Chapter Twenty Seven: Meeting the Mother
Emma woke up with something moving in her arms. No, not something. Someone. Regina was trying to break free from her embrace, taking Emma's hands off her waist. But Emma wasn't having it. Not this morning. She tightened her arms around the woman pressing their bodies together. She breathed in that wonderful smell of Regina's shampoo and kissed the back of her neck with her eyes still close.
- Emma, I have to get up! – Regina said.
- No, you don't.
- Emma!
- No! Go back to sleep.
- I cant! I have to get Henry to his horsemanship lesson.
- He can skip one day.
- No, he can't. Also, I have to pee.
- Nope!
- Emma!
- Fine!
Emma loosened her embrace on Regina who quickly left the bed going to the bathroom. Emma almost felt sorry for squeezing her so hard as she could hear how much she needed to go. When Regina turned the shower on, Emma turned around in bed, pulling the covers over her head to go right back to sleep. She tried. And tried. And tried. But she needed to use Regina as her pillow and so, Emma stayed there listening to Regina's morning routine. She watched as Regina left the bathroom wrapped on a towel and went to the closet to get dress. She watched her going back to the bathroom and listened to the sound of the blow drier as Regina fixed her hair. Emma wondered for a moment if she should get off the bed as well. But it was cold and the bed was warm and if she could just bring herself to go back to sleep, this day would have a much better start. When Regina was finished, she walked to the bed, sitting down next to Emma. She ran her hand on Emma's face which brought a whole new level of warmth on Emma's body. She reached for Regina's hand and brought it to her mouth kissing her palm with her eyes close.
- I'm dropping Henry at his class and then I'll come back home. – Regina said.
- Okay – Emma said sleepy – Want me to help with anything?
- Thank you, sweetheart, but, you are barely awake. – Regina smiled at her.
- That's because your hand is making me sleepy. – Emma said with her eyes still closed.
- I'm sure it is – Regina smirked.
- I can help make breakfast while you get Henry ready.
- Don't worry about it. Henry is already dressed, he loves his lessons.
- Okay! -Emma said feeling herself getting more sleepy.
- Okay – Regina said kissing the top of Emma's head – Go back to sleep.
Regina left the bedroom and Emma immediately missed her. Her hand was so warm against her skin. Now she was just cold. Emma turned to Regina's side of the bed grabbing her pillow. It smelled like. That wonderful smell of Regina's apple shampoo that always calmed Emma's whole body down. Emma inhaled her scent and felt herself drifting off. It wasn't long before she was asleep again. When Emma woke up, she was smelling bacon. And coffee. But mostly bacon. Maybe eggs? Emma popped one eye open and then the other. She saw Regina standing by the door holding a plate blowing the smell of the food on Emma's direction. Emma sat down in bed fast, stretching her arms to Regina and said:
- Gimme!
- No! If you want food, you are going to have to get off the bed and go downstairs to get it.
- No! Breakfast in bed.
- Get off the bed, Emma!
- No!
- Then no breakfast.
- That's just mean, Regina!
- We have a lot to do today.
- So, let me get this straight. Yesterday, I couldn't eat Pizza, but today, THE day of the event, I can eat bacon?
- Yes. Bacon is a protein, not carbs.
- Come on, Regina. I'm hungry!
- You know where to find us.
Regina turned around and left the room with the food. Emma was outrageous for a second before getting up to follow her to the kitchen. When she entered it, Regina had a smug smile on her face and Emma decided to wipe that off of her with a kiss. Morning breath be damn. She kissed her one more time, before sitting down on the chair in front of her beautiful plate full of breakfast goodies. Regina sat down too and they ate breakfast together. Once they were done, Emma washed the plates and tried to convince Regina into some adult morning activities. But, Regina wasn't having it. Not when Emma pointed out that they had the house for themselves and could explore other rooms. It was worse when Emma suggested doing it as cardio. According to Emma, it would make their dresses fit better. Regina just rolled her eyes and told Emma to go upstairs so she could see her on the dress. Again!
