"Oh, shit," the girl sniffled. "Regina, I... I was..."

"It's quite alright, dear. May I sit?" Regina asked cautiously, gesturing to the seat across from the other brunette.

"I... Of course you can sit," Belle told her softly, wiping her eyes with a napkin.

So the doctor sat down carefully and looked across at the crying girl, asking once more, "Are you okay?"

"I'm... I'm fine... I was just..."

"Belle," Regina said, her voice slow and gentle. "What's going on?"

"It's n-nothing. I... It's nothing. Anyway, how are you?"

"Really, sweetheart. It's okay. You can tell me. I know we've never really spoken without Emma before, but I'm not the type to judge. I'm sure Emma's told you that."

"She... She has. But-"

"If you don't want to talk about it, that's okay too. But it's okay to cry and get upset, and it's okay to share with me, if you want to."

With some hesitation, Belle explained, "My... My parents told me that if I didn't come by and pick up the rest of my stuff before tonight, they were going to throw it out. They left it all on the curb with the trash, because they don't want me in the house anymore."

"Oh, God... That's horrible. I'm so sorry."

"I haven't told Em yet."

"You should tell her. I'm sure she'd want to go over with you and help you pack it all up."

"I don't want to stress her out with my bullshit, you know? She's got her own stuff to deal with, and I'm just-"

"What about... What about if I went with you?"

"W-What?"

"How much stuff is there?"

"It's... It's not much, honestly. They're keeping all the furniture. It's mostly books and some other personal items like clothing and some sentimental trinkets."

"I'd be willing to follow you over in my car, if you want, and take anything that won't fit in yours."

"Regina, that's... You really don't have to do that..."

"It's alright, hun. I'm happy to help, if you're really not comfortable getting Emma involved."

"I... That would be wonderful, actually. Thank you so much. I really don't know how to-"

"Don't mention it. Really. Let's have some coffee and then go, alright? My treat."

"Regina, please. You don't have to-"

"What would you like?"

"I... Just... I guess, if you really insist, just a French Vanilla coffee with cream and sugar?"

"I insist," the therapist said with a smile, finally starting to relax.

One-on-one interactions were her specialty, and now that she was sure Belle wasn't going to slap her or scream at her, she felt a lot more comfortable talking to the girl. By the time she returned with the coffees, Belle had finished crying, and her eyes were dry (but still slightly red). As she sat down at the table, Regina reached across and gently placed her hand on top of the brunette's, offering a warm, encouraging smile.

"It'll be alright, dear. If they don't love you for who you are, you don't need them."

"Doesn't make it hurt less."

"No, it doesn't. My mother doesn't... She doesn't approve of my relationship, so I understand some of what that's like. Then again, I can understand why she doesn't. Or why anyone wouldn't. Or... why you wouldn't..."

"Regina, I..."

"No, it's okay. I get it. I do. I don't blame you. And I'm sorry things have to be the way they are. I know you're hurting in more ways than one right now. Just... Just know that Emma loves you, okay? There will never come a time when she doesn't. You're her best friend."

"Yeah... I guess so. At any rate, I'm starting to warm up to the fact that she's happy with you, honestly. It's hard for me, but it's starting to click. When I met her, she was... She was in rough shape. But now that she's been with you for quite some time... Now that your relationship has really blossomed and gotten serious... She seems so much better."

"I hope you're right about that."

"I am. You're everything to her."

"And so are you."

With a sigh, Belle took a sip of her coffee. Regina mirrored the action a few times, quietly taking in the brunette's demeanor as they both started to calm their nerves.

Finally, Belle said, "It's a little strange talking to you without Emma around."

"It is a bit strange, but... it's not... uncomfortable..."

"No. You're right. It's not."

"I thought it would be. When I imagined us speaking after what happened between you two the other night, I assumed you'd be bitter or angry."

"I'm not, though. I just want Emma to be happy."

"Which is what I want too. I guess we've got some common ground then."

Regina offered another warm smile and earned one from Belle in return. They began to talk about school, studying, and Belle's career aspirations, until they'd each finished their beverages.

"You ready to go?" the older brunette asked.

When Belle nodded slowly, the doctor rose from the table and waited for the girl to join her. They left together and went out to their cars, which were coincidentally parked right next to each other.

"I'll follow you," Regina told the girl. "Just relax, alright? You don't need 'em. We'll get your stuff and get the fuck out."

With a weak nod, Belle got in her car and started the engine. The therapist followed her all the way to her parents' place, then parked her car behind the girl's on the curb. Luckily, there were no other cars in the driveway. To Belle's surprise, everything that was left out by the trash cans - far less than she'd expected - all fit in her car. When they were done loading everything into the back seat, the girl began to cry again. As soon as the tears began to fall, she covered her face in her hands.

"Hey," Regina said softly, stepping closer and putting a comforting hand on Belle's shoulder. "It's alright. It's gonna be fine. You've gotta Emma to support you. Family is whoever you make it, okay? You don't need people like your parents in your life. You'll be better off without their negativity and neglect." Belle sighed and nodded, but didn't look sure, so the older brunette continued, "You want me to follow you back to the house?"

"No, it's okay," the younger girl sighed. "I'll be alright. I just need... I just need to relax for a while."

"Alright. Um, listen... Belle... I was thinking..."

"Yeah?"

"Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow? I have way too much chicken in the fridge and I was thinking of making something with it for dinner to get it all cooked. I'd also love to spend some more time with you, and I think Emma would be really excited to hang out with us both together again. I know she's really been wanting that for a while... If you're comfortable with that, I mean. Obviously, I wouldn't be offended if you declined, but I-"

"I'd love to, Regina," Belle said, wiping her tears with a small smile. "Thank you so much."

"Don't tell Emma, yeah? We'll surprise her. Show up around six?"

"Sounds good. Thanks again. I really appreciate that you're not super pissed at me. I would be, if I were you."

"No. I completely understand. To be honest, I was jealous for a while... but it was really immature, and I'm trying hard to get over it. You're a lovely girl, though, so that makes it a lot easier."

"Thank you... I..."

"I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

The two shared a smile as the younger girl nodded her head and got back in her car before driving away.