This was meant to be a one shot, but came out longer. However, this is the final chapter. I hope you like it as much as I do.
Read~Enjoy~Review
Chapter 2
The next day started off with a bang. Literally. Thunder shook the house and Emma woke up, her heart pounding before remembering she was safe. She took some deep breaths and then got up and ready for the day.
"I'll drive you and Mary Margaret to school today, Emma. No one is walking in that storm." David said as he poured himself some coffee.
"Okay da…David." She said, hoping he would think it was just her stutter.
He froze and then resumed mixing the sugar and milk before sitting down. "You know, if you felt like it, you can call me dad. I mean, only if you wanted to."
Emma kept her eyes on the cereal, her spoon dipping in and out of the milk. "I c…can?" She asked, glancing at him and back down again. "M…most people don't l…like when I do th…that." She was pretty sure that if she weren't so nervous, she could have gotten that sentence out without a single stutter. "Th…they don't w…want other th…thinking I'm th…their kid."
David reached over and put his hand on hers, looking at her until she finally looked at him. "I'm not other people, Emma and I'd be proud to have people think you're mine. In my heart, you already are mine. You are my perfectly imperfect daughter who is funny and smart and so caring. I'd honestly be honored if you thought of me as your dad."
Mary was watching from the doorway with a happy tear rolling down her cheek as Emma gave a small smile. "You're the best dad I could ask for." Emma said, perfectly. "You and Ma…Mom are the b…best parents I've ever had." She then looked down, filled with emotions. "I only w…wish I'd have met you s…sooner. M…maybe I wouldn't s…stutter so m…much."
"Oh Emma, I don't even notice most of the time." David said honestly. "Besides, it is becoming less and less when I do notice. Even if it wasn't, even if you stuttered every single word, I'd still love to hear you talk, to listen to you, I'd still love you."
Emma looked up. "Y…you love me?"
"Yes, of course. I know some people may say it's too soon, but Emma, from the day you came here I felt like the missing piece of our puzzle had finally been found. You were meant to be ours and I, like you, wish we would have met sooner, but even so, you're ours now and always will be."
Emma took her glasses off and wiped at her eyes, not sure what to say or even if she could say anything. She then whispered. "I love you too."
Mary couldn't take it anymore and she came in and hugged Emma from behind. "Good morning, love." She said and then to David, she placed a kiss on his wet cheek. "Good morning, dad." She said with a smile.
Emma looked at her. "C..can I call you mom?"
"I'd be honored." Mary Margaret stated. "You are my daughter after all."
Emma smiled and finished her breakfast. "I'll be ready soon." She said and went to get her school things.
Mary smiled after her and then sat by David. "I think we have the answer to our discussion last night."
"I hope so. I'm still nervous to ask her because I don't want to push her." David said, still feeling touched by his conversation with Emma. When Emma had first come to them, she was leery to be left alone with David even if Mary was just in a different room. He hadn't taken it personally, but had wondered why she was like that. After a few weeks of nightmares, and finally a confession from Emma, he had found out and it made him so sad that men before him had hurt her. He promised to her that he'd never be like that and knew he had to prove it, but he didn't mind. Hell, he'd walk through fire for her and it was okay if she didn't quite know that yet. "Maybe I'll bring it up with her social worker today when I ask her about Emma having a job. Just see what she thinks."
"Good idea. Just because we can ask her, doesn't mean we have to right away. The timing has to be just right."
"I know, but at the same time, I want her to know she's not leaving any time soon. I mean, she still keeps that bag packed by the door just in case."
"Honey, we have to let her do that. She'll let us know when she's comfortable. I think we're already making great progress with her trust and confidence, if her stuttering less is any indication."
David was going to respond, but footsteps down the stairs stopped him as he didn't want Emma thinking they were talking badly of her. Mary Margaret stood and took their mugs to the sink. "I'll just pack a lunch for us and we can go. Emma? Do you want school lunch today? I think it's pizza."
"Yes please, if that's okay." Emma said, not even noticing her lack of stutter.
"It's fine, baby. I get them free since I work there, but even if I didn't it would be okay." Mary said as she packed a lunch for her and David. "Is Regina coming tonight?"
Emma sighed. "I think so. I'm k…kinda nervous about it."
"If you don't want her here, you can say no. However, maybe there's more to her than what she shows. Maybe she just needs someone like you to show her it's okay to be herself."
