Last chapter of season 2. It may jump around a bit and will probably be shorter than the others, but that's just how it is. Also, true to SVU (and old Once Upon a Time) fashion, there is a cliffhanger.
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Chapter 30
Emma and Ruby had a great time on the cruise and only had a couple hangovers. Ruby couldn't thank Emma enough for bringing her with and said she'd find a way to pay her back. Emma insisted that her lifelong friendship was more than enough. Emma went on a few dates with potential girls but didn't feel a connection and wasn't in any kind of hurry.
The blonde was true to her word and called Cora to set up time to visit. She was about a half hour earlier than planned but didn't think the woman would mind. She got Chloe out of the car and held her hand as she knocked on the door and swore her heart stopped beating when none other than Regina answered the door. The two stared at each other as Chloe stared and then smiled. "Mama Gina?"
Emma swallowed, the lump in her throat hurt and her eyes watered. "I…I'm sorry. I'm early." Emma tried saying, but it came out in a whisper. "I'll come back later." Emma turned, but Chloe pulled her back.
"Mommy, it's Gina! Mama Gina!" Chloe shook Emma's hand off and rushed to Regina, hugging her knees.
Regina had no idea what to do. She wanted to stop Emma, but she couldn't find her voice. When she watched Chloe run to her, she felt her built up tears fall. She knelt down and cupped the little one's face. "Hello Chloe." Regina whispered. "Honey, I'm just Gina. I'm not…"
"She's not your mama or your mommy." Emma said. The venom in her voice caused Regina to wince as she looked up. "Come on, baby girl. We'll come back and see Cora later."
Regina stood up. "Emma, you don't have to go. We…I was just leaving."
Emma picked up Chloe and turned to the car. "Tell your mom we'll be back later."
"Emma please. You don't have…"
"Yes, I do!" Emma yelled louder than she planned as she turned around. "I can't see you, Regina. It hurts too much." Her last two words came out as sobs. "Damnit. I thought I was over you! I thought…I thought I moved on! But seeing you, I…my heart is breaking all over again. I can't breathe, I can't think, I can't be here with you here."
"Then you certainly cannot drive." Cora said from the door way. She had come to see what was taking Regina so long. "Emma, I understand why you're feeling like this, but I will not let you leave with Chloe while you're upset like this. Please come in, you can stay in the kitchen for a few moments until Regina and Jennifer leave."
Emma stood there shaking as she held Chloe. "Jennifer? Yeah, no thank you." She went to the back of her car and pulled out the stroller, fully aware that Regina and Cora were watching. She knew Cora was right, she couldn't drive like this, so she'd walk. She put Chloe down as she attempted to unfold the stroller that seemed to be purposely not cooperating with her. "Damn it!" She said as it pinched her finger. The tears in her eyes got heavier and she shook her hand, trying to get rid of the pain.
Cora came over and put her hands-on Emma's arms. "Emma, calm down. Please, take some breaths for me. I'm so sorry this happened, but you're scaring your daughter."
Emma looked at Chloe and saw the fear in her eyes and instantly the fight left her. "It hurts." Was all she could get out before she let out a choked sob. "I didn't know it would still hurt this much. I'm sorry, I just…I can't…"
Cora wrapped her arms around Emma. "I know honey. I'm so sorry this happened. Will you at least maybe wait on the porch if you don't want to go in?"
Emma sniffed and took out a baby wipe from Chloe's bag to wipe at her face. "I'm such a mess, it's so embarrassing."
"Don't be embarrassed." Regina said softly as she came closer, but still a few steps away. "It was a shock and I'm sure it hurts. It hurts me too" She added quietly. "I don't deserve for it to, but it does. I'm sorry, Emma. I'm so sorry."
Emma couldn't even look at Regina, she was upset, hurt, frustrated, and embarrassed. "This was a bad idea. I'm sorry I ruined your day. I just need a breather and I'll be fine and able to go."
Regina took a step closer. "Please don't. Mom has been waiting to see you and Chloe. You didn't ruin my day, Emma, I promise. Look, I know it doesn't matter, but Jennifer is honestly just a friend. She's not…"
"I don't care." Emma said softly as she sat on the edge of the car and put the stroller back together. "We're not together, you don't owe me an explanation."
