I'm back. I feel like it's been forever since I updated this, but it's only been a month. I am thinking it will be a ten-chapter story, so there will be some time hops, but I'm trying to do it in ways that make sense. Anyway, here we go!

Read~Enjoy~Review

Chapter 7

After Zelena's party, Henry had been charged with assault of a minor for hitting Emma and it took almost all summer before his lawyer reached out to David's lawyer and they settled – earning Emma some money that they put in savings for her. She told her parents to use anything they needed, but they said they only would in emergencies. Part of Emma felt bad that they settled, but she knew that he wouldn't get much if it did go to court. Regina and Cora assured Emma she did the right thing – which made things easier.

Henry wasn't seen much that summer and Regina loved that she could let her guard down. Finally, at the end of the summer, he had his trial for everything else and was found guilty. He was sentenced to ten years in a federal prison in Boston and neither Regina nor Zelena went to say goodbye to him.

Emma and Regina enjoyed their summer together, going on 'dates' to the movies, the dinner, even to the old school roller rink that popped up that summer. They went hiking and Regina even got Emma to go horseback riding. They were pretty innocent when it came to affection, sticking mostly with cuddling, kissing and over clothes touching. They each celebrated their birthday's and were both embarrassed that night when their moms sat them down to talk about safe sex – though it was probably just as embarrassing for Cora and Mary because they had to 'research' things like dental damns, how to safely wash sex toys and using finger condoms. All four were red by the end of the conversation, but at the same time, it meant a lot to Regina that her mother would do something so uncomfortable just to be sure she was safe.

The two celebrated their birthdays over the summer and a week before school started, they got their packets in the mail. They sat in Cora's living room and opened them. Emma frowned. "I'm roomed with a freshman named Sara. I requested you."

"I'm with Ruby. I requested you as well." Regina said, disappointment in her voice. "Wait, I have a letter from Miss Blue."

"Me too." Emma said, holding it up. "Dear Emma, I know you requested to room with Regina, however it has come to my attention that the two of you are in a relationship. First, wow! You two came a long way from where you were last year, and I couldn't be happier. Don't worry, this news is not being shared in any way, as it's not our job to do that. However, I did have to really think about your rooming requests and I hope you understand that while we don't discourage relationships (and will not tolerate any prejudice against those in one) we also don't encourage things we wouldn't encourage with a boy/girl relationship. I hope you understand and believe me that I am happy for you both. We put you in rooms across from each other and what you two decide to do once you're here is up to you and your roommates. I can't wait to see you again, Emma, and I hope your summer has been great." She looked at Regina. "Is that pretty much what yours says?"

Regina shook her head. "No…I think she knows more than she acts like she does. Mine says, Dear Regina, I hope you've had a great summer and I can't wait to see you again. I'm sorry that our individual rooms are all booked and that we couldn't fulfil your request. If you get a chance to see or talk to Emma, you will hopefully understand. Have a great rest of your summer." Regina looked at Emma. "I'm guessing she knew how my family was versus yours.

Emma sighed. "Well, I get where they're coming from, but it kinda sucks. It's not like we're in the same classes or anything…well not all of them. I suppose we could ask Ruby and this Sara if one of them would switch."

"We could." Regina said, biting her lip. "But maybe this is okay." She took Emma's hand. "Look, I'm not saying I don't want to be with you, but maybe Miss Blue has a point. Maybe if we're together too much, that could cause issues too. It would make 'date nights' more special, you know?"

Emma smiled and kissed Regina's hand. "You're right. Besides, you'll probably have your own dorm next year, so I have to get used to it."

Regina smirked. "Next year we'll be a year older and you can stay in my dorm every night." She wiggled her eyebrows and made Emma laugh. "Remember, we said once we're both sixteen and if we both feel comfortable with it, we'll do more than kissing."

"Yeah, I mean our moms did spend all that time looking up information on safe lesbian sex. We can't let the information go to waste." They both laughed and then Regina frowned looking at the clock. "You're supposed to be home in five minutes."