- You know, you keep asking me to try on this – Emma pointed at herself – But I haven't seen yours yet.
- Mine was carefully chosen.
- Oh, trust me. Mine was too.
- I already know my mother will hate my outfit.
- Regina, I'm starting to get scared of your mom.
- Don't worry, dear. She will be nothing but polite to you.
- Then why are you so paranoid?
- Because…I am, okay?
- Okay!
- Okay. Well, there is no point in this anymore.
- Does that mean I can change?
- Yes! You may change.
Emma jogged to the bathroom before Regina changed her mind. She put on her jeans and tank top fast, hoping Regina wouldn't make her try on the dress again. When Emma was finally done, she left the bathroom but there was no sign of Regina. She went downstairs and found her on the phone in the office. Regina gestured for her to get inside, and Emma sat down on the chair in front of her desk. It didn't take long before Regina finished the call. Emma looked at her face and felt heartbroken when she saw how anxious she was. The vein in her forehead was really popping out today. Emma walked around the desk taking Regina's hand in silence and guided her to the living room couch. Emma stated that they needed a good makeout session before the event since It would be no fooling around after they had their makeup and hair was done. Also, Regina needed to relax. Emma laid down on top of Regina kissing her gently and running her hands around her body. Regina kissed her back a little bit more forcefully even though she kept on saying she wasn't a teenager anymore to fool around on the couch. Emma joked asking her if they could get to second bases this morning, which only made Regina laugh. Hard. And that beautiful sound of Regina's laugh was all Emma truly needed that morning. It made her whole body relax. After a good makeout, they left the house together to pick up Henry.
Henry was super excited when he saw that the two of them went to pick him up. He was there with his grandfather and Emma couldn't help but smile when she saw him. He was so gentle, she could only hope Regina's mother was the same. The trio then went out for lunch. Henry was happy because Regina said he could have whatever he wanted. The same couldn't be said about Emma who didn't even bother, letting Regina chose for her. There wasn't much time after that. They had to leave for the salon, with a very unhappy Henry who state he was big enough to be home alone. Regina disagreed and so, the trio spent the rest of the day getting ready for the night event. Emma was sure she had never spent so much time in a hair salon. Or a fancy one. They offered champagne. That's the kind of stuff you only see in the movies. After a whole afternoon there, it was time to finally go home. Regina was stress again, but not as demanding as before. She helped Henry get ready, which gave Emma some time off. She carefully took the dress from the closet along with her shoes and decided to get ready in the hallway bathroom. She walked inside, locking the door behind her. She turned around to this big mirror on the wall and she stopped. Emma looked at herself in the mirror. She was surprised to realize how beautiful she looked. The hair and the makeup, everything made her look beautiful. Emma never thought of herself as a beautiful woman. She knew she looked good, she had a good body, but beautiful? No, that was not something Emma would think of herself. The more she looked, the more she realized it wasn't just the hair and makeup. It was also her. And Regina. She always made Emma feel this way, feel beautiful, feel loved, and Emma was starting to look at herself that way too. She smiled at herself in the mirror with this realization. She loved herself too.
Emma then, stripped out of her clothes, carefully not to ruined anything. She loved how her hair turned out. They made an ethereal fishtail on top of her head with a few lose locks on the front which made her look effortlessly elegant. She then, pick up her dress, the one she and Regina, well, Regina had chosen. It was a red chiffon long dress, with a halter neckline and naked back. It made Emma looked like a princess. She then bent down to put on her sandals, a beautiful gold strappy open toe with stiletto heels that made Emma look impossibly tall. She checked herself in the mirror again, spinning around. She didn't just look beautiful. She felt beautiful. She couldn't wait for Regina to see her all dress up. She wanted to see Regina's face when she saw her, she knew just how much she would approve.