Regina sighed, feeling as though she was making everything worse. "I'm sorry." She said quietly. "We're all packed up, we'll head out now."
Cora looked at her daughter and shook her head, wishing she'd tell Emma what she had been telling her. She knew Regina deeply regretted what happened and missed Emma more than anything else. She also knew Regina's heart was breaking just as much as Emma's was, though she had to admit, Emma didn't owe anything to her daughter. "Why don't we all go inside?"
Regina looked at Emma who was still wiping tears away. "Just come inside, Emma. I won't stay longer than just to say goodbye to mom and Zelena."
At that, Chloe looked over. "Auntie Zee?" She smiled at Emma. "Auntie Zee!"
Emma couldn't say no now, the look on Chloe's face was too much. "You guys go, take Chloe. I just need a minute."
Cora picked the little one up. "Come on, let's go see Auntie Zee."
Regina watched her mother and Chloe go and lingered about. She watched Emma as the blonde took deep breaths and put the stroller back in the car. "Nice car."
Emma jumped a bit, she had thought Regina went with Cora. "I got it for my birthday." The one you should have been at, she thought, but didn't say. "My moms gave it to me."
"That's nice. I heard the party was amazing." Regina said, kicking at the ground. "I also heard you graduated top of your class. That's great, Emma, I'm so proud."
"Gee, thanks." Emma said, not able to stop herself from sounding immature. "Sorry." She mumbled as she closed the back door of her SUV. "It took a lot of work."
"I can well imagine. You look great, Emma. Tan and stuff."
"I just got back from a cruise with Ruby. That was my birthday gift from David and Mary." One you should have been with me on, again she thought, but didn't say.
"That's awesome, Emma. I've always wanted to go on a cruise."
"Yeah, well if you'd hadn't of cheated on me, you could have. What is the point of this little conversation, Regina?"
Regina was taken aback, and Emma almost felt guilty at the hurt on her face. Almost. "I just wanted to talk to you." She said, her voice small. "I miss you."
Emma shook her head and leaned against her car, her arms folded. "Oh, you miss me? Did you miss me when you were fucking some girl at school? Did you miss me when you were having so much fun with her? While I was at home thinking we were all fine and dandy, did you miss me then? Or do you just miss me now because it's summer and your new girlfriend isn't here?"
Regina blinked back tears. Emma had every right to feel as she did, but it didn't make her words hurt less. "She's not my girlfriend." She said quietly. "Never mind. I thought maybe we could talk, but I guess I was wrong."
"Yeah you were wrong. You hurt me, Regina, and just because you've apologized, doesn't mean the pain is gone. You threw me away like I was no better than…than a dirty pair of shoes! You found something new and shiny and suddenly, I wasn't good enough! To top that off, you couldn't even tell me! You just fucking had your cake and ate it too!" Emma turned and punched at her car, her anger had gotten the better of her. She regretted it instantly when the pain radiated through her fingers and up her arm, but she tried not to show it.
"I know what I did, Emma!" Regina fired back, finally letting her own anger out. "You think I don't know?! I fucked up! I did the worst thing possible to the most amazing person I've ever known! You can't punish me nearly as much as I've punished myself, Emma! God, from the minute you ended that video call, I regretted what I did, even if I couldn't admit it! I was a fucking coward and I'm so fucking sorry! I'm so sorry, Emma! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I don't know what else to say!" Regina said, sobbing at the end.
Emma had tears in her own eyes as she listened to and watched Regina and though part of her was still angry and hurt by her, she couldn't just sit there and watch her break down. She moved closer to her and wrapped her arms around her as they both cried. "I'm trying to forgive you, Regina, but you have to understand how hard it is. You accused me of sleeping with your sister and Mal when you were the one sleeping with someone else. You knew me, my history, you knew I'd never do that. I know you're sorry and I do believe you, but Regina, I don't know what you want from me."
