CHAPTER 20

Emma opened her eyes to a dark room. Just a sliver of light filtering through the closed curtains. She knew it was morning. She just refused to accept the fact that it would soon be time to get out of bed and face the day. Instead, Emma snuggled closer, pulling the warm body her arm was wrapped tightly around, a little bit closer. She buried her face in Regina's hair, breathing deeply. The smell of her shampoo was intoxicating and Emma unintentionally let a sigh of contentment slip past her lips.

Regina was dead to the world in her arms and Emma couldn't help but smile to herself. The night before, they'd gone out to dinner with Regina's best friend Kathryn who had insisted that she finally introduce Emma. After her Uncle's arrest, Regina had finally talked to Kathryn and told her everything about the woman she was seeing and the events leading up to the standoff at Luis Mill's restaurant. Regina knew that if she didn't tell Kathryn, then it was likely she'd learn about it on the news and that was something Regina just did not want to happen.

The dinner had gone off without a hitch and though Emma had no doubt, she found that she genuinely liked Kathryn and was happy to know that Regina had more than one person in her life who cared about her well-being. With her entire world getting turned upside down, a little bit of stability and certainty couldn't hurt. Regina burrowed closer and a soft noise of content escaping her lips pulled Emma from her thoughts. She rose up slightly, trying not to move the other woman too much, trying to get a better look at the brunette's sleep softened features.

The light filtering in caught a tiny object hanging from the center of the curtain rod and the glare grabbed Emma's attention from the corner of her eye. Unfortunately, with the light hitting the tiny object and her distance from the window, Emma couldn't quite make out what the shiny item was. Making a mental note, Emma told herself she would investigate it once they were both awake and out of bed. Until then, she pushed it out of her mind in lieu of enjoying the feel of the warm naked body pressed against her own.

For sheer selfish reasons Emma allowed her free hand, the one not underneath the pillow where Regina's head was resting, to roam freely needing to feel the soft skin beneath her fingertips. When her palm grazed a naked breast, Emma felt Regina stir and roll her body against hers. Even asleep, Regina had no trouble reacting to her girlfriend's touch. Fortunately and unbeknownst to Emma, Regina had been awake almost as long as her girlfriend had been. Emma groaned quietly and took a deep breath, trying her best not to react, but Regina felt bad for teasing her. With the beginnings of a smile twitching at the corner of her lips, Regina moved, slowly turning in Emma's arms.

"You've been awake this whole time, haven't you?" Emma spoke quietly and smiled softly. There was no accusation or irritation in her voice.

"Good morning." Regina smiled back, burying her face in Emma's neck, breathing her in. She placed a trail of light kisses down her neck and across her chest before pulling back to look into her girlfriends eyes again. "How long were you planning to tease me?"

"Tease is such a harsh word." Emma smiled. "I was going more for 'extremely pleasant way to wake up'. I guess it didn't work since you were already awake."

"Try again tomorrow?" Regina's smile widened as she leaned in to give Emma a proper good morning kiss.

"And every morning after."

. . .

Showered and dressed, Emma approached the window with the intention of opening the curtains, waiting for Regina to finish getting ready for the day ahead of them. The small object that had caught her attention earlier, once again grabbed her eye and reminded her of her previous curiosity. Reaching up, Emma grabbed the small thing to stop if from moving and unhooked it from the rod. Looking closely, Emma's brow furrowed at the tiny corked vile of shiny white glitter. It was hanging from a thin silver chain and Emma couldn't help the feeling of familiarity with the necklace in her hand.

"Regina?" Emma spoke up, turning to look over her shoulder to where her girlfriend sat in front of a large mirror and make-up table. "What is this?"

"What's what?" She asked, looking back at Emma through the mirror. Regina leaned in, making sure that her eye make-up was just right. When Emma didn't respond, she turned in the chair to find her girlfriend staring at something in her hand. Regina quickly realized Emma had the small chain and vile of 'dust' in her hand, having taken it down from where it had been hanging since she'd moved into her house. "It's silly. Just a little vile of glitter. I've had it hanging in the window forever. Sometimes it catches the light just right and reflects into the bedroom."

"I've never noticed it before." Emma's voice sounded far away which didn't go unnoticed by the other woman. "I used to have something like this when I was little."

Finished, Regina stood and made her way to where Emma remained standing in front of the window. She wrapped her arms around the blonde from behind and propped her chin on Emma's shoulder. "Someone gave it to me after my parent's died. Well…when I thought they had died." Regina huffed at the ridiculousness of that entire thought. "Anyway. When I moved in, I hung it in the window to remind me of my hopes and dreams."

