Part Eight: The One With The Job Offer
Emma woke up the next morning with her nose buried in the sleeve of Regina's blouse on her arm.
Most of the smell had already faded and Emma grunted as she turned on the bed facing the ceiling.
Emma crossed her hand on top of her stomach and stared up at the light on the ceiling as if it was the most fascinating thing she had ever seen in her life.
She hurt her last night.
Regina hurt her last night.
What she said about not having someone being a curse… It hurt Emma.
Because Regina voiced what Emma knew to be true inside her heart.
She was cursed.
She was cursed to never have anyone to love her.
Someone who wants to stick around for her.
And in return, Emma abandoned everyone too.
She abandoned Henry because she couldn't be his mother.
She can't be his mother.
Stay in a place for long enough to make roots, it was just not her thing.
And the weird thing was that she wanted to make roots now.
Here!
In Storybrooke.
With Henry and…
Emma sighed and turned in bed again, facing the wall.
This was ridiculous.
Regina obviously hated her and to be honest, Emma was starting to return the sentiment.
That woman was just… awful.
Why on earth was her brain making up stuff when she was around Regina like strange pulls, electric touches, and smells that felt like home?
Was Emma really that desperate for some human contact?
When was even the last time she… scratched her ich?
God, this was insane.
That woman was a horrible person.
The only thing Emma needed to do here was to make sure Henry was okay, that Regina wasn't crazy enough to murder the kid in his sleep or whatever, and then she would hit the road back to Boston.
But then Emma shifted on the bed again and that faded smell hit her nose and Emma could swear this time it smelled like winter and blossoming apples with a kick.
And that's how she knew Henry's insanity was passed on to him by her.
Emma rose from the bed and walked straight to the bathroom at the end of the hallway.
She washed her face and take care of all her morning necessities before walking back to her bedroom where she found her tanktop folded on top of her bed.
Emma walked to the bed and picked up the tank top, bringing it closer to her nose.
It didn't smell like Regina.
And Emma could almost hear a piece of her heart breaking because of that.
"Hey," Mary Margaret said behind her "Morning"
"Hi," Emma turned around and smiled "Good Morning"
"I hope you don't mind that I washed it," Mary Margaret said pointing at the tank top in Emma's hand.
"Oh, no I don't," Emma said "Thank you, actually"
"When are you bringing your stuff here?" Mary Margaret asked.
"What do you mean?" Emma asked confused.
"Well, you need clothes and…" Mary Margaret gestured with her hand "stuff"
"I'm not staying very long," Emma said, ignoring the aching feeling in her heart "I just want to make sure Henry is okay"
"Of course," Mary Margaret nodded.
"How… How are you doing?" Emma asked, "Last night was…"
"Insane?" Mary Margaret laughed "I'm okay. I actually have to go. I'm late for school"
"Of course," Emma nodded.
"I'll see you later, Emma," Mary Margaret smiled.
Emma nodded her response and then Mary Margaret left, leaving Emma alone in the loft.
Emma looked at the tank top in her hand and then at the blouse, she was wearing and grunted.
And then she rolled her eyes, wondering for the million times since she arrived in that city if she shouldn't see a shrink herself.
After changing into the same outfit she had since the day she arrived in Storybrooke, Emma left the loft.
She was going to go to Granny's for breakfast, she didn't exactly feel like cooking in the loft plus she was craving hot cocoa.
Perhaps chocolate and bacon would erase that damn apple scent from her nostrils.
Emma walked to Granny's diner, determined not to spare a second thought on Regina anymore.
The whole walk only made Emma realize that her determination was running very weak lately, at least when it comes to Regina.
It was equally frustrating as it was amusing to wonder about the brunette woman.
As Emma was about to arrive at the diner, she saw Henry on the other side of the street, about to get onto the school bus. Emma waved at him and smiled as Henry eagerly waved back.
He was a cool kid.
Fairy tale bullshit and all.
Emma entered Granny's, sitting at the first table right next to the door.
Unfortunately, it was the only one available.
Ruby came and took her order and after that Emma fished her phone out of her jacket pocket to check her e-mail.
She had two new names from her boss, high-level guys, excellent commission with a bonus for delivering in less than two weeks.
Emma bit her lower lip, her mind already tracing a plan for capturing one of the guys while she googled his name.
