I noticed that my chapters numbers were mixed up so this is actually chapter 8 since I had an introduction. Anyway, there will be some time jumps in here. Also, just a reminder, this whole story is AU so things like birthday and ages are things I make up. Honestly, those are things that I feel every author makes up, but apparently some people believe you have to go by what the majority of fans think are their birthdays. Sorry, but I don't do that. Also, there will be one more chapter after this one and then the last "book" of this story (which will be shorter than the rest). Anyway, hope you enjoy!
Chapter 8
The rest of the summer flew by with the families having group grill outs, swimming days, and even a last-minute trip back to Disney world with the full gang. This time, they took a plane though and enjoyed their time.
When fall came, Regina took the day off and they walked the Quads to the end of the drive for their first day of kindergarten. Emma was an emotional mess but tried hard to hide it, so the kids didn't worry. Once they were on the bus, she just completely broke down. "Our babies aren't babies anymore."
Regina, though used to Emma being emotional, was surprised at her complete breakdown. She wrapped her arms around her wife to comfort her. "My love, they will always be our babies." She used her magic to take them home and sat them on the sofa. "Honey, please don't get upset with me, but…I think we should make you an appointment. Your hormones are a lot like when you were pregnant."
"Regina, I can't get pregnant again." Emma said, crying more.
"I know baby." Regina said, rubbing Emma's back. "But you can go through another change."
Emma's face crumpled even more. "But I don't want to. I'm not even forty for another two years. You, Zelena, Mal, my mom, you're all older than me and you haven't gone through it. Why do I have to be first?"
"Okay, first of all, your mother and I were frozen by magic for years, which could slow that process down. Zelena is going through it – she just isn't sharing that information and Mal…well she's part dragon and will outlive all of us."
"Wait…is Mal immortal?"
"Close, but not quite. Dragons are known to live for hundreds of years, and those like Mal who are part dragon, part human, can naturally live to be at least a hundred and fifty."
Emma wiped her tears. "So…she's going to watch all of us grow old and die? That's so sad."
"Well, my love, she would kill me for telling you this, but she is actually in her eighties. While she will outlive us, and maybe our kids, I like to think she'll be watching over them and keeping them safe."
"We need to make sure our kids and their kids know to keep her safe too. I'd hate to think of her dying alone."
"She will never be alone, but you're right, we will instill in them how important it is."
"And Zelena? She's going through m…menopause?" Emma even hated saying the word.
"Yes, though for her it's more hot flashes and getting angry for little to no reason. Dr. Nolan was able to get her on some medication that helps her. Baby, after having that partial hysterectomy after the babies, she did say you may go into this earlier than normal. It's nothing to be ashamed of; it's a natural part of life."
"It means I'm getting old." Emma sobbed out, fresh tears falling.
Regina couldn't help but chuckle. "What is so bad about getting old?"
Emma wiped her eyes. "I just…Regina I don't want it all to end. Growing old means I'm closer to the end. I don't know what happens and I…Regina I don't want to be without you ever."
"Oh baby." Regina said, holding Emma tightly. "We still have so much time. Even if we didn't, even if something horrible happened tomorrow, I am so thankful for the time we've had an I have no doubt we'll see each other soon. I don't know either, but I like to believe our souls will be together watching over those left here. I'll see my mother again, my father, and he will love you so much. For now, however, can we please set you up an appointment?"
Emma sniffed. "Fine."
As it turned out, Emma was going through early menopause, but with medication, she found it much easier to deal with. They also found out Kathryn was retiring and because of everything the woman had done for them between child births, Cora's heart, and Malory's cancer, Regina insisted on throwing a party for her.
When the girls graduated high school, there wasn't enough medication in the world to keep Emma from crying. She was so proud of her girls and was glad the two schools did a combined graduation ceremony. Eva had surprised all of them and graduated top of her class and with two MVP championship titles from being quarterback for the football team while Malory was valedictorian and had a full scholarship for Boston University to get her degree in Public Administration with the hopes of becoming the new Mayor/Queen one day. Henry had been asked, but he much preferred working with his grandfather and had hopes to be sheriff one day. Eva still didn't know what she would do. She had been offered a scholarship to Boston University for football, but she was done with the sport. Part of her wanted to go just to stay close to her sister and be out in the big world, but part of her also wanted to stay home with her family.