"If the w…weather stays l…like this, are we s…still walking home?" Emma said, not sure what else was to say about Regina.
"Well, Regina has a car, so if she's coming, she can take you home. Otherwise, we'll wait for David." Mary said and then reached into her pocket. She took out a key on a swan keychain and handed it to Emma. "Here's the key to the house…your key."
Emma's eyes grew wide. "I…I get my own?"
"Yes. We trust you, Emma, and this is your home too." David said as Emma gingerly took the key.
"It's a Swan." She said with a smile. "Thank you. It...wow…it means a lot." And Emma felt stupid as she once again wiped tears from her eyes.
Mary Margaret hugged her. "I'm glad it means so much, Emma."
"N…not just the key." Emma stated and then took a breath. "Every other f…foster home was never really a home, j…just a house with people in it." Emma wiped at her eyes. "F…for the first time, I f…feel like I have a home. A real home, with a real family." She held up the key. "This may just b…be a key to most people, but to me, it's a s…symbol of something I ne…never thought I'd have. So…thank you."
Both David and Mary Margaret hugged Emma, neither one trusting their voices and both feeling so much love for the teen who swept into their lives.
Mary sighed. "Ugh, can we all just call in today? I don't want to ruin this perfect moment with school and work." She chuckled.
"I don't think your b…boss would like that." Emma stated, grabbing a tissue and drying her eyes.
"Probably not. I guess we should go." David agreed. "Emma? Thank you for opening your heart to us."
Emma let out a groan. "Stop m…making me cry. My eyes will be all puffy."
David laughed and the three gathered their things before racing out to the pickup truck and heading off.
Although the weather made the school appear dark and dreary, Emma actually had a good day. She felt more confident than ever and raised her hand in class more than she'd ever have wanted to before. She and Ruby had most classes together and the two could always be found together, laughing and talking. Zelena joined them for lunch and the three were in their own world of conversation the whole time. Regina watched and tried to understand what she was feeling. She thought she was mad, but realized it wasn't that as she looked around at her friends, both of whom were on their phones and honestly quite boring. Jealousy. That's what it was. She was jealous that her sister was laughing and having a good time when she was supposed to be the miserable outcast. With a huff, she got up and went towards the table.
"Hello, Emma." She said, not looking at the others. "Are we still on for tonight?"
Emma looked up and gave a nod. "S..sure. C…can I c…catch a ri…ride with you?"
"Yes, of course. We can head out right after our last class." Regina smiled. "Can't wait."
Emma sighed as she walked away and Ruby and Zelena looked at each other before looking at Emma. "What?" The blonde asked.
"It's just that before Regina came over, you were barely stuttering at all." Ruby said gently.
"Not that we mind, as you know, but you seemed more comfortable. Then she comes and…" Zelena didn't know how to finish that without sounding rude.
"And I'm a s…stuttering mess. I kn…know. That's how it w…works." Emma said with a sigh and pushed her tray away. "It's not a sp...speech issue. It's because of n…nerves and anxiety. I do…don't want to g…go into the full story, but it's b…because of something f…from my past. I'm w…working on it." She said, feeling frustrated tears gather in her eyes.
Zelena reached forward and took Emma's hand. "Honey, you don't have to explain anything. I just hate seeing you get so tight and nervous because of my sister."
"It's not just her." Emma said. "It w…was you too be…before. Zelena, it's anyone." She took a breath. "N…now, let's talk about the party." The three changed gears and started making plans for the party. Emma knew either she was going to humiliate herself more, or make some kind of point…or both.
The rain that had drizzled all day now included more thunder and lightning as Regina drove to the Nolan's. "M…maybe tonight isn't a g…good idea. T…the rain is bad." Emma stated, as Regina drove slower than the speed limit.
"Honestly, I think it's better I wait it out at your place. I can hardly see anything." Regina answered, biting her lip.
The girls were both soaked from the run from the car and into the house and Emma went right to work getting towels and spare clothes for Regina. "S…sorry I don't ha…have much." Emma said as she handed Regina some jogging pants and a sweatshirt.
"It's fine. Thank you, Emma." Regina then went to the bathroom to change while Emma changed and started cleaning up the puddles that were made by the front door and up the stairs. She didn't want her parents to come home to a mess and decide to take the key back. No, they wouldn't do that. They're good people. Emma told herself as she tossed the towels into the washer.
"Emma? Are you down here?"
"Yes, so…sorry. J…just cleaning up."
"No problem." Regina stated, looking around. "This is a warm home. It's nice."
