Part 2: Five years later

Odette Mills was a beautiful, happy, loving, and funny five-year-old. She had long dark hair just like her mommy.

"Mama, I ask a question," Odette said as she walked into the kitchen where Emma was.

"What's up, princess?"

"My school is having a mother's day breakfast and I was wondering if you could come?"

"Sure," Emma responded, "your mommy and I will be there."

"Actually, can it just be you?"

"You don't want mommy to come?"

"I spend a lot of time with mommy and I thought this could be something for the two of us. Just don't tell her. I don't want her to be sad."

"Okay," Emma reluctantly agreed before taking her daughters to school. Faline was in pre-school and Cora usually picked her up since she only went for a few hours. There were days when Emma could get Faline, but she knew how much it meant to her mother-in-law.

Cora didn't always stay after dropping Faline off at home. She knew her daughter would tell her if she needed her to stay. Over the years, Regina learned to ask for help when she needed it. That day, Regina was fine and Cora went home. She made sure to give her daughter enough space and not overcrowd her. Regina was moving about the kitchen when she noticed something on the floor. Worried that she would slip, she called for her daughter. Faline walked into the kitchen and picked the piece of paper up for her mom and placed it on the table before going back to her movie. Upon closer inspection, Regina noticed that it was a flyer for a mother's day breakfast at Odette's school that very day.

Once everyone was home, the chaos began. It wasn't too chaotic, but the girls had a great deal of energy and didn't waste any of it. Regina was making her way to the kitchen when the girls came barreling in. They both accidentally knocked Regina to the ground. Faline stayed with Regina while Odette got help. Emma rushed down the stairs to her wife. "Are you alright?" she asked as she knelt down beside the fallen woman.

"I think so," Regina said shakily. Emma helped her wife to her feet and Faline handed the cane back to her mom. The four made their way to the living room.

"Girls, we've talked about this," Emma said. "You have to be careful around mommy."

"We're sorry," both said.

"Just try to be more careful from now on."

Faline walked up to hug her mom. Odette left the room. Once Faline had left, Regina saw that Odette was already gone. Her heart broke, "Odette doesn't like me anymore. Does she?"

"Why would you think that?"

"She's always avoiding me."

"She's a kid and probably just wanted to get back to playing."

"She's pulling away from me and I can feel it."

"This year has been a big adjustment for her. She's in school more and with you less. Maybe she's just trying to make it so she's not sad when she's away from you while at school."

"I think you're giving our five year old too much credit," Regina said and Emma glared at her. "I suppose that subconsciously she may be doing that."

Emma gave a satisfied smile. Regina smiled and rolled her eyes at her wife who laughed and returned to the kitchen.

Cora walked into the Mills home one Saturday. She found Regina in the living room just staring off into space. "Regina, are you alright?"

Regina jumped a little, "I just zoned out."

"I'm taking the girls to the park. Would you like to join us?"

"I don't know."

"You never go out. Just come with us and I'll sit on the bench with you. The girls pretty much occupy themselves anyway."

"Alright," Regina answered.

"I'll grab your shoes."

Cora got the girls in her car before going back for Regina. The younger woman noticed the look of disappointment on Odette's face. "Mother, I should probably stay home."

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"I'll explain it to you later. Just go and enjoy your granddaughters."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Regina did her best to put on a convincing smile.

Cora and the girls decided to walk to the park. They were only going to take the car because of Regina. Once they were gone, Regina walked back into the house and to her couch.