Emma opened the bathroom door and walked to the bedroom. The walk was a bit awkward, Emma was never the one to use such high heels, not even in her old days. She never really liked them. She was already tall enough. She knocked on the door and heard Regina's voice telling her to come in. She slowly opened the door and entered. Regina had her back to her and when Emma saw her she forgot how to breathe for a moment. Emma sincerely thought she looked beautiful but, Regina, she just looked absolutely stunning.
- Hey – Emma said – Oh my God, Regina. You look…Wow!
- Well, well, well, Miss Swan. Don't you look absolutely beautiful!
- Thank you – Emma said blushing – But seriously, Regina, wow!
- You already said that – Regina said winking at her.
- And I'm gonna keep saying that, because WOW!
- Thank you! – Regina smiled at her.
Regina was wearing a long tule black dress with sheer high neck halter. The dress was also backless and the sight of Regina's naked back made Emma catch her breath. She walked closer to Regina wrapping her arms around her waits. She was more than happy to the fact that she looked much taller then Regina. She was taller then Regina, but, since the woman was always in heels, she could never take advantage of that. But not tonight. Tonight Emma was definitely the one toping her. Emma smirked at the thought and then she placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder. And then her neck, and then…
- What are you doing? You'll ruin my lipstick. And yours! – Regina said.
- You know, you never had a problem with that before.
- Well, after tonight's event, you can ruin it as much as you like.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yes! But not one minute before!
Regina wiggled out of Emma's embrace and checked herself in the mirror. Emma stood beside her and her to admit, they looked good together.
- We make a cute couple, don't we? – Emma asked smiling.
- Yes, we do.
- Whatever happens tonight – Emma said turning to Regina – We have each other's back, right?
- Yes – Regina ran her hand on Emma's face – I got your back, Emma.
Emma smiled at Regina and took a deep breath. Now that everything was happening she felt nervous. She was meeting her mother. The last piece of the puzzle. Emma hoped beyond hope that Regina truly was just exaggerating. Her father was amazing, and they met each other in less than good circumstances. Zelena always treated her nice too. At least, Regina said she would treat her nicely. That was good enough for Emma. The most important thing to her was that Regina didn't care if her mother approves of her or not. That calmed her nerves a bit. Maybe.
- Ready?- Regina asked
- Yeah, let's do this!
Regina took Emma's hand between hers. They went downstairs where they found Henry watching TV.
- Wow! You two look great – Henry said.
- Thank you, my little Prince – Regina said smiling at him.
- Thanks, kid – Emma said - You look like a proper gentleman in that suit.
- Thanks, Emma. I do feel very mature in it. Are we leaving now? – Henry asked.
- Yes, we are! – Regina said
The trio left the house to Regina's car. The drive was a bit tense, only Henry was talking. Emma had never seen Regina so concentrated. She moved her arm to take Regina's hand between hers and squeezed. Regina looked at her and smile, but Emma could tell she was still tense. It took them about half an hour to arrive at the house. House? Yeah, right! That thing looked like a castle. It was huge. Emma thought Regina's house was posh, but this? This was another level altogether. Emma was completely eye wilded at the property.
- Did you live here? - Emma asked.
- I did. – Regina answered her.
- Regina, this is…
- It's just a house, Emma. – Regina said while parking the car.
- Just a house?
- It's pretty cool, Emma – Henry said – Oh! Maybe someday you can come by and play video games with me. They have a huuuuuge TV.
- Yeah, sure kid! – Emma said and turned to Regina – Shall we do this?
- Yes, let's go!