Eva looked out at where her mothers were and smiled seeing them. Emma was dabbing her eyes with a Kleenex while Regina was proudly taking pictures. She saw the streaks of silver in Regina's hair and the small wrinkles around Emma's eyes and knew she didn't want to go far away from them and miss a single moment. She looked over to Layla and smiled, giving a little wave. The two had remained close friends and a part of her would always hope they'd get back together. Layla had talked to the guy she was crushing on two years ago, but nothing had come from it and Eva knew she was still figuring her life out. They had time.
Malory looked out at the family and smiled as Oliver and their uncles were obviously trying to impress the other girls in the audience. The Quads were doing so good sitting and listening to what was going on. At six and a half, they were all just adorable. They all ended up with more sandy brown hair, though Gabby and Lottie's – the identical ones – were just a shade darker than Addie and Chris's. None of them stayed as blonde as she and Eva did or as Emma was. She then smiled at little Henry Jr who was almost four and who was also sitting s nicely. It turned out that Lilly and Henry couldn't have more kids and while they were sad about it, they decided that when Henry was older, they'd look into adoption. She smiled more when she saw Mason smiling at her and her heart flipped. He was also going to Boston University and she hoped with all her heart things would work out.
Henry sat next to Ruby and his other sisters and cheered as the diplomas were given to his sisters and to Layla. He looked around and couldn't help but think how everyone was growing so fast. Rose and Amber were now fifteen and eleven and though they didn't have their dad, they were such good and respectable kids. Amber did learn to control her wolf side and Rose was glad she didn't have it. Owen was now ten and honestly looked so much like Mal it was crazy he was adopted and not hers. Little Tori was now fifteen and it was hard to remember a time she wasn't a part of their family. She had come along so nicely from the abusive past and was thriving with Zelena and Anslie. Corey, now five, was a spitting image of Zelena with hints of Cora, which seemed fitting. D.J. and Ben were taller than him, even if Ben was only twelve. He couldn't believe D.J. would be graduating next year and though Henry was only 23, it made him feel old.
After the ceremony, they all headed home to have a huge party for the three graduates. Practically everyone from both graduating classes were there and every adult was vigilant for signs of alcohol. The party was a success and after the guests left, Malory asked Emma if they could talk.
"What's up, Honeybee?" Emma asked fondly as they sat in Henry's old tree house, Emma stroking Ry's hair.
"Are you upset that I'll be going away for school in the fall?"
"Upset? Not at all baby girl. I'm so proud of you. Yes, I'm going to miss you and it'll be hard to not have you here, but there's no way I'd be upset with you."
"Do you think I can do it? Not just the schooling but also come back and run for Mayor if that's how they decide to d it?"
Emma smiled softly. "Not only do I have every confidence in the world, but I'm pretty sure your Mom is staying at the job until you come back to do just that. You'll be great, Malory and even if it is an election, you're going to win."
Meanwhile, Eva and Regina were talking in the living room. Oliver and the Quads had already gone to bed. "Upset? Eva, how could I be upset with you?"
"Because I'm not going to college right away – if ever?"
"Bumblebee, all your Mama and I ever wanted for you girls was to be happy. I'd rather you not go yet if you don't know what you'd go for. Take your time, my love. Your ma didn't get her degree until she was a bit older. Besides, you have a job at the children's home, so it's not like you're just mooching off us."
"I love my job there, even if it's sad to still see so many unwanted kids. They really do great things with them." Eva bit her lip. "Mom? Do you think I'll ever find anyone like you did? I just…I know I'm young, but I so badly want the kind of love story you and Ma have and I'm scared I won't find it unless I move away from here and I just don't want to do that."
Regina snuggled her daughter close to her. "Eva, you are a wonderful young woman who has so much love to give. I have no doubt you'll find someone; however, I think it'll happen when you're least expecting it to." She kissed Eva's temple. "A watched pot takes longer to boil, you know."