"Shit. I have to go. I'm sorry. My dad really wants the three of us to do this camping thing."

"It's okay, Emma. Go and have fun. I'll see you on Sunday."

"Then on Monday we head back to school." Emma said, putting her shoes on. "Part of me can't wait, but part of me doesn't want to go back."

"I completely agree. It was weird taking Zee to college last week and I feel bad that mom will be alone." Regina then chuckled. "But I think she and your mom have plans to keep her busy."

Emma smiled. "They make the cutest friends."

"They really do."

SQSQSQSQSQSQSQSQSQ

Emma and Regina got their welcome packs and headed to their dorm. Emma peeked in her room and shrugged. "She's not here yet."

"Neither is Ruby. How about we unpack and meet up in the common area and see if Mal and Kathryn are here?"

"Sounds good." Emma went to her room and started unpacking.

"And this is your room." Came Mal's voice as their door opened. "Oh, sorry Ems, I didn't know you were here."

"It's okay." Emma smiled and gave a small wave. "Hi, I'm Emma."

"Sara." The girl said, a bit snobbishly as she looked around the room. Emma had her bed already made and her things already in one of the wardrobes. "I want that bed. It's closer to the door." Sara said, pointing at Emma's bed.

"Sorry, I already called it. All my stuff is unpacked over there." In some cases, Emma would have just given the girl her bed, but the way this girl was acting, she wasn't going to do that.

Mal gave Sara a shrug. "She was here first. That's the unwritten rule. I've got to get back, but if you have questions, Emma can help you and I'm sure Miss Blue will be around soon. See you later, Emma."

"Bye." Emma said, laying on the bed with her phone. Her parents now had cell phones and she was able to text them that she was at school. She noticed Sara wasn't moving and looked over. "Do you need help?"

"No. I need you to get off my bed."

Emma's brow rose. "Sorry, this is my bed. Look, that one is closer to the bathroom and it's the same kind of bed. One isn't better than the other."

"Then take that one."

Emma shook her head. "Nope."

"Hello girls." Miss Blue said from the doorway. "Emma, how was your summer?"

Emma smiled. "It was great. How was yours?"

"Good, thanks for asking. You're the first one to ask me that, you're so sweet. Sara, welcome to Boston Academy for Girls. I hope you're finding everything okay."

"Yes, accept she's in my bed." Sara said, pointing to Emma. "And she won't get out."

Miss Blue looked a little surprised. "Who was here first?"

"Me." Emma said, looking at her phone. "So, I picked this bed.

Miss Blue looked at Sara. "Then it's hers. I'm sorry, but all the beds have new mattresses and are all the same comfort. Let's not let something so silly get in the way of our first day here."

"My father pays this school good money and I already didn't get my own room and now you're saying I can't have the bed I want?"

Miss Blue gave Emma a look and then focused on Sara. "I'm not sure if you know this, but we treat everyone equally here no matter how much their parents give to us. That is Emma's bed, and this is yours and if there's going to be trouble, please know that I do not play favorites and I will not be afraid to call your father."

Sara scoffed and went to the other bed. "You got someone to make the bed?"

Emma tried hard not to roll her eyes. This was going to be worse than it was when she was with Regina before they got along. Miss Blue took a breath. "You make it, dear. We don't have maids here, so you make your bed, you wash your dishes, you pick up your clothes, and you clean up after yourself."

"Are you serious? I don't even know how to make a bed."

Emma sighed and stood. "I'll show you one time." She went over and explained how to put on fitted sheets and the flat sheet and then her blanket. When she finished, she looked at Sara. "There. Pretty easy."

"How much would I have to pay you to get you to do that every day?"

"Sorry, I don't have time. I have my own bed to make and my own classes."

Miss Blue gave a smile. "Well, looks like we're settled here. Sara, new patient orientation is this afternoon at two. Emma, thanks for the help."

"No problem." Emma said and smiled as Regina came in.

"Hey Miss Blue. Good summer?"

"Great summer, thank you Regina. My, you and Emma sure are sweet for asking me. How was your summer?"