She might have to go down all the way to Vegas after this guy, but her boss said in the email that all expenses were covered for any solid lead.
Perhaps a trip to Vegas was exactly what Emma needed to get her mind off…
"Here we go,"
Emma was pulled out of her thoughts by Ruby's voice and the breakfast she was putting in front of her.
She thanked the waitress who smiled politely at her and when Emma was just about to take a sip of her cocoa, the bell chimed beside her and suddenly, her nostrils were invaded with that scent of winter and apples blossom.
Regina!
Emma swallowed dry as Regina entered the diner.
And then she swallowed dry again as she stared at Regina's outfit for that morning.
God, that pencil skirt was tight!
And way too sinful for that hour of the morning.
It made Emma's toes curl inside her boots and some lower parts of her body clench.
Regina walked to the counter and spoke with Ruby before taking a seat.
And Emma had no idea why she suddenly picked up her food and walked to the counter, dropping everything heavily on the surface before sitting next to Regina.
"Madam Mayor," Emma said lightly.
"Miss Swan," Regina said shortly.
Emma took a sip of her cocoa, ignoring that scent that reached her nose again, stronger now that she was close to Regina.
"How is Henry?" Emma asked.
"He is fine," Regina said before turning her head to look at Emma "Hopefully he is at school now"
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Emma asked.
"Oh, I don't know, Miss Swan," Regina said "Perhaps because you are a complete stranger who seemed to enjoy spending time with my son"
"I'm not a stranger," Emma rolled her eyes.
"Yes, you are," Regina said "I hardly know you"
"What do you want to know?" Emma asked.
"Nothing!" Regina said "Absolutely nothing"
"Then it is not my fault that I am a stranger, is it?" Emma asked.
"What are you still doing here?" Regina asked annoyed "I thought you were leaving"
"I was," Emma nodded "But I decided to stay"
"Why?"
"I…" Emma blinked her eyes before looking down at her food "I just want to make sure everything is okay"
"Everything is fine," Regina said shortly.
"You don't even know what everything is," Emma looked at her.
"Henry is fine," Regina said "Or he will be as soon as he let go of his fairy tale fantasy"
"I don't think Henry is the only one with a problem," Emma said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Regina asked.
"It means that I need to know that everything is okay," Emma said.
"Everything is fine, dear," Regina said as Ruby put her order in front of her "Besides, I don't think I'll have to worry about you anymore"
"You don't?" Emma asked.
"No. Because you no longer worry me, Miss Swan" Regina said, sipping her coffee "You see I did a little digging into who you are, and what I found out was quite soothing. It all comes down to the number seven"
"I thought you didn't want to know anything about me," Emma pointed at Regina.
"I don't," Regina said "I just needed to know what kind of threat you are"
"Okay, I'll fish," Emma smiled sarcastically at her "Why seven?"
"It's the number of addresses you've had in the past decade," Regina said before turning her head to look at Emma "Your longest stint anywhere was two years. Really, what did you enjoy so much about Tallahassee?"
"It was sunny," Emma picked up a piece of bacon and offered to Regina "Would you like a bite?"
"You don't take anything seriously, do you?" Regina asked.
"You said you wanted to know what kind of threat I am but so far, Madam Mayor, you are the one threatening me" Emma chewed on the bacon.
"How am I threatening you?" Regina asked.
"Do you have time?" Emma asked "Because I have a list"
"You are ridiculous," Regina said.
"And you need to chill," Emma said.
"Excuse me?" Regina asked.
"You heard me," Emma said.
"All I ask as you carry on your transient life, you think about Henry and what's best for him," Regina said and rose from her seat "Perhaps consider a clean break. It's going to happen anyway"
Regina reached for her purse and then she lowered her lips to Emma's ear.
"Enjoy your cocoa" Regina whispered before leaving the diner.
Emma was holding the cocoa in her hands and the second Regina's warm breath tickled her skin and her velvety voice reached her ears, Emma felt her hand shaken.
And before Regina had even left the diner, Emma felt hot liquid dripping down her shirt as the cup missed her lips by several inches.
"Ugh, really?" Emma said as she looked at the liquid spread all over her clean shirt.
