Chapter 2
Zelena froze, her heart pounding her in her chest as she saw the blonde who looked the same to her as she did the day Emma graduated. Suddenly, the world caught up and she remembered she was in a busy diner with her sister. "Regina…you see her too, right?" Zelena whispered, still hooked on aqua eyes.
"Yes. You're staring." Regina said before stepping forward. "Emma? Wow, I didn't expect to see you here."
Emma blinked a few times and couldn't stop her smile at her one-time friend. Memories flooded her as she took in the brunette before her. "Regina." Was all she could say before she realized the woman didn't seem happy to see her. Emma looked down, her bubble of hope popped. "I was asked to come here. I'm sorry about your mother."
"I don't see you for nine years and all you can say is 'sorry about your mother'?" Regina crossed her arms. "You broke my sister's heart, hell, you broke our family…"
"Regina stop." Zelena said, pulling her sister back. "We don't know the story."
"The story? She left here, and left you, breaking your heart and making it, so you and mom never spoke again."
Emma kept her head down, gritting her teeth. Cora had just died so she knew this wasn't the time to tell Regina just how awful her mother was. "I didn't just leave." Emma said, though she kept it quiet. She looked up at the sisters. "Regina, I understand you being mad at me. I even understand you blaming me, but please believe that there's more to this than you know."
"I believe you." Zelena said, tears pricking her eyes. "She did something to you, didn't she? Threatened you or something?"
Emma nodded, her own tears surfacing. "I didn't want to leave you, Lena."
"Lena." Zelena whispered with a smile. "No one has called me that for years."
Regina looked between the two and sighed. She looked at Emma. "May we join you?"
"You're going to have to join them if you want a seat." Granny said, coming out and putting menus on the table. As she did so, she gently squeezed Emma's shoulder.
Regina and Zelena each sat down, and Emma felt a rush of different emotions. "This is my partner, Mal."
"Partner?" Zelena asked, not able to stop herself.
"Work partner. Emma and I own our own bails bonds company." Mal clarified, watching the jealousy pass over the red-heads face. She wanted to comment but decided not to, knowing how hard this must be for Emma.
After they ordered, Regina sat back and looked at Emma. "Why are you here?"
"Your mother's lawyer contacted me and said my presence was requested." She sighed and looked deflated. "If you don't want me here, I will go home with the next ferry."
"No." Zelena said, her hand going to Emma's. "Don't go."
Regina narrowed her eyes. "What the hell happened? I'm so confused right now."
Emma looked at Zelena, tears forming again. "Did you know? Did you know what she was doing to me?"
Zelena looked surprised at this and shook her head. "Emma, I swear I didn't know anything. All I knew was she told me…no, she forbade me from seeing you, but I told her she couldn't stop me. She said she'd cut me off, so I cut myself off but…but I couldn't find you or contact you. I tried so hard, Emma." Zelena bit her lip. "What did she do to you?"
"Alright girls, eat up." Granny said, bringing plates of steaming hot food over.
"I'm not very hungry anymore." Emma admitted quietly as Granny left them.
"Well, I am." Mal said, looking at her plate. "Tell you what, let's eat this and then you and Zelena can go somewhere and talk while I get to know Regina."
"That's very kind, but I'd like to know what is going on." Regina said.
"Gina, let me have some time?" Zelena asked so kindly that Regina had no choice but to give in.
"Fine, but can someone please fill me in later?"
Emma nodded and Zelena agreed. "Yes, I promise. I just need the facts myself first."
Awkwardly, the four ate and then Zelena and Emma headed to go take a walk. Regina looked at Mal. "I feel like you want to tell me what's going on."
"I do, but I feel like you won't believe me."
"Try me."
"I can only tell you what Emma has told me…and sometimes, she was very drunk when she was telling me."
Emma glanced over at Zelena a few times as they walked towards the pier. It had always been their spot and they both instinctively walked towards it. "You look good, Lena."
Zelena glanced at Emma. "So do you. You haven't aged at all."
"I'm about 15 pounds heavier and 9 years older; I'm sure I've changed."