"Mostly good. Emma, you ready to go to the common area?"

"All set." Emma said as she locked her wardrobe; she wasn't taking any chances with Sara. "See you around, Miss Blue."

As Miss Blue left, Regina kissed Emma's cheek and the two headed out. They found Mal, Ruby, Kathryn, Belle, Lacey, and Ashley. "So, Emma, how's your roomie?" Ruby asked, taking a sip of her soda.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Think last year Regina but twenty times worse. She didn't know how to make her bed and almost threw a fit because I wouldn't trade beds with her because her daddy pays the school so much."

"Sounds like a peach." Kathryn said and smirked. "Though, Regina didn't know how to make a bed her first year here either. I had to show her. Ouch!" She said as Regina play smacked her.

"I wasn't that bad. I mean…I just needed help with the sheets."

The group then went to dinner and Emma looked out for Sara but didn't see her. As she and Regina were going back to her room, Emma opened her door and gasped. "What?" Regina asked, coming in behind her. "Oh my God. I'll get Miss Blue." And then she was gone.

Emma teared up as she looked around. Her bed was shredded, literally shredded cloth, feathers, and parts of her baby blanket were all over it. On the wall by her bed the words "Dykes don't belong here! Go to hell where you belong!" were written in lipstick. She looked over and noticed Sara wasn't there and she couldn't help but think it had been her.

"Emma honey, what's…oh my god." Miss Blue said as she came in. "Who did this?"

"I don't know." Emma said quietly. "Regina, check your room."

"I did and it's fine." Regina said, taking Emma's hand. "Emma, is that your baby blanket?"

Emma nodded, wiping her tears. "Why would someone do this to me?"

Miss Blue got her phone out. "I don't know, but we're going to find out and they will be expelled. Did you give anyone your lock code to your room?"

"No. I hadn't even given it to Regina yet. Only me and Sara knew it unless she told someone."

Miss Blue took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I knew we shouldn't let her in here." She said under her breath as she headed towards the door. "I'll be right back; don't touch anything."

Emma sat on a chair and shook her head. "My mom made me that blanket when she was pregnant with me. I know it's childish, but it means so much to me."

"It's not childish, Emma, not at all." Regina said, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend. "Do you think Sara did it?"

"I don't know who else would. She must have seen you kissing my cheek."

"She did." Miss Blue said. "Emma, can you go to Regina's room while I help Sara pack up her stuff." She turned to Emma, putting her hands on the girl's shoulders. "Emma, I'm so sorry for this. We do not tolerate this and I'm so sorry this happened."

Emma didn't know why she felt tears in her eyes, it wasn't as if she was physically hurt. She just felt violated in a way. "It's not your fault." Emma said. "I want to call my mom."

"You can, honey. Tell her I will be calling her either tonight or tomorrow and tell her I'm so sorry."

Emma gave a nod and went to Regina's room, a bit relieved that Ruby wasn't in there. She sat down and shook her head. "I didn't do anything to her other than not give up my bed. Maybe I should have." She slumped down.

Regina sighed and sat next to Emma. "It wasn't about the bed, Emma. Did you hear Miss Blue say she shouldn't have let her come to this school? Something tells me she was worried about this."

"If that's true, she shouldn't have put her in my room! That's just asking for trouble. Now I have no baby blanket, no regular blanket, my pillows are trashed, and the word dyke is written on my wall. Maybe I'm overreacting, but I feel violated somehow."

"I get that, baby. You were violated, your things were ruined."

"I'm going to call my mom. I don't know why, but I feel like I need to tell her."

"You should, honey. Call your mom and I'm going to go down to the storage area and get my spare blankets and pillows for you."

"Thank you." Emma said and got her phone out as Regina left the room. She called her mom and the moment she answered, her tears fell. "Mama?"

"Emma baby, what's wrong?" Mary asked, knowing something was upset with her daughter. "Are you okay?"

