Chapter Fifty-two: Christmas Party
- This is an impossible task – Emma said looking at the tangled lights on her lap.
- Come on, Emma! We need to build the Christmas tree – Henry said looking at her.
- Do you see this? – Emma asked pointing at the lights – How the hell am I supposed to untangle all of this?
- You said hell! – Henry giggled.
- No, I didn't! – Emma lied.
- And now you are lying – Henry said with a severe look in his eyes – Mom always manages to untangle them!
- Then why isn't she doing this? – Emma asked.
- She's baking cookies!
- Smart of her!
- The sooner the tree is decorated the sooner we can put the presents under it!
- Presents? – Emma asked – Was I supposed to get you anything?
- Ha! You are not funny, Miss Swan – Henry said mimicking his mother perfectly – I need to see the size of the boxes mom bought me.
- Why? – Emma asked – She won't let you opened until Christmas morning. Won't it be worse to just stare at it until then?
- Yes! But at least I can try and figured out if she bought me the new PlayStation or not! It will benefit both of us, so, hurry up!
- Why don't you try? – Emma asked – You have small hands!
- I'm separating the balls.
- That's not even a task, kid!
- How's everything going in here? – Regina asked when she stepped into the room.
- Almost done! – Henry said smiling at his mother.
Regina didn't look very convinced, considering that the only thing they had until that moment was the tree. She arched an eyebrow at them before leaving the room to check on the cookies. After what it felt like forever, Emma managed to untangle all the lights and they were ready to build up the tree. Regina coordinated the whole thing, telling them where she wanted this or that ornament. Emma had never thought that building up a Christmas tree could be that fun. That was her first Christmas tree in her entire life. She never had any at the foster places she stayed in, nobody cared enough to do such a thing and as she grew older, she never saw the point. Except for today. Today, she was decorating the Christmas tree with her girlfriend and their kid and it was simply the best thing in the whole world to her. If she could use a word to describe the feeling she would have to go with magical. The whole scenery was simply, magical. Regina had started the decorations a few days ago. The house was full of stocks with candy inside and little cane candy hanging right next to it. The stair railing was completely covered with green and red tinsel and just yesterday Regina had arrived home with a wreath for them to hang on the door and several little light-up reindeers that were decorating the front yard now. It was the cutest thing Emma had ever seen in her life. The only thing missing now was the tree, and as soon as Emma reached up to put the golden star on top of it, everything would be done. (Except for the fact that she still had to untangle the other half of the lights that were in the garage to put outside the house, but the tree was what close the deal for Emma). After the star was on top, Emma turned the lights on and the Christmas tree came to life. The looks of joy displayed on Henry's face was truly the thing that made all those untangling hours worth it.
After lunch that day, Emma and Regina went out to find their outfits for Cora's Christmas event. Regina did half good on her promise and only half annoyed Emma with the choice of a perfect outfit. It was fun, going out shopping with Regina. They were not only buying Emma's outfit now but also, Regina's and watching her try dress after dress filled Emma's head with impure thoughts of removing each one of them inside the dressing room. It took them all day and part of the night shopping, but by the end of it, they were both satisfied with their choices.
The days passed by them fast. Too fast for Emma's liking. Every day was pure bliss for her, as she simply loved being with Henry and Regina all day. Even fighting with her pure bliss. Not the fighting itself, but the makeup sex they had after Emma apologize for forgetting to put the clothes on the dryer after it had been washed because she was playing video games with Henry all day. She only went to her place once, to pick up a few clothes and a new pair of contacts and even so, she only stayed there for a few minutes. The vacation was simply amazing. She got to go to sleep and wake up next to Regina every single day. They had sex nearly every night and morning. They didn't bother wearing clothes to sleep anymore, they just needed to make sure the door was close before falling into bed.
