Chapter Fifty: First Day of Freedom
When Emma woke up the next morning she was surprised (and sad) to realize she was alone in bed. Regina's side of the bed was cold and Emma didn't like that at all. Not one bit. There was absolutely no reason for Regina to be out of bed in such early hours that Saturday morning. Not that she knew what time it was, but Emma figured her internal clock was still making her wake up fairly early even if it was Saturday aka her first day of freedom. From this day and on she had all of her days free (at least until classes begin again) and she was determined to spend every given second of it in bed with Regina. Well, every given second when Henry wasn't at home or awake, or…you got the idea.
Emma took a big breath in and stretched her long limbs in bed. Her body was still a little bit sore from the night activities and that made her smile. Not from the pain itself but from the memories that brought the pain onto her body. That was the kind of pain she was more than happy to wake up to every single morning. And kiss Regina good morning wouldn't be half bad either. Where is she? Emma thought. She rose from the bed and walked to the suit for her morning business. She decided to take a quick shower before hunting Regina, she supposed the brunette woman would appreciate her not smelling like sex. Not that Emma minded, but, Henry.
After Emma was showered and changed into Regina's yoga pants and T-shirt, she walked out of the bedroom and bumped into a small figure in the hallway. Henry was still in his pajamas and looked alert and very suspicious up at Emma.
- Morning Kid! – Emma said messing his hair.
- Do you smell chocolate? – Henry asked.
- I do, actually – Emma answered – And waffles?
- Yeah, and pancakes – Henry said – So, I'm not dreaming, right?
- I don't…think so.
- And the smell is coming from inside the house, right?
- Yeah, I think…I think your mom is making breakfast.
- With chocolate?
- I guess so.
- Whatever it is that you did to make her do this – Henry said – Do it again!
- I… - Emma said blushing – Okay…Ahn, shall we go downstairs to see what she's cooking?
- Yes, please!
Emma wrapped her arm around Henry's shoulders and together they walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. They stopped completely shocked and root to their spot at the sight before them. Maybe they weren't exactly looking at the same things, as Henry was staring at the island full of waffles drowning in chocolate sauce, pancakes with butter and syrup on top of them, croissants, grilled cheese, and a huge plate of eggs and bacon. But Emma wasn't paying much attention to that. Not at all. She was staring at Regina who was wearing a big size shirt that left her beautiful turned legs completely bare and the apron tied around her waist just made Emma have all sorts of impure thoughts that had no place in her mind when the kid was in the room.
- Good morning, mom – Henry said pulling Emma out of her thoughts – Is that for us?
- Good morning, my little Prince – Regina said smiling at them – Of course, it is. Who else would it be for?
- Morning, babe – Emma said walking closer to Regina, wrapping her arms around her and kissing her cheek – Is this the reason why you left the bed earlier?
- Good morning, my love – Regina said and gave Emma a quick kiss on the lips – Yes, it is!
- Why did you do all that? – Emma asked – And why didn't you wake me? I could help!
- If I had woken you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it? – Regina asked.
- Surprise for what? – Henry asked.
- Well, today the three of us are officially on vacation – Regina said – Well, the two of you I still have grades to give. Anyway, I thought it would be nice for us to have a family breakfast all together and celebrate!
- Hell, yeah! – Henry screamed.
- Henry! – Regina scolded – Language.
- Sorry, mom.
- Family breakfast, hun? – Emma asked.
- Yes! As far as I'm concern, you are part of this family too – Regina said.
- I love you – Emma said smiling at her.
- I love you too – Regina said – Now, seat down. Do you want coffee or hot chocolate?
- I think I'll go with hot chocolate this morning – Emma answered.
- Cream and cinnamon, right? Regina asked.
- Yes, please! – Emma smiled.
Regina made two cups of cocoa and placed them in front of each. She then turned around and made herself a cup of coffee before sitting down herself. Henry was in heaven. His little mouth was completely covered in chocolate sauce and cream and at some point, Emma was sure she saw the kid eat the chocolate waffle with a slice of bacon on top. Emma, for her part, wasn't much different. She started with the grilled cheese with eggs and bacon, then the waffles and pancakes. Everything was ridiculously delicious and Emma was torn between keeping eating and feel sick later, but, one look at Regina in that long shirt of hers and Emma knew that feeling sick later was not an option. No fucking way! After breakfast, the trio cleaned up the kitchen with Henry complaining he was too full but at the same time asking if they could have the same the next day. It was a solid no for Regina. According to her, tomorrow would consist of salads whether they were fruits or greens. Henry was not happy about that and Emma could see the engines turning in his head as he wondered if he could possibly fit any more sugary food inside his belly. In the end, Regina answered for him. The leftovers were to be put away in the fridge.