"My blanket is ruined." Emma sobbed out. "My roommate she…she tore up my baby blanket, my pillows, my regular blanket and she…mama she wrote terrible things on my wall." Emma said, unable to speak more as she cried, wishing her mother's arms were around her.

"What? Oh, baby girl, I'm so sorry. I know it's not the same, but I can make you another blanket and I can send you a bedding set. Honey, don't cry."

"Mama, she wrote that I'm a dyke and belong in hell."

Mary was angry beyond words. She had to take her own deep breaths. "What are they doing about it? What is that damn school doing about it?"

Emma sniffed and tried to find her voice. "They're expelling her right now. Miss Blue said she'd call you tonight or tomorrow."

"Tonight. You tell her to call tonight."

"Mama, I can't stop crying." Emma said. "I wish you were here. Maybe I should go home."

"No." Mary said, wishing she could reach through the phone and hug her baby girl. "Baby do not let her win. You are too amazing and too good for that. Emma, you listen to me; you and Regina are human, you're not wrong, you're not bad, and you will not be going to hell. My love, you are so special. Do not let this person make you think less of yourself. Emma, it would take me a few hours, but do you want me to come there and see you?"

Emma sniffed and wiped her nose. "No. It's too far for this. I'm sorry, I'm just so upset."

"Honey, it's understandable. Baby, I'm going to look in the attic, but I think I still have some yarn that I used for your blanket that I can use to make another one. Honey, I love you so much."

"I love you too, mom. I just needed to talk to you. I just don't get what I did wrong."

"Nothing. You did nothing wrong, my love. What are you doing right now?"

"I'm in Regina's room while Miss Blue packs up Sara's stuff. Regina went to the storage area because she said she has extra pillows and bedding. I don't know where Ruby is."

"Stay on the phone with me until someone is with you."

"Mama? I'm sorry if I embarrass you."

"Don't you even say that, Emma Ruth. There is nothing about you that embarrasses me, disappoints me, or makes me not love you. I'm so proud of you and everything you've done. Your father and I couldn't love you more than we already do and nothing you may do would change that."

"Thanks Mama." Emma said and sniffed.

The door opened Ruby came in. "Emma? What is going on?"

Emma looked over. "What do you mean?"

"Your roommate is going nuts!"

"Mom, can I call you back?"

"Yes baby. I love you."

"I love you, too." Emma hung up and looked at Ruby. "What do you mean she's going nuts?"

"Come here." Ruby took Emma's hand and they went to the window at the end of the hall. Sara was sitting on the grass, throwing all her things out of her suitcase and yelling that she wasn't leaving. "What happened?"

Emma sighed and took Ruby to her room. "She did this." Emma said, opening the door. The room was clean on Sara's side, but Emma's bed and wall were just as she left it.

"The fuck? She did that?"

Emma nodded sadly. "Miss Blue told me to wait in Regina's room."

"Oh, fuck her." Ruby said and stormed out of the room. "Mal! Kathryn! I need back up!"

Mal and Kathryn came out and once they heard what was going on, they marched with Ruby outside. Ruby walked up to Sara. "Get out of here. You ruined personal property and wrote hateful things on your roommate's wall. Those actions are against the rules and no one is above the rules."

"Ruby, I've got this." Miss Blue said as she stood back with her arms crossed. "Her father is almost here. Thank you for standing up for your classmate though. Can you all please just go and make sure Emma is okay? You all have class in the morning. Oh, and tell Regina if she wishes to stay in Emma's room tonight, she can."

"Okay. Sorry, Miss Blue, I was just so mad when I saw what she did to Emma's stuff."

"I understand." She looked at her phone. "Her father is here; tell Emma I'll be in shortly."

The three went in and found Emma in her room, cleaning up the mess on her bed. "I took pictures in case she needs them, but I couldn't just stand here and look at it."

"I'm sorry, Em, it took me longer than I thought to get my stuff." Regina said, bringing in her extra bedding.

"It's fine." Emma said, though everyone could tell she was upset – and rightly so. They all started helping her with the scraps of cloth. "Wait…I know it's stupid, but please save any pieces of the baby blanket you can."