Eva chuckled. "Is it okay if I stay in this room? I know you offered to make me my own apartment but…mom, I just want to stay here."
"Then here is where you'll stay. Besides, I think Ma, Mal, and I will need help teaching the Quads how to control their magic. I can't think of anyone who would do a better job at teaching them potions than you."
Eva felt tears in her eyes at that. "You really think so? You think I'm at Gramma's level?"
"Beyond, my darling. Your grandmother would be so proud of who you've become, and she'd be telling you that you're ready to teach your siblings." Regina kissed Eva's forehead. "How are you going to be when Ry leaves?"
Eva let out a breath. "Sad. I'm going to miss her so much, but I know she's going to do great things."
"Aww, thanks sis." Malory said as she came in and sat next to her sister.
Emma sat next to Regina and sighed. "I can't believe our girls are all grown. It honestly feels like yesterday that you were in my stomach."
Regina smiled and kissed Emma's hand. "I will never forget how adorable you looked when you were pregnant with them."
"God, that was a lifetime ago. How could it have been nineteen years already?" Emma chuckled and then looked at the girls. "I'm so proud of both of you. You've done amazing things and I can't wait to see what your futures hold." She then let out a rather loud yawn.
Regina chuckled. "Let's get to bed, Ems. Leave the girls to have some time."
Emma grinned. "Sounds like a plan." She stood and then pulled Regina up.
"I remember when you used to carry me up the stairs. My knight in red leather."
Emma chuckled. "I still could do that you know."
"Oh, don't even think about it. I'm not as light as I used to be."
"And you're not as strong as you used to be, Ma." Eva said.
Emma shook her head and went to Regina, picking her up bridal style. "I've still got it." She said, heading for the stairs.
"Emma, put me down. I don't want you to hurt yourself over your pride."
"I'm fine." Emma said, starting up the steps by the fifth one, she let out a yelp and the two ended up in a pile on the steps. "Fuck!" She said, pain in her eyes and voice. "My back. Did I hurt you?"
"I told you!" Regina scolded, but was concerned. "I'm fine, how are you?"
"Ma! Did anything crack or just a strain?" Malory asked, coming over and softly touching Emma's back.
"I didn't hear anything crack." Emma said, feeling highly embarrassed. "I just…I wasn't distributing the weight evenly."
"It's a muscle pull." Eva said, her fingertips also on Emma's back. "Right there."
Ry nodded and the two sent healing magic to their mother. "There, all better. Now no more fooling around." She fake scolded.
"Thank you." Emma said, still feeling disappointed in herself. "I'm sorry, Regina. Are you sure you're okay?"
Regina kissed Emma softly. "I'm fine, love." She stood and took Emma's hand. "You're still my knight in shining red leather."
Emma smiled softly and the two headed upstairs. Eva and Ry went back to the living room and tried hard not to laugh at what just happened. "Ma's having a hard time with this growing old thing." Ry said. "Maybe we shouldn't have the party in a few months."
"It's mom's 40th, Ry. We're doing it. Besides, you've already planned on coming home that weekend from school."
"Okay, okay. I suppose we already have everyone else involved, so we can't really back out."
Emma and Regina took the day to drive Malory to school, so it was just the three of them. Eva and Ry had spent the last night together and Eva was watching the younger ones so Ry could have this time. When they got there, they got to work setting up Malory's dorm, all three of them putting off the inevitable goodbye. After dinner, they knew they couldn't put it off any longer. They were all teary eyed when Emma and Regina finally pulled away and Emma waved until she couldn't see her baby girl anymore. "I hate this." She said sadly.
"I do too, but at least she's within driving distance. She knows she can come home any time."
"I know; it's just so sad."
When they got home, Emma smiled to see Eva and Oliver cuddled on the sofa together. She picked up her not so little boy and carried him up to his bed. At 13, he was almost as tall as her, but she wanted this time with him. Regina took the time to cuddle with Eva and the two later met in bed, cuddling with each other.
A few months later, Regina and Emma were dressed up and made their way to the castle in the woods that Regina, Cora, and Mal had made for Emma's 21st birthday and they never took down. "Now Emma, make sure you act surprised. The girls went through a lot of work for this and they'd be crushed if they knew you found out."
