A/N.: OMG, here we go again. Are you guys reading it? Are you guys liking it? Let me 'read' your thoughts! x
Would you light me up
Really set me on fire
And be there when I'm burning out
(Ciaran Lavery)
The next following days were very quiet. Regina was particularly busy marking the papers her students had to deliver before the holiday season, and Emma dedicated herself as a full-time mom to Henry. They would see each other over dinner, that is when Regina didn't stay until late at the office.
In the meantime, Emma was using as much free time she could to research all she could find about their current situation, and especially, the penalties for committing such crime. What she didn't know is that the teacher already had done her share of research, and what she found out was not very helpful. In fact, it was rather scary.
According to what both discovered, an individual will be charged with marriage fraud if they entered into a marriage for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration law. This felony offense carries a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000, and applies to both foreign nationals and U.S. citizens who perpetrate this crime.
Regina gasped at the prospect, and she knew she couldn't let Emma take any blame. If we both go to jail, who would raise Henry? The brunette knew very well that if they both were charged, there was only one way to free Emma: if she said she didn't know the marriage was fake.
On the other side of town, Emma was having similar thoughts. Well, most precisely, how they did need to figure out Henry's legal situation with Regina, so she could take care of him in case things went badly for her.
The psychologist knew what she had to do: firstly, resign for her position at the University. Secondly, handle her personal belongings. Thirdly, after New Year's, come clean and face the law.
Being extremely practical, she decided to e-mail Mr. Gold right away, telling him that she would step down from the University, effectively immediately. By doing so, she knew he could use the next following weeks of the break to organize someone else for her position. Done. She knew very well he would try to fight her on this, however, she knew it must be done as soon as possible.
The next step took her one day and a half, to completely empty the office she's been occupying for quite a few years now. She still had most of her furniture from the old house on storage, so she organized a company to come and take the remaining books, documents, and so on. At the end of the week, and just two days before the new year, she had everything ready.
Empty walls made her heart sank, yet she was determined. There wasn't a way of postponing this for long. Acknowledging the vulnerability of having other people knowing their secret, it was just a matter of time until everything would crash and burn, and she had to be prepared.
When she was about to leave, a light knock on the door startled the brunette. "Yes? Who is it?" The majority of students were away for Christmas, and the university was closed, except for the Library.
"Professor Milano?" A young woman's voice that she didn't recognize.
"Please, come in." The small brunette stepped inside the office, closing the door softly behind.
"Er, good afternoon, professor. I didn't know you'd be on Campus. I'm Lily Hardwood, from the university paper? We had an interview scheduled for after the break?"
"Oh, yes, Ms. Hardwood, I recall. What can I do for you now?" Regina signaled her to the seat in front of her.
"Well, I was wondering, if we could do it before that if you have the time. It would give me a few days extra to write and edit the article, and since I'm having a lot on my plate these days, I could really use the extra time." Grinning, she continued, "Of course, I would never bother you if you were on vacations, but since I saw you here, I figured, why not ask?" The girl was young, looking more like a high school student rather than an undergrad. Yet, she had sharp eyes, thick glasses, and seemed to have also a good head on her shoulders.
Oh, the article. She had completely forgotten about it. A few days into December, the university had chosen her for the award of great teaching, and, also, they wanted to make an article about her representative as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She was flattered at the time, yet now, she was utterly embarrassed. How can I talk about pride and 'coming out' of the closet if I am still hiding my darkest secrets, and worse, lying to everyone else?
The student seemed eager enough and didn't seem to notice her internal battle. She could cancel the interview, but she knew a lot of the students would be disappointed, especially after they would discover she was leaving. I can do this, she thought. At least they would have someone standing for them. "Do you have time now? I was just finished with work for today." She said standing up, gathering the papers and her laptop. "Shall we have a coffee?"
They settle for the 'Grounds of Being', a coffee shop inside the campus, just close to the Literature Department. The place was practically empty, except for a few students focused on their studies on the corner tables. The waitress chirped, "can I get you guys anything?".
"Hello, yes, an americano, please. No sugar." Hazel eyes moved softly from the redhead waitress to her companion. "Ms. Hardwood?"
Regina moved with such confidence, such ease, that the student was slightly self-conscious. "Uh, yes, I'll have a latte macchiato." The girl blushed for not paying attention to the question quickly enough.
"Alright, I'll place the beverage order, for now, let me know if you guys want anything to eat." With this, she walked away, and let the women alone.
"So, where do you want to start?" The brunette spoke forwardly, looking directly into green eyes, yet with reassurance in her voice. She could notice the young woman was a bit nervous, therefore she intended to make her comfortable.
"Yes, uh, is it okay if I record this?"
"By all means", delicate hands gestured her acceptance and encouraged the student to go on.
