Chapter 12
Regina's eyes grew heavier and heavier and though she knew she should get up and head home, she sunk further into the bed and fell asleep. She jumped slightly a few hours later when she heard Emma whisper her name.
"Regina, you fell asleep. I don't mind, but you're in your clothes and have to work in a few hours."
"Can you set your alarm for six?" She asked, already slipping back into the dreamworld.
"I can." Emma said with a soft smile, setting her alarm. She didn't mind having Regina with her one bit. She snuggled back in the warmth of her bed and closed her eyes again. It seemed like moments later her alarm was going off and Regina was already getting out of bed. "I hate Mondays." Emma said, looking out the window. "And it's storming."
"Then it's a perfect day for you to stay in bed. Sleep some more, and just relax."
"That's all I ever do, but you're right, I am extra tired today."
Regina sighed as she looked at Emma, softly stroking her cheek. "It didn't bruise as badly as I thought it would." She looked into Emma's eyes. "Take a mental health day and just relax. You've gone through more than you realize in the last week."
"Let me at least walk you to the door." She said, slipping a robe on.
At the door, Regina couldn't help but smile. "Try to have a good day, okay?"
"I will. Thanks for staying with me last night." Emma said, leaning against the doorway. "I don't think I'd have slept so well otherwise."
"Thank you for letting me. I know I wouldn't have." Regina bit at her lip before she went to go.
"Wait…" Emma said, taking her hand. "I um…" She handed Regina an umbrella, blushed hard and then leaned forward, kissing Regina's cheek. "Have a good day."
"I will now." She said with a wink and headed back to her place.
Emma watched her and then looked around before shivering and locking back up. It's not that she was scared of Linda, but she really didn't feel like getting punched again. She made some coffee and toast and then made the choice to have a lazy sofa day. Once she was on the sofa in her nest of blankets and pillows, she turned the tv on and sat back, munching her toast.
When her phone rang, she paused the tv and answered. "Hello?"
"Emma, it's Graham. I didn't wake you, did I?"
"No, no I'm up."
"Good. I just wanted you to know I did talk to Linda last night. I told her how lucky she was that you weren't pressing charges, but now she's warned, she better not show up at your or Regina's place. I can't read her as well as I can others so I'm having my deputy do some random drive-bys today."
"Should I be worried? Graham, I really don't want to have to defend myself. She'd lie and say I attacked her."
"I understand, Emma, I really do. I talked to Regina, and she is going to be calling you, but she wants to put up cameras on the outside of the cottage today. I just wanted you to know that I want my number on your speed dial. Call me directly if you even think you may have seen her or her car. It's not that I think she'd hurt you, but…well I could see her try to get you so angry you lash out. I don't want that for you, so I want to take this seriously."
"I do appreciate that a lot. I'm honestly just laying low today, so I don't foresee any trouble. I won't answer the door unless it's Regina, Zelena, you, or my mom. I won't engage if she shows up."
"I hate that you have to worry, but I think that's a good plan. I'll text you the license of the undercover car we'll have randomly drive by, so if you see any other suspicious car, let me know."
"I don't really see the cars drive by, but I appreciate it."
"No problem. Call me if you need anything."
Emma hung up and sighed, getting up to close all the blinds. After talking to Regina, she knew some guy named Leroy would be coming to install outdoor cameras around two, but that she didn't have to talk with him if she didn't want to. She decided to get back in her nest, un-paused the TV, and drift in and out of sleep on the sofa.
Regina sat at her desk on her break reading the newest article. It was good and really got Emma's story out there in a different light. She wasn't going to but couldn't help reading some comments. Only one was sort of negative, but the rest were all positive. She looked up when there was a knock and her door opened. "Hello Nicky." She greeted with a smile.
"Hey." The red head said, scratching her neck. "I um…I was wondering how Emma is doing? I've seen the articles and I'm so glad her story is out there, but…well I miss her, and I don't have her number."
