Chapter Thirty-Nine: Relief
When Emma arrived at her classes Monday, she took her usual seat in the front row. Not because she didn't think that Killian wasn't going to show his face. Far from it. But because she was claiming what was hers back. Starting with her seat. Why should she be the one to feel ashamed when she did nothing wrong? It was a small step, perhaps, but life was made of several small ones.
She went back to the hospital on Sunday to check on Belle. Regina drove her and waited outside the hospital for Emma. She tried to argue saying it was risky but Regina wasn't having it. She didn't want Emma to be alone. When she arrived at Belle's room her parents were there. They thanked Emma several times for what she did and assured her they would follow through with the charges against Killian. That made Emma's heart feel in peace. In her mind, it wasn't just the case of an ex-hooker accusing a rich boy of sexual abuse. Belle's parents were just as rich and maybe now justice could be done. Emma hung in the room for almost an hour before leaving. She found Regina in the parking lot of the hospital and hugged her as soon as she went inside the car. She needed the comfort only Regina could give her. They left the hospital and had lunch out before going to pick up Henry at Regina's parents. Now it was her turn to wait in the car while Regina collected the boy. The rest of the day was spent together, just the three of them as a family.
And now was Monday morning and Emma was sat at her beloved front seat row waiting for her Monday classes with Regina. She was there very earlier that morning. While she waited, Emma browser though her phone. More specifically, the pictures on her camera roll. Pictures of herself with Regina and Henry. Emma smiled at every single one of them. She loved them so much. With all her heart. It was amazing how Regina and Henry had become her whole life in such a short space of time. Emma could no longer imagine a life where they weren't in it. She never wanted to imagine that. Emma was so lost in the pictures that she totally missed a body seating down right next to her.
- Hey – Mulan said – Who's the kid?
- Oh, ah…It's…It's Henry – Emma said lamely – What's up?
- Have you heard about Killian?
- What about him?
- He is out! – Mulan said.
- WHAT?
- He is out on bail. He is going to be free while the investigation continues.
- That's not right! – Emma said looking down.
- I know. It sucks! But Belle is not backing out and with her statement and ours, I'm sure we can put that asshole in jail.
- Ours? – Emma asked.
- Yeah, I mean you HAVE to testify about what he did to you on the boat. I will also testify to that, you know? I'll tell them what I saw when I opened that hatch, how you were when I help you out.
- Oh, yes, right! Of course. – Emma said. – I will. I've already told Belle's parents that I would.
- -Good!
The class started to fill with students and they all looked at their direction. Emma could see they whispering and looking sideways at her and Mulan. Some of them even looked the other way when Emma just stare back.
- God, the gossip mill is going to be in full force today. – Mulan said.
- Yeah, I can see that!
It didn't take long before Regina walk into the room and start her class of the day. It was quite difficult that morning as everybody was gossiping about what had happened at the weekend. Regina had to ask for silence several times that day and Emma could tell she was on the verge of losing it as the vein in her forehead was popping out. Emma was relieved when the bell rang and the class was finally over. The classroom emptied in a matter of minutes. Emma didn't even have to do her slow packing that morning. She saw Regina sitting in the chair behind the desk completely frustrated. She scratched her forehead and then started to collect her things. Emma rose from where she was sitting and walked to her direction.
- Hey. – Emma greeted her.
- Hi! – Regina said back.
- Tough crowd today, hun?
- Yes! I wasn't sure if I was teaching a University class o a high school.
- Sorry!
- Why are you apologizing?
- I think they were gossiping about me!
- Emma, stop it!
- Well, it is true.
- I don't care if they were gossiping about the Queen of England. This is a classroom and they are expected to be respectful towards their teacher.
- Killian is out – Emma said out of the blue.
- Yeah I know – Regina said looking deep into her eyes – Are you okay?
- Yeah, I guess so.
- Do you want to talk about it? – Regina asked.
- No. No, I'm fine. I'm gonna go pick up Henry. Meet you back at yours?
- Yes! I have a faculty meeting this afternoon, most likely regarding Mr. Jones.
- Okay. I should go now! See you later! – Emma said and started to walk away.
- Emma?
- Yeah? – She said turning around.
- I love you.
- I love you too.
Emma smiled back at Regina and it took everything in her not to walk the three little steps towards the woman and kiss that pretty smile on her face. As Emma walked towards the bug she thought about the fact that Killian was out. She had to admit she was a little concerned about him going back to classes. She wasn't quite sure how she would be able to handle seen in every day again. Or worse, Regina. She loved that woman with all her heart but it terrified her the thought of what happened today in classes happening to Regina. The gossip mill would go crazy. She knew Regina, she was a very private person. She said she could handle it but Emma knew that she was saying that now. Emma reached the bug and got herself inside. She drove to Henry's school and picked him up. When they arrived at the manor, they worked on making lunch together. She loved those little cooking moments with Henry. They bonded so much while doing it. And she was learning so much too. Emma could positively say she was officially a cooker now. They had their meal and then homework. They both sat down on the diner room table to begin their studies. Henry complained as he usually did but Emma was used to that. The kid really hated math. It was a little past four when Emma heard the front door being unlocked.
- Henry? Emma? – Regina shouted.
- In the diner room, mom – Henry shouted back.
It didn't take long before Regina walk inside the leaving room. She greeted them both kissing Henry's hair first and then Emma's.
- Emma, can I talk to you in my office?
- Sure!
Emma rose from the chair and followed Regina to the office. She opened the door and let Emma get in first before closing the door behind her. Emma sat on the couch and waited for Regina to take a seat which was right beside her on the couch. She reached for Emma's hand and smiled at her and that made Emma feel a little bit more at ease at whatever Regina had to tell her.
- So, I had a faculty meeting this afternoon. – Regina said.
- Yeah, I know! – Emma said looking confused.
- The meeting also had the presence of the Dean.
- Okay…
- Killian is in academic suspension until the end of the semester while the investigation on him is ongoing.
- Seriously?
- Yes! If proved guilty, he will be kicked out of Harvard.
- Oh my God – Emma said crying – I can't believe this is actually happening.
- It is, honey.
Regina got closer to Emma and held her closer while she cried. She was just overwhelmed by everything that had happened. Her own assault, her fear of losing Regina, saving Belle, and then the guilt she felt over not doing what was right. It all piled up to this moment where she was crying in relief knowing that she wouldn't have to face him again. Emma cried inside Regina's arm and let out all the anguish she was feeling ever since she went to Killian's party. It was all over now. He was suspended. Belle was going to go through with the charges and Emma would testify against him. When she finally broke free from Regina, she gently dried her face from the tears and smile at her. Emma smiled back and gave her a light kiss on the lips.
- I think we need to get a little break from all of this. – Regina said.
- I agree.
- Why don't we go away this weekend? A mini family vacation.
- Seriously?
- I have a beach house in Cape Cod. Maybe the three of us….
Emma didn't let Regina finished as she launched herself on top of her and kissed her. Emma held Regina's face between her hand and kissed her with all she might. Regina was taken by surprise but soon, she started to kiss Emma back, their tongues exploring each other's mouth, dancing in perfect sync. When they broke apart they were both breathing heavily. Emma had her forehead pressed with Regina's when she breathed out:
- Yes! Let's have a family vacation.
