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Chapter 8

Over the next week, Emma took advantage of every minute with the sassy, spunky, and sweet six-year-old Gina. They also spent some afternoons and evenings with the Charmings and Emma had been pleasantly surprised at how Gina and David got along. David really was good with her and she couldn't help but watch them and imagine what it would have been like to have grown up with him.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Snow asked, sliding a mug of hot chocolate over to Emma.

Emma just softly smiled. "He's good with her." She said before sipping at her drink.

Snow smiled and watched through to the living area. "He is." She bit her lip. "He was so excited for you, Emma." She turned to her daughter. "When he found out we were having a girl, he couldn't wait. Most men in his situation would have been angry if their first born was a boy, but not him. He couldn't wait to have tea parties with you, teach you to dance, teach you to sword fight, hunt, do both the girlie and the not so girlie things with you. 'She's going to be well rounded. She will be able to hold her own both at balls and to defend herself'. He'd say."

Emma smiled, trying to swallow that lump in her throat. "He did? I wasn't a disappointment?"

"Oh, heavens no, Emma." Snow said, putting her hand on Emma's arm. "The only disappointment we ever felt was not being able to raise you. Well, and I think he felt like you wouldn't like him because of the whole Katherine thing."

Emma smirked a bit at that. "I mean, he was under a curse. No, I think it was just hard at first because…well it was a shock. Suddenly the curse is real, these stories are real, and everything literally hit the fan right away. I slay a dragon, we get sucked into a portal, I mean Mulan, Sleeping Beauty, The Queen of Hearts – who also tries to take my heart, Captain Hook, a Giant, an Ogre…and that was all within the first week. It took a while for me to process everything and then we were in fricken Neverland. I mean…I didn't really get a break to actually let things sink in, you know? I had all these feelings and emotions and I had no idea how to process them. I didn't ever feel disappointed in Dad; I just…I couldn't talk to you guys."

Snow listened intently to Emma as, no matter how hard she'd tried in the past, they'd never had this kind of conversation before. "Was it something we did? We had no idea what we were doing either. All we knew was our daughter was now a grown woman who was so strong and independent and…closed off. We had no idea what you needed, or how we could fit into your life. Did you want us to? Did you want parents who took over? Parents who stayed back? Did you want hugs? Did you just want to pretend we weren't your parents? We had no idea, and I know we made mistakes, but we tried."

Emma wiped at her eyes and put her hand in her mother's. "I am so sorry we never talked about this before. I had no idea you had all those questions and I know I wasn't the easiest person to deal with." She sighed. "Gods, we all just suck at communication, don't we?"

Snow chuckled and kissed Emma's temple. "We do. We all do."

"We need to not be like that anymore. Mom, you, and dad were everything I'd wanted and more. It was just so hard after being on my own for twenty-eight years to suddenly have people who actually cared about what I did. I could have been nicer about it."

"And we could have been more patient." David said, coming into the kitchen. "Not only that, but we could have trusted you more instead of just thinking we knew best. We made mistakes, Emma, and we're sorry for that."

Emma smiled and hugged her father, letting it linger. "Me too, dad." She let him hold her for a bit. "But it's all in the past now. After this crap with Killian, I promise I'll keep my line of communication much more open."

David kissed the top of Emma's head. "And I promise we won't back down. We're going to make sure you're okay even if it annoys you."

Emma chuckled and looked at her mom who was smiling at her. "I love you guys so much."

"We love you too." Snow stated. "Now, as soon as Regina get's older, I'd really like you two to start making us grandkids."

David closed his eyes and shook his head, walking away. "You just had to go there." He said jokingly. "Emma, I support you and want you to be happy, but I don't want to hear about that stuff."

Emma chuckled and shook her head at her mother. "You really think things will work out between me and Regina?"

"So long as you two stop being idiots and talk to each other, then yes."

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"You're gonna come back, right Mommy?" Gina asked, a bit of fear in her eyes.

"Yes, baby. I'll come back and sleep up in the loft with you tonight and in the morning, we'll go home. Grampa David is going to watch you and he will call me if you need me to come home."

"He can keep me safe?" She asked, still frightened after her nightmare.