Regina sighed and wrapped her own arms around Emma. She buried her face in the crook of Emma's neck and inhaled her scent. "I know. I…I don't know what I want, Emma, I just hoped we could just talk. I was hoping maybe we could be friends, but I get it, it's too soon." Regina pulled back and looked at Emma, at her blue green eyes and light freckles in the sun. She cupped her face with her hands and gently stroked tears away with her thumbs. "I love you, Emma Swan Benson, and I always will. You were my first love and the best love, and the one I'll always, always regret losing. My biggest mistake is what I did to you, to us, and I just hope that maybe one day, you can move on. You deserve someone better, you deserve all the happiness in the world. Just know, that if you ever need me for anything, I'll be here for you – for Chloe. I'll be here." She leaned forward and softly kissed Emma's lips. "Good bye, Emma."
Before Emma could reply, Regina was heading towards the house. She stayed outside while Regina said goodbye to her mother and sister. She stared at the ground as Regina and her friend went to Regina's car and drove off. When Cora came over to her, she finally let out a breath and let Cora take her into her arms as she cried yet again.
~~~~~One year later~~~~~
"I'm so thankful for summer break." Emma said as she flopped down on Zelena's sofa with a bottle of beer. She wasn't legally old enough, but she knew she was staying here the night, so she didn't care. Zelena had moved from the apartment at the Bensons' and had her own one room place closer to school. Emma and Chloe took over the apartment, giving Emma a feel of freedom. Tonight, however, Emma was taking advantage of her birth mother watching Chloe for the weekend and was with Zelena. The two had actually become quite close after trying out the whole friends with benefits thing. They realized they actually quite liked spending time with each other. They didn't label it, but most people just assumed they were dating. Olivia and Amanda were just thankful Emma had seemed to grow out of her 'bringing home random girls' phase. Though Emma was always smart about it and never exposed Chloe to them, they worried about their daughter none the less.
"I hear you. College is no joke. I'm glad you decided against taking summer classes. You deserve a break after how hard you've been working. Between classes and a feisty two-and-a-half-year-old, I don't know how you do it."
Emma chuckled, taking a long drink. "I don't know either. Honestly, if it weren't for all the support I have, I'd be drowning. At least you're on your last year. Then you will be all techy and working for a big company."
Zelena chuckled and sat next to Emma, leaning her head on Emma's shoulder. "I won't go far. Sure, I had an offer in California, but I don't want to live on the other side of the country on my own. I'd miss you too much."
Emma cuddled up with Zelena and sighed. "I don't want to keep you here, Zee. We've talked about this before. I like you, but just…"
"Not in that way. I know, Emma, and I feel the same, but I still don't want to go to California when there's plenty of jobs here." Zelena took a drink of Emma's beer and bit her lip. "Regina's in town."
Emma sighed. "I know, she texted me. Zelena I just can't. I don't know why, but just the thought of seeing her gives me such anxiety."
"Because you still love her." Zelena said softly. "You know that, and Dr. Mason even told you that. You love her, but you feel so much hurt still. It's understandable, but it won't get better if you just ignore it. Emma, you're such a great person and you deserve to find someone to share your life and heart with, but it won't happen if you hold onto Regina."
"I just don't think I can let go." Emma said, closing her eyes. "I've tried, but I can't tell you how many times I've called whoever I was with Regina. It's pathetic, I know, but I have no idea how to let go. I've done everything Dr. Mason suggested, but it hasn't worked. I don't think it will until I meet someone I can actually see myself with."
"Can you see yourself back with Regina?"
Emma was quiet for a moment, maybe a moment too long. "Maybe. If we were in the same place again. I could never trust her long distance again, and trust is everything. Besides, I don't think she feels the same way, and that's okay."
Zelena sighed. "Of course, she does. She misses you so much. Why else would she tell you she's in town?"
"So we don't have a repeat of last year at your moms house." Emma shifted. "Let's talk about something else."
~~~Two years later (Chloe is now five, Emma is almost 21)~~~
"It's okay, Mommy, I'm a big girl now." Chloe said as she smiled at her tearful mother. "I'm just going to school like you. I'm in kidiegarden now."
Emma loved the way Chloe said kindergarten and hugged her again. "I know. Mommy's being silly, but my baby is just so big now." She looked at Chloe, cupping her cheek. "You be a good girl, okay?"
Chloe nodded and wiped at one of Emma's tears. "I'll be the best girl, Mommy. Will you be here when I'm done?"
"Yes, baby girl. I don't have classes today, so me and Grandma's will pick you up after school and then go get a special treat, so you can tell us all about your first day." Emma said, preparing herself for leaving her daughter at school. It was only morning kindergarten, but she was her baby.