"It's not stupid, Em." Mal said as she started collecting the pieces.

Kathryn looked at Regina. "What gets lipstick off the walls?"

Regina thought a bit. "I think rubbing alcohol. I'll be back."

They were all quiet and once the walls were clean, Regina helped Emma make her bed. Emma sat on it, hugging her knees. "Thanks for the help guys, but I'm tired."

"Of course." Ruby said. "Oh, Miss Blue said Regina can stay in here tonight if you wanted."

The three left Regina and Emma alone and Regina sat by Emma, running her fingers through blonde hair. "What are you thinking?"

Emma let out a puff of air. "I'm thinking that this is just the first of a lifetime of hate." She said, wiping her eyes. "It's not fair, Regina. Our whole lives are going to be full of this bullshit. We're going to be fighting people like Sara forever and for what? Because we love differently? It's such bullshit." She lay her head in Regina's lap and Regina kept stroking her hair.

"You're not wrong, Emma and I'm so sorry for that. I'm sorry the world is such a hateful place. If you let me, I'll love you through it though. For however long you'll have me."

Emma reached up and pulled Regina down to kiss her. "Forever."

There was a soft knock at the door and then it opened. "Emma honey? Sara's father was hoping you'd talk to him?"

Emma sat up and back against the wall. "Fine, but I cleaned up the mess. I did take pictures though."

"As did I. He's seen it." She said and opened the door wider.

"Miss Swan, I am Mr. Fisher and I had to come tell you how sorry I am. There is no excuse for what my daughter did, and you did not deserve that." He sighed. "She's been acting up for a while now and I hoped this school would change her, but I completely agree with the decision of having her expelled after what she did." He pulled out his wallet. "I wish to repay you for what she damaged. Is a hundred enough?"

Emma was a bit shocked. "It's too much. Really, I think $25.00 would cover the things that can be replaced."

He sighed. "What did she ruin that can't be replaced?"

Emma gave a shrug. "Well, I mean it can be, but it won't be the same. It…it's stupid but my mother made me a baby blanket and I take it everywhere with me." She said, pointing over to the pile of yarn. "See, my mom almost died of cancer and while I'm thankful she's alive, that was my comfort item when I thought I was going to lose her." Emma hated her tears and tried to blink them away.

He came closer to her and pulled out two one hundred-dollar bills. "I can't replace that, but please take this and spend it on something to make you feel better. Anyway, I should go now, I just wanted to speak to you and tell you that I'm so sorry for what she did, Miss Swan, and I want you to know you didn't deserve it. You're not going to hell, no matter who you love, and I've been trying to get that through to her for a while now. I do hope your school year is a good one."

"I accept your apology, Mr. Fisher, but are you sure about the money?"

"Yes. Please, it'll make me feel better."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Emma honey, I know it's late, but I'll be back in a few minutes." Miss Blue said, and Emma nodded.

Emma looked at Regina. "Baby go sleep in your bed tonight. That bed isn't made and it's too late to get your stuff and switch it to that bed. Also, I kinda want to follow their rules, you know? At least on the first night."

"I can sleep on the chair." Regina said, though she knew that Emma may just need some time to herself. "Please have breakfast with me in the morning. I hate leaving you when you're so down."

"I'm fine. I'll be fine. I just need some good sleep." Emma assured her, kissing her before she went to her room. Emma lay in her bed a while, not sure why she was still just feeling down about everything. She was thinking about what she said to Regina and how this was just the beginning of the hate they'd get just for being who they were, and she hated that thought. She knew she was young and all that, but she felt deep inside her heart that she loved Regina. The only question in her mind was if she loved her enough to put up with all of what was to come in her life and the answer to that was a resounding yes. She was about to go take a shower when there was a knock at her door.

"Sorry to keep bothering you, Emma, but I wanted to check on how you are." Miss Blue said, coming into the room.

"It's fine. I'm okay. I was just about to shower."

"I'm surprised Regina isn't in here."