"Nah, you're perfect." Zelena said, nudging her. She sighed and sat on a bench. "Here's what I know, Emma, and I swear it's the truth. My mother came to my dorm in Boston and told me I was to never see you again. She told me you couldn't get into a college, you were flirting with everyone, and you were never good enough for me. She said if I even tried to contact you, she'd cut me off. I told her I'm cutting myself off and I did. But when I called Granny's, Ruby said you'd left after meeting with my mom. Emma I…I never would have left you."
Emma sunk into the seat. "I believe you, Zelena, but I…I had to go. You were in Boston, but I was here suffering. She made it so no schools accepted me, she made it so no employer called me back. When she threatened Granny for hiring me, I knew I had to leave. It was more than just us, Lena, and I couldn't let Granny go down for me." Emma wiped at her eyes.
"Did she stop? Once you left, did she stop?"
Emma shook her head, more tears falling. "It was so bad, Zelena. I couldn't get a job anywhere. I'd have an amazing interview but then they'd either not call back or tell me they 'went in another direction'." She picked at her nails. "I know I should have gone west, but I was scared that I'd go to Boston and see you and ruin everything. Instead, I went north east into Maine more, but she somehow followed my every move."
Zelena hated her mother more than ever as she saw just how painful this was for Emma. She reached over and held her hand. "What happened?"
"You don't need to know, Lena, just know that I…I never…I still loved you so much. I never flirted, never cheated, I wanted to be with you."
Zelena faced Emma more and took both her hands. "I'm so sorry, Emma. I never believed her when she said that. I mean, I may have asked Ruby, but I didn't really believe her. Please, tell me what happened."
Emma shook her head. "No. Zelena, no matter what, she was your mother and she just died. I don't want…"
"I want to know. Emma, I…I'm so sorry. I'm so damned sorry. After everything you went through before coming to school here, you didn't need this after. I should have known she'd do something but…gods she really seemed to like you."
"I think that's what made it hurt more." Emma admitted. "I stupidly looked to her like a mother and she…well she didn't physically slap me, but she may as well have." Emma looked into Zelena's blue eyes. "You have nothing to be sorry for. None of this was your fault. I just…do you know why she'd want me here for this?"
Zelena shook her head. "I have no idea, but I honestly just want to take you and leave. You don't need this shit and you don't deserve it."
Emma smiled a little. "You always did like to protect me; even when I didn't want you to."
"Yeah well, if I hadn't, who knows the trouble you would have gotten into with the other three." Zelena said, nudging Emma. "Besides, I think you preferred to stay with me than sneak out with them."
Emma was now in her second year at MSFG and was chewing on her lip as the others were putting their shoes on. "I don't know guys. It's risky."
"Oh, come on Swan." Kathryn stated. "Live a little."
"Easy for you to say." Emma mumbled.
"I know, I know. If I get kicked out, I just go home. But come on, Ems, Cora loves you."
Sure, Emma wanted to have fun with her friends and be a normal teenager, but it was so hard. If she got kicked out of the school, she'd have no where to go other than another group home or a family she didn't want to go to. She looked up when Zelena came and sat by her. "You're the smart one, Emma. Let them go have their fun and we'll stay here where you won't get in trouble."
Emma gave a nod and then looked at the others. "Sorry guys, I have to do what's best for me."
"Ugh. Fine. I do get it, but we'll miss you." Ruby said as she slipped her coat on.
After they left, Emma looked at Zelena. "You don't have to stay here with me. I'm just going to watch T.V. and go to bed."
"Can I stay with you?" Zelena asked, licking her lips.
"Yeah." Emma replied, butterflies in her stomach.
"I like you, Emma." Zelena said. "I mean, really like you. I know we're in a boarding school, but I want to date you and be your girlfriend."
Emma couldn't stop her smile. "Really? But Lena, I'm…I'm not from your world."
Zelena put her hand on Emma's. "That's why I like you."
The two spent the night just talking and getting to know each other better, though it didn't take long for rumors to escape about them.
"Emma?" Zelena asked softly, breaking Emma of her memory. "What happened?"