The trio left the car and walked to the house. Henry was walking between them lightly chatting. There were security guards in front of the door, Regina gave them their names and they were shown inside. Emma was mesmerized with everything she was seen. The living room was huge. Emma's whole apartment could fit in there. It was all white and minimalistic but very chic at the same time. Emma stooped walking and stood in the middle of the living room looking around her. That was the biggest house she ever stepped foot on. How was it like to have that much of money, Emma thought. Regina came next to her, tapping her gently for them to continue. Emma looked at her a little embarrassed by her act. She noticed that Henry had already despread and so, she kept on following Regina to the backyard. And what a backyard! The place was completely illuminated, even the trees. And the lake. Not only there was a lake in the backyard but it had spotlights all over it. Emma held Regina's hand as a small child would. Regina squeezed back but quickly let go of it. Emma felt confused considering how much Regina liked to hold hands. She always did that whenever she was out with Emma, and that was one of the things she liked the most about them. She decided to put the thought on the back of her mind. It was her parent's house after all. A waiter passed by them with champagne and Regina retrieved two glasses from its tray giving one to Emma.
- Started earlier, I see – a voice said behind them.
- Zelena! – Regina greeted.
- Hello, sis. – She kissed Regina's cheek - Oh, Emma. Don't you clean up nice!
- Thank you, Zelena – Emma said – You clean up nice too.
- She does look great, doesn't she? – Regina asked Zelena seriously.
- She looks great, Sis. And we both know our mother. She's gonna hate her!
- Excuse me? – Emma asked.
- Don't pay attention to her – Regina said.
- Oh, there is Father – Zelena waved at him.
Henry Senior walked to where them, already flashing a big gentle smile that made Emma calm down a bit.
- My daughters – He kissed both Regina and Zelena – Don't you two look beautiful.
- Thanks, Daddy – Regina said – You remember Emma?
- Yes, of course. Your little firecracker – He winked at Emma – You look beautiful, sweetheart.
- Thank you, Mr. Mills.
- Henry! Call me Henry. – He said.
- Where is Mother? – Zelena asked
- Oh, she's just down there talking to some investors – Henry Senior said – She's excited to meet you, Emma.
- I'm excited to meet her too – Emma said back.
- Shall I call her? – He asked.
- Yes, Daddy! – Regina said.
Henry Senior walked in the direction of a very elegant woman. He whispered something in her ear and she turned around to their direction. It wasn't long before they were both walking towards them. Emma took a deep breath and looked to her side, to see Regina. She could tell she was holding her breath too.
- Zelena, darling – Mrs. Mills said – Did you not have time to fix your hair before coming here?
- Of course, I did – Zelena said back.
- Then why does it look like a rat nest? – Mrs. Mills said.
- Lovely as usual, Mother! – Zelena answered her.
- Regina! – Mrs. Mills said - Don't you just look beautiful!
- Ah, T-thank you, Mother – Regina said – Mother, this is Emma. Emma, this is my mother, Cora.
- It's really nice to meet you, Mrs. Mills – Emma said stretching her arm to Cora.
- What a lovely dress, dear. – Cora said without taking Emma's hand looking her up and down.
- Thank you. Regina picked it for me – Emma smiled at Regina.
- I see. If you'll excuse me…
Cora walked away from them pulling Henry Senior with her. The three of them were left speechless. Well, Emma was. Zelena and Regina were just exchanging looks at each other but didn't say anything to her. After a while, Emma decided to break the silence and asked:
- Was that good or bad?
- It was good, honey – Regina said unconvincingly - Come on, let's mingle.