Emma reached up and returned the chain to its previous hanging position then turned in her girlfriend's arms. She kissed her soundly on the lips. "I think it must have helped." She said before kissing her again. This time with more purpose. "Is it time?"

"It is." Regina smoothed down the collar of Emma's red leather jacket and took a deep breath.

"Before I forget, there's something I want to ask you." Emma said. Her tone was verging on reluctance, but Regina knew it was more like uncertainty. She watched Emma patiently, waiting for the impending question. "You know how I have the whole Thanksgiving dinner thing with my parents, coming up?"

"Yes."

"Well, I was wondering if…maybe you'd go with me?" Emma looked at Regina through hooded lashes, hoping for a yes.

"Emma." Regina paused, a smiling creeping onto her face. "Why would you think I'd want to be anywhere else?"

"I just- I didn't want to…assume." Emma bit her lip, feeling slightly insecure. She knew her parents would quite willingly approve of Regina as her girlfriend. She just hadn't welcomed them into her personal life since Amanda had died and they hadn't pushed either, which Emma found herself thankful for on a regular basis. She wasn't proud of the life she had been living since her previous girlfriend's death. But she wasn't that person anymore and bringing someone to Thanksgiving dinner was going to be a big deal. Especially considering she wasn't planning on telling them until she walked into the house with her girlfriend in tow.

"From now on…" Regina spoke up, interrupting Emma's thought process. "I would appreciate it if you would assume that wherever you go, I go."

Emma flashed a one hundred watt smile. "Deal."

"You're stuck with me Agent Swan." Regina laughed, tugging Emma by the hand towards the door.

. . .

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Their roles reversed, Emma took Regina's hand, stopping her from reaching for the handle of the car door. Before they got out, she wanted to make sure the other woman was certain about her decision to finally meet her mother and father. It had taken her several weeks to finally talk to Emma about her options, since finding out that her parents were not deceased like she had been led to believe for the past 16 years. Emma had given her time to think it over and hadn't broached the subject with her since that day in the hospital when she'd given her the news.

She wanted more than anything for Regina to meet her family and to get to know them, but she also knew that Regina had spent the majority of her life believing she never would. Adjustments would have to be made, but she was hopeful that in time, Regina would be able to trust them again and maybe even build a strong relationship with them, like the one that she was robbed of so long ago.

Regina had agreed to meet her family, but the word had been passed along via her girlfriend. Emma had never liked being a middle man, but given the circumstances she had been hard pressed to complain. When she'd called to let them know that Regina was finally ready to meet them, they were more than happy to hear the news. Emma had made the arrangements so that the meeting would be on their terms. Nathan and Diana Thompson, or actually Henry and Cora Mills had agreed to meet the two women in a public place but Emma knew that the visit would most likely be an emotional one and struggled to decide what the best location would be.

She didn't want the location to be so public that they wouldn't have privacy and finally chose Anacostia Park. It was a 1200 acre park that stretched along the Anacostia River. It had ball fields, picnic facilities and several walking trails. There was plenty more the park had to offer, but Emma had never taken advantage of its many offerings. Until Regina, she'd never been interested in all the sightseeing and outdoor activities that DC had to offer. Anacostia Park was one of the places Regina had chosen to go on one of their outings not so long ago. They had strolled through Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, enjoying the sun and each other's company. Emma had thoroughly enjoyed that day, so it seemed fitting that Regina should meet her parents there.

"I promise." Regina smiled at the woman sitting across from her in the driver seat. They'd taken Emma's 370, after Emma offered to drive. Regina took a deep breath and released it slowly, trying to calm herself. She had no idea what to expect or how she was going to react. Would there be anger? Or tears? Resentment or joy? "I know I should be excited, but I'm too nervous to think clearly."

"They're good people Regina. Just hear them out and I think you'll be just fine." Emma offered her a sympathetic smile. She knew her girlfriend was anxious and Emma really couldn't blame her. But deep down she had a feeling that everything was going to work out just fine. "Ready?"

Regina nodded in response and Emma exited the car, quickly walking around to open her girlfriend's door. Emma extended her arm and gave a slight bow as Regina climbed out of the low riding sports car. Regina smiled at Emma's gesture, realizing the attempt to relieve some of the anxiety she was feeling. She was thankful. Emma shut the door gently behind her and stepped in close, wrapping her arms around the woman standing in front of her. She regarded her carefully.

"How do you want to do this?" Emma asked wanting to make sure everything was perfect. Regina didn't answer. Instead, she was staring blankly at Emma's chest, lost in thought and thankful for the moment Emma was giving her to think the scenario through. Emma looked over her shoulder in the direction of the footpath that would lead them into the park. They'd taken it once before. Both women were familiar with it, but still Emma felt the need to talk about it. "When we walk around that corner up there, your parents are going to be waiting for you at one of those tables. I can…I can hold your hand and take you to them. Or I can stand back and wait. Whatever you need. We do this your way. On your terms Regina. Not theirs. Not mine."

