Chapter 5
"Regina."
Regina stared at Emma as Audrey looked back and forth between the two ladies. "I'm going to give you some privacy. Em, if you need anything, I'll be reading in my room." Audrey then left the room and turned back to look at the one last time.
Regina looked down at the glass in Emma's hands which still contained a small amount of blood. Swallowing hard, she looked back up at Emma.
Emma realized what her eyes were staring at and sat the glass down and stood up in front of it while wiping her hands on her silk pajama pants.
"I apologize for the late visit." Regina slowly walked further into the room and around the couch to approach Emma. Once she was standing directly in front of the blonde, Regina studied her eyes. 'Her eyes are back to their beautiful green color.' She still noticed Emma's skin and hair appearing richer than years before. She then noticed the prominent fangs as Emma's mouth stayed slightly open in shock. Reaching her hand up slowly, she cupped Emma's cheek and ran her thumb over Emma's bottom lip and slightly touched the two upper fangs. She then dropped her hands to grab Emma's and studied her nails which were back to normal.
Emma had closed her eyes when Regina's hand cupped her face and kept her eyes closed as Regina studied her features. Emma's breaths grew quicker with anxiety, worried of scaring Regina further, but she loved the feel of the woman's hands on her.
"What happened to you, Emma?"
Emma opened her eyes to Regina's concerned face. She debated on how much to share with Regina, but given tonight's visitor, she couldn't leave Regina in the dark. Her life was now in danger.
"Please sit." Emma pointed to the couch. "Would you like something to drink?"
Regina eyed Emma's tumbler and Emma quickly amended, "Coffee? Tea? Scotch?"
"I think a scotch will be required for this conversation."
Emma nodded and left the room to pour a double for Regina. After returning, Emma sat on the opposite end of the couch and grabbed her glass again, downing the rest of its contents in one shot.
"I was attacked several years ago when I was walking home late at night. I was pregnant and had a craving. Audrey was still sick and bedridden that week from the heavy chemo they used. I decided to run to the corner store for some ice cream for myself and soup for Audrey. When I left the store, I noticed a dark haired man following me from a distance so I sped up my pace, but I could only walk so fast in my late pregnancy. Although I was pregnant, I was confident in my self-defense skills. Just as I was about to enter the security gate to our apartment, I felt something grab me and carry me away. It happened faster than I could blink. When I stopped moving, I was pinned to a brick wall in an alley with fangs embedded in my neck. I couldn't move! It felt like my entire body was paralyzed from a drug. I tried to scream for help, but my voice was hoarse from the pain and trauma to my neck. The guy pulled back and stared at me with glowing red eyes and he screamed in ecstasy. He said he'd never tasted blood like mine and then grabbed me and drank from the other side of my neck."
Emma stood up and paced, growing more anxious as she relived her ordeal. "All I could think of was my baby. I felt myself growing weaker from the blood loss and then suddenly a voice yelled out from the main street and came running to my rescue. It was a woman who had the same abilities as the man did and she quickly sped over and pulled him off of me and threw him across the alley and into a dumpster."
Emma had poured herself a new glass of scotch and immediately took a large swallow of the golden liquid. "Her name was Malia. She scooped me up and was yelling at the guy threatening him and then she took me away to her apartment and nursed me back to health."
Regina chose then to ask a question, "Wait. I thought you said she was like him. Why would she help you?"
Emma shrugged, "Apparently she was an elder and that man, while a pack leader, was creating his own rules by attacking humans. They normally try to live in harmony with humans, but there are gangs that disagree with this decision and live by their own rules. Being an elder, he had no choice, but to submit to her demands. He couldn't attack her which allowed us to get away."
Small footsteps were then heard coming down the stairs and a small head poked out from between the bannisters to look into the room, "Mommy, I'm hungry. I need a snack."
Emma looked up at her daughter, 'Dammit. Not now while Regina is here.' "Ok, Sweetie. Why don't you come sit down in here while I got get it."
