Chapter Twenty-Five: Talking Things Through
- Get inside, Miss Swan.
Emma was halfway out of Regina's front yard when she heard her voice. She stopped walking and just stood still, the tears running freely down her face. It took Emma a moment to register what Regina had said to her and when the words sink in, Emma slowly turned around. She looked at Regina who was standing by the door. Emma couldn't move. She was scared she had heard it wrong and when she got closer to Regina she would reject her. Because Emma couldn't take that. She couldn't bare been rejected by Regina. But when their eyes met, Regina tilted her head at Emma, silently telling her to get in and so, Emma's leg resumed the walking. She rushed to get to Regina, to be closer to her again. When Emma got to the door, Regina stepped to the side and let Emma in first before closing the door. They were silent. Both of them. The house was dark and Emma could hardly see anything with her misty eyes. Regina walked away from her and Emma quickly followed her, only the sound of Regina's heels echoing through the house. They went upstairs, to Regina's bedroom. When Regina closed the door behind her, Emma decided to break the silence.
- Where is Henry?
- My sister.
Regina didn't say anything else. She turned on the light in the room and then walked to the armchair, dropping her purse in it. Emma walked to the edge of the bed and sat down, playing nervously with her hands. The tears were still falling but not as heavy as they once were. Regina walked to the suite leaving Emma alone in the room. Emma watched her locking the bathroom door and at that moment she made a little pray even though she didn't believe in God. Emma prayed for things to work out between her and Regina. For that not to be the end of things for them. She loved Regina, so much. She had opened herself up for love for the first time in her life and she just couldn't lose it now. She loved her. Regina and Henry. They were her family, they were all Emma ever knew of a family and she couldn't lose them. She simply couldn't lose her family. Emma's train of thoughts was interrupted by the clicking sound of the bathroom door been open. Regina left the bathroom and walked to the closet. When she appeared again, she gave Emma a shirt and told her to change. Emma took the shirt From Regina's hand and went inside the bathroom. She stopped in front of the mirror and notice how awful she looked. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. The mascara had left a black line on her face and the foundation was all smudgy. Emma lowered her face on the sink and washed her face. When it was clean, she changed into the shirt Regina had given her and walked out of the bathroom. The room was dark again when Emma opened the door. Regina was lying down in bed, under the sheets starting at the ceiling. Emma walked in the direction of the bed, lifting up the sheets and laying down under it, looking up just like Regina was doing. The silence starched but Emma didn't dare to speak before Regina.
- That woman tonight… – Regina said - She was a client of yours!
- Yes!
- How's your headache?
- I don't have one.
- You knew her!
- Yes, she was a regular – Emma said tears falling down her face.
- How many?
- What?
- How many people did you sleep with?
- I don't know, Regina – Emma said with a choked voice- I did that for a living. I…I never felt anything. Not really. It was a job.
- Right. – Regina said sarcastically.
- If I knew… If I knew I would meet you and Henry in the future I wouldn't have done it. I would have found another way, I would….I'm not ashamed of what I did. It was the only way I found to survive. It was what kept me alive. But I am sorry that it hurts you, and I am sorry that you had to go through that tonight. Just the thought of being the one who caused you pain…
- It's easy to forget sometimes. What you were.
- I know.
- I mean, it's one thing to deal with an ex-girlfriend, but that….That was humiliating.
- I'm sorry – Emma said openly sobbing now.
- I know you are. – Regina said turning around in bed.
- Now what? – Emma said as she turned around to face Regina.
- Now we find a way to get over it.
- You are not leaving me?
- No, I'm not leaving you.
Regina reached for Emma's face and captured a falling tear with her thumb. The feel of Regina's touch on her skin again was all it took for Emma to break down. She launched herself on Regina and hugged her tightly inside her arms and cried. She cried for the twenty-eight years of loneliness. She cried for the twenty-eight years of lack of love. She cried for that innocent baby who was abandoned by the side of the road minutes after being born. She cried for the little girl who bounced between homes, never being adopted, serving only as a meal ticket for those who took her in. She cried for the teenager who suffered all sorts of abuses in those homes. She cried for the young adult who had to start to sell her body for money so she could afford to eat. And then, she cried for love. For having found someone she loved after so many years of rejection and heartbreak. She found her home. Inside Regina's arms, she was home. She had a family. Regina and Henry was her family. Not matter where they were, as long as she had them, she would always be home. Emma wanted to tell her that. She longed to tell Regina she loved her. But as she slowly pulled away from her to look at her face she knew that wasn't the moment. She wanted to say she loved Regina, but not like this. Not out of pain. She deserved more, they deserved more. The first time she tells this to Regina, it would be out of pure happiness. And then, she would say it again, and again and again every day for the rest of her life.