Emma followed Regina around like a puppy. She didn't know anyone there and so, had no one to mingle with. Regina stopped from time to time to talk to some people. Emma started to get a bit worried when she noticed how much Regina was drinking. She took one glass of champagne after another and that bothered Emma a lot. Regina wasn't one to drink this heavily. She walked away from her in search of something for them to eat. Emma was indeed quite hungry and considering how little Regina has eaten the last few days, the alcohol would go to her head quickly. She found the food table and picked up two plates of seafood risotto, and went after Regina. It took her a while to find her, as she was practically invisible by the lake. When she approached her, she saw that she was talking with Zelena, and when Emma got near them, they suddenly stopped talking. She smiled at Zelena and gave Regina the plate with food. Regina thanked her and said she wasn't hungry but Emma wasn't having it. She commanded Regina to eat and was only happy when the plate was clean. A waiter passed by them, Regina put her plate on the tray and so did Emma, who also picked up a glass of water and gave it to Regina. She took a few sips and turned around to look out the lake. Emma moved behind her, wrapping her arms on her waist, but Regina wiggled out of the embrace. It bothered her, more than she cared to admit, but Emma let Regina be. She asked her where the bathroom was and Regina told her to use the one upstairs. She explained it to Emma how to get there, but Emma forgot the directions once she reached up. Did she say to turn left or right? Emma turned left and started to open door by door trying to find the bathroom. All the doors had bathrooms, inside bedrooms and after opening the fourth door Emma had enough. She just walked into the bedroom and went to the suite inside. She was going to be quick. Just a little pee. Emma did her business and gave herself a check in the mirror. She was just about to open the door when she heard two people coming inside the bedroom. The door was a bit open and Emma saw Regina and then Cora.
"What were you thinking bringing that girl here?" Cora said.
"As I understand, you asked for her, Mother"
"That was before I find out she was a prostitute. Seriously, Regina, that's too low even for you"
"She is not a prostitute! She is my student"
"Yes, Regina, please continue to make the situation worse"
"How did you even find out about this?"
"Your father told me"
"I didn't tell him that"
"Of course, you didn't. How could you? I'm sure you were as ashamed of her as I am"
"I'm not ashamed of her"
"Well, you should be! This girl, Regina…I get it, she has a pretty face. Keep it as your whore, not someone you parade around with"
"Don't talk about her that way"
"Regina, please, don't tell me you have developed feelings for this girl"
"This none of you business"
"Oh, you foolish, foolish girl. Haven't I taught you nothing?"
"Mother, please"
"Get rid of her"
"No!"
"Get rid of her"
"No!"
"You dare to defy me?"
"You don't control me anymore, Mother"
Emma stayed behind the door without making a sound listening to everything. Tears were falling down her face at every word Cora said about her. She closed her eyes shut and took a silent deep breath before leaning in again on the small opening on the door to watch what was happening. Regina had her back to her and Emma almost gasp at what she saw. Cora slapped Regina right on her face. At that moment, Emma's blood boiled. She closed her hand on a fist wanting to go out and protect Regina from Cora. She wanted to do that with all she had, but her feet wouldn't move. All Emma could do was continue quietly behind doors listening to the rest of their conversation.
"I want this girl out," Cora said.
"If you want her out of your house, I'll find her and we can leave right the way"
"She is only after your money, Regina. That's what people like her do."
"Yes, mother. Of course, you would think that."
"Excuse me?"
"You said the same about Dany, didn't you?"
"And she left you, didn't she?"
"She died. And don't you dare to talk about her."
"You know, Regina I've been indulging your stray for a long time. This whole gay thing, I still don't approve of, but I admit its good for business. It sends a good messenger to the public. You were doing so wonderful in the company until you decided to play house with that woman. It's my fault, I admit that. I shouldn't have allowed you to stray that far. You got pregnant with Henry and at least you did something right. You brought a man to this family. But I went soft and let you be after that woman died. I shouldn't' have never listened to your father. I even allowed you to accept that teaching position at Harvard because I thought it meant you were coming back to me. But this….This girl, this Emma Swan, this is unacceptable. I will not have a prostitute in my family"
"That's too bad, Mother. Because Emma is not going anywhere, unless she wants too"
"We'll see about that"
Emma saw Cora leaving the room and it wasn't long before Regina followed. Emma fell down to the floor crying. Out of all the things she expected for the night, that sure wasn't it. She wasn't an idiot. She knew that her past life wasn't something most people accepted. But it was also her business. Hers and Regina's. God, Regina. The way she defended her from her mother made Emma's heard swallow with love for her. She defended her. It wasn't even a question for her not to She had her back just like she promised she would. Emma however failed her. She watched Cora hit Regina and did nothing about it. Emma's face hardened remembering that. She promised herself that would be the last time Cora would ever lay a hand on Regina. With a whole new determination, Emma stood up from the floor. She walked to the mirror again, to fix her makeup with toilet paper. After she looked presentable again, she left in search of Regina. She found her by the lake exactly where she left her in the first place.