Tristan slowly shuffled into the living room and saw Regina. "Hi, Gina.", she said while rubbing her tired eyes and sitting on the edge of the chair next to the couch.
Regina smiled wide at the nickname, "Hello, Sweetheart." She sat next to the little girl on the corner of the couch. "Can't sleep?"
Tristan shook her head, "No. I'm hungry."
Emma returned with a sippy cup hoping the lid would conceal its contents from Regina.
"I want a big girl cup!", Tristan whined to her mother.
Emma rolled her eyes, "Just use this one, Honey. It's the first one that I grabbed." Emma took Tristan's right hand, "Why don't we go upstairs and you can finish your snack."
Tristan had taken a sip while standing up to grab her mother's hand and that's when Regina noticed the fangs slowly growing and protruding as the little girl drank. Her eyes grew wide in shock and she quickly turned to Emma.
Emma just stared at her and shook her head as if to say 'Not now' and then she walked Tristan back upstairs. Five minutes later, Emma returned with the empty sippy cup and took it to the kitchen to place in the sink to clean. Regina quickly followed her into the kitchen.
"Ms. Swan, what the hell were you thinking biting your daughter?! I can't believe how irresponsible and selfish you were!"
Emma whirled around in shock. Of all the reactions, she hadn't expected that one. Anger soon replaced shock, "How dare you?! You have no idea what you're talking about. You know nothing about us! I never did anything to her!"
Regina crossed her arms and huffed, "That sippy cup says different, Dear." She then used her sickly sweet, fake smile reserved for her constituents.
Emma stomped over to the mayor and stood face to face with her, their breaths touching the other's face. "Get. Out."
Regina stepped a little closer, "I see you have no explanation for her condition."
"Oh I have one, but you don't deserve it. I thought I could trust you, but apparently I was wrong. You will always assume the worst in people, even those who love you." Emma quickly went pale, realizing what she had just admitted.
Regina gasped at the words and stared at Emma in shock. Emma's anger was determined to disable Regina and make her leave so she said something she knew would be a direct emotional hit, "I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?" Emma then used the same fake smile at Regina.
It was a gut punch to Regina. The wind was completely taken out of her sails. She couldn't believe Emma would say something so spiteful.
"Go home to your Pine Cone, Regina."
Tears filled Regina's eyes against her will. She continued to stare at Emma whose eyes were full of hurt and anger.
"Get. Out."
Regina swallowed and turned around, walking out of the kitchen and grabbing her sweater she stormed out the door. Emma quickly locked it and then magicked to the clock tower to take her stress out on the piano. It also allowed her to smell any new intruders as Regina walked home.
Even after she sensed that Regina was back home safely, Emma stayed in the clocktower playing the piano for two more hours, crying as she played her sonatas. She knew Regina was just being protective of Tristan. She'd always loved children, but it hurt that Regina didn't have more faith in her.
Regina walked into her house with tears streaming down her face. She looked up the stairs knowing Robin was asleep in bed waiting for her, but instead she turned and went into her study for another drink. This time, she poured a generous helping of her cider and sat down to think about what happened with Emma.
'Emma said she loves me. She loves me and I accused her of hurting her daughter. I haven't seen her that hurt since she left four years ago. What have I done?'
She continued to down her cider and then poured another glass. She knew she'd hate herself in the morning, but she didn't care. After a second glass of cider, Regina's eyes grew heavy, but instead of going upstairs to bed, she elected to stay on the couch and fall asleep in her study. The thought of sharing a bed with Robin didn't appeal to her.
Audrey had come down to the living room to look for Emma, but found it was empty. As she turned around to head back upstairs, a cloud of white magic filled the center of the room and when it cleared, there was Emma with red, puffy eyes.
"What happened?"
Emma shook her head and tears rolled down her cheeks again. She filled Audrey in on her conversation with Regina and then grabbed her iPhone. "I need to call Malia."
Audrey nodded, "Yes you do. She may have an idea of how to help with our visitors."