Regina ran her hand on Emma's face, cleaning the falling tears. Emma closed her eyes and lost herself on the sensation of Regina's hand on her face. The next thing she felt was Regina's soft lips upon hers. The kiss didn't have any agenda, as it was just an away of letting Emma know that she was there and that they were fine. When the kiss ended, Regina kissed Emma's eyes. First one then the other. The kiss was so soft and gentle that Emma felt fresh new tears forming behind her eyes.
- Why don't we get some sleep? – Regina said.
- Yeah, okay! – Emma said in a small voice.
Regina readjusted in bed and laid on her back. Emma wrapped herself on top of her body. She couldn't let go of her. She would never let go of her. She rested her head between Regina's breast, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. The sound of it calmed down Emma's body. Regina kissed the top of her head, running her fingers on Emma's hair. Emma started to feel her eyes getting heavier and heavier and it didn't take long before she fell asleep on top of the woman she loved.
Emma woke up the next morning to the annoying sound of something in the bedroom. She was still all wrapped up around Regina's body and she was trying to wiggle herself out of Emma's embrace. But Emma wasn't having it. Not this morning. She held Regina tighter and rested her head between her breast again determined to go back to sleep.
- I need to get my phone – Regina said gently.
- Nooo!
- Emma!
- Nooo!
- It could be Henry.
- Arg, fine!
Emma loosened her hold on Regina enough for her to reach the phone on the nightstand. By the time she reached the phone, it had stopped ringing but Regina checked it anyway. It didn't take long before she placed the phone back on the nightstand and said:
- It's Zelena. She's bringing Henry back.
- Oh! – Emma said and looked up at Regina – Do you want me to go?
- No, Emma. I don't want you to go – Regina said running her hands on Emma's hair.
Emma smiled at her and moved up to kiss her lips. Then she settled herself again on top of Regina's body, listening to her heartbeat. It was amazing by the little sound that calmed Emma's heart to the core. Regina gently ran her fingers on Emma's hair and they just stayed in bed together for a while enjoying the presence of each other. Emma was almost falling asleep on top of Regina again when the silence was broken by the sound of Regina's voice.
- We need to get up. They'll be here any minute.
- Okay!
Regina wiggled under Emma, but she couldn't quite let go of her. Regina laughed and told Emma they needed to get up, Zelena would be there any minute with Henry. Emma refused to let go of her, shaking her head no. It took quite some coaxing from Regina in order to Emma finally let her off the bed. Regina walked to the closet and Emma followed her inside.
- Im gonna need to borrow something to wear – Emma said.
- Sure! Picky whatever you like.
- Thanks!
- You know you could…You should bring a few things over. I could clear some closet space for you.
- Yeah? – Emma said wrapping her arms around Regina - You sure you can spare it?
- I can find a couple of inches…somewhere, maybe.
Emma smiled at Regina and pulled her closer to a kiss. Morning breath be damn. Regina smiled inside the kiss when she tried to push Emma away but Emma just didn't let her. When they finally broke apart, Regina kissed Emma's cheek before going to the bathroom. Emma looked around the closet and picked up a pair of leggings and a tank top from Regina's closet before going inside the bathroom herself. Regina had just finished brushing her teeth when she looked at Emma and said:
- Why don't you go ahead and shower? I'm going downstairs to start on breakfast.
- Shower? Why, do I smell or something? – Emma asked sniffing herself.
- No! – Regina laughed - But you do look terrible.
- Oh, thanks, Regina!
- I'm sorry, that came out wrong! – Regina said kissing her – What I mean is, take a shower and wash off last night, okay?
- We are good, right? - Emma asked.
- Yes, we are good.
Regina kissed Emma's lips one last time before leaving the bathroom. Emma looked at herself in the mirror and made a face when she realized that indeed, she did look terrible. Emma quickly stripped out of the shirt Regina gave her to sleep the night before and steeped inside the shower. The moment the warm water touched her body Emma nearly moaned. She really, really needed that shower. Regina was right, she needed to wash off all the horror she went through the night before. Once Emma was showered and changed she headed downstairs. She was still at the stair when she heard the sound of multiple voices coming from the kitchen.
