Chapter Forty-Three: Emma's Birthday

It was October 23, Emma's birthday. She hated that day. Always have. She had never celebrated with anyone. Not even when she was a kid, but that was mostly because nobody cared enough to remember. She had a tradition, on her birthday. She would always buy a little cupcake and put on a little candle on it and make a wish. She always wished for the same thing. She wished that that year, she wouldn't be alone on her birthday. It has never come true. Twenty-eight birthdays she spent all alone. Except for this year. This year she had people in her life that she cared about. That cared about her.

Emma wasn't sure if Regina knew. Emma never told her, but, Regina had access to her University files and surely it was written somewhere the date of her birthday. But even if there wasn't, it didn't matter. Emma had every intention of fishing Regina and Henry after class for a family lunch. She could even tell them while they were eating. Today is my birthday, by the way. Emma could only imagine the look of surprise on Regina's face. Oh, yeah. That was exactly what Emma would do.

She changed from her pajamas into a pair of jeans, a tank top, boots, and jacket. The red leather jacket which was her favorite. Emma had always considered that jacket to be her armor. It was the first piece of nice clothing she had ever been able to afford. That jacket was indeed very dear to her heart. Once she was changed, Emma walked to the kitchen to have some breakfast. She made a few toast and coffee. When they both were ready, she spread butter on the toast and ate it. She walked back to the bedroom to pick up her backpack and soon, Emma left the apartment and drove to class.

Emma was excited, that Friday morning. She was genuinely happy. Her first birthday with people she loved in her life. That was huge. Emma could hardly believe it herself sometimes. She felt so lucky. She had everything she ever wished for. She was in University. She left her old life behind. She was in love. And had a wonderful kid. Life couldn't possibly get better than that, she mused. She parked the car in the parking lot and walked to the building. She had a little time to spare when she walked inside the classroom. She took her usual front seat row and scrolled on her phone while waiting.

Regina arrived in class at eight am sharp. She went straight to business with the lecture of the day. Emma tried to pay attention to what she was saying but, it was hard when the woman used that damn pencil skirt that made her ass pop like a cherry. It was very hard indeed for Emma not to tilt her head to the side and have all sorts of indecent thoughts about what position she would put Regina in.

When the bell rang, Regina left the classroom in a hurry. Emma was completely surprised by it. Not even once during the whole class Regina spare a look at her and now the woman was simple…gone. She fished her phone from the backpack and to text Regina. Once the device was light up, Emma had a huge smile on her face. There was a text from Regina. Her smile, however, faded away, the second she tapped it open and read the text.

"Hey, there is no need to pick up Henry from school today."

"Oh! Why not?"

"I'm picking him up. We have other activities for the afternoon"

"Such as?"

"I have to work. Henry has his practice"

"Do you know what day today is?"

"Friday. Why? Am I missing something?"

"Nope! Nothing. I'll see you later?"

"I don't know. I'm very, very busy today. Maybe this weekend?"

"Yeah, okay. Sure!"

Emma sighed when she locked the phone and put it back on the backpack. She was disappointed. And sad. Really, really sad. Of course, she could have told Regina today was her birthday, but, she didn't want to impose as the woman was obviously busy that day. Emma rose from the chair and walked out of the classroom to her bug. One more birthday alone. It wasn't like Emma wasn't used to that. But this was the first time in her life she had people who were important to her, people she wanted to spend this particular day with. She wanted to be with Regina and Henry.

She drove to Granny's to get lunch. She chose the most unhealthy burger with onion rings and fries. She was allowed to, after all. It was her birthday. On her way home, Emma stopped by a delicatessen and bought a single cupcake. Her traditional cupcake. When she arrived home, she put the cupcake in the fridge and stuffed her face with the extra grease food.

She spent the afternoon in her room studying. Or trying to anyway. She constantly checked her phone to see if Regina had texted her or call. But there was nothing. Not a word. Not a peep. Emma wondered what could have kept her so busy today in all days. Emma took the phone several times to text, but she never had the nerve to send. If she was busy, she was busy and that was the end of it. At six, Emma went to the kitchen to get some water. When she opened the fridge she saw the single cupcake in there, looking back at her. She took the content from the fridge and placed it on the table. She opened one of the drawers, taking a little start candle from it. She put the candle on top of the cupcake and then lit it up. She bent down slightly on the table and closed her eyes, making a wish. The same wish she made every year. When she opened her eyes again, she blew off the candle. Her phone rang at that exact moment. Emma got scared when she heard the loud noise of her ringtone echoing inside the house. She jogged to the bedroom and smiled when she saw the caller ID.

"Hey, lady"

"Emma, hi! Are you, by any chance, free tonight?"

"Yep. I'm totally free" Emma said with a smile "Why?"

"I need a favor!"

"Oh?"