Nodding, Emma hit the FaceTime icon next to Malia's name on her phone. After a few seconds, her mentor answered.
"Hey, Sweetie! What a surprise." Malia looked at Emma's image on her cell phone and frowned, "What happened?" She then noticed Audrey next to Emma, "Oh, hi Aud."
"They're here, Mal. I caught a fledgling after Regina tonight. I killed him. It has to be him." Emma was talking so fast to the point of hyperventilating.
Mal looked stunned, "How did they get in? I thought the outside world couldn't find the town."
Emma just shook her head in disbelief. "I have no idea. I'm in over my head here, Mal. I don't know what to do and now my family and friends are in danger."
Audrey watched the conversation between the two and studied Malia. She had dark, chocolate locks and deep brown eyes. Her tan skin made her similar to another brunette she'd recently met. 'Well, Emma certainly has a type.' Mal was much taller though and didn't have the regal presence that Regina did. Malia was more relaxed. 'I can see why Emma dated her. She needed someone to fill her Regina void.'
"I need you here, Mal. Can you come?" Emma sounded almost child-like with her small voice.
"How can I enter your town?"
"I can meet you at the town line and then get you across, though I'm curious if you're able to cross without my help first."
Malia nodded and then stared at Emma, "Have you seen her? Does she know?"
Emma's eyes welled up again, "Yes and yes. It didn't go so well." Emma then looked down and Audrey could see her shoulders bouncing, indicating quiet sobs.
"It'll be alright, Sweetie. I'll be there tomorrow night. It's too late for me to travel before sunrise, but I'll leave at sunset tomorrow. I should make it there around 10pm."
For the first time in a while, Emma finally smiled and relief spread across her face.
"How's my little girl?"
Emma's smile grew wide. "She's doing well, Mal. She misses her aunt Mal and will be so excited to see you tomorrow."
"Ok, Emma. I'll see you tomorrow. Try to get some rest. At least you know everyone is safe in their homes and obviously will be safe during the day tomorrow."
Letting out a heavy sigh, Emma agreed, "Yeah, you're right. I'll try. Thank you, Mal."
"You're welcome, Sweetie. Love ya.", she winked at Emma.
"Ditto.", Emma smiled.
"Audrey, you don't have to go to the funeral. You didn't even know him. It'll be depressing anyway."
"I wanna go, Em. I wanna be there for you and for Henry so come on and let's get going." Audrey was holding Tristan who wore a tiny black dress with shiny Mary Jane's and white stockings. She was holding her favorite stuffed Mickey Mouse and watching her mother pace.
"I still don't understand why I'm named in his will. It doesn't make any sense!" Emma ran her hands through her hair trying to figure out what Rumple was planning. She never trusted him, even after Belle's True Love Kiss removed the Dark One from him. He had spent the next few years trying to make up for the pain he had caused, but Emma didn't care.
"Well, I guess we'll find out what he left you at the reading this afternoon after the service. He asked that it be done right away, correct?" Audrey looped her purse around her other shoulder and walked to the front door.
Emma let out a heavy sigh, "Yeah, I guess so. Let's get this over with." Emma grabbed her car keys and they piled into the jeep and headed towards the cemetery.
"The service was lovely, Belle." Emma hugged her friend. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm hanging in there, thanks for asking. Ruby has been a big help around the shop." Belle smiled at the wolf from across the room and then looked back at Emma, "I'm sorry you had to return. I know you would've preferred to stay in Boston." Belle had an apologetic smile on her face. "If it matters, I'm so glad that you're here. I've missed you."
Emma gave her a small smile, "It's okay. I know I needed to come back at some point and it's great seeing everyone again."
Belle then looked at the little girl standing next to Emma holding her hand, "I'm especially glad that I got to meet this beautiful princess." Belle tapped Tristan's nose and the little girl giggled and hid her face in Emma's dress.
Tristan then looked up at her mother, "Mommy, can I have some cake?" Tristan had been eyeing the dessert ever since they arrived at Belle's house for food and drinks after the service.