But she chose to ignore the way her heart was beating fast inside her chest and how Regina's voice seemed to echo inside her ears.
And down lower.
"Eesh," Ruby said by her side, handing her a cloth.
"Do you have a laundry room I can use?" Emma asked, slightly annoyed.
Damn that woman.
"Mhm!" Ruby nodded, pointing Emma in the right direction.
Emma walked to the laundry room, feeling like a stupid fool at every step she took.
Did Regina do that on purpose?
Did she know she affected Emma in… other ways?
Other than the usual?
Was that the reason why she whispered in Emma's ear?
Emma opened a washing machine and harshly took away her blouse, not caring she was standing on her bra inside the room.
She threw her blouse inside the washing machine and turned it on before picking up one of the blouses drying there, once again not caring to whom the shirt belonged.
"Oh, no, no, no, no, no!"
Emma looked at the young girl taking off a sheet from inside the machine, noticing her for the first time since she arrived.
"You okay?" Emma asked, putting on the shirt.
"The sheets, they're uh... pink," The girl said.
"You try bleach?" Emma asked.
The girl lowered the sheets while Emma was finishing buttoning her blouse and that's when she noticed the girl was pregnant.
And that's when Emma really looked at her.
She couldn't help the feeling of déjà vu.
"Last night I felt contractions, and the doctor said that the baby could come any day now," The girl said.
"So... that's great," Emma said lamely.
She didn't know what else to say.
She was never really good with small talk.
"It's just that, um, when the... when the baby comes... no one thinks I can do this. No one thinks I can do anything. Maybe they're right"
Emma felt her features harden as the girl's words sank inside of her.
"Screw them," Emma said crossing her arms.
She turned around to face the girl knowing exactly what she was going through.
She went through the same.
Hell, hers were even worse.
She had no one.
Literally no one.
Curious enough, the only person who stuck around for long with her was…Henry. When she was pregnant with him.
And in the end, he had to go too.
"What?" The girl asked.
"Screw them. How old are you?" Emma asked.
"Nineteen"
"I was eighteen," Emma said seriously.
"When you... when you had a kid?" The girl asked.
"Yeah. I know what it's like. Everyone loves to tell you what you can and can't do especially with a kid," Emma said seriously "But ultimately whatever you're considering doing... or giving up... the choice is yours"
"It's not exactly what you might think it is"
"It never is," Emma said, fighting to keep the tears at bay "People are going to tell you who you are your whole life. You just gotta punch back and say, No, this is who I am. You want people to look at you differently? Make them. You want to change things you are going to have to go out there and change them yourself because there are no Fairy Godmothers in this world."
The girl nodded at Emma and Emma nodded back before leaving the laundry room.
She couldn't stand to be in there anymore looking at the image of… herself.
It hit too close to home, looking at a young girl pregnant completely clueless as to what to do with herself or the baby.
Emma learned a long time ago that nothing in this world is given.
She always fought hard for everything she has.
She was perhaps a little harsh with the girl, but there was no alternative.
No kind words to be said.
Everything she said was true.
It was better that the girl learned it now.
Because soon enough, it wouldn't be just for her life she would have to fight for.
Regina's hands were shaking when she arrived at the Mayor's office.
She walked straight to the liquor corner inside her office, pouring herself a glass of cider to calm her nerves.
She had no idea why she did that.
Lowering her lips to Emma's ear and whispered so close to her skin that her lips tickled.
It was that damn scent.
That scent of wildflowers and summer day, that damn scent that warmed her the second she stepped inside Granny's that morning.
She didn't even need to turn around to know Emma was there.
She knew the second that scent invaded her senses.
And it was worse when Emma sat down next to her.
She hated her, hate that damn woman but at the same time she desperately wanted to touch her.
Bring her closer.
The scent only became stronger as they talked.
Or argued.
And in the end, Regina couldn't resist.
When she lowered her lips to Emma's ear and whispered the only thing she could think of, for a second there, she felt it.
Home.
Emma smelled like home.
Regina open and closed her hands on a fist the whole way as she walked to the Mayor's office.
She avoided thinking about it, but it didn't work.
She simply couldn't understand what that damn scent was.
And worse.
The feeling that came with it.
Regina poured herself another glass, feeling slightly calmer now.
At least her hands weren't shaking anymore.