"Come sit." Regina said, sitting back. "Emma is doing really well. She had a bit of a setback last night when Linda - her old foster mother, decided to visit, but I'm hoping she won't let that get her too down."
"She's eating and taking care of herself though? She…she didn't get hurt, did she? I never told her this, but from the moment she came here, I watched out for her. I didn't know a single detail of her life, but I saw a scared and lost girl and I wanted to protect her. I'd hate to think she got through prison unharmed only to be hurt now." Nicky sighed. "Sorry, you don't have to tell me."
"Nicky, I will tell you that Linda punched Emma, but the bruise didn't end up as bad as it could have been." She sat forward. "I'm glad you protected her in here and I'm sorry I couldn't protect her out there."
Nicky gave a shrug. "I'm sure you're doing your best. You've helped her so much, Dr. Mills. You don't owe anyone an apology." She bit her lip. "I told her to forget us, but I didn't mean it. Could…if it's not too much to ask, can you maybe ask her to call and put her number on my list of people I can call? Oh, and Red's too?"
Regina smiled with a nod. "It'll be done by the end of the day." She tilted her head. "Nicky, is there anything non-Emma related that you'd like to talk to me about?"
Nicky sighed and put one leg over the knee of her other leg. "I'm not one of your patients."
"You can be if you want to be. There's no pressure, but I am here for anyone."
"Do you have time now?"
"I do." Regina smiled and listened as Nicky started opening up.
Emma awoke to the sound of a drill outside her door and figured Leroy was here. Shit, she was still in her pajamas. With a sigh, she went up to her room to change. When she came down, she opened the door and smiled at the man. "Leroy?"
"Yes ma'am. I didn't bother you, did I?"
"No, not at all. I was wondering if you wanted something to drink or anything?"
"Oh, I'm fine sister. Just packing up. Regina did ask that I slip the instructions under your door, but if you have a few minutes and your phone, I can get it all set up for you."
"Sure, thanks." Emma said, taking her phone out. After about fifteen minutes, the app was installed, and Emma saw she had access to the cameras at the cottage and the ones outside Regina's house. "Is that right?"
"Yes. Regina wanted all the cameras together, unless you wanted yours separate."
"No, no this is fine. I…I actually like that I can see the road and driveway."
"Great. Well, my number is on any of the equipment if you have any questions."
"Thank you so much. Um…do I give you a tip?"
He laughed. "No. Regina's got all that covered. You have a great day." He stepped off the deck. "Oh, and a great article today. I'm really glad you're getting your story out there."
"I haven't seen it yet, but thanks." She said, waving him off. Once he was gone, she sat on the porch and looked up the article. She'd meant to read it the night before but had forgotten. This was mostly her trial, her visit with Linda while in juvie, and then her time and experiences there. Even though she knew not to, she did scroll to the comment section and sighed. There were many amazing comments, but the one she paid attention to was the one from Linda.
"I never visited this ungrateful murderer after she killed my husband. She is a liar! Her and Lily are liars and you're all being sucked in. She's not innocent!"
Emma just shook her head and closed the web page. Maybe she'd made a mistake by going to Tracy. Maybe she should have just stayed quiet, changed her name and moved on.
"I know what you're thinking and you're wrong." Came a voice that made Emma smile.
"What are you doing here?"
"I heard about what happened and wanted to come see you." Mary Margaret stated and sat next to Emma. The two had hit it off when they'd had dinner together and Emma felt like she'd found a sister in the woman. "You're doing the right thing, Emma."
Emma sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "That's what everyone says but…she's hurting. I don't actually want to hurt her."
"That's because you're a good person. Even after everything, you care. But that doesn't mean you let others stomp all over your happiness and your life." She faced Emma more. "I don't mean this to sound offensive, okay?" When Emma nodded, she continued. "You were in the system for ten years; ten very informative years. You were passed from home to home, no matter how hard you tried to make them like you. Because of that, you've become more focused on making others happy than making yourself happy. That's not always bad, but right now is time to focus on you."