"If you eat two more bites of your sandwich then yes."
Tristan went at her plate with gusto and crammed both bites in her mouth at once.
"Tris! Don't do that! You're gonna choke!"
Tristan just smiled and shook her head no and continued to chew. Emma just rolled her eyes while Belle chuckled at the exchange. "She certainly has your appetite, Emma." Belle couldn't help laughing harder while watching the girl and Emma just looked at her daughter mortified at her eating habits. Belle then grabbed her shoulder, "Thank you for that. I really needed a good laugh." Belle wiped tears from her eyes and Emma hugged her again.
"Anytime you need a laugh just let me know. I'll bring my daughter to help out.", Emma rolled her eyes and looked back at Tristan as she finally swallowed the last her food.
Emma walked over to the food table and began to grab a plate of cake, but Tristan ran up to her, "No, Mommy! I wanna get it!"
Tristan had recently started a new phase where she wanted to do everything herself to prove she was a big girl and Emma offered minimal help without Tristan noticing to prevent possible accidents.
"Ok, Ok. You can get it. Just be careful and take it to the table, Tris."
After Tristan was situated and eating her cake, Henry walked over to join her and spend time with his little sister. Emma just smiled at the pair. She looked around and saw her parents talking with the elves while sipping their drinks. Scanning the room, she then noticed Regina standing with Katherine and Frederick. Emma had done well avoiding Regina all day and refused to make eye contact with her. While she was still in love with the brunette, she was also very hurt by her accusation. She had noticed Katherine pointing to Tristan and then back to Regina while Regina rolled her eyes and spoke animatedly back at her. Obviously, Katherine was also commenting on their resemblance.
"Emma.", Snow walked up to her daughter with Charming and Neal in tow.
"Snow, David, Neal, how are you?", Emma asked coolly. She had managed to dodge her parents for most of the day and had Audrey keep Tristan at a distance.
"We'd be better if you'd talk to us and let us see our granddaughter.", Snow smarted. "This has gone on long enough, Emma. We're obviously not going to hurt her."
Emma studied her parents for a minute and finally relented, "Fine, but if you do or say something to upset her again, that's it."
The Charmings swallowed knowing their daughter meant business. They slowly walked over to Tristan and Henry helped break the ice while the little girl ate. "Hey, Doodlebug. I want you to meet Grandma and Grandpa and this is Neal!" Henry tried to sound excited in hopes of erasing yesterday's memory.
Tristan looked up and immediately recognized Snow so she got out of her chair and jumped into Henry's lap, hiding her face in his neck while holding onto him. "Hey, it's ok, Tris. They're really nice. They just want to meet you and play. We can have cake together, right, Grandma?" Henry tried to bring Snow into the conversation.
"I'd love to have cake with you, Tristan. Can we sit down at the table with you and eat some cake?" Snow was careful not to touch the girl. Tristan slowly looked at them eventually nodded, but didn't talk. She stayed in Henry's lap so Henry grabbed her cake and sat it in front of her. Feeling protected by her brother, Tristan began eating again while the Charmings sat around her and ate their cake while trying to get her attention.
Audrey walked up next to Emma, "Looks like they're gathering the people who were named in the will and having them meet in the study with Belle and the lawyer."
Emma watched as different people were tapped on the shoulder and ushered towards the study.
"Go. I'll watch Tris."
"Thanks, Aud." Emma had a worried look as she looked towards the study, "Well, here goes."
"Thank you for coming, everyone.", Belle then motioned to Katherine, who was the lawyer, to take over.
"Yes, thank you for coming. I'm aware it couldn't have been easy given the strained relationships with Rumple." Katherine looked around at the serious faces on everyone. "Let's get started." Katherine pulled out the stack of papers and began reading, "I, Rumpelstiltskin, being of sound mind, bequeath the following: To Henry, my dear Grandson, I leave you my shop and all of its contents. I also leave a trust worth $5 million dollars. My hope is that this will pay for your college and help you with your future family. Regina Mills is acting executor of the trust until Henry reaches 25 years of age at which time he may take over."