Regina nodded to let Emma know she was listening. Taking a deep breath, she nodded again. "Okay."

It wasn't the answer to the question Emma had asked. But it was enough. She knew when Regina saw her parents Emma would get the answer she needed. Reluctantly, Emma pulled back but took Regina's hand as they took one step and then another toward the path that, if followed, would take them on a long guided tour through the park and drop them back off right where they started. But today they wouldn't be following it all the way through. Instead, they were barely walking into the park. Just far enough to find the picnic tables and benches where they knew Regina's parents were waiting. Hopefully patiently.

As they approached the curve in the path that would open up into the clearing they were headed to, Regina involuntarily walked slower. Emma let her set the pace and kept up with her girlfriend, knowing that she was feeling anxious. Emma could feel it rolling off her in waves and her heart ached for the woman whose hand she was firmly holding onto. Squeezing said hand, Emma stopped in her tracks just as Regina did. Several yards into the park, Regina's parents sat looking out at the people scattered around enjoying the day. Emma felt Regina freeze up next to her, her eyes never leaving her parents backs. She knew Regina had pictures of her parents from before they had, to her knowledge, died but clearly time was of no consequence. She didn't need to see their faces to know who they were.

"Regina?" Emma spoke carefully. Before Regina could respond, Henry Mills turned around as if he somehow knew the two of them were standing there. They watched silently as he spoke and touched his wife's back, causing her to turn quickly. Regina was shaking. Emma could feel her through their joined hands and was helpless as to what she should do. Just as she was about to speak up again, Regina turned her back to her parents and Emma saw the tears in her eyes that were threatening to spill over.

"Emma, I can't do this." Regina's voice cracked. Her eyes searching Emma's for some kind of answer. She closed her eyes then, shaking her head as if it would make everything go away. She opened them once more when she felt Emma's hands on her shoulders, sliding down her arms. "Tell me what to do."

"Regina…it's okay." Emma, on some level, understood the hesitancy her girlfriend was feeling. But she knew if Regina ran away now, she may never consider the opportunity again and Emma didn't want that for her. "They're your parents. And they love you. And no matter what happens when you walk over there, that's not ever going to change."

Both women stood there in silence. Regina gathering her nerves and Emma patiently waiting for her to decide what to do. "I'll stand here with you for another hour, if that's what you need babe." Emma told her. "But I think…if you just turn around, take a deep breath and walk over there, everything will just…fall into place."

Regina nodded. She gently ran her hands over her face and smoothed down her clothes. It was cold outside but that's not why her entire body was shaking. "Do I look okay?"

"Absolutely gorgeous." Emma confirmed, sealing her declaration with a firm kiss. When she pulled back, Emma glanced over her girlfriend's shoulder, looking at the expectant parents patiently waiting for their daughter to approach them. Meeting Regina's eyes again, Emma smiled brightly, knowing the answer to the question she'd asked when they had been standing next to her car. "I'll be right here when you need me. Okay?"

"Okay." Regina turned then, stepping away, not letting go of Emma's hand until they were too far apart to hold on anymore. At the last minute she turned back to her girlfriend who had shoved both hands in her front pockets. "Thank you. For everything, Emma. I love you."

Emma felt a sudden warmth flushing her cheeks and smiled. "Love you too. Now go meet your parents."

With a deep sigh and a heavy heart, she turned back and started walking towards the uncertainty that was Henry and Cora Mills. After 16 years of believing they were dead, Regina had no idea how this meeting was going to go. She wanted to be excited. Thrilled. Bursting with happiness. But at the moment, all she could feel was panic. Frustration. And worst of all, she was afraid. Regina had never been a fan of uncertainty. As she drew closer to the two people she was there to meet, Regina dropped her head, watching the ground as she walked, silently gathering her thoughts before she reached the couple she was quickly closing in on.

She came to a stop several feet shy of the two people claiming to be her parents. Looking up, she was met with two sets of eyes bearing down on her with a hopeful glint. The silence between the three of them made it perfectly clear that all parties were unsure of the situation at hand. Regina looked back and forth between the two of them, her head suddenly at war with her heart. The entire moment was overwhelming and the tears in her eyes threatened to give everything away. Her chest tightened. Regina finally opened her mouth to speak, when at the same time, Cora Mills reached out as if to touch her.

The slight movement caused her to panic and Regina stepped back quickly in effort to remain out of reach. And in that moment, her walls completely crumbled.