They all decided to go out for a walk afterward. Well, Regina did, Henry wanted to stay in and play video games, but Regina wasn't having it. They changed into warmer clothes and soon the trio was inside the car making their way to the park. Everything was covered in white, winter had officially arrived and the scenery was just too beautiful for words. The tip of Regina's nose had turned red and Emma couldn't help but pull her closer and kiss the tip. Regina smiled at her and squeezed her hand before resuming their walk. Henry made a few snowballs and throw them at the frozen river. Zelena called Regina and invited them over for lunch. When Regina asked her if she was waiting for her to say yes and then ask her to bring the food Emma had a serious laugh. It wouldn't be the first time Zelena would do that to them. After the phone call, Regina informed them that they were going to Zelena's for lunch. She asked Emma if she was okay with it and Emma just smiled and said Wherever you go, I go. That had earned her a smile and a kiss on the lips and Emma made a mental note to say sweet things to Regina more often. Not because of the rewards, simple because Regina deserved it. She deserved everything!
Regina decided that they should just go over to Zelena as she didn't want Henry to catch a cold while throwing snowballs at nothing. She asked Emma to drive, which she was more than happy to do it. She loved her bug, but she had to admit nothing beat the smoothness of Regina's Mercedes. It was such a good car to drive! There was a bit of traffic on the way to Zelena's mansion, but Emma didn't mind that. Not at all. Not when their kid was in the back talking about all the adventures they would have together, as a family, during their break and her girlfriend's hand was currently resting on her thigh. Emma looked down at Regina's hand thought how much more beautiful it would look with a ring on her finger. Emma bit her lower lip and thought back about a conversation she once had with Regina, about marriage. She said she wanted the whole thing, the ring, the party, everything and that was something Emma was more than willing to give to her. And soon.
Zelena opened the door already with a glass of wine in hand saying her extra happy hellos to the little family. Regina arched an eyebrow at her while Henry laughed and Emma smiled. She welcomed them inside and Henry ran straight to the living room and took ownership of the tv while the three women went to the kitchen where Zelena made them drinks. It was still eleven in the morning but it was Saturday and they were on vacation.
- So, lambchops - Zelena said looking at Emma - Any plans for the time off school?
- Not really – Emma answered – Just Regina and Henry.
- Oh! You know you can leave the little one with me – Zelena said – If you two want some lesbian alone time.
- Zelena! – Regina said horrified – Do shut up!
- What? We are all adults here – Zelena said – Drunk adults.
- We are not there yet – Emma said siping her drink.
- And it's not like it's even a secret that you two do it – Zelena said – From what I heard at the beach house, I'm surprised that kid is not scarred for life yet!
- Oh my God, Zelena! – Regina said.
- Who is the bottom? – Zelena asked looking at Emma – It's her, isn't it?
- ZELENA!
- Actually, We don't have that – Emma said – We share equally. Sometimes I am, sometimes she is. Most of the time, we are both top and bottom.
- Arg, you two are so perfectly boring – Zelena said drinking her wine – At least tell me you do something juice, like tie up one another or something.
- Oh, I so want to try that – Emma said.
- Oh my God, Emma! – Regina scolded – Please, don't indulge my sister.
- You look like you know how to do it, Swan! – Zelena winked at Emma.
- Why don't you talk about your sex life? – Regina said – Coming to think of it, why don't we change the subject altogether?
- It's none existing, I'm telling you that – Zelena said as she opened a bag of snacks and put it on the table – I could really use some skin to skin contact.
- Why don't you call the agency? – Emma asked – You used to see Robin, right?
- I can't. Now that I know that imp keeps a file on his clients, I am not risking having another one – Zelena said.
- Oh! Right! – Emma exclaimed.
- Besides, Robin was so boring. It was always the same with him – Zelena said - I really wish I had a thing for girls, I'm sure they would be so much more fun!
- Well, I do have to agree with you on that – Regina said surprising the other two women on the table – What?
- Nothing! – Zelena said eyes widened – Have more win, sis!
Zelena full-filled Regina's glass of wine and the three women chat and laughed for hours. Emma just adored how beautifully Regina blushed every time Zelena said something naughty and Emma responded to it. Time went by so fast that they only noticed how late it was already when Henry barged in the room asking when lunch was going to be ready. It was three in the afternoon already. Zelena ordered in and forty-five minutes later, a banquet of Chinese food arrived. Emma could tell just how in gastronomic heaven Henry was that day.
- Can we go ice skating later? – Henry asked – Please?
- Oh, that's a great idea, kid! – Emma said back.
- I don't know, Henry – Regina said – It was kind of a long day already.
- Pleeeeeeaaasseeeee? – Henry begged, making his puppy eyes.
- Yes, Regina, pleeeeeeeaaaasssseeee? – Zelena said mimicking her nephew.