"Y…yeah. I'm l…lucky." Emma agreed as she opened the fridge. "W…want some y…yogurt or s…something?"
"Sure. Thanks." Regina said, sitting on a bar stool at the counter. "Emma, don't be nervous around me." Regina didn't know where that came from as she never cared how others felt around her before.
"I…I'm not." Emma said, bringing out they yogurt and spoons and then let out a breath. "Well…maybe just a l…little."
"Don't be. Look, I know I have a reputation, but I'm not really that bad. Sure, my friends and I do have a level of…let's say respect, but we've worked hard to get it. You can't show weakness if you want power."
"Why w…want it then? I'd r…rather have r…respect from k…kindness than r…respect from f…fear."
Regina chuckled. "If people fear you, they can't hurt you."
"They c…can't know you e…either." Emma said, digging into her yogurt. "W…why are you he…here? W..why do you w..want to know me?"
"Why not?" Regina asked, taking a small spoonful of yogurt. "You're new and I'm reaching out."
Emma couldn't take it anymore. It went against everything she, Ruby and Zelena had discussed, but she couldn't help it. "Y…you think I…I'm a l…loser. I m…mean maybe you're not w…wrong. I have th…thick glasses, a st…stutter, and I'm a f…foster kid. But R…Regina, I know wh…who I am and I'm o…okay with it. Are you?"
Regina stiffened. "Am I what, Emma?"
"A…are you o…okay with who you are?"
Regina was taken aback and didn't have an answer ready. Was she okay with who she was? The truth? No. No she wasn't and she was just starting to realize that. However, she couldn't show weakness. "I am perfectly happy with who I am. So, the cat's out of the bag then huh? You know about the party? I should have known they wouldn't keep their mouths shut."
"It's n…not exactly a se…secret. E…everyone knows." Emma said, tossing her container away. "It's m…mean and hu…humiliating, but I'd r…rather it be me th…than someone else."
Regina's head shot up. "You're still going?"
Emma nodded. "I d…don't want you as…asking someone else. I…I'll take the f…fall."
Regina didn't know what to say and was saved from saying anything when the power went out. Emma let out a small squeak and tried so hard to keep her heartbeat normal. "It's okay, Emma, it's just the storm."
The door then opened and a sopping wet Mary Margaret came in. "Girls, I'm so glad you're here. There are powerlines down and the town is a mess. This is some storm. Emma, your dad is going to be working late to make sure everyone is okay. Regina, call your mother and tell her you'll be staying here. Don't worry, you can still get home in the morning to get ready for school, but there's no way I'm letting you drive home in this storm." She said as she gathered and lit candles and got out flashlights. "I'm going to dry off and then I'll whip up some kind of dinner."
"Thank you Mrs. Nolan." Regina said, getting her phone out.
"Mary Margaret or Mary is just fine, Regina." She said before going up the stairs.
An hour later, the three of them were gathered in the living room around the coffee table eating sandwiches, chips and fruit. "I think we s…should eat the i…ice-cream before it m…melts." Emma said with a smirk.
Mary couldn't stop her laugh. "Oh you do, hmm? Fine. I'll take some cookie dough."
Emma smiled and got up, looking at Regina. "We have cookie dough, chocolate or vanilla."
"Vanilla please." Regina said and watched her go before looking at Mary Margaret. "She didn't stutter that time."
Mary smiled. "She tends to stutter less once she's relaxed. Has she explained it to you?"
Regina shook her head and looked down. "I never asked."
Mary gave a knowing nod. "There's more to Emma than what you see and hear, but it's her story to tell, not mine."
Regina gave a nod and seemed lost in her thoughts as the three ate the ice cream.
Mary's phone rang a bit later and after talking, she came back out. "School will be cancelled tomorrow. They can't even begin to fix the lines until the storm ends and once it does, it will take hours. Why don't you two take my laptop and watch a movie or something until the battery runs out. I'm assuming yours is dead?" She asked, giving Emma a wry smile.
Emma nodded. "I didn't plug i…it in after s…school." She then went and hugged the woman. "Thanks, mom."
As Emma went to get the laptop, Regina stayed by Mary. "She called you mom." She said with a smile. "She must really like you."
"I hope so because I really like her." Mary said, smiling.
"Thanks for dinner and for letting me stay."