"We staying at Grammas?"
"Not tonight. We'll go home tonight, honey."
"Just you and me, mommy?"
Emma smiled. "Just you and me. Some days I'll pick you up and some days gramma Olivia or gramma Manda will pick you up." They had gone over this before, but Emma knew Chloe liked to know what was going on. She was glad she would always be able to take her to school as her schedule allowed her to do that. She was just starting her last year of getting her master's degree and because of all her hard work, she'd get her bachelors in about a year and a half's time after that. She could see the end in sight.
The bell rang, and Chloe hugged Emma one more time. "I have to go, Mommy. Mrs. Gray is waiting."
Emma looked over and smiled at the teacher and hugged her daughter. "Okay, honey. Have a fun time today. I love you so much."
"I love you too, mommy."
Emma watched her go and wiped at her tears. She stood and opened her phone, looking at all the first day pictures she took.
"It's hard, isn't it?" Emma looked up and smiled seeing her mothers. About six months earlier, she had finally gotten her own apartment and while she saw her mothers at least three to four times a week, she missed them. However, it was easier for her for school and it made her feel like a real adult to have her own place. Of course, her father paid for it, but that was only because they all wanted her to focus on school and not have to worry about working just yet. She was a straight A student, and everyone wanted to keep it that way. Emma knew she was spoiled, she even felt guilty from time to time, but her dad always insisted she deserved it. "Come on, let's go get some coffee."
Emma nodded and went to them, looking back a few times at the now closed door. "My baby is in school." She sighed. "Look, I got some nice pictures."
Olivia smiled and hugged Emma. "My baby is almost 21. I got some pictures too." She said with a smirk and showed Emma pictures she took of Emma hugging Chloe and saying good bye.
"You sneak." Emma said, but hugged her mother back. "I thought you guys would be too busy to come this morning with the twins." Olivia and Amanda had just started fostering twin 14-year-old girls. Emma loved them, and they adored and looked up to Emma already. They had a rough back ground, but they trusted Olivia and Amanda, which made things easier.
"We thought so too, but they were up and ready for school faster than we expected. They're good girls, just misunderstood. I don't see us having too many issues with them." Amanda said. Both Olivia and Amanda were officially retired from the force, but still loved doing foster care.
They walked a bit before Emma sighed. "Did you hear about Mr. Monterelli?"
Olivia nodded. "Yes. We got the same call you did, I expect. At least you don't have to worry about him getting out."
"Yeah, but it's kind of sad that he died alone in jail. I know it may sound weird, but I'm actually okay with Mrs. Monterelli being transferred to a nursing home. She's so ill, she doesn't even remember what she did. Jail is no place for a person like that."
Amanda opened the door to the café. "You have such a kind heart, Emma."
"Not really. When I think about Jane, she can rot in jail."
Olivia softly rubbed Emma's back. "That's because she was far worse to you than the others." She looked at Amanda and then at Emma. "You know she's up for parole in two years. Will you go to the trial?"
Emma chewed on her lips. "I don't know. Part of me wants to in order to be sure she stays behind bars, but the other part of me doesn't want her to see me. I don't want her to know what I look like now…but I do want her to know that she didn't break me. It's all so confusing."
"Well, you have two years to decide." Olivia stated before ordering for the three of them.
"Yeah. Anyway, is Preston still planning on coming over this weekend? I'm excited for some sibling bonding time."
Amanda smiled. "Yes, he's excited too. He said he has some games that the three of you can play and games to play when Chloe is in bed. He misses you, Emma."
"I miss him too. I'm glad he likes to hang out with his older sister from time to time."
"I'm glad his older sister likes to hang out with him." Olivia stated. "Some siblings don't do that once they leave the house."
"I'd never do that."
The three spent the next few hours visiting and catching up along with planning out schedules for Chloe with Emma's class schedule. She was glad this was the last year for her first degree, though she knew there was more work for her second. She'd be having clinical and stuff this year, so figuring out schedules was a little different.
Emma felt the anxiety as she waited by the gates for Chloe after school. Amanda and Olivia just smiled, having done this before, but loving how their daughter cared so much for their granddaughter. Emma smiled wide when she saw her little one and got on her knees as Chloe rushed for her and hugged her. "How was your first day?"