She sat down on the couch and closed her eyes, holding the glass to her forehead.
It was way too early in the morning to be drinking, but Regina couldn't care less about it right now.
Perhaps the alcohol would fog her mind enough to make her forget.
After about an hour of torrents of thoughts, Regina rose from the couch and walked to her desk, checking the paperwork for the day.
It was always the same boring stuff, budget for this and that but today Regina welcomed the distraction.
The first file on her desk was a request from the school.
Regina read the whole paper and in the end, she rolled her eyes and sighed.
Most of the budget would go to Mary Margaret's class.
She hated with all that she was to have to give that woman anything.
But unfortunately, Henry was in her class and well, the budget would benefit his education.
So Regina signed the request, nearly forcing her hand to scratch the paper.
It pained her, it physically pained her the idea to give that woman anything.
Even if she wasn't giving her anything directly.
A knock on the door made Regina look up quickly, her heart beating fast inside her chest.
She stared at the tall figure behind the blurry glass and swallowed dry.
"Yes?" Regina said, her voice failing a little.
"Madam Mayor, may I come in?"
Regina breathed out in relief when she heard Graham's voice.
"Come on in," Regina said.
Graham opened the door and smiled at her.
And Regina ignored the way her heart sank when she realized he wasn't the one she wished it was there.
"What are you doing here, Sheriff?" Regina asked.
"I was just doing my rounds," Graham said "I figured I stop by to see if you need anything"
"Need anything?" Regina asked confused.
"You know…" Graham smiled charmingly again.
"Oh!" Regina said when the realization hit her.
The arrangement they have.
It would happen like this sometimes.
They had their scheduled hours at Granny's but sometimes one or the other needed a little… extra.
It was usually Regina.
She just had to snap her fingers and there he was.
Suddenly, the arrangement left her with a sour taste on her tongue.
"No, I don't need anything," Regina smiled politely at Graham.
"And what if I do, Madam Mayor?" Graham walked closer to her.
"I am not in the mood," Regina said seriously "Step back, dear"
And like a dog, Graham did what he was told.
And looked confused at Regina for longer than she would feel comfortable with.
"Is there anything else you need?" Regina asked.
"No, there isn't," Graham said.
"Well, I have a lot of work to do so…"
"Yes, of course," Graham nodded.
Regina watched Graham walk all the way to the door and then hesitate when he put his hand on the doorknob.
He stood there, just touching the knob, not twisting, not leaving her office.
Not saying anything.
"What is it?" Regina asked annoyed.
Graham turned around and walked to her again, stopping right in front of her from across the desk.
"The budget for a new deputy for the Sheriff's department," Graham said "I still have it, don't I?"
"Yes, dear," Regina said, reading one of the files on her desk "The budget belongs to your department, you know that"
"It's been quite a while that the budget is available," Graham said.
"Well, it is hardly my fault that you didn't find anyone for the department, is it?" Regina asked, lifting her head to look at Graham.
"No, of course not," Graham said "I was just wondering if I still have it"
"Yes, you do," Regina sighed annoyed "Is that all?"
"Just one more thing," Graham said.
"Yes, dear?" Regina crossed her arms, leaning on the chair.
"Are we still on for tomorrow?" Graham asked "For our… councils meeting"
Regina swallowed dry, digging her nails into her arm.
"Do you have any other plans?" Regina asked.
"No, I was just checking," Graham smiled at her.
"Then yes," Regina said "We still have our meeting tomorrow"
"Good," Graham smiled at her again.
And this time when he walked away, he actually left the room.
And for the first time in twenty-eight years, Regina was dreading having to have that meeting.
It was nightfall already when Emma was walking to Granny's.
She had to pick up her clothes that she simply left there washing and give back the ones she stole.
God, she really hoped the owner of that blouse didn't notice that it was missing.
At this rate, she could easily win the title of Miss Storybrooke blouse stealer.
And this one she was wearing wasn't even worth the title.
It didn't smell like her.
Emma shook her head, willing the thought to leave her mind.
At some point that insanity needed to stop.
Emma entered Granny's her eyes scanning the room, looking for a particular brunette.
And her heart sank when she couldn't find her anywhere.
Emma walked through the diner, going straight to the laundry room.