"You're welcome. Regina, there's something I want to tell you." Mary said, making sure Emma was still out of earshot. "She sometimes has nightmares…memories from her past. She…she can't control them and they can get pretty intense. If that happens tonight, please don't make a deal out of it or tell others. It would crush her. If she has one, I will hear her and I'll be there."
"No, no of course I won't say anything." Regina said, wondering just what kind of a past Emma had. Her parents weren't exactly perfect, but she knew they loved her in their way and never once thought about how others had it.
"R…ready?" Emma asked with the laptop in her arms. "W…we can go to m…my room."
After deciding Emma's double bed was big enough for both of them, the two picked a movie and laid in silence as they watched, both having thoughts swirling in their own heads. Right as the movie ended, the battery ran out and cast the room in pitch dark. Emma inhaled sharply and then moved around to turn her phone on and light a candle.
"Emma?" Regina asked softly. "You don't like the dark, do you?"
Emma shook her head, looking down. "B…bad things h…happen in the d…dark." She said and Regina knew not to push that right now.
"Emma, why do you stutter more when it's just me and you than you do when your mom's around?"
Emma let out a breath. "M…my stutter is b…because of n…nerves. It g…gets worse wh…when I feel an…anxious. I h…have to really b…be comfortable with s…someone for it to s…stop. I c…can't control it."
"I wish I didn't make you so nervous. I can't imagine how that must feel."
Emma looked at her. "It's n…not just y…you." Emma sighed. "I'm g…going to w…write this down b…because it's h…hard to say o…out loud." Emma said, getting out a notebook. Before she started, she looked at Regina again. "I'm t…telling you th…this b…because I tr…trust you."
Regina nodded and then watched as Emma wrote. When she was done, she took the notebook and read it.
This is my 12th foster home since the age of 3 for me. When I was three, I went to a home where it was really bad. I got beat for everything, including talking. If I didn't talk, I got beat, if I talked, I got beat. It went on for about a year and then I was moved. The next home was also terrible. They yelled at me all the time for saying things wrong or not pronouncing them correctly. They didn't beat me, the most the did was smack me, but they said horrible things. They'd call me stupid and a waste and so I quit talking altogether. Two homes later, they finally had me see a specialist and while I did start talking again, I had this stutter. I'm working with Dr. Hopper now to hopefully help it, but it's so hard when it's such a big part of my past. Don't take it personally, please, I wish I could stop it, but it takes time. I've only told my parents, well David and Mary, and Dr. Hopper this full story, so please don't tell anyone.
Regina wiped at her eyes and looked up to see a scared looking Emma biting her lip. She reached forward and took Emma's hand. "Thank you for trusting me, Emma. I promise I won't tell a soul. I'm so sorry that happened to you." She said honestly. Regina sighed as she thought about why she had really invited herself here and for the first time, hated herself. "Emma, I…I came here tonight to get ammo on you to use at the party. I admit it and I feel so ashamed now. I promise though, that I have changed my mind." She nodded. "I want you to come to the party, but not as my loser, Emma, but as my guest."
Emma took the notebook and began writing. I figured that's why you had come and the plan was to give you false information. The thing is, I saw something in you, Regina, something I don't think anyone including yourself sees. You are a good person inside, you're just scared. You're as insecure as I am, only you hide it better, even from yourself. I appreciate your honesty and the fact that you won't tell, but I can't go and watch others get humiliated. Why don't you come here instead? You, Ruby, Zelena and I, we can have our own party.
Regina read it and chuckled. Emma seemed to know her better than she knew herself. "Emma, they won't want me here. Besides, the party is at my house." She then chewed her lip. "But maybe it doesn't have to end in humiliation." She took a breath and squeezed Emma's hand. "Will you help me?"
Emma smiled and nodded. "Yes."
The two then talked well into the night and when the candle finally died, they decided to sleep. Emma did have a nightmare that night, a really bad one that caused her to rush to the bathroom and be sick once Mary woke her up. She came back in the room with tears streaming her face and curled up on her bed, just wanting the world to go away. Mary was going to kneel down by the bed and comfort her when Regina put her arms around Emma and stroked her hair. "It's okay, Emma. You're safe now. You have parents who love you and will never hurt you. No one will hurt you again." It had been obvious to Regina what Emma's nightmare was about by the way the blonde had fought in her sleep and the things she said and Regina felt more of her heart reaching out to the damaged soul beside her. What she wouldn't give to be able to help mend her – not fix her, for she wasn't broken, but mend her.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Regina asked the next morning when it was clear they were both awake, Emma still in her arms.