"I have to go out and my sink is leaking. Can you do that thing you did the other day to stop it? I really need to get a plumber in here"

"You don't need a plumber, Regina. I can take care of it"

"Good. Thank you. Can you come right now? I'm on my way out and I'm genuinely afraid it might make a pool out of my kitchen."

"Yes, sure! I'll be right there"

Emma turn off the phone and sighed. It really did seem like she was going to spend her birthday alone one more year again. She put the phone in her back pocket and took her jacket and keys, leaving the apartment. She drove to Regina's mansion and was unsurprised when she saw the house dark. As she walked to the front door, Emma could have sworn she saw Henry closing the window curtains. But that was impossible. Regina would never leave the boy alone in the house. The very dark house. She inserted the key inside the lock and opened the door, closing it behind her. It was so dark that she could hardly see it. Emma took the phone from the pocket and cursed while trying to find the light switch. Why didn't she had never pay attention to that? She used the phone to guide her towards the kitchen. She found the switch button there easily and almost had a heart attack when two figures jump from behind the island and screamed:

- SURPRISE!

- Oh my God - Emma said putting her hand on her heart - Oh my God, you guys scared the shit out of me.

- Happy Birthday, Emma- Henry said to her.

- Happy birthday, my love - Regina said as she walked closer to her and gave her a kiss on the lips.

- You knew? - Emma asked confused.

- Of course, I did. I'm sorry I ignored you the whole day - Regina said – But I wouldn't be able to look at you and not say anything.

- I…I was..I…

- Disappointed? - Regina finished for her.

- A little. And a bit sad. I didn't want to disturb you if you were busy.

- You never disturb me, Emma - Regina said wrapping her arms around her waist- Did you really think we wouldn't spend your birthday with you?

- For a brief moment, yes - Emma said sheepishly - What's with all the food? - She asked spying on the island for the first time.

- Auntie Zee and grandpa are coming - Henry said.

- You are giving me a party?- Emma asked surprised.

- Not really a party, just an informal reunion to celebrate your day - Regina said - I asked them to come at seven- trinity.

- Then why did you called me at six? - Emma asked and looked at her watch - It's six forty-five now.

- We wanted to have a little alone time with you before they arrived - Regina said.

- We have presents! - Henry said.

- For me? - Emma asked.

- Who else? - Henry asked puzzled - Here! Open mine first!

Regina let go of Emma so she could walk to the boy. He handed her a square shape box with a beautiful blue wrap. Emma carefully unfold the paper and sighed when she saw what it was. It was a picture of the three of them together, at the beach. Zelena had taken that picture, she remembered. Emma was looking lovingly at Regina who was smiling at her and Henry in the middle with his thumbs up. They weren't quite ready for the picture when Zelena took it. Regina complained and rolled her eyes after she saw. But now Emma's eyes almost filled with tears when she saw it. The picture was pure love. It was the only way she had to describe that image. Love.

- Thank you, Henry.

- Did you like it? – The boy asked.

- I love it! – Emma said and kissed the top of his head.

- Now, for mine.

Regina said and walked around closer to her. She handed her a red velvety box that Emma took like it was the most precious thing in the world, mostly because it was. Anything Regina gave her was precious, no matter what. Emma opened the box, her hands slightly shaking with anticipation. When she opened her eyes went wide and her mouth open. Emma ran her fingers on top of it, feeling its content on her fingertips. Regina gave her a silver necklace with a beautiful swan pendant. This time, Emma did let the tears fell from her eyes.

- Regina, it's… It's beautiful. – Emma said looking up at her.

- May I? – Regina asked.

Emma nodded her consent and Regina took the necklace from the box. She walked behind Emma and elegantly hooked the necklace on her neck. Emma held the pendant between her fingers, admiring the precious ornament now on her neck.

- Beautiful – Regina said when she stood in front of Emma again.

- Thank you!

Emma gave Regina a watery smile and moved closer to her. She held Regina's face between her hands and kissed her, a loving gentle kiss meant to show all of her appreciation for the other woman.

- Urgh, can you guys stop that? – Henry asked.

- No, we can not – Emma said breaking the kiss.

She kissed Regina one more time before turning around to look at Henry. He had rolled his eyes, just like his mother did. That kid really was a mini Regina. The doorbell rang and Regina told Emma to put the present Henry had given her upstairs. Emma held the frame firmly between her hands and walked up to Regina's bedroom, placing the frame on her nightstand. Emma smiled at the beautiful picture and used her hand to catch a falling tear. She was happy. That picture showed only a fraction of how happy she was. Emma rose up and walked to the bathroom, cleaning up her face before making her way downstairs again.

- Hey, birthday girl – Zelena screamed when she saw her on the stairs – I got the Booze.

- When don't you got the Booze? – Emma asked getting closer to the woman.

- I think you are spending too much time with my sister! – Zelena said.

- Not nearly as much as I want! – Emma said with a pout.

- Oh, God, please don't start your disgusting mellow thing. – Zelena said – Here, I got you something.

