Regina pov
I look out of my car window, as I wait for Emma to finish her final lesson.
She had been dreading going back and was awfully quiet, when I dropped her off this morning.
Since then, I have been worrying about her and when I messaged her, she had only replied, I am okay.
I am suddenly, brought out of my musing, when I see her walk out and she looks over to where I am. I see her smile slightly and then begins to walk over to where I am, with her head down.
This isn't good, I think to myself and I jump out of the car and head straight over to her and pull her into my arms.
We stand like that for a long moment, until I pull back and see, that she is now smiling at me.
"You okay?" I ask seriously and she nods.
"Good" I then reply with a sigh and release her from my hold and we walk to the car and get inside.
"So, how was it? was it as bad as you thought?" I ask, as Emma puts on her seatbelt and then she begins to write upon her tablet.
It was horrible. I know it might sound needy but I missed you being there.
I smile sadly at her.
"I have missed you too" I then sat softly back and watch, as Emma beams at me. Before planting a chaste kiss upon my lips, she tastes of cherry from her lip balm.
"Mmm" I then mutter but it must of sounded like a moan, as when Emma pulls back and I see her eye's widen slightly as she stares at me in what looks like surprise.
I then smirk to myself and shake my head. She's so adorable.
It doesn't take us long, to reach the therapists office and I turn to her and say "Are you sure you want to do this today? You've had a long horrible day, we can re-arrange"
Emma shakes her head at this and begins to write down, what she wants to tell me.
It was the only appointment available this week and I want to keep to the schedule. I think I may actually be getting somewhere with this.
"Okay"
We then get out of the car and head up to the office.
I take Emma's hand and squeeze it in support and she squeezes back.
We then check in and wait, until Mr Hooper is ready.
Which only happens to be a few minutes and we see him step out and greet us.
"Hello, it is good to see you again"
Emma smiles slightly, clearly a little nervous and she nods at him.
"Please come inside" he gestures to the room behind him and we all head inside.
I then, see Emma hesitate for a moment, before sitting down upon the couch and I go to sit next to her.
Mr Hooper then takes his seat opposite and picks up his note pad.
I end up wondering, what he will write down. I hope its nothing to worry about.
"So, How have you been since our last appointment Emma?" Mr Hooper asks casually, trying to make Emma feel at ease and Emma looks down and writes her reply.
Good. I went back to school today.
"Yes, of course. Its the start of a new year. Am I correct in thinking, that this is your last year?"
Emma nods.
"How do you feel about that?"
Is it wrong, that I want it to be over now? I just don't want to be there.
I then frown, as I watch Mr Hooper begin to write upon his notepad.
"I am sure, that their are many other students that feel the same way as you. Is there any particular reason, why you don't want to be there?" he then asks.
Well, it's just not the same now Regina has left and there's this guy, who makes me uneasy.
KILLIAN! I think aloud in my head and I clench my jaw. What has that bastard done now. I had informed the head of the school a few days ago about his inappropriate behaviour towards Emma. Although I hadn't told Emma I had done that yet. She had wanted to handle it herself but I had to do something.
"Would you like to talk about this some more?" Mr Hooper than asks, in a cautious manner and I can't help but think, that there is something behind his comment.
I then look to Emma, who is busy writing her next words.
I don't know. I guess he reminds of that awful man who was supposed to look after me
My heart then clenches in my chest at her words. I suddenly feel helpless but I want to take all her pain away.
"Have you reported him? this other student?" Mr Hooper asks.
No. I don't know what to do.
"Well, your safety is a priority. As well, as other students and I would advise you to at least talk to an authority figure at the school"
Emma nods sadly.
Mr Hooper and Emma then go through her relationship with her parents, how she copes with any stressful situations that arise and how connected does she feel to the people around her and I just sit and listen.
Evenings were the worst. He would be drunk for most of them.
Emma then explains, as they move on to the topic of her childhood abuser. The bastard, I think to myself.
At first he would shout at me. Tell me I was good for nothing. He made me feel like nothing.
Oh Emma. I think to myself. She had told me bits about her time with that monster but never in great detail, as it was hard for her to even mention his name.
He hit me quite often. Usually where people wouldn't see the bruises.
"How long did this go on for?" Mr Hooper asks, whilst writing upon his pad.
Too long.
I was never aloud to speak. If I did, he would hit and shout at me. I'd have to go without food and go to sleep on the floor.
"Do you think that if you spoke now, something bad would happen?" Mr Hooper asks curiously and Emma shrugs.
I don't know. Its hard to explain.
"I think you should think on that before your next session. I think we are making good progress and I am sorry to say that your hour is up"
Emma then nods and I say "Thank you Mr Hooper"
He then nods and begins to stand up. Leaving me and Emma for a moment.
"Oh Emma sweetheart" I say softly and add "Shall we get out of here? We can do anything you want"
She then wipes her eyes, before writing on her tablet.
Yeah, take me home.
I then nod and begin to stand up, before noticing that Mr Hooper is back and he hands over an appointment card for Emma's next session.
"I think it is important that she comes to the next session" he tells me and I blink and take the card.
I look down at it and its for the same time in a weeks time.
I then look up and notice that Emma has left the room.
She's overwhelmed, I think to myself and I quickly say my goodbye and quickly head out to catch up with her.
I don't have to go far, as she is sitting in the passenger seat of my car waiting.
I then take a deep breath and go over to the car and get in the drivers side.
We sit in silence for a long moment. I feel she is processing her feelings and thoughts. So, I wait.
And a minute later, she writes down, Sorry, I left you up there like that. I just had to get out and think.
"You don't have to apologize sweetheart. All that matters, is that your okay"
She then slightly smiles at me and nods. Before writing again.
Lets go get home and have milkshakes and bear claws.
I then smile slightly and reply "Anything you want sweetheart" and she takes a deep breath and looks out the window, whilst I turn on the engine and drive us home...
A/N Thanks for reading everyone and your kind reviews. I hope your all still liking this story. Will try update more often.