She found her blouse hanging on the clothesline and Emma wondered if it was that blonde girl from earlier who put it there.
She almost regretted being so hard on her when she saw her blouse there.
Almost!
Emma opened the blouse she was wearing and push it down her arms before reaching for hers and putting them on.
Then she hang the blouse she stole that morning back to where it belonged.
Emma walked back to the diner and sat down by the counter, ordering a burger with extra onion rings on the side.
She was starved!
Ruby wasn't working that night and considering she was the only one she sort of knew there, Emma picked up her phone to pass the time while she waited for her food.
The email in her inbox was still there, waiting for her to answer.
She was sure every single bails bond person who worked for the agency had already jumped to the opportunity.
Emma was the best one in there.
She knew that.
She knew she was more than capable to find them and bring them to justice.
And conquer a good commission in return, one that would definitely round her bank account.
So why the fuck Emma hadn't answered the email yet and got inside her car to leave the fuck out of Storybrooke was beyond her understanding.
Why couldn't she just… leave?
Perhaps Henry was right.
Perhaps she was cursed.
Emma shook her head and opened the email before starting to type.
And type.
And erase.
Type again.
Erase again.
When the waitress just put her food in front of her, Emma told herself it was better to do this when her stomach was full.
No good decisions can come from an empty stomach.
Emma ate her food, lightly checking things on her phone.
Anything but her email.
By the time she was done, Emma decided that perhaps her answer could wait one more night.
Emma left the money for the food on the counter before leaving the diner.
The night was slightly cold, but not the kind that made your bones hurt.
It was perfect.
So Emma closed her eyes and inhale deeply the night air.
And when her nostrils were invaded with that scent of apples, for a split second Emma smiled knowing that she was home.
When Emma opened her eyes again she saw Regina across the street, staring at her with Henry by her side, looking confused between the two of them.
Henry waved at Emma who waved back before her eyes locked with Regina's.
They were wide and Emma could tell Regina was breathing heavily by the way her chest was moving rapidly up and down.
Emma felt her breathing accelerate too as she looked at Regina and then that pull happened.
That invisible string somehow connected with Regina, pushing Emma in her direction.
Emma could almost swear she could feel Regina's confusion.
It was the same as hers.
Emma's feet moved to their own accord as she gave one step forward in their direction, her eyes never leaving Regina.
Regina swallowed dry, watching Emma's every move but before Emma could reach her, Regina broke eye contact with Emma and rushed Henry inside the Mercedes, leaving in a hurry.
Leaving Emma in the middle of the street, staring at the car disappearing while Emma wished it would return.
Emma stood in the middle of the street staring at nothing until a car honked behind her.
Then she shook her head and walked back to the sidewalk, cursing herself for the ridiculousness of the situation.
What the hell was wrong with her?
Emma started to walk in the direction of the loft but was interrupted when the Sheriff's department Cruiser blocked her way.
"What's with the siren?" Emma half asked half laughed when Graham left the car.
"It's so hard to get your attention," Graham said, walking to her.
Emma crossed her arms as she looked at him.
"Alright, well you got it," Emma said "Are you arresting me again?"
"I'm thanking you for your help finding that coma patient" Graham shoved his hands inside his pockets "We all owe you a debt of gratitude"
"Well, what do I get?" Emma puffed her chest "A commendation? Key to the city?"
"How about a job?" Graham asked "I could use a deputy"
"Thank you, but I have a job," Emma said back.
"As a bail bondsperson?" Graham asked "There's not much of that going on here"
"I don't see a lot of sheriffing going on around here either," Emma said sarcastically.
And slightly annoyed.
"Well, here's your chance to see it up close," Graham said making a funny face "There's dental"
Emma smiled a little because the way he said that was almost like she couldn't possibly let that deal go.
Who could possibly be crazy enough to decline dental, right?
"Why don't you think about it and stay awhile?" Graham asked, opening his wallet to give Emma his card.
He smiled charmingly at Emma and squeezed her shoulder before walking to the diner.
Emma started at the card for a while before resuming her walk back to the loft.
She didn't need a job, she already had one.
A good one back in Boston where she got paid a hell of a lot more than just dental.
Emma did not need a job.
And yet, she found herself putting the card inside her jacket pocket, deciding that this was also a decision that could wait another night.