- Hey, Emma – Henry greeted her as soon as she walked in.
- Hey, kid! – Emma said back kissing the top of his head.
- Emma, you remember my sister, Zelena – Regina said.
- Yes, of course. Hi Zelena! – Emma said.
- Hello, darling. I see you managed to bear my sister for quite a while now. Kudos! – Zelena said.
- Oh, shut up Zelena! – Regina said.
- What she said – Emma said as she moved behind Regina wrapping her arms around her waist.
- Oh! How adorable. – Zelena said – I hate to be the courier of bad news, but…
- What is it? - Regina asked.
- Mom is throwing a party next Saturday! – Zelena said.
- Oh, God! I hate going to those. – Regina said back.
- Yeah, that's not the bad part yet!- Zelena said.
- No? – Regina asked.
- No!- Zelena said – She wants you to bring her – She said pointing at Emma.
- Me? – Emma asked
- What? How does she…? – Regina started to ask.
- Dad told her! – Zelena said – Sorry, Sis.
- Why you two look so…pale? – Emma asked looking between the sisters.
- Our mother – Regina started to say – She can be a little…
- She's a bitch! – Zelena said.
- Zelena! – Regina screamed.
- Aunt Zee! That's grandma you are talking about! – Henry said his seat on the island.
- Henry, go upstairs! – Regina said.
- Why? – Henry asked.
- Now, Henry! – Regina said back.
- Fine! - Henry said leaving the kitchen.
- Would you please watch your language around my son? – Regina said to Zelena.
- Sorry. I honestly forgot the little one was here – Zelena said sincerely.
- So your mother….- Emma started to say.
- She's not like Daddy – Regina said leaving Emma's embrace.
- Oh, you can say that again – Zelena said.
- Okay! – Emma said - Look, if you don't want me to go, I won't! I don't want you to feel pressure or anything.
Both Zelena and Regina exchanged a look and then Zelena started to laugh.
- Sorry, sweetheart – Zelena said – There is no telling no to our mother.
- Regina? – Emma asked looking at Regina.
- You have to go – Regina said – I mean if you want to.
- Do you want me to? – Emma asked.
- It's like Zelena said. There is no telling no to our mother – Regina said – But for once, it would be nice to have someone by my side at one of her parties.
- Hey! I'm always by your side – Zelena said.
- No, you are always by the side of a waiter with a drink – Regina said.
- It's the only way I can bear that! – Zelena said – Well, I have to go. I see you guys Saturday.
Zelena rose from the chair she was sitting and kissed both Regina and Emma goodbye. Regina walked her to the door leaving Emma alone in the kitchen. Emma had just got herself a glass of water when Regina walked back inside the kitchen.
- So, breakfast? – Regina asked.
- Regina?
- What?
- You are tense. What is it?
- My mother, Emma, she… If she says anything to you, please, don't take it to the heart.
- Okay! – Emma said - What does she know about me?
- I don't know.
- Do you think she knows…
- No, I don't! Trust me, if she knew I would know by now.
- It's going to be okay, Regina – Emma said wrapping her arms around her waist.
- I really hope so.
- I'll be on my best behavior, I promise. I won't give her any reason to be rude.
- You don't know my mother, Emma.
- Does her opinion matter to you? – Emma asked worriedly.
- No! Not anymore.
- Then it's going to be okay – Emma said kissing her lips.
- Yeah, sure! – Regina said unconvinced.
- It will! – Emma said reassurance
- Of course, dear. Can you go upstairs and get Henry? I'm gonna start on breakfast.
- Sure!
Emma kissed Regina one more time before going up to get Henry. She was worried about the fact she was going to meet Regina's mother but deep down she was even more worried about their reaction. Surely Regina and Zelena were exaggerating. How bad could her mom possibly be? She met their father under one of the worse circumstances possible and things turned out alright. At least now that Emma knew she was meeting the mother she could be polite. Extremely polite. Emma wasn't joking when she promised Regina she would be on her best behavior. She would. She loved Regina, she would do anything for her. And at the end of the day, wasn't that what every parent want for their children? Someone who loved them and make them happy? And Emma loved Regina. That could easily be shown. Loving Regina was the most natural thing in the world for Emma. Things were going to be fine. Emma was positive she could win Regina's mother over. She had to. They belonged together and if winning her mother was all it takes for them to have their happily ever after Emma knew she could do just that. Right? Yes, right!