emma crosses the kitchen and bumps lightly into my shoulder. "I don't think they would miss us if we disappeared."
"You're cut off dear."
"Why? What did I do?" Emma pouts out that pink lip and flashes me those irresistible green irises. I press my fingertips lightly against her shoulder, persuading her feet to take a step back, because truthfully I cannot stand this close to an intoxicated Emma.
"You're quite...rambunctious when you are inebriated."
"Rambunctious?" Her sandy brown eyebrows pinch together as her mind tries to piece together my words. She slowly leans in closer sending a wave of her coconut shampoo in my direction and straight to my heart. "I'll have you know, I'm rather relaxed when I'm tipsy."
"Let's start off with your first mistake in that sentence, you are more than tipsy." Her tongue pokes out of the side of her mouth playfully as her eye brows raise to her hairline in amusement. "And rambunctious as in very flirtatious."
"I have no idea of this flirtatious word you speak of," Emma gingerly replies as she brushes passed me to start my coffee maker.
"Don't play coy with me, Miss Swan."
"Miss Swan? I kind of like that," she admits most likely before her mind can tell her tongue to stop speaking. My grin is a mile wide and I'm so thankful she is too intoxicated to probably notice.
"Here," I hand the enthusiastic blonde the coffee container. "I think you might need this to start the coffee."
"So bossy," she scoffs but the twinkle in her eye is a dead giveaway to her true feelings. She accepts the coffee and begins pouring the grounds into the filter. "You have to admit." The woman falls dead silent, never finishing her thought.
"Admit...what?" I prompt waiting for her to continue her idea that most likely already fled her mind.
"We get along..." she places the filter into the machine and presses the button to begin the brew. "...like really really well."
"We do," I agree with a small smirk. I gently press my side into hers as I stretch to reach the coffee mugs for my guests.
"Do you ever wonder if maybe there's a little more to it?" She husks into my hair as I pull out a few mugs, clearly invading her personal space.
"To what dear?"
I play dumb because I will never be the first to admit my true feelings. First, I am quite certain she has never been with another woman before and I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable in anyway. Second, this is far too soon after her altercation with Jack. I understand she is vulnerable right now and her confidence has been shaken. So I can only assume she is craving some attention with the alcohol flowing freely through her bloodstream now.
"I don't know...to our friendship...do you feel this..." she pauses as I fall back into the space next to her. I turn my head slightly and watch as her hand very subtly squirms closer to mine.
"Aunt Regina?"
Emma and I both jump apart as though an arrow just sliced through the thick tension between us.
"Robin?" I gasp as I spin on my heels.
"Hey..." she drawls as her olive eyes shift back and forth between Emma and I. "...uh was I interrupting something here?"
"No of course not," I shake my head furiously as Emma shoves her thumbs into her pockets. Even drunk, that's her safe zone. "We were just preparing coffee and dessert. Is everyone alright out there?" I quickly change the subject but my niece is holding that smug look just like her mother.
"Mmhmmm," she hums. "Is it alright if I invite Tilly over? It's just her and her dad and they already finished eating so I wanted to see if she would like to come for dessert. If that's alright with you."
Now I'm the one who is granted the opportunity to hold a smug look. "Your parents have met her already?" She nods frantically. "And you want to subject her to the rest of our crazy family?"
"Yes please!"
I laugh and shake my head. "That's fine sweetie, you can invite her father as well."
"That's alright. One step at a time." Robin nervously chuckles before she disappears into the other room.
"We should probably get back in there," I suggest knowing mine and Emma's conversation was heading toward some treacherous waters.