WSWSWSWSWSWSWS
"No. I mean I know my mother was evil, but she really did that?" Regina asked, shock, anger, and betrayal hitting her. "Emma was my best friend, she and Zelena were the cutest couple ever. I can't…I mean I can believe it but fuck…I've spent so long hating Emma for ruining my family when really, she did what she thought would keep us together." Regina sipped at her drink.
"That explains so much." Ruby said, sipping on her own drink. The three of them were now at The Rabbit Hole bar and Mal had told them everything. Emma may get mad at her, but she never again wanted to see someone blame her the way Regina had earlier. "She was so…sad after she last talked to Cora. Gods, I wish I'd have known. The woman she looked at like a mother literally tore her down to nothing."
Regina was watching Mal and sighed. "It's more than that though, isn't it? I mean, something more happened."
"Yes, but I've already told you too much." Mal admitted. "Just please know that she suffered and was doing what she thought was right."
"I feel terrible for what I said earlier." Regina admitted. "Do you think she'll forgive me?"
"In a heartbeat." Mal assured her. "She's missed you all so much. She talks about you all the time. You two, Zelena – obviously, and Kathryn."
"Someone say my name?" A blonde asked and smiled. "Ruby, Regina, I didn't know you'd be here today."
"Hey Kathryn." Regina said with a smile. "We didn't know either. This is Mal, she works with Emma."
"Emma? No shit? Is she here?" She looked around.
"She's in town, but she's off talking to Zelena right now." Mal stated. "It's nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you."
"You too…I'm sorry, did you say she and Zelena are talking? I didn't even know Zelena was in town."
The three then caught Kathryn up on everything and the woman shook her head. "That poor girl. Emma was always so kind and so much better than us, let's be honest. She was genuinely a kind soul and I'm sure Cora broke her heart."
Mal gave a sad nod as she finished her drink. "I'm just glad I didn't listen to the bitch…no offense, Regina."
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked.
"When I officially hired Emma on with me, Cora called me. She threatened me and said if I didn't fire Emma, I'd 'pay for it'. I knew she had nothing on me, so I just hung up and Emma and I have been going strong for five years."
"Five years? She left here nine years ago though. What did she do for four years?" Ruby asked.
"You'll have to ask her. I've already said too much."
Ruby looked at Regina who shook her head. "I hate that woman. I knew…gods something inside me said she was involved. Zelena hasn't been the same since and it sounds like Emma didn't have it easy either."
"That's an understatement." Mal mumbled into her drink.
"No offense Regina, but I'm glad she's dead and we can figure this all out." Kathryn stated. "I've missed both of them, and I know you have to." She couldn't stop her grin. "We used to have so much fun. Remember that time we got them to come out with us? I'm pretty sure that was their first time…though neither would admit it."
Regina smiled. "Yes. It was when I met Graham. It wasn't their first time that night though. Zelena told me about it."
"I can't believe we talked you two into this!" Regina stated as she trudged through the woods.
"Me neither." Zelena grumbled, slapping a bug on her arm.
Emma grinned and took Zelena's hand. "It'll be fun."
"It better be, or this isn't worth it."
Ruby rolled her eyes. "Emma, just kiss her and make it worth it."
Kathryn chuckled. "Just don't kiss her all night."
Emma kissed Zelena's hand and watched as her girlfriend's face stopped being so tense. In the clearing, they could hear music, see a fire, and see people dancing. They all threw caution to the wind as they had some drinks, ate some food, and mingled. Emma and Zelena stayed close to each other, dancing and making out while the others met other people.
"Looks like your sister found someone." Emma said, gesturing to Regina kissing some boy.
"Graham." Zelena said with a smile. "He's my age. We've known him for a while, and I knew she had a crush on him. I'm proud of her for going for what she wanted."
Emma gazed at Zelena. They had been dating for a year now and had even spent the summer together, thanks to Granny agreeing on keeping Emma with her. This was their last year at school together since Zee was a senior and would be going to college the next year. "Would you be proud of me if I went for what I wanted?" She asked, licking her lips.
Zelena, sensing the shift, gave a light smile. "What is it you want, Emma?"
Emma moved closer and kissed her girlfriend. "You. I want you to take me into the woods so we can get to know each other."
Zelena tried hard not to laugh. "You are too sweet, Emma." She then turned serious. "It would be my first time."