- Oh! Seriously? – Emma asked taking the bag from Zelena's hand.

Emma opened the bag and smiled at yet another beautiful present. Zelena had given her a dark green leather jacket. Emma smiled and took out her beloved red jacket to put on the new one.

- Oh, don't you look nice! – Zelena said – Now you can burn that hideous thing.

- What? Never! – Emma said offended.

- Zelena, leave Emma alone – Regina said standing behind Emma.

- You are no fun! Where is the little one? – Zelena asked.

- In the kitchen, eating the food he is not supposed to just yet! – Regina said.

Zelena laughed and disappeared inside the kitchen, leaving Emma and Regina alone.

- You do look very cute in this jacket – Regina said.

- Oh, yeah? – Emma askes sheepishly

- But I bet you'll look prettier without it – Regina whispered in her ear.

Emma felt her whole body shivered with the seductive tone of Regina's voice. Suddenly, Emma didn't want a party anymore. She wanted to put the kid to bed and drag Regina to the bedroom to celebrate her birthday properly. Emma bit her lower lips and looked at Regina, who gave her one of her seductive smiles and a wink. Emma closed her thighs closer together, already feeling that rush of wetness soaking her panties. But Emma didn't have time to duel over it much as the doorbell rang again. Regina let go of her and walked to the door, opening it.

- Daddy! – Regina said.

- Hola, hija – Henry Sir said and looked at Emma – Oh, there is the birthday girl.

- Hi, Mr. Mills – Emma said getting closer to him.

- Henry! We are practically family now – He said and hugged her.

Emma hugged him back and looked at Regina who was watching them with a smile. She felt her eyes fill with tears again as the man called her family. She had no idea a birthday could be so emotional. Emma closed her eyes to keep the tears from falling. When they broke apart, Henry Sir gave Emma the little box that he was holding.

- Happy birthday, Firecracker.

- Mr. Mills…Henry…You shouldn't have – Emma said taking the box from his hands.

- Nonsense! – Henry Sir said – I hope you like it.

Emma smiled at him and unwrapped the gift. Inside, was a little velvety box, just like Regina's. When she opened, she saw a silver bracelet with a little crown pendant on it.

- Sir…Thank you. It's beautiful. – Emma said.

- It really is, Daddy – Regina said standing beside Emma.

Regina, once again, took the bracelet from the box and hooked on Emma's arm. Emma held the bracelet in front of her eyes and then touched the pendant on her necklace.

- This is us! – Emma said looking at Regina.

- Sorry? – Regina asked.

- Swan Queen. Because you know…You are my queen.

- Regina does mean queen, you know – Henry Sir said – Now, where is my grandson?

- He is in the kitchen with Zelena – Regina said.

Henry Sir left the two women alone and disappeared inside the house. Regina came closer to Emma, wrapping her arms around her neck, and gave her a kiss.

- Your Queen, hun? – Regina said.

- Yes! You are my Queen, Regina!

Regina smiled and kissed Emma one more time before taking her hand. She took Emma to the backyard where, once again, Emma was completely surprised. There was a table in the middle of the garden and Christmas light all over the place. Zelena and the two Henry's were sat sipping their drinks and eating the food she saw in the kitchen earlier. Regina gently pulled Emma with her, as Emma was stuck in the place just taking in the ambiance.

They sat down, side by side, and enjoyed the night. They talked, laughed, and ate good food. Everything was absolutely delicious. Henry Sir told some stories about Regina and Zelena from when they were young that made Emma cracked. Emma had never enjoyed a birthday in her life before. In a way, that was the first birthday she had ever had. At nine, Regina went inside the kitchen and come back with a beautiful chocolate cake with twenty-nine candles on top of it. They sang her happy birthday and when they told Emma to make a wish before blowing the candles, she realized she had nothing to wish for. All of her wishes had already come true. So she closed her eyes and thanked the wonderful family who had found her. The only wish she had, was that they would never break apart. Emma blew the candles, and then, cut the cake. The first piece went to Regina, of course. Henry Jr. wasn't so happy about it.

Around eleven, they said their goodnights. Henry Junior had already passed out and Emma carried him to his bedroom. Emma said goodbye to Henry Sir and Zelena and thanked them for coming and for the wonderful gifts they gave her. After they left, Emma helped Regina cleaning up. Well, sort of as Regina told her to just clean up a bit. They could fix everything in the morning.

Once things were sort of in place, as Regina put it, she held Emma's hand and pulled her upstairs. Inside, she locked the bedroom door behind them and let go of Emma's hand walking straight to the suite. Emma took off her boots and lay down on the bed. The night was perfect. This was the best birthday of her entire life. She could hardly believe her luck, for having found Regina. For having found a family. Her family. Emma was happy, genuinely happy. The bathroom door clicked and Emma looked to the side to see Regina. When the door was open, Emma's jaw almost fell to the floor with what she saw.

- Now, your real birthday can begin.