David smiled softly. "I will keep you safe, Gina. I promise you that."

Emma kissed Regina's forehead. "You already had dinner and a bath, so you get to watch a movie with Grampa David and Neal and then bedtime and I'll be home before you know it."

Regina smiled and gave a nod. "Okay, Mommy. You have lots and lots of fun."

"I will sweetheart." Emma said and then went to get her boots on. She looked at her dad. "Don't be afraid to call me for anything."

"I will, but Emma, she will be fine. You go and have fun and keep an eye on your mother."

Snow rolled her eyes. "Take good care of our babies." She said, kissing him before taking Emma's arm and pulling her out of the loft.

The two got to Aesop's and were instantly greeted with laughter from Ruby, Zelena, and Ashley. "You made it!" Ruby said, holding out two shot glasses. "Come on, you're two shots behind us."

Emma chuckled as Snow took them and handed her one, downing hers. Emma shrugged and downed hers as well. The night was fun and Emma hadn't realized how much she needed a girl's night. She did end up talking a lot more than she planned, about both Killian and Regina and even her past. The group was very supportive and kept things light, knowing it could all end if Emma felt pressured. However, it seemed the blonde really needed to let things out.

"I've never had friends like you guys before." She gushed, drinking her whiskey sour. "I never understood movies that had these girls' nights in them. Now I do and I'm so happy for this and for you guys."

Ruby chuckled. "Uh-oh, she's getting to the emotional part of being drunk."

Zelena put her arm around Emma. "It's okay, Swannie, get as emotional as you want to."

Ashley looked at Emma sadly. "Didn't you have friends growing up?"

Emma shook her head. "I was never at a place long enough to make friends. I mean, there was Lily, but we only saw each other maybe a handful of days through out the years. At first, I'd try to make friends, but it always hurt when I either had to say goodbye or never got the chance to. Then, no one wanted to be my friend because I was the 'dirty foster kid'. I think that's why when I first came here and saw what a loner Henry was, my heart went out to him. I didn't get it though because like…he lived here his whole life. Gods what I would have given to have had a stable home with a mother who actually cared about me." Emma said, gesturing for another drink. "It honestly upset me how he treated Regina, even back then. I mean, here he was with a woman who loved him as her own, set rules and boundaries, kept him clothed, fed, pretty much gave him what he wanted so long as he deserved it and he was spitting in her face. I mean sure, I get the whole 'she made me look crazy thing', but in her defense, she had no idea because she'd taken a potion to make herself forget. I'm not saying she was perfect, but he didn't get verbally, physically, or sexually abused, he wasn't neglected, and he wasn't given up on over and over. He had no idea how damn lucky he was."

It always pained Snow to hear Emma talk about her past like that. Though her daughter never would go into detail, she'd heard enough to know it was hell for her. Zelena took a drink and looked at Emma. "I get why that would bother you, Emma, but he was ten and didn't know better. But yes, when you grow up being abused and treated unfairly, it is hard to see others who have what you think is perfect and they take it for granted."

Snow looked around and realized everyone in their group, excluding her, had been either neglected, badly treated, or given up in one form or another. Her mother had died, yes, but that wasn't the same as what these women experienced. "Hey, I may not know all of you pains, but you all know I am here for you, right?"

Ruby smiled and nodded. "We know that, Snow. Thank you." She looked at all of them. "I never would have guessed that my pack would consist of two princesses, a wicked witch, a lost girl and hopefully in the future, an evil queen. I couldn't have asked for better friends."

Emma smiled and put her glass out to clink. "Cheers to that!"

That night, Emma was as quiet as she could be after her shower to go up to the loft and get in bed next to a sleeping Gina. She guzzled down her large glass of water and two ibuprofens before laying down and snuggling up with the girl. Gina turned in her sleep and tucked her head into Emma's neck and Emma put her arm around the little one, kissing her forehead before falling asleep.

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"Mommy! It's my first day of school!" Gina called as she ran into Emma's room and jumped on the bed, waking the blonde.