"I told her to sleep in her room. It made more sense than to make up the other bed. I…I also needed some time alone to process all this. I know it may not seem like a bit deal but…"

"Emma, it is a big deal. You were violated in a way; your personal things were destroyed and there was a terrible thing written on your wall. I know the best way to move on from things is to keep going, but if you need the morning off, I can talk to your teachers and have you excused from your classes."

"Does everyone know what happened?"

Miss Blue sighed. "No, but they may by tomorrow. I'm sorry, I can't stop gossip, but I can stop any negativity. Emma, I'm already planning on having an assembly to remind students of what is and what isn't acceptable. I won't use this as an example, but people may put two and two together."

Emma slumped down. "Maybe I should just go home."

Miss Blue sat on the bed next to Emma and put an arm around her. "Emma, I can't tell you what to do, but I'd be very sad if you went home because of this. You are an amazing student and there's so much opportunity for you here. I understand how devastating this is, and I get you being upset, but I'd really hate for you to go home because of it. Give your classmates a chance, Emma, and I think you'd be surprised at the support you get."

"I'll give it a week." Emma said, though she leaned into the woman, need adult comfort and she was the next best thing to her parents. "But what happens now? I don't want a room to myself."

"You're probably the only one." Miss Blue chuckled. "However, we have a wait list of girls who applied, but didn't quite make the cut. You'll have a new roommate by Friday, and I will make sure this one is better. In the meantime, if you need to talk to anyone, Dr. Mader is a great person, but I'm here as well. Emma, don't feel stupid for having feelings about this, okay?"

Emma nodded; afraid she'd start crying again. "Thanks. Oh, and I know you've been busy, but my mom really was hoping you'd call her tonight.

"Of course. That was on my list to do after I made sure you're okay." She wiped at Emma's tears. "I don't want to leave you alone when you're upset."

"I'm fine, thank you. I just need a shower and some sleep. If I do need to talk with someone, I'll let you know."

"Please do, Emma." She looked at the blonde. "You are honestly quite special. All your teachers have glowing reviews of you and would hate to see this bring you down."

Emma swallowed. "How can it not though?" She asked, hating the tears gathering again. "She basically told me I'm going to hell and destroyed my things all because of who I am. How is that not going to bring me down? I appreciate you saying that I'm a good student and all that, it does honestly feel good to know all that, but it doesn't take away what she said, what a lot of people think. Maybe…maybe I should be gay."

"Emma honey, it's not something you just decided; it's who you are, and you can't change that even if you really wanted to. If you thought it would be better to not be gay, you'd live a life of never being truly happy. Is that what you think you want?" Emma shook her head and Miss Blue sighed. "I once thought the way you're thinking. I thought it would be easier to just be 'normal'. Then I met Angie, and everything changed. She made me realize that being happy with her was better than making others happy. I get you're fifteen and young and have a lot of life ahead of you, but live it for you, Emma, and not for anyone else. Especially if you have love and support from your family because then it's only strangers and who cares about them?"

Emma listened and took a deep breath, nodding. "Thanks. That makes sense. I appreciate you talking to me and telling me all that personals tuff. It means a lot." She then added. "I'm glad you're happy."

Miss Blue smiled. "I am, thank you. I'm going to go call your mother now, do you want me to come back in a bit?"

"No, I'm going to shower and head to bed. I think I'll be okay for classes tomorrow, but if I change my mind, will you be in your office in the morning?"

"Yes. Angie and I bunk out in the headmistress quarters on the second floor, so if you need me any time, just come knock."

"Thanks." Emma hugged her and then stood, walking her to the door. "Hey, I'm sorry if I caused any of this by not giving her my bed."

"Oh hush. None of this was your fault, sweet girl. Try to get a good night's sleep."

Emma took a long hot shower and put her pajamas on. She got in bed and smiled at how the blankets all smelled like Regina. After checking her phone and calling her mom, assuring her she was okay, she turned the light out and closed her eyes. She had two choices; one was to go on with her life and screw the haters, and two was to make the haters happy and be miserable. She decided to screw them.