"Mine too, well my first consensual experience." Emma bit her lip. "Look, if you don't want to, and would rather wait until you're married or whatever, I get it. I don't want to make you feel like you have to."
Zelena smiled softly, taking Emma's hand. "It would be your first time, Emma, and I really want to, but…"
Emma looked down. "I get it."
"I don't think you do." Zelena said, lifting her chin. "You are so special to me, Emma. You deserve for your first to be somewhere just as special and not in the middle of the woods." She saw the tears in Emma's eyes and wiped them away. "I am going to marry you one day, Emma, so it's not that at all. Honestly, I just think you deserve more than this setting."
Emma sniffed and smiled. "No one has ever been so kind to me, Lena. You're my forever."
"And you're mine."
Regina wiped at her own tear as she finished recalling the story. "They really were so perfect together."
Mal listened and sighed. "Has Zelena ever found anyone else?"
"Honestly? I'm not sure she ever looked. What about Emma?"
Mal shook her head. "She just won't. She had a few dates, but they never went anywhere, not even a one-night stand. I honestly never thought she'd see Zelena again, so for a while, I tried pushing her to date more. I even set her up a few times, but I don't think she ever stopped loving your sister."
"I haven't been in close contact with her, but I don't think she ever stopped loving Emma."
"It's all so sad." Kathryn stated, shaking her head. "Your mom had a lot to answer for."
"Do you think that's why she requested Emma and Zelena to be here for the watching of the will?" Ruby asked, finishing her drink.
Regina shrugged. "I don't know, but I hope so. There's nothing that can be done to take back what she did, but I know Zelena wants answers."
"Emma does too." Mal said softly. "She…well when she drinks, and she does drink a little too often, she always asks why and what was so wrong with her. It honestly breaks my heart."
Regina shook her head. "I feel terrible for her, for my sister. This is all just a mess. I wish Emma would have said something years ago though. I mean, we had no idea and maybe we could have fixed it."
"Regina, after what your mother did to her, there was no way she was coming back here or reaching out to Zelena, no matter how badly she wanted to." Mal bit her lip, stopping herself from saying more.
"Mal, please just tell us." Regina stated.
"Emma please tell me." Zelena begged again. "I want to hear it all, no matter what. You didn't deserve it and now is your chance to get it out."
Emma sighed. "I don't want to upset you, Lena. It wasn't your fault. Besides, I'm sure Regina will want to know, and I don't think I can share this twice."
Zelena hated that this was that bad, but she did understand. "I get it. I just…I don't know why, but I need to know, you know? I can't fix it, no matter how badly I wish I could, but I can share your pain, Emma." Just then, Zelena's phone rang and after getting a nod from Emma, she answered it. "Emma? I guess Mal is with Regina, Ruby, and Kathryn and well…they're wondering how you'd feel about coming to the house and…"
"Telling my story?" Emma sighed and then nodded. "Yeah, that's fine. I suppose they all deserve to know why I disappeared."
Emma sat as Zelena finished the call and then stood when she did. "Should I call a cab?"
"Regina already did." Zelena said, rolling her eyes. "It'll be here soon."
Emma gave a nod and rubbed at her arms. She had forgotten how chilly it got here in May by the water.
"Are you cold?"
"A bit, but it's fine." Emma glanced at Zelena. "It really is so good to see you again. I…I'm sorry I hurt you." She said, her eyes filling again. "I just…Lena, it was such a mess."
"Hush." Zelena said, wrapping her arms around the blonde. They still fit together perfectly and the red-head was filled with so many memories. "I know…knew my mother. I knew how bad she could be and if I'd have known she'd do this to you, I'd have protected you. She acted as if she loved you though, so I didn't know I had to worry."
Emma let a few tears fall. "That's honestly what hurt the most. For years, all I had was that pain." She rest her head on Zelena's chest, her arms wrapping around her one time girlfriend. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you, too." Zelena stated and leaned in, but before she could kiss her, a car horn went off.
"Mills and Swan?" The driver asked and the girls separated.
"That's us." They got in and though they were quiet on the drive, Emma's pinky was wrapped around Zelena's on the seat in the middle of them.