"It was so much fun, mommy! Mrs. Gray thinks I may be the only one who can already read! She says I'm so smart." The little one beamed proudly.
"Well you've liked books since you were a baby. Of course you're smart. Maybe you can help the others?" Emma said before kissing Chloe's cheek and picking her up.
The little one chatted excitedly as they made their way to their favorite ice cream shop. Later, once home, Chloe fell asleep and Emma just watched her for a while, not believing her little one was so big.
Nine months later, Emma walked across the stage to accept her degree with honors. Her whole family was there, and she could see her brother holding Chloe up who was waving excitedly as Emma posed for a picture with her degree. There was a small party where Mal, Zelena, Ruby, and Lilly were included, and Emma enjoyed her time.
~~~Two years later (last time jump 😊 Chloe is 7, Emma is 23, and Regina – yes Regina! – is 24)
Finally, Emma had her bachelors degree in both Social work and Psychology and was applying for jobs like crazy. She loved her parents for all their support, but knew it was time to fully be an adult. She had a few leads and many amazing references from professors up her sleeve, but knew she'd have to start at the bottom. She found herself focusing on counseling jobs in schools, thinking that could be both challenging and rewarding and would hopefully give her time with Chloe before and after school.
"Mama, we're going to be late. Just let me go on my own." Chloe said as she came into the kitchen. The little blonde was a spitting image of Emma from the long hair to the blue eyes and freckles and right to the attitude.
"Baby, you know the answer to that." Emma said, closing her laptop. Even though they only lived three blocks from Chloe's school, she made sure someone took her and picked her up. She now understood exactly why her moms had insisted on driving her and Ruby to school when they were younger. "I'm taking you and Auntie Zee is picking you up."
Chloe lit right up. "Auntie Zee?! I forgot she was going to be here for a couple days!"
Emma chuckled as she and Chloe left the apartment. Zelena had ended up taking a job in California and Emma missed her like crazy. She and Chloe still saw Cora quite often and both Ruby and Mal visited almost weekly as well. Emma kept up with Regina's life, even if she didn't talk to her. She knew she had graduated with honors, worked with a private firm for a year and now was the newest assistant district attorney for New York City. Alexandra had retired, and Regina quickly took her place. Emma loved Alex from her time as a kid as she was one of the first people, other than Olivia, to believe her and take her seriously. She was the reason her abusers were put in jail and Emma would forever be thankful for her.
Emma also knew that Regina wasn't officially seeing anyone. She had gained that piece of information from Nick, one of her moms' old coworkers who was still working SVU. Though she hadn't asked for it, she was intrigued by this information. Emma couldn't believe it had been almost six years since they had broken up. She had tried to find someone else, but if she were honest, she was happy with just her and her daughter. Sure, nights could get lonely, but she and Mal would still meet up every now and then to scratch an itch for each other, so she really couldn't complain. Emma still had the box with pictures and gifts from Regina and would sometimes look through it. Before, she'd cry every time she did that, but now, she smiled. She remembered the good times now, the happy times and didn't dwell on the bad. They were young, they were bound to have issues and Emma no longer held anger towards Regina for cheating on her. She still loved Regina and knew she always would.
After dropping Chloe off at school, Emma found she had nothing to do as she waited until she'd go pick Zelena up from the airport. She was about to call one of her moms when her phone rang with an unknown number. "Hello?"
"This is the New York court system. You were on the list to be notified of any status changes for prisoner Jane Smith." The recording played, and Emma froze, her heart dropping to her stomach. "The prisoner has been released on parole. Please call…" and the message continued with a number to call if Emma had any questions or concerns. Emma went to the nearest bench and collapsed, she was sure this wouldn't happen. She had gone to the parole hearing and brought up all the dirty details of what Jane had done to her as a child. She thought the people understood her, thought Jane wouldn't get out early. Now, not only was she out early, but she now knew what Emma looked like, knew Emma had a daughter, and knew their last names were now Benson. Emma had looked at Jane just once and knew from that one look that the woman hadn't changed nor forgiven Emma for getting her in trouble. Emma's stomach twisted and she knew she was going to be sick.
This ends season 2. Stay tuned for Season 3