"I don't know how. I just…I just want this all to be over. I need a distraction, but everyone keeps saying it's too soon to get a job, even my therapist. And don't mention school. I have no idea what I even want to go for."
"I wasn't going to." Mary said with a chuckle. "There's reading, writing, and playing video games. I do think it's too soon for a full-time job, but maybe dog walking or babysitting or something? Heck, come to some meetings I have and tell your story to higher ups who think there's nothing wrong with the system."
Emma chuckled a little. "I'm not very fond of dogs and well I could babysit, but who'd want me to?" She sighed. "If I could, I'd foster. Take in a lost little soul and love them. But I very much doubt social services would ever let me do that."
"Why not?"
"I'm an ex…"
"No, you're not. Your record says you're innocent. You would have every right to foster."
"Except I have no job and no prospects of getting one."
"True, but you're not homeless and penniless either. All I'm saying is don't give up on something just because you think you won't get it. You don't know unless you try." She patted Emma's hand. "And in the meantime, do what makes you happy."
Emma smiled at her and nodded. "Thank you. I really needed that pep talk."
"Any time." Mary stood. "I really was just passing by and need to get to the store before David gets home. Are you okay?"
"Much better. Thank you."
Inside, Emma took a breath before calling her mother. She knew she should have called her the night before, but just couldn't. When she answered, Emma bit her lip. "Mom, I'm going to tell you something, but I need you to promise you won't do anything…well, bad."
There was a pause and Mal let out a breath. "Okay, I'm ready." Emma went through the story and Mal had to fight down her anger. "I want to…well, I suppose I shouldn't really vocalize what I want to do, but I want to."
"It's not worth it, mom. I'm honestly wondering if any of this was worth it."
"Any of what, sweetheart?"
Emma sighed. "I don't know. The article…getting out…" She mumbled the last two words.
Mal's voice stayed calm and soothing. "I know this is a lot, Emma. I know this isn't as easy as a lot of people think. It can't be easy to go from your old life to this life and it can be so overwhelming - especially when ghosts from the past pay a visit. Emma, I know it's too soon for a job, but what about getting out for a few hours once or twice a week? Get your mind off it for a little while."
"How?" Emma asked, wiping at her tears.
"Come to the group home with me for a couple hours a day once or twice a week. I work with teen girls from thirteen to nineteen and I think it would be good for you and them. But only if you want to."
Emma thought about it and nodded. "Actually, I like that idea. Is that allowed?"
"Honestly, I sort of asked my boss about it and she said it would be no problem. Some girls still go to public school, but there are four of them that do online school, so they're supposed to be here all day. You can come anytime between seven am and four pm."
"That sounds great. Just send me the address and I'll figure out the buses."
"It's not that far from your place." She wished she was with her daughter. "Do you want me to come over, sweetheart?"
"I would never say you can't, but you don't have to. I'll be okay, mom."
Nothing much happened that night and the articles came to an end making most readers side with Emma and happy for her release and no longer thinking she was a murderer. It did feel good, even if she knew she shouldn't care what people thought.
Regina didn't spend the night again, but dinners were eaten together quite often, and sometimes, with Zelena. Emma didn't care, she liked having friends. She also called Red and Nicky almost every day and loved talking to them.
The blonde stood outside the group home where her mother worked and took a few breaths. She had to remember she was here as a free adult and not as a foster kid. Mal peeked out and waived Emma up to the door. She gave her a hug and stroked her cheek. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, mom." Emma said with a smile. "I signed up for those general ed courses. I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but after taking some aptitude tests Zelena had, I may not be as dumb as I thought I was."
Mal smiled softly. "I know you're not dumb, but I'm glad you took those tests just to show yourself. Are the classes in person?"
"No. I'm not quite ready for that. In some ways, I am…I mean I get bored when everyone is at work, but the thought of being in a closed room with strangers is a bit much still. But I do have the option to go in to talk with the instructors if I want."
"That's great, Em. Come on, the girls are excited to meet you."
"They are?" Emma asked, a bit surprised.