Emma groaned and looked at the clock. At least the little one had listened and waited until seven to wake her up. She smiled as she caught her and tickled the girl, causing belly giggles that had Emma's heart soaring. "Okay, let's go eat first so you don't get your new clothes dirty."

Emma made a special first day of school breakfast consisting of strawberry French toast and Gina's favorite maple sausage. Afterwards, she helped Gina get cleaned up, teeth brushed, did her hair in two braids with bows and get her little uniform on. "Mommy, I'm kinda scared." Gina said, playing with the ends of Emma's hair as Emma fixed Gina's skirt.

"I think all kids are kinda scared on their first day of school. I know I sure was."

"You was? But you're so brave!"

Emma chuckled. "Even brave people get scared sometimes."

"Did it all turn out okay?"

Emma smiled and kissed Regina's nose. "It was the best day of my life. I got to paint and sing and go to a big room with lots and lots of books. My teacher was nice and we had special treats and I got to play with the other kids." She didn't tell Regina that she only lasted a week at that school, because there was no point. "You're going to love it, Gina, but if for some reason you don't, you just tell mommy, okay? Remember, we talked about that?"

Gina nodded. "I know I don't hafta go, but I really want to."

"See? You're brave too." Emma said and tapped Regina's nose. "Ready?"

"Yes!"

Emma grabbed Regina's lunchbox and the two headed out. Emma was surprised to see her mother waiting at the end of the drive. "Hey mom, what's up?"

Snow smiled. "I just wanted to see Gina on her first day. Is it okay if I walk with you?"

Gina smiled and nodded, taking Snow's hand with her free one. "Yes! Let's go!"

The walk was a pleasant one and once at the school, Ashley came over. "Good morning, Gina." She said with a smile. "Are you all ready for your first day!"

"Yes I am Ashl…I mean Mrs. Herman!"

Ashley smiled. "That's a good girl, but if you slip and call me Ashley, you won't be in trouble. Now, how about I show you and your mommy where your special cubby is?"

Gina held tightly to Emma's hand, but nodded. She looked up at Snow. "Are you gonna come too?"

"Would you like me to?" When Gina nodded, Snow smiled. "Then I'd love to."

The three followed Ashely and Gina smiled when she saw her name. "Gina Swan! That's me! Look mommy! My cubby has horses!" She let go of their hands and went to it, touching the stickers of horses.

"It sure does." Emma said, not at all sure why she had an emotional lump in her throat. She felt her mother take her hand and squeezed it. "The cubby is for your lunchbox and your backpack, sweetie. On cooler days, you'll also put your coat in there."

Regina took her lunch box from Emma and put it in her cubby and then hung up her backpack. "Like that?"

Ashley smiled. "Just like that." She looked over at Emma and then back at Regina. "You have a few minutes before the bell rings to say 'see you later' to mommy."

Gina nodded and went to Emma, her brown eyes big as she looked up at her. "Mommy, don't cry."

Emma hadn't even realized she was crying, so she just brushed her tears away. "I'm just so happy for you, Gina. You're going to have so much fun."

Gina came and hugged Emma tightly. "I'm gonna miss you, Mommy, but I'll see you later. I promise."

Emma chuckled and hugged her back. "You sure will. I'll be waiting for you right outside." Emma saw other kids looking at them and she smiled. "Make lots of friends, have lots of fun, and tell me all about it later."

Gina smiled. "I will, mommy."

Ashley came back and held her hand out. "Are you ready to come play for a bit before class starts?" Gina gave Emma one more hug and then took Ashley's hand. Emma went to the door and turned, seeing little Gina with some other kids. "This is Gina Swan and she's our new friend." Ashley said and the other kids either said hi or waved. "Who would like to show Gina the special carpet where we go when the bell rings?" Hands flew up and Ashley smiled. "How about you, Jenny?" The little girl smiled and lead Gina to the carpet, no doubt explaining how things worked.

"Emma, come on." Snow whispered, gently pulling her daughter's hand. "She'll be okay."

Emma nodded and turned, heading out with her mother. Once outside, she wiped at her face. "This is so stupid. She's not even my kid." She tried to play it off, but the tears wouldn't stop.