And then, December twenty-four had finally arrived. Christmas eve. Emma was excited about her first Christmas, well, ever! What she was not excited about was going to Cora's party later that day. She still couldn't shake the feeling that this was a trick, somehow. But Zelena guaranteed her Cora wouldn't do a thing at that party, that the party was just too important to her mother to try anything against Emma, or anyone. Emma breathed in deeply, capturing the smell of Regina's hair. She was lying, naked on top of Emma, their legs tangled together, Regina's head resting between Emma's breast, her hands drawing little circles upon her skin, making Emma's body shiver with every touch. The moment was perfect. She loved slow mornings like these, she loved the affection they shared after making love to each other and she hated herself for ruining the moment by asking Regina the question she already knew the answer for.
- Are you sure we can't skip it? – Emma asked – Can we just stay home? You, me, and the kid?
- This is sort of a family tradition – Regina said – Henry and I have to go. But you can stay home if you want to.
- Nooo! – Emma said quickly – I want to be with you.
- She won't do anything, Emma – Regina said – I won't let her!
- I know!
- Are you sure you don't want to stay? – Regina asked looking up at Emma.
- I want to be with you!
- Okay – Regina said laying her head down again – Tomorrow will be just the three of us. We get to open all of the presents on Christmas morning.
- Oh shit! – Emma cursed – I need to get the rest of the gifts from the bug!
- Rest of the gifts? – Regina asked looking up again – Emma, you already bought so many!
- It's my first Christmas with you guys – Emma said sheepishly – I want to spoil you. And the kid!
- It's too much!
- I'll take it easy next year – Emma said – I promise!
- Good! – Regina said – what did you get me?
- What did YOU get me, Mills?
- I can't tell you that!
- Neither can I!
- Just one? – Regina said flashing Emma a beautiful smile – Please?
- You're beautiful – Emma said and brought her hand up to her lips – And I love you – She kissed the hand again – But I'm not telling you!
- Fine! – Regina pouted.
- It's not like you are telling me what you bought, babe!
- It's a surprise.
- Mine too.
- In that case, I suppose we should get up!
- Oh, come on, Regina – Emma protested – That's not fair!
- What?
- I want to stay in bed with you! – Emma pouted.
- Me too – Regina said – But Henry is up already and we can't pretend to not hear him every morning!
- You have a point there!
- Don't I always?
- I feel like I should say yes…
- Emma! – Regina said slapping her arm.
- I'm kidding, I'm kidding!
- Come on! Let's change and go downstairs.
Regina rose from the bed first. Emma tried to protest once and again by stretching her arms to pull Regina to the bed, but Regina wasn't having it. She went straight to the suite and gone about her morning business. Emma stayed in bed, waiting for Regina to come out again. When she finally did, she kissed Emma's forehead and ordered her to get the fuck out of the bed. Emma pouted but did as she was told. The family spent their day together, just chilling waiting for the hours to pass. At three, Emma and Regina left for their hair salon appointment. Henry was allowed to stay home alone, to his absolute surprise and delight.
They arrived home past six that day and it was time to get ready for the event. Henry complained that he was hungry and Regina told him that it was good, he would have plenty to eat at the party. He pouted but did what he was told when Regina told him to go change. They did the same, helping one another with their gowns. Regina looked impeccable in a red long dress with thin spaghetti straps and an opening on her right leg that left much of it on display. The dress hugged her body like a second skin, every perfect curve of Regina's body. Her hair had been straightened and she had light make-up around her eyes. The same could not be said about her lips. They were painted in deep red. She looked absolutely stunning, Emma could hardly breathe at the sight of her. To make the look looked complete, Regina was wearing a pair of such high heels that made her look much, much taller than her. Emma, for her part, was wearing a suit. She tried one when she went out shopping with Regina, and the woman had simply fallen in love with it. She had compliment Emma so much on how perfect she looked with it, that Emma blushed. She asked her if it was okay for her to wear it at the party and when Regina said yes, absolutely, Emma jumped her and kissed her lips. And now, here was Emma with a sky-blue pantsuit and a black corset covered by a matching blue suit. Her hair was stylish in a lower ponytail that fell over her shoulder and very light makeup. The pants covered most of her feet and so, she decided to go with a simple pair of black sandals that belonged to Regina. It didn't fit her feet perfectly, Regina was one size smaller than her, but it would do just fine for the night.