"Who are you?" Regina yelled. She felt as if she had no control over her reaction. Every emotion she'd felt about her parent's supposed death and finding out that they had in fact been alive the whole time, came boiling to the surface. "Who do you think you are?"

"Regina, we-" Henry Mills began to speak, but quickly found himself cut off.

"You left me." The words seemed to catch in her throat, leaving her choked and gasping for air. A look of pain and anger crossing her face. "You left me. With him."

"Regina." Cora spoke softly. Her hands remaining clasped together neatly in front of her now that she realized her daughter wasn't quite ready to connect with them. The pain in her eyes was almost a match for her daughter's. "Darling. You have to believe us. You were never supposed to be left behind."

"For sixteen years I thought you were dead." The words were meant to be harsh, but barely made it out on a whisper of breath. "Sixteen years and you couldn't find any way to make me disappear with you?"

. . .

Emma remained standing in the spot where Regina had left her. Unfortunately that spot was just far enough away that she was out of earshot of her girlfriend and her parents. She awkwardly shifted from one foot to the other as she watched the scene in front of her, tension rolling off of all three of them in waves. Emma felt a weight on her chest that she couldn't explain but somehow knew it was her girlfriend she was feeling. From the moment they'd met, both women had felt a connection that neither could put into words. And when they were apart, the separation was borderline painful. That was on a good day. But in moments like this, the emotion was downright unbearable.

When Emma saw Regina step back quickly, she'd had all she could take. Somehow she'd imagined holding out longer, but her heart clearly had other ideas. Fortunately, she had enough control over her body to allow herself to approach the group slowly. The closer she got, Emma stepped to the side so that Regina might see her coming. The last thing she wanted to do was surprise her girlfriend when she was already wound so tight.

Finally, when Emma was close enough she heard Regina say, 'Sixteen years and you couldn't find any way to make me disappear with you?' And her heart ached for the brunette who was openly breaking down right in front of all of them. Emma had barely seen Regina cry, let alone fall apart. She reached out then, touching Regina's arm gently. She should have known better. Emma knew better than most that when a person is breaking down the last thing they want, even though they might need it, is to be touched. The simplest act of human contact had the complete and total power to bring even the strongest person to their knees. And Regina crumbled.

Had Emma been any slower, she might not have caught her girlfriend who instantly dissolved and fell into her arms. Tears pouring like rain from her eyes. She buried her head against Emma's chest and Emma held on tight. Looking over Regina's shoulder once again, Emma looked at Henry and Cora Mills, hoping that they would find a way to understand. And by the looks in their eyes, they most definitely did.

"Let's sit down, yeah?" Emma spoke softly into Regina's ear. Regina didn't react, but Emma hadn't really expected her to. The suggestion was more of a warning that she was about to take her to the table where she could sit and take a moment to calm down. Once the two were comfortable and Regina had regained her composure, Henry and Cora joined them; taking seats on the other side of the picnic table.

When Regina was finally ready to face them again, Emma sat closely, rubbing her back in offer of silent support. Regina looked up and took a moment to take in the features of the man and woman in front of her. There was no mistaking they were her parents. They were clearly several years older, but looked the same as she remembered from the few photos she had of them. She sniffled, wiping at her eyes gently and attempted to swallow the lump in her throat.

"Regina, honey." Henry Mills finally spoke up. "You must have many questions. You can ask us anything."

"Emma said you were at the gallery the night before her accident." Regina didn't hesitate to respond. Henry was right. She had a million questions. The only problem being that she had no clue where to even begin. She wanted to know these people. She wanted to love them, even. Regina loved her parents. But these people, she didn't know. Deep down she knew it was going to take some time, she only wished it was easier. Regina didn't want to be angry. Or hurt. But the fact remained. "You had to know Uncle Luis was going to be there. What if he had seen you? How do you know he didn't?"

"For you. It was a risk we were willing to take." Cora answered. Regina huffed in disbelief, looking away for a moment.

"It took you 16 years to 'take a risk'?" She laughed nervously to herself and shook her head. Wasn't this supposed to get easier, with every minute that ticked by? "Why was that night any different? There had to have been a million less public opportunities for you to see me."

"There were." Henry was quick to admit. "But you have to understand, just because our identities were changed, doesn't mean we were left to our own devices. We were watched constantly, as if we were criminals as well."

"You will never know how hard it was to stay away." Cora told Regina, looking back and forth between the two women sitting across from her. "You don't have to hear everything today. We simply…wanted to meet you. To let you know we're here and if you'll have us, to be a part of your life."

"It's going to take some time." Regina responded honestly. "There's a part of me that knows. The rational part of my brain, telling me that it wasn't your fault. But the irrational little girl that got left behind…she just doesn't understand."