- Hey – Emma said behind her.
- Are you all alright? Were you crying? – Regina asked.
- Can we go?
- Yes! Emma, what is it?
- I'll tell you later. Where is Henry?
- He is sleeping upstairs.
- Then let's go get him.
Emma held Regina's hand firmly and wasn't surprised when she didn't let go. They walked together upstairs, Emma in front of her. Emma turned where Regina told her and soon they entered a room where a sleeping Henry was dead to the world.
- I'm gonna go downstairs to ask for one of the security guards to carry him. – Regina said.
- Why? I can carry him. – Emma said back
- Emma, his too heavy.
- I do it all the time, Regina! – Emma said.
- Yes, from the living room to his bedroom. The car is a bit further than that.
- I can do it – Emma bent down and took off her shoes – Here, hold these.
Emma gently picked up Henry from the bed and lift him up in her arms. When she was sure he was safe in her arms, she took Regina's hand again and pulled her out of the room. The walk to the car was quiet and the drive home even more so. Emma asked Regina for the car keys and she gave her without a second thought. The drive home was silent. Emma was glad for being the one driving, she needed the distraction. When they arrived, Emma picked up Henry from the backseat and carried him inside. She helped Regina to change him and they both tucked him in. After Henry was safe and sound, Emma held Regina's hand, taking her to the bedroom. They were both quiet. Regina walked to the dresser, removing her jewelry and Emma couldn't stop looking at her. Their eyes met in the mirror and Regina smiled. Emma felt a tear running down her face when she asked:
- Did you mean what you said to your mom tonight?
- What are you talking about?
- What you told her in the bedroom, did you mean it?
- How do you know that?
- I was in the bathroom.
- You…Did you hear all that?
- Yes.
- Emma, I'm sorry…
- Did you mean it? What you say to her?
- Yes, I did.
Emma felt freshly new tears run down her face. She made a promise once. She promised the first time she said she loved Regina would be out of pure happiness. She was always trying to find the perfect moment to say it, but this was it. Hearing Regina standing up for her the way she did, against her own mother. Emma never had that before. She was always the one fighting. She was always the one who had to stand up for herself and knowing that she didn't have to do that anymore, that she had someone to fight battles with filled Emma's heart with so much love that she had to say:
- I love you!
- Emma….
- I've been wanting to say that for a long time. I just couldn't find the perfect moment for it, but, the thing is, Regina, every moment is perfect when I'm with you. I love you. – Emma said between smiles and tears.
- I love you too.
- You do?
- I do!
- Say it again?
- I love you, Emma Swan.
Emma captured Regina's lips on a kiss. It was a bit sloppy as they were both smiling more than kissing. When they broke apart, Regina gently dried the tears from Emma's face with her hand. They stripped each other slowly, kissing each other as they go. They fell in bed naked. Their lovemaking was slow and gentle. Emma savored every bit of Regina's skin, taking her time before making her come. They made slow, gentle love through the night, only stopping when they were both too exhausted to continue. Emma wrapped herself around Regina's naked body, her head resting between her breast. Regina played with her hair, making Emma feel dizzy, sleepy, and overwhelmed with love. At that moment, Emma knew she was exactly where she was supposed to be. She was with the woman she loved, her family. Nothing and no one would never take that way from her. Emma listened to the light sound of Regina's breathing and soon, she fell asleep with the woman she loved safely in her arms.