"Don't worry, Gina, I'll act surprised. I can't believe they did this for me."
"Well, you're like the queen planner for everyone else's birthdays. I'm glad they are doing this."
Emma smiled when she saw all her kids and grandson waiting in front of the castle. Everyone was dressed up and she couldn't believe how beautiful her family was.
Henry held his hands up. "I want to go on record and say none of this was my idea. Happy birthday, Ma." He said, leaning over and hugging her. "You look great."
Emma hugged him back, holding him just a bit longer. "Thank you. You all look great as well."
"Happy Birthday, Memaw Emma!" Henry Jr. exclaimed with a big grin.
"Happy Birthday, Ma." Lilly said, also giving Emma a hug.
Emma picked up the little one and hugged Lilly back. "Thank you so much." She then looked at the girls. "Okay girls, what's going on? I thought we were having a family dinner, but this doesn't look like a restaurant."
"Everyone's gonna jump out and yell SURPRISE!" Addie said, full of excitement.
Oliver rolled his eyes. "You just ruined the surprise, Addie!"
Addie's big blue/green eyes got wide and her chin wobbled as she was about to cry but Eva knelt down in front of her. "No crying, Addie Bear; it's okay. I think Ma already knew and I know you're excited for this. No need to be upset."
Emma handed Henry Jr. to Regina and lifted Addie onto her hip, sending a glare over to Ry who had whispered 'don't hurt your back' under her breath. Sure, Addie was six, but she was petite and not heavy at all. "Your sister is right, sweetie. No tears. Oliver wasn't yelling at you." She gave Oli a soft smile to show she wasn't upset with him. Addie and Gabby were a bit more sensitive of the four.
"I'm sorry, Addie. I wasn't mad." Oliver said.
"Okay Ma, let's go in." Eva said, smiling.
Everyone did yell surprise and Emma smiled wide. She remembered her first birthday here with just Regina, Mal, Ruby and her mom – though she was Mary Margaret at the time and couldn't believe everything that had changed.
Emma had a great time and Regina allowed Rose and Tori to take the Quads home and babysit them once it got a bit later. Emma was allowing herself to drink and Regina wasn't going to stop her. It was something her wife rarely did, so when she wanted to let loose, she didn't stop her. Regina smiled as she watched Emma dance with the girls, thinking about the last 22 years since Emma had come to town. The girls were now nineteen, Henry was almost 24, Oliver 14, and the Quads were almost seven. She didn't even want to do the math on how old she was, but she guessed it would be around 55. She was glad Emma came when she was eighteen and not when she was twenty-eight or things could be so different now.
"Stop thinking so hard sis, you're giving me a headache." Zelena said, smiling softly as she sat at the table with her sister. "It looks like Emma's having a great time."
Regina smiled. "She is. I'm so glad she is. She's had a pretty emotional year with her pre menopause and Malory leaving."
"How are you holding up? I've noticed you've kept yourself pretty open at work and not as busy as normal." Zelena was Regina's 'right hand man' in the mayoral office and Regina loved having her there.
"I'm fine, Zee. I just…I have learned to delegate and relax. Part of me wants to retire, but I need to wait until after our next town hall so I know how they're going to work it."
"You mean if it will be an election or a birth right?"
"Exactly. If it's a birth right, I would be fine retiring and letting Ry take over even as she finishes school. However, if it's an election again, I kind of want to run one last time until Ry can run."
"That makes sense. You should know then by Monday."
On Sunday, they said goodbye to Malory and watched as Mason drove them off and back to school. Monday came and at the town hall meeting it was discussed that they would do an election, however they also made it so Regina would be mayor for the next five years until Ry would be done with school to give her a chance.
"Five years." Emma said as the two sat on their front porch. "Do you think you can and want to do that?"
"Yes. I'm not ready to give it up yet. I am slowly pulling back on the work and delegating, but…it gives me purpose, Emma. It always has."
"I know baby. When you do retire, I will too and we can make our purposes be each other."
Regina smiled softly and lay her head against Emma's shoulder. "I love you so much, my Swan Princess."
Emma chuckled. "I love you too, my Queen."