- Pleeeeeaaaaasseee, baby – Emma said getting into the begging dance.
- Yes, my children – Regina said sarcastically – We can go ice skating later.
- YES! – Henry said while Zelena and Emma high five each other.
- I'm guessing you are to come too, Zelena? – Regina asked.
- Oh, hell no – Zelena said – I just wanted to help the little one.
- Well, dear sister, it's a package deal – Regina said with a wicked smile – Either we all go or none of us will.
- Auntie Zee? – Henry directed his puppy eyes at his aunt.
- Zee? – Emma looked at her doing the same.
- Oh, what the hell – Zelena said – It's not like I have anything to do with my night anyway.
Henry smiled brightly at his aunt while Regina smirked. They finished their meal and joined Henry to watch a movie until it was time to go. Well, Emma joined Henry to watch a movie, Regina and Zelena stayed for the first twenty minutes, and then they both left. Emma had no idea where. When the clock hit seven, they all started to wait for Zelena to get ready for them to leave. Henry was really impatient about how long his aunt was taking to get ready. In the end, Zelena came downstairs wearing the puffiest green coat Emma had ever seen in her life.
They left altogether in Regina's car. She drove them to the Frog Pond ice rink and the moment Henry set his eyes on the rink, he grabbed Emma's hand and pulled her with him. They rented four sets of ice skates and soon they were inside the rink. Emma didn't know how to ice skate very well. Or at all. She never had a rollerblading growing up and she certainly never went to an ice-skating rink before in her whole life. She had no idea why she had begged along with Henry for them to come, she was literally terrified of letting go of the handrail. Regina, for her part, was skating beautifully. She was just so gracious and for a moment Emma was absolutely sure she was flying on the ice and not just skating. She looked like a freaking angel if they were to dress in black. Emma was so mesmerized by her girlfriend that she barely registered Regina skating her direction.
- Hey – Regina said – Are you going to just stay there?
- I'm cool here – Emma answered – It's a nice spot. Good spot!
- Come on, skate with me – Regina said stretching her hand.
- I can't – Emma said embarrassed – I don't know how.
- You never ice skate before? – Regina asked.
- Nope!
- I'll teach you.
- I don't know, Regina – Emma said – These blades look like they can cut a finger off.
- Well, they can.
- Not moving! – Emma pouted.
- Trust me – Regina said stretching her hand again towards Emma.
- Okay!
Emma took Regina's hand and then the other. Regina slowly pulled Emma with her, skating backward. Emma was hunched and scared of falling, or worse, to fall and take Regina down with her. She could feel her legs shaking and she wasn't sure how long her knees would last. But Regina was slow, very slow, and taught Emma how to use her feet on the ice, and little by little Emma's posture started to get better and soon she rose to her full height. That was when Regina stood right next to her, and held her hand and once again, they started to skate together side by side. Everything was magical and beautiful until a random kid bumped into Emma and made her lose her balance. She almost fell on the ice, but Regina held her waist and helped her stand again and at that moment, Emma had just one more confirmation of something she knew for a long time now. Regina would always hold her. She would never let her fall. The feeling was so intense for Emma that she held Regina's beautiful face between her hands and kissed her, right there in the middle on an ice rink full of people.
- Guys, stop embarrassing me! – Henry said as he skated next to them.
- Get a room, you tow! – Zelena said as well.
Emma was the most mature she could be about it when she stuck her tongue out to them. Regina rolled her eyes and held Emma's hand again, pulling her to skate by her side. After a moment, she was skating with Henry as Regina and Zelena were showing off their abilities in an unsaid competition that Zelena herself had started. For Emma, Regina won. There was no way Zelena could beat her grace, that was Olympics shit right there. Emma was terrified when Regina jumped. She could feel her heart racing inside her chest as she watched every single movement in slow motion. It was only when Regina landed safe and sound that her heartbeat went back to normal again. That and the smiled Regina flashed at her. God, how could a human being be this beautiful? Regina's beauty was definitely something that did not belong to this world.
After the ice ranking, they decided to take a walk around town. And street food. Henry was, once again, in heaven with his hot dog and pizza slice. Even Regina went along with it. They did a little window shopping with Henry explaining to his mother exactly what he wanted for Christmas. Emma could tell Regina was listening very carefully to everything the boy was saying. It was late when they drove back home. They had dropped Zelena off at hers first before going home. They were all beat! Later, that night, when Emma had Regina properly wrapped around her arms, sleeping safe and sound she thought back about the day they have. It was amazing how every day spent with her family seemed to always beat the previous. She was so full of good days now that she could no longer say things like This was the best day of my life. Spending time with Regina and Henry, even if they were just at home watching a movie was without a doubt one of the best days of her life. Emma smiled and breathed in Regina's apple shampoo. If this was just her first day of freedom, she could hardly wait for the rest.