"This is Lily Hardwood for The Chicago Maroon. Today we are interviewing Regina Milano, head of Psychology Department, and also recently awarded as 'the great teacher' of the year." She smiled fondly. "Mrs. Milano, thank you for joining us today."
"It is my pleasure, Ms. Hardwood." She smiled coyly. The teacher knew she had accomplished many things at her young age, yet, she never felt like she was above anyone else.
The interview continued with her academic accomplishments, her curriculum, and her career as both psychologist and lecturer. The feature to have become the Head of the Department at only 30-years-old, the books she published, among other things. "But finally, the part we were all looking for, how was it for you to 'get out of the closet' at the university?"
Regina smiled. It always came to this, this need to label something, to make a stand and to follow it through, "I wouldn't say I got out of the closet because I never felt like I was in it in the first place."
"Why would you say that, considering that no one was aware of your sexuality prior to this event?" The girl continued, genuinely curious.
"Well, I don't think most people know about other sexual preferences, not at all times, at least. Of course, one can assume, however, if I don't know the gender of your partner, I cannot be completely certain." The professor drawled, contented. "Regardless, why does it matter so much in the end? I never hid anything from my students or the faculty, however, it remained very private, like other aspects of my personal life. That is, until I got married." The brunette couldn't help but smile at the thought.
"That you did!" The young woman seemed excited, "and this was an important moment for our university, being the first openly gay head of the Department. I am sure it encouraged a lot of students to be honest about their sexualities, and also, others to talk about it freely." The young brunette was now beaming. "Why do you think this is important for your students?"
"Firstly, I realize now that students, like other people, need to relate to someone. As you know, I am Italian, and in Europe, we have a different approach to our sexuality, and it is something we learn doesn't regard anyone else but yourself." The poise, the natural way of the teacher talking, was a sight to be seen. "Here, though, I understand that since it is still out of the norm, people need to feel represented. Honestly, if I had grasped it sooner, I could have brought this discussion earlier in my life, mindless of my social status." Sipping her coffee, she continued, "We need to talk about things, to make it normal, acceptable. No individual which is part of the majority will simply wake up one day and be inclusive. There are things one needs to hear, and we are here to say those things. No more hiding, no shame."
Green eyes were sparkling with joy and admiration. "What would you tell someone, as a piece of advice, if this person is still afraid of being who they are?"
"I'd say, you don't need to be. I know this road is a tough path to a lot of young people, however, the sooner you can be truthful to yourself, the sooner you'll be contempt. There's no future in living a lie, let along pretend being someone you're not." Regina could resonate these words with something else in her life entirely. "Those who are not supportive of you, are also not deserving of you. I know it is hard sometimes, but trust me, to not enjoy your own life because of what others might think is harder." She concluded, her voice breaking a little at the end. She could feel her throat closing up, and her eyes watering.
The girl sensed the emotion behind the last statement but decided not to comment on it. "And what about those people who are open about who they are, and still don't get accepted?"
"Well, I would say, there are a lot of people in this world. Find your crew, your people. Make new friends, supportive friends, go to counseling, talk to someone you trust and that would be willing to listen to you." She cleared her throat, "there are options too, if you don't want to involve someone you know. There are helplines, youth resources, and so on. The important thing is to remember you're not alone, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with you, no matter what anyone says."
The psychologist knew this needed to be heard, and she was glad she could speak to those who maybe felt helpless. Perhaps the way she ended up being a spokeswoman for LGBTQIA+ rights weren't the most legit, however, the intention behind it was all true.
"Thank you, Mrs. Milano, for your time and your kind, enlighted words. I am sure our students will know now that they have someone that is on their side on this. Anything else you'd like to add?" The girl was now scribbling something on her notepad, as if not to forget.
"No, thank you, Ms. Hardwood, for the invite." She smiled, politely. "The only thing I could think of adding is, even though I know there will be hardship in front of anyone willing to step out of their comfort zone, it does not mean it is not worth it."
"Wise words as always, Mrs. Milano. Thank you again for joining us. It is an honor. And this is it guys, see you all after the break." Shutting down the recorder app from her phone, the girl looked up at Regina, intently.
"You know, I was looking forward to interviewing you, but I would never imagine it would turn out so good." She said, positively grinning. "Thank you."
"You're most welcome, dear." The brunette was happy too, with the result. "I hope you can transform my candid words into a beautiful piece."
"I will. Don't worry about that." She got up, gathering her belongings. "I should go now. Coffee is on me." Regina smiled, the girl was very gentle and respectful. "And, Mrs. Milano?" She talked again, about to cross the sliding door. "You're like, my hero, you know?" And then, she disappeared, already blushing hard and giggling to herself. Regina couldn't help but smile at her antics.