Emma shook her head and buried deeper into the covers.
"It's okay. You don't have to, but I'm here if you change your mind."
School ended up being cancelled for the rest of the week and Regina thought they'd have to cancel the party as well and found she wasn't upset by that. However, everything was finally fixed by Friday night and the party was still on for the next day. Over the few days they were home, Regina ended up at Emma's most of the time and after some talking, explaining, apologizing and even crying between the sisters, Ruby and Zelena finally came around and trusted Regina.
"Emma's been good for you." Ruby said as she sat outside at the Mill's estate where they were that night. Zelena and Emma had gone in to get some drinks while Regina and Ruby stayed outside.
Regina smiled. "It's weird. A week ago, I didn't give a shit about how others felt or how I made them feel. One night with Emma and suddenly it's like I have a heart again."
Ruby raised a brow. "One night with Emma sounds kind of…M rated."
Regina chuckled and threw a chip wrapper at her. "Not like that, diner girl." She then let out a breath. "I guess she made me feel…well she made me feel. I now know what empathy is, not sympathy, for Emma would hate that, but empathy. I'm not perfect, and I'm still worried about what Kat and Mal will say, but I can now put myself in others shoes and feel them. I've been terrible, honestly, and I don't deserve Emma or you, or even Zelena for that matter, but I'm so thankful you've taken me in."
"Emma was just telling me last night that she had seen something in you that no one else did. She sure is special." Ruby said wistfully. "I really hope the Nolans don't get rid of her."
"Oh, I don't think you have to worry about that." Regina said with a knowing smile. She had heard her mother talking on the phone about adoption papers and how she hoped 'the girl' would say yes. Sure, Regina assumed it was Emma, but she was pretty sure her assumption was right.
Just as the girls came back with the drinks, the doorbell rang. "Your turn." Zelena said to Regina as she sat down.
Regina went to the door and was surprised to see Kathryn and Mal. "You're alive!" Mal said with a smirk. "We haven't heard from you since Tuesday. You okay?"
The two came in, uninvited and Regina closed the door. It was now or never. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry I didn't call or text, I've just been busy."
"Busy doing what?" Kathryn asked as they made their way out back.
The two froze when they saw who was out there and then looked at Regina. "You're hanging out with them?" Mal asked, more hurt than anything.
"Regina, why?" Kathryn asked. "Come on, they're losers."
Regina's jaw stiffened. "No, they're not. They're actually very kind, very decent, and even funny people. I've enjoyed getting to know them and I've realized I didn't like who I was. I don't want to be mean anymore, guys. I'm no better than anyone else."
Mal and Kathryn looked at each other and while Kathryn sighed annoyingly, Mal smiled. "I don't either." She said. "I haven't for a long time, but I was scared of what you two would do if I said anything."
Kathryn huffed. "You're both dorks." She said before turning to leave.
"Kathryn?" Regina said. "You're no longer invited tomorrow night." Kathryn scoffed and Regina continued. "It's a loser party and you're not enough of a loser to come."
Mal fit right into the group and found she really enjoyed being around the others. For once, she could be herself and not worry about being judged. She understood why Regina liked them and was glad they made this change. She noticed that as time went by, Emma didn't stutter half as much if at all. She also noticed the looks both Emma and Regina would give each other when the other wasn't looking. That was a conversation for another day.
As Emma was getting ready on Saturday, Mary knocked at the door. "Emma honey, can we come in?"
"Yes. I'm dressed, just doing my hair."
When Emma was alone with her parents, her stutter was practically gone. Unless she was nervous or upset, she could get through full conversations with out stuttering and she felt so much lighter.
David and Mary came in and sat on Emma's bed, waiting for her to turn and face them. "Emma, we've been talking." David said and instantly saw Emma get stiff with nerves. "It's not a bad thing, I promise."
"Sorry, it's just that usually when my f…foster parents s…sit down to talk, it never ends w…well for me." And just like that, her stutter was back.
"Come here, love." Mary said and made room for her between her and David. "Please don't be nervous." She said rubbing her back. "We want to ask you something."
David nodded, and placed an arm around her as he handed her the papers. "Emma, we love you so much. We've seen you grow from this shy, timid girl to this wonderful, outgoing and confident young woman just in the last few months you've been with us."
"We know you've been tossed from home to home and while we can't imagine why, we're so thankful you were given to us. Those others who passed you on, never truly appreciated just what a gift they had with you." Mary said.