Emma took over the wheels of Regina's Mercedes. She was surprised to realize she no longer needed Regina's instructions to arrive at the Mills mansion. When they left the car, Emma was completely mesmerized by the sight in front of her. The house was completely decorated with white Christmas lights, everywhere. There was a gigantic Christmas tree in the front yard, decorated all in gold and red. It was absolutely stunning, Cora had good taste, Emma would give her that. Regina held her hand and gave it a little tug to pull Emma's attention. Emma smiled apologetically, and together the three of them made their way inside the house.
- Regina dear – Cora said receiving them by the door – Don't you look stunning?
- Thank you, Mother – Regina said back surprised by the lack of criticism.
- Miss Swan – She said looking at Emma – Welcome!
- Thank you, Miss Mills – Emma said back to the older woman.
- Hi, grandma – Henry quipped – How do I look?
- Very handsome, dear – Cora said – Now go on, you know where the children's area is.
Henry ran inside the house while Emma and Regina made their way to the backyard hand in hand. The decorations out there were even more stunning than the ones outside. Everything was completely illuminated in Christmas lights, all the trees were light up and had gold and red ornaments. Candles were floating on the river and a band was playing soft music. The whole place had some sort of a dome covering the yard, that seemed to chase the cold away. Regina pulled Emma with her towards a table where they sat down side by side. Zelena joined the, shortly after, she looked stunning in a long green dress. Regina's father stopped by too. He looked very elegant all dress in white. He asked Zelena to the dance floor first, then Regina and then, Emma. She tried to refuse, saying she didn't know how to dance but the kind old man wasn't having it. He spun her around on the dance floor and Emma could only think about how amazing it would be to do just that with Regina.
The night went on fairly decent. Emma had lots of fun with Regina and Zelena. The food was absolutely delicious, the drinks were flowing and Emma allowed herself to get just a little bit dizzy with the alcohol. At some point that night, she kissed Regina's cheek and smile at her, and Regina's response was to smile back at her and then rest her head on Emma's shoulder. Henry ran to them a few times, just to get something to eat and drink before running back to his friends. Regina tried to get the boy to sit down and eat properly, but it would seem he was always in the middle of something. Emma asked Regina for a walk, she wanted to properly look at all the decorations with her girlfriend by her side. Regina held her hand and together, she showed Emma most of the house she had grown up in. On the way back to their table, Regina was stopped by an old friend. She introduced Emma, as her partner, and Emma felt herself melt on the spot. That was the first time Regina has ever introduced her to anyone, apart from family members. Emma felt such a rush of pride at that moment that she couldn't wait to finally go public with the woman.
Emma spotted Cora, not too far from where they were, and something popped into her mind. She had no idea why she felt the need to do what she was about to, maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was something else, but all Emma knew was that she needed to talk to her. To Cora. She kissed Regina's cheek and excused herself before going after Cora. She saw Cora walking away from where she previously was, Emma followed her and they ended up in the back yard leaving by the kitchen door.
- Why are you following me, Miss Swan? – Cora asked in a cold tone.
- I wanted to talk to you – Emma answered her.
- What about, dear?
- I wanted to thank you – Emma said – For inviting me, it means a lot to me that you are…
- I didn't invite you! – Cora said cutting Emma off.
- What? – Emma asked.
- I didn't invite you, dear. Not willingly, anyway.
- But you told Regina…
- Yes, dear, I did. My husband threatened me. I had no choice.
- I can not imagine Henry doing such a thing!
- And the fact that you just called him by his first name just shows how much you have snaked your way inside my family.
- Cora…Mrs. Mills, please! What do I have to do to prove to you that I love your daughter? I love Regina!
- You can leave her!
- That's not gonna happen! I don't want this, I don't want our relationship to be a discomfort between you and your daughter. You are her mother, every girl needs their mother.
- And what would you know about that?
- Nothing! – Emma said tearing up – Which is exactly why I'm here, trying…
- And failing, dear – Cora said – You have no place here!
- She has a place with me – Regina said walking behind them – She will always have a place with me.