"They've been reading about you ever since my name showed up in the article and yes, they really want to meet you." She squeezed Emma's arm. It's a good thing, don't worry."
Emma gave a nod and came inside with her mother. The first thing she noticed was how much not like a group home this placed looked. It was an old Victorian and while Emma had been in a few like that before, it wasn't anything like that. This looked and felt like a real home. "Where are the offices? The metal detectors? Where's security?"
Mal looked questioningly at Emma. "There's an office in the back, but we only use that when we come in or leave for our shifts. There are no metal detectors or security. This is a home, first and foremost, not…well not juvie."
Emma looked down. "I didn't mean to offend you. I just…the couple group homes I was in had all that. They were nothing like this."
Mal lifted Emma's chin. "You didn't offend me. I just hate that you were obviously placed in a group home for…"
"For what?" Emma asked.
"Emma…those homes that you speak of are for troubled kids; kids who are beyond being able to be placed with a family. Obviously, that wasn't your case because you were placed with families between times, but you never should have been there. Was Lilly there too?"
Emma nodded, trying to hold down the anger. "We knew we didn't belong there. She taught me how to fight just so I could keep myself protected there. Why would we be put there? I'd have loved a place like this."
"I don't know, sweetheart and I'm so sorry."
Emma sighed. "It's not your fault I just…I hate the damn system."
"Preach." A girl said, coming down the stairs. "Damn system doesn't give a shit…well except for you, Mal." She said with a smile.
Mal smiled back. "Two dollars, Maisy."
"But she said it first."
"She doesn't know the rules yet and didn't know you were listening. One for damn and one for shit." Maisy rolled her eyes but put two dollars in a jar on the shelf. "Maisy, come meet my daughter, Emma."
Maisy smiled wider. "You're Emma? We've heard so much about you! You're an inspiration."
Emma couldn't stop her chuckle. "I got locked up for something I didn't do; how am I an inspiration?"
Hearing what was going on, three other girls came out. "Guys, it's Emma!" Maisy said, turning back to Emma. "That's Kayla, Alana, and Tasha."
"How about we all take a seat." Mal stated, gesturing to the sofas in the living room. "I already have snacks out and girls, you have permission to finish your schoolwork later." Mal took Emma to a sofa and sat next to her. "You only have to answer what you want, and if you get sick of the attention, we move on."
Emma gave a smile. "I'm interested in how exactly I'm an inspiration."
"It's because you…well you did it, Emma. You never hear stories of foster kids standing up for each other. Sure, now and then, you hear about one standing up for themselves, but never for each other. You did that. You took the blame when you had no reason at all to. Not only that, but you didn't give up. You didn't let the system get you down."
Emma shook her head. "I did some days. Look I…I really hope my story didn't send some kind of message that it's okay to kill your foster parent. It's not. Even in our situation, it never should have gone that far. It changes you; even if you didn't do it, even if you watched it being done because you had no idea what to do – it changes you." She looked at the four girls, all who seemed to look at her with admiration. "I'm not a hero."
"Yes, you are." Alana said. "I'm not saying we all think we should go kill people, Emma. Do you know that ever since your article came out, the first one, my social worker has been in touch with me three times to be sure everything is okay? Before that, I only heard from them once every third month and it was always someone new."
"Same here. My social worker is finally listening to me and has even gone back and investigated old claims I'd made that had been ignored." Kayla added. "What was jail like?"
Emma found she really liked talking to these girls and did so for a full two hours before they had to go to lunch, and she had to go to therapy. "I'll come back Friday; I promise." She said, knowing if she came every day, it would get boring a lot faster.
That night, Emma was nestled in her bed when she got an alert on her phone. It was from the security app and she opened it, not quite believing what she was seeing. She sat straight up and shook her head, calling Graham's number as she slid her slippers on. "Graham, it's Emma. I…Regina and Zelena are in trouble. I need to call them but get here right away."
"What's going on Emma?"
"Their house is on fire…" Emma said before hanging up and running out the door.