"But we do." David stated. "We know and we…well we want you to be ours. Legally and forever. That is, if you'll have us."
Emma stared at the papers and tried to swallow the lump in her throat. "You…you want to adopt me?"
"Yes." They both said together.
"I…I always thought once I turned 13 and wasn't adopted, that it would never happen." She let out a small chuckle. "I also never thought my stutter would go away, but here we are." She looked between the two of them. "Yes. I'd love to be your daughter. I'd love for you to be my forever parents. Thank you so much, mom and dad, for taking a chance with me. I love you more than you'll ever know."
The family of three sat together, hugging and crying happy tears for quite a while before the doorbell rang. "Sorry, that's Ruby. I can cancel tonight, if you want."
"No baby girl. Go and be with your friends. Go celebrate." Mary said, getting up. "I'll get the door. I think you need to fix your makeup."
Emma chuckled and then looked at David as he still sat. "Something wrong?"
"No, honey." He said and watched Emma go back to the desk with the mirror on it to fix her make up. "Emma, I trust you, you know that, but I also know how some parties are. If you are in any kind of trouble, you call me and I promise I won't get mad."
"You mean if I get drunk or high or something?" Emma asked with a smirk. "Or find some great guy and decide to…."
"Okay, okay nope. I thought I could do this but no. Emma, no guys. No sex."
"But drinking and getting high is okay?"
David sighed with a chuckle. "Oh girl, you're a funny one. All I'm saying is if it does happen, please don't be scared to ask for help." He said as he stood and went to the door.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks. By the way, you don't have to worry about guys." Emma said, blushing a little. "I um…I like girls. Actually I like a specific girl, but I'm not sure she feels the same."
He smiled, totally accepting Emma for who she is. "I figured as much and Emma, I think she does." He said with a wink before leaving.
The party was a blast. Everyone had a great time and felt comfortable knowing no one was going to be humiliated. Also, Regina banned any drugs and alcohol, so everyone felt safe as well. Most of Regina's night was spent with Emma either dancing or talking and laughing. Mal, Zelena and Ruby all watched, knowing what they were seeing but not knowing if the two themselves knew it. At the end of the night, Emma was getting ready to go when Regina took her hand. "Come with me a moment."
Emma did so, going deeper into the house and feeling a bit nervous as Regina knocked on a dark wooden door. They stepped in and Regina smiled at her parents. "Mom, dad, this is Emma. I want you to meet her because she means so much to me and I…well I hope we'll be seeing more of her."
Emma was shocked and tried to hide it with a smile.
"This is the famous Emma, hmm?" Henry said, coming to shake her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you. Both my girls talk so highly of you, but Regina…well she won't shut up about you." He said with a chuckle.
"S…sorry." Was all Emma could think of to say and it made him laugh.
"Emma Swan." Cora said, shaking her hand as well.
"Soon to be Emma Nolan." Emma stated, surprised she wasn't stuttering.
"I've heard." Cora said with a smile. "Congratulations. You have amazing parents."
"I know." She said with a smile. "And you have amazing daughters."
Cora smiled warmly. "I know. I can't thank you enough though for what you've done for Regina. You've made her the person I always knew she could be. I also can't tell you how appreciative I am for you getting her and Zelena to get along."
"It wasn't all me." Emma said with a blush.
"It was mostly you. Thank you." Cora said. "I hate to cut this short, but it is late. I'm sure your parents will start to worry."
Emma nodded. "Yes, I should get going. It was nice meeting you."
Once the door was shut, Emma pulled at Regina's hand to stop her. "What was that about? Seeing more of me?"
"Oh, Emma, you are smart, but you're also clueless sometimes." Regina said with a chuckle. "Emma, I'll make it official. Will you be my girlfriend?"
NO fucking way. NO way. Emma was not getting a girlfriend on the same day she found out she was to be adopted. That was just too good to be true.
"Emma?" Regina asked nervously.
"Sorry." Emma said and then smiled. "Yes, Regina, I'll be your girlfriend."
That night, Emma had no nightmares. She didn't have many anymore and she was thankful. Sure, she didn't know how long or if her and Regina would last, but she was enjoying what she had now with the comfort of knowing she wouldn't have to break things off because she was being shipped back again. No, she had a home now. A real home with real parents and they were a real family. Emma smiled as she thought about that. "For a loser, you sure are winning." She said to herself before closing her eyes and going to bed.