Regina looked at Henry and squeezed his hand while he tried to fight away the tears. He smiled at his mom, nodded and then turned to Katherine to continue.
"To Granny, I leave you the deed to the diner. It should always have been yours. May it remain a place of respite for all of Storybrooke."
Granny smiled and nodded to Ruby who then hugged her.
"To my True Love Belle. I leave $10 million dollars, our house and cabin in the woods. My wife should want for nothing. I will wait for you in the afterlife my Love, but I hope that you find love again. You filled my heart and made it whole again. I can never repay you for that."
Belle sat and cried while looking down at her lap. Ruby wrapped her arms around Belle and hugged her tight while Belle continued to sob on Ruby's chest.
"And finally to Emma Swan. I leave all of my magical books and items, all the remaining properties I own in Storybrooke, and my remaining wealth of $500 million dollars."
The entire room gasped and Emma immediately stood up, "What the fuck! There's a mistake! No way am I taking that. That's for Belle and Henry!"
Belle stood up, grabbed a book off the table and brought it to Emma, "Here. There's a reason Rumple did this. It's all in here." She handed the book to Emma who noticed a manila folder sticking out of one of the pages. She looked up at Belle for an explanation, "He left you a letter explaining everything and the page the folder is on will answer the rest of your questions."
Emma stared at Belle in disbelief, "I don't understand. How can you be ok with this?"
Belle just smiled, "He and I came up with this together. Please trust us. He left me with plenty. I don't need all of those things. It should go to you."
Regina watched the exchange and then looked at Katherine for further explanation, but her friend simply shrugged as if to say, don't look at me.
Emma sat down and opened a letter in a white envelope that she pulled out from the front of the book, her name scrawled on the envelope in Rumple's penmanship. Emma looked around the room and noticed everyone staring at her. Her parents had just walked in after hearing the gasps and Henry whispered to them getting them up to speed. Snow and Charming were wide-eyed as they watched their daughter.
As Emma began reading the letter, she gasped and then looked up at Regina who in turn was more confused. Looking back down, she continued to read, her color growing more pale the further she went until tears began streaming down her cheeks and she placed her hand over her mouth to stifle the sobs. "Oh my God." Emma then looked up at Belle, "You knew about this?"
Belle smiled apologetically while nodding.
Emma quickly stood after slamming the letter back into the book, "How long? How long did he know? Is it really possible?"
Belle swallowed and looked down, embarrassed to answer the question.
"Why did he do this to me? Why put this on me?"
Belle then put her hands on Emma's shoulders, "I know it's a lot, but you need to read the rest of the letters and book page."
Emma just looked down at the book, shaking her head as tears continued to flow, "I should have never come back." Emma then stormed out of the study to go look for Audrey and her daughter. When she found them, she yelled, "Audrey! Grab Tris, we're leaving. Now!" Emma didn't wait and then walked towards to front door with keys in hand.
"Emma! Emma, wait!", Belle ran out of the study with Henry, Regina and her parents behind her.
"I'm sorry, Belle. I can't do this. I need to go."
"Emma, he knew you wouldn't believe him. Just please read everything."
"Oh, he was right about that! I don't believe it. Any of it! And how dare he put me in this position!"
Belle tried to get closer to Emma, but Emma wasn't having it. "Stay away from me." Audrey then walked over to Emma and handed her Tristan who buried her head in her mother's neck. "Say goodbye to everyone, Tris."
Tristan looked up and waved at the group and then Emma left with Audrey right behind her.
A/N: I thought I'd address a couple of comments and PMs regarding Tristan's speech for her age and Emma's musical ability. I modeled Tristan after my 3-year-old nephew who talks the exact same way. I used my dad as an example for Emma as he has the exact same ability that allows him to play any instrument after hearing a song. He can't read sheet music. Hopefully this fills in a few blanks. ^_^