"To anyone who doesn't know the situation, she is your kid, Emma. It's okay to get emotional; I still did when you lived with us and you'd leave for work. Come on, I took the morning off to be with you and then David will bring Neal over until I'm done with work if that's still okay."

Emma smiled and nodded, resisting the urge to look back at the school. "That's fine. I already had breakfast, but maybe some coffee?"

That afternoon, Emma was waiting with Neal in the stroller for school to let out. She had been early, but now that other parents were waiting, she didn't feel so foolish. The bell rang and Emma strained to see the kids, seeing kindergarten was let out first, she knew Gina would be next. Sure enough, Ashley came out and right behind her was little Gina with a huge smile, her backpack, and lunchbox. "Mommy!" She squealed and Emma heard others chuckle or 'aww' as Gina came running to Emma's open arms.

Emma placed kisses all over her face as she lifted her. "There's my Little Majesty. I missed you so much today!"

"I missed you too, but Mommy, I haded so much fun!"

"Were you a good girl?"

"I tried, but mommy, I did get in one fight and haded to sit in a quiet spot."

Emma's brows furrowed. "What happened?"

"Mrs. Herman wanted to talk to you about it." Gina said, looking down. "I'm sorry, Mommy."

"Oh Gina, I'm sure it couldn't have been that bad. Did you hurt anyone?"

"No mommy! I just gotted mad and told Connor he was stupid."

Emma looked around, praying Connor's parents weren't around. "Okay, let me talk to Mrs. Herman." Emma said, and put Gina down. Gina went to the stroller and started cooing over Neal as Ashley came over. "Gina got in trouble today?" Emma asked not yet sure how to feel.

"Well, honestly I didn't really want to punish her, so she just got a bit of quiet time at a desk. Connor was apparently giving her a hard time and saying you're not her mommy and that her name is Regina Mills and she's evil."

Emma grit her teeth, anger flashing in her eyes. "She's a child."

"I know, Emma, and he did get in trouble for it. The problem is, no matter what, we can't have students calling each other stupid either. Now, in my eyes, it's all done and behind us as far as Gina goes. I had a talk with Connor and the class and there were no issues the rest of the day. The kids all played with her and she had a great rest of the day."

Emma let out a breath. "I suppose I should have expected something like this. She's okay?"

"She seemed just fine, Emma. Connor apologized to her and by the end of the day, they were playing together."

Emma nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Ashley. I'll talk to her about name calling." She then smiled as she turned to Gina who was making faces to make Neal laugh. Just as she was about to announce that they could go, a woman stepped up and touched her arm.

"Emma? I'm not sure if you remember me, but I'm Sheila. We met when my husband um…well crashed into the police cruiser when it was icy last winter."

"Right, Sheila yes. How are you?"

"Oh, I'm fine thank you. I um…I'm sorry for what Connor said to little Gina today. I would never allow him to speak like that, but he hears things his grandfather says, and I hate to say that he repeats it. I think it's great what you're doing and it's adorable to see her like this. You're an amazing mother, Emma."

Emma listened and smiled. "Hey, he's six and it sounds like they both learned their lessons. I'm sorry that Gina called him stupid. Thank you for your kind words."

"No problem. We should get going, but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am."

"Hey, really, it's okay. Just…I mean maybe talk to his grandfather about what he says in front of Connor."

"Oh, believe me, I will." Sheila said with a chuckle. "Have a great night."

Emma waved her off and smiled over at Regina and Neal. "How about some ice cream on the way home?"

"Yes!" Gina said with a huge smile.

That night as Emma tucked Regina into bed, she lay next to her and softly stroked her hair. "I know you were upset, Gina, and I know he called you names, but it's not nice to call others' names to get back at them. Next time, go tell a teacher instead of saying anything mean back, okay?"

Gina nodded, sniffing. "Okay, Mommy. I sorry. Please don't be mad at me."

Emma kissed Gina's tears. "I'm not mad at you, sweetness. I'm sorry if I made you think that. You're an amazing little sweetheart and I could never be mad at you."

Gina hugged Emma tightly. "I love you, Mommy Emma. I love you so much."

Emma closed her eyes, picturing adult Regina in her mind. "I love you so much, Regina."