- Regina… - Cora started to say.
- I'm tired and done with the way you treat Emma – Regina said – I will not allow this any longer. It's enough!
- How dare you to talk to your mother like that?
- How dare you to talk to the woman I love like that? – Regina said angrily and entwined her fingers with Emma's – I really hope it won't come to this but if I have to choose between you and Emma, I chose Emma.
- What? – Cora said in disbelief.
- I chose Emma, Mother – Regina repeated herself – When Dany died, I thought I would never love anyone ever again. I thought that door was close to me, that she was it. My one and only true love. I settle for a life of just me and Henry, and I was happy with it. Until I met Emma – Regina said and looked at Emma – She gave me something I thought I lost forever. She gave me love. Someone I can talk to, laugh with, build a life.
- Regina… - Emma said with tears falling down her eyes.
- I was lost before I met you. In a dark room locked away. And the worse part was that I didn't even know I was there until you pulled me out. You made me see the light again. Made me realize I was capable of love again. You made me fall in love with you. I love you, Emma!
- Oh God, I love you too! – Emma said back, tears running freely down her face now.
- You can't love someone like her – Cora said – She's not…She's not enough, Regina. You deserve so much more my darling girl.
- She's all I want, Mother.
- And her, you shall have – They heard Henry's Sir voice saying – I haven't seen you this happy in a long time, Mija. And for that, I will always be grateful to you, Emma.
- Henry, you can't be serious! – Cora said – She will ruin our daughter.
- Cora, look at her! – Henry Sir said and walked to Cora – Look at them. When was the last time you saw our daughter truly smile before meeting Miss Swan? And our grandson? He won't stop talking about how amazing Emma is.
- He is a child, Henry – Cora said angrily – His opinion is irrelevant.
- I won't let you do anything to harm them anymore – Henry said – I chose them. I chose my daughter.
- Henry…
- Me too – Zelena's voice said – I chose my sister!
- Do you see what she has done already? – Cora said – She has already set you all against me.
- No, Mother – Regina said – You did that all by yourself.
- Please, Mrs. Mills – Emma bagged – I don't want this to be a fight.
- Do you really love her? – Cora asked looking deep into Emma's eyes.
- With all that I am.
- And you? – Cora said looking at Regina – Do you want her?
- Yes! – Regina said – I love her.
- Very well – Cora said – Then we need a contingency plan.
- Excuse me? – Emma asked.
- As you can see, dear, we are a very wealthy family, and your past will bring nothing but scandal.
- Mother…
- I'll have my team erasing any traces of Miss Swan's past life – Cora said – Does anyone at the University knows about you two?
- No, we… - Emma started to say.
- We are going public next year, Mother – Regina said – I've already scheduled a meeting with the Dean for our first day back.
- What? – Emma asked looking at Regina – You didn't tell me that!
- I was going to tell you after Christmas.
- That hardly gives me enough time, Regina – Cora said – I'll talk to them tomorrow. We have to move this fast! Now, if you excuse me, I have a party to come back to.
Cora walked around the house and disappear. Both Henry Sir and Zelena hugged them and said encouragement words before leaving them alone. Regina held Emma's hand and pulled Emma with her, near the lake. The only thing illuminating that part of the house was a few floating candles that had most likely had drifted off from the main part of the river. Emma had no idea why that river wasn't frozen. It was cold enough to do just that.
- We should go back inside – Emma said – It's freezing out here.
- In a minute.
- Then have my suit – Emma said taking off the suit and putting it over Regina's shoulder.
- Thank you!
- Would you really choose me? – Emma asked.
- Every single time! – Regina answered without a doubt.
- I love you so much! – Emma said.
- As do I – Regina said smiling at her – I love you!
Emma leaned in and captured Regina's lips on a kiss. She held her by the waist as Regina's hand covered Emma's cheek in a long and sweet kiss. Somewhere in the back, they heard the bells chimed indicating that it was Christmas. Twelve chimes. When they broke apart, Regina smiled at Emma and looked deep into her eyes.
- Merry Christmas, my love